Chapter 433 - A Tacit Understanding Between Two Kings (2/2)

I have seen what madness fanatics will commit in the name of religion and want no part of it. My brother tried to have me eliminated because he thought I was too moderate; even one of my wives attempted to murder me in cold blood. If not for you, I would be a dead man, my name forever erased from history.

Honestly, I never would have had the nerve to challenge religion's stranglehold on my society if not for your German Reformation. I have seen what secular rule free from the command of religious fanatics has done for your Kingdom, and I too wish to prosper to such a degree.

So, I have begun to implement my social reforms to encourage moderate religious views and secular rule. I may not have the vast knowledge your Kingdom has access to, but I, at the very least, can encourage scientific thinking.

I won't lie though, there has been some fierce resistance against such things, the older generation clings to their superstitions, but they will be dead soon, I care more about influencing the youth, who will be the future of my realm, than the old fools who cling to the glories of the past.”

Upon hearing this, Berengar smiled and nodded; Although Hasan was severely lacking in potential as a ruler and a general; it was his moderate views of religion that had made Berengar decide to prop up his state with their alliance. For if he could influence the Islamic World to be more moderate in their views, perhaps the religious extremism of the 21st Century would not come to pass in this timeline.

However, if Granada were to prosper in the future and become a significant power worthy of Austria's continued support, they would need a leader groomed from birth to an efficient politician and capable general.

This man was not Hasan; however, if Berengar were to marry Yasmin through matrilineal Marriage, he could potentially place his son with her on the Granadan Throne and create a robust and secular Sultanate of Al-Andalus.  Thus Berengar had a warm smile on his face when he dropped a bombshell on Hasan, one that he was not expecting so soon.

”Hasan, my Friend, you once asked me to unite our houses through marriage. I will admit I was initially hesitant over such a proposal; after all, at the time, I did not have complete control over my household, and my wives can be exceptionally jealous.

However, I have become quite fond of your sister during my stay here, and she is not getting any younger. Thus, if you are still interested, I am willing to agree to your proposal, so long as it is via matrilineal marriage. After all, I already have two wives in my dynasty, and their children will be contending for my throne; the last thing I need is more competition between my offspring.”

Hasan did not care that the marriage would be matrilineal; after all, he did not think that far ahead; all he cared about was the long-term alliance between their two kingdoms and the fact that his sister was finally about to be wed. Thus the young Sultan hastily nodded his head in agreement, unaware of Berengar's true intent behind this marriage proposal.

”I am still interested. We can host the wedding here in Granada before you return home. I'd love to see the look on your wives' faces when you bring home my sister as your newest bride.”

Berengar laughed when he heard this, there was another severe advantage to marrying Yasmin and bringing her home to Austria, and that was the fact that such an event would shift his wives attention away from Henrietta's confession toward this newfound threat—allowing him to ignore the serious problem that lies between himself and his sister for some time.

Thus while the two Kings were watching the Grandan troops receive their instruction in the art of war, they had come to a tacit understanding that would forever change the landscape of European and Global Politics.

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