Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

"I hope you are satisfied with the outcome." Harsha had a bright grin plastered on his face.

The first step towards the alliance was done. He also had some other plans in mind for expanding his empire's influence in the subcontinent. The best way to influence someone or a region was either through trade or literature.

"Indeed, Lord Harsha." Aadarsh said. "Although I am still somewhat skeptical."

"Right, you have every right to be." Harsha shrugged. "You are taking my word for it after all."

"So, I will show some goodwill."

"What might that be?"

"Have your men operated the cannon and fortifications in Daman?" Harsha asked.

"No! We have only bought the crude cannons to date."

"I see. You might need some assistance with them, I suppose."

Aadarsh nodded.

"We have teams that handled Portuguese cannons during the civil war." Harsha explained. "We can send them over to teach you to handle them."

"Huh?"

Aadarsh thought for a while. It was a good offer since they were struggling to set up a proper cannon crew. Their soldiers also didn't have much experience operating cannons, so it proved to be very tough.

"What do you say? It's a good offer for you."

"It definitely helps us a lot." Aadarsh took a deep breath. "We needed some assistance with that, Lord Harsha."

"Before we continue. I would like to ask you something."

"What is it? Lord Harsha." Aadarsh tilted his head in curiosity.

"Who was the man that took down Daman?"

Aadarsh definitely found the question odd, as he assumed that the Empire might know Vasant since he had already done a deal with them regarding the territories of the Sultanate.

He glanced back at Vasant and shook his head.

"It's this man," he pointed at Vasant.

Harsha crossed his legs and inspected Vasant. "So you are the one." He said thoughtfully. "I heard you went undefeated this war."

"It is a great accomplishment."

"Um…Thank you." Vasant replied awkwardly, barely managing to keep his gaze on the Emperor.

"It's always a good practice to keep the Mlecchas away from the kingdoms." Harsha commented. "So, I wanted to meet the man that led the battle in Daman."

"I am honored, Your Majesty."

Then they took a break for a while and resumed their talks. This time they were discussing the terms of the alliance. Harsha wanted to finalize the deal and return to the Empire quickly. He had a faint idea that the nobles would be pretty pissed by the recent laws and edicts.

At the same time, he was curious how Viswa would be dealing with them.

"So, Lord Aadarsh. So let's discuss the terms."

"Terms?" Aadarsh asked. "You have offered us a lot for this alliance."

Harsha smiled. "I am also offering you some financial benefit through the alliance."

Marathas were in desperate need of financial stability. Their revenue had significantly dropped due to wars with the Mughals. They need to find some new ways to earn money and tapping into the Empire's market would be a great way for them to regain their wealth.

The Vijayanagara Empire was one of the wealthiest, if not the wealthiest, empires in the Subcontinent.

"What are these financial benefits?"

"I suppose your assistant there has seen our roads?" Harsha pointed at Naveen with a smirk.

Naveen nodded.

"We can make your roads at a significantly lower cost."

Naveen leaned in and whispered. "Your Highness, their roads are truly exceptional. This is a good offer for us."

Aadarsh nodded. "What is the benefit of making roads for us?"

"Trade, merchants from the Empire will be flocking to your kingdoms." Harsha explained. "Also allows you to mobilize your military much quicker."

"We will also conduct joint military drills every month at the border."

"What is the use of that?"

"To show our strength to each other and improve upon ourselves." He smiled.

Aadarsh considered the terms carefully. None of them seemed overly dangerous to the Marathas. They were mutually beneficial for both of them. It was a little too generous for the Empire to be doing this for the Marathas without anything much in return.

His expression turned serious. "What are your demands? Lord Harsha."

"An alliance is made from mutual benefit after all."

"My demands are not that huge. We need access to your ports and allow the merchants to trade with lower taxes."

"I can lower tariffs on the merchant goods as a sign of the alliance."

"What do you mean by access to ports?" Aadarsh asked.

"The Empire wants access to the ports of Surat and Daman to station our ships in the future."

"You mean for the trade or military?"

"Military and trade are already included. We need to be able to access Daman in case we want to help you."

"I see, so you want to establish a base in Daman and Surat?"

"Yes!"

Aadarsh glanced back at Naveen, who leaned forward and whispered. "Don't give them too much room, Your Highness."

"A small base is possible but a large base like the one by the Portuguese in Daman before will be a matter of our internal security."

Aadarsh glanced back at the Emperor, who kept his steady smile. He didn't show much emotion. It was hard to read his thoughts based on his expression.

"We can allow small bases, Lord Harsha." Aadarsh explained. "Large bases are out of the question."

"Of course, I empathize with you. Internal security is a huge thing." He smiled. "Small bases are enough for the Empire to function."

"So that's done, then shall we draft the alliance agreement?" Aadarsh asked with a smile.

"I think you are forgetting something important." Harsha reminded him.

"What is that?"

"Our wager. I get an extra demand. Lord Aadarsh." He smiled.

"Oh yeah. It slipped through my mind." He scratched his head. "What do you want as your extra demand?"

"I want you to implement our standard measurement system in the kingdom."

"Measurement system?"

Harsha explained that the Empire had developed a measurement system and it was widely used in the Empire. So he wanted the Marathas to switch to it to facilitate faster trade.

"I see." Aadarsh considered the demand.

"You may implement it after you confirm my statements about the Portuguese."

Aadarsh turned to Naveen and whispered. "Investigate this."

"By the way, I have brought the scales. You may look through it and inform us when you want to implement it."

"Hmm..."

"We shall help you with the implementation process and managing malpractice." Harsha grinned.

Aadarsh smiled and got up. It was a good deal. In fact, it was perfect for him.

They both shook hands with a smile.

Harsha suddenly remembered something.

"Oh yes, I have another piece of advice for you."

"Hmm, what may that be? Lord Harsha."

"Sign a trade deal with the Dutch."

Alliance Agreement Between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Maratha Kingdom

On this day, under the benevolent reign of Emperor Harsha Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire and the esteemed regency of Aadarsh Chauhan of the Maratha Kingdom, the following agreement is decreed to establish an enduring alliance founded on mutual benefit and respect.

Terms of Agreement:

1. Road Construction:

- The Vijayanagara Empire shall construct roads within the Maratha Kingdom at reduced costs.

- The labor required for this endeavor shall be sourced locally from within the Maratha territories.

- The Empire shall dispatch skilled supervisors to oversee and ensure the successful and timely completion of the roadways.

2. Training for Fortifications and Artillery:

- The Empire shall train multiple teams of Maratha personnel in the operation of cannons and the fortification of strategic defenses, specifically at the Port of Daman.

3. Joint Military Drills:

- The Vijayanagara Empire and the Maratha Kingdom shall conduct monthly joint military exercises along their borderlands to enhance friendship, coordination, and strategic readiness.

4. Protection Against Portuguese Aggression:

- The Empire pledges to ensure the Maratha Kingdom remains unscathed by Portuguese hostilities for the next five months.

- Should the Empire fail in this duty of protection, the terms of this agreement shall be rendered void.

5. Reduction in Tariffs:

- The Maratha Kingdom shall significantly reduce tariffs on goods traded by merchants of the Vijayanagara Empire.

- Reciprocally, the Vijayanagara Empire shall lower tariffs for Maratha merchants conducting trade within its territories, fostering equitable commerce.

6. Port Access:

- The Maratha Kingdom shall grant the Vijayanagara Empire unhindered access to the ports of Surat and Daman for trade and maritime operations.

7. Military Bases:

- The Maratha Kingdom shall permit the establishment of small military bases of the Vijayanagara Empire within the territories of Surat and Daman.

8. Adoption of Standardized Measurements:

- Upon the successful fulfillment of the Empire's promise to ensure protection from Portuguese hostilities for the agreed period of five months, the Maratha Kingdom shall adopt the Vijayanagara Empire's standardized system of measurement across its territories.

Penalty Clause

In the event of failure to honor the terms of this agreement:

Penalty for the Vijayanagara Empire:

- If the Empire fails to deliver on the agreed protection or the completion of road construction, it shall pay a fine equivalent to three years worth of reduced tariffs to the Maratha Kingdom.

Penalty for the Maratha Kingdom:

-If the Marathas fail to lower tariffs, grant access to ports, or permit the establishment of military bases, they shall pay a fine two times the equivalent to the actual cost of the road construction project undertaken by the Empire.

Binding Clause

This agreement shall be upheld in both spirit and letter by both parties, under penalty of its dissolution, should any term be flagrantly violated.

Signed and Sealed by the Respective Representatives:

For the Vijayanagara Empire:

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Harsha Deva Raya

For the Maratha Kingdom:

His Highness, Regent Aadarsh Chauhan