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Chapter 425 The Fall of Constatinople

?General étienne Macdonald sat in a makeshift office, the walls echoing with the distant thuds of artillery. Maps and plans were scattered across his desk, each marking the progress of the coalition\'s advance into Constantinople. The general, a seasoned veteran, maintained a stoic expression, his focus undeterred by the chaos outside.

One of his aide-de-camps entered his office. He saluted at the general before speaking.

"General, one of the Ottoman Sultan\'s advisors wishes to speak to you."

"Let him in," Macdonald granted.

As an Ottoman advisor was ushered into his presence, Macdonald\'s eyes briefly met the visitor\'s. The advisor, visibly anxious, cleared his throat.

"General Macdonald, I am here on behalf of Sultan Mahmud II," he began. "The Sultan wishes to discuss a ceasefire. He proposes a peaceful surrender to preserve the city and its people."

Macdonald\'s expression remained unchanged. He was aware of the strategic importance of this moment. A ceasefire could save countless lives, but it also meant halting the momentum of his forces.

"Are the words of your Sultan genuine? You know, there are instances in the past where belligerent forces sued for peace only to use it as a time to escape or regroup," Macdonald replied skeptically.

The advisor met Macdonald\'s gaze seriously.

"General, I assure you, the Sultan\'s intentions are sincere. We seek to avoid further destruction and loss of life. The city cannot withstand much more, and the Sultan is aware of this. He wishes to preserve what remains of Constantinople and its people."

Macdonald leaned back in his chair, contemplating the proposal. "And what are the terms of this ceasefire?" he asked.

"The Sultan proposes an immediate cessation of hostilities. In return, we will withdraw our troops from key areas and allow coalition forces to enter the city peacefully. We ask for the protection of civilians and the preservation of our historical and religious sites," the advisor outlined.

Macdonald nodded slowly, processing the information. He knew the value of ending the conflict swiftly and preserving the ancient city, but he also had to consider the strategic advantage his forces currently held.

"I will need to discuss this with my superiors and our allies," Macdonald stated. "However, I need assurances that your forces will not use this ceasefire to strengthen their positions or launch a surprise attack."

"General, you have my word and the word of the Sultan. We seek an end to this conflict, not a prolongation of it," the advisor replied earnestly.

Macdonald stood up and extended his hand to the advisor. "I will take your proposal to my superiors. Expect a response by tomorrow. In the meantime, maintain your current positions. Any sign of aggression during these talks will be met with immediate action."

The advisor shook his hand and left the room. Macdonald sat back down, deep in thought. This decision was not just a military one; it was also political and moral. The lives of thousands, the future of a historic city, and the outcome of the campaign rested on his next actions.

After the advisor\'s departure, Macdonald convened an urgent meeting with his senior officers and communicated via secure lines with his allies. The discussions were intense, with various viewpoints and considerations. Some officers were wary, citing the risk of the Ottomans using the ceasefire to their advantage. Others saw the opportunity to end the campaign with minimal further loss of life and the preservation of a city that was a jewel of history.

Late into the night, the debates continued, with Macdonald weighing each argument carefully. Finally, a consensus was reached. They would agree to the ceasefire but with strict conditions and safeguards in place. The coalition forces would maintain a strong presence around key strategic points in the city to ensure compliance from the Ottoman side.

The following morning, the advisor was called back to Macdonald\'s office. "We have decided to accept the Sultan\'s proposal for a ceasefire," Macdonald announced. "However, this is conditional upon strict adherence to the terms discussed. Any violation will result in immediate resumption of hostilities."

Relief washed over the advisor\'s face. "Thank you, General. I assure you, we will comply with the conditions."

As the advisor left to relay the news to the Sultan, Macdonald watched from his window. Despite them agreeing to the ceasefire now, there wasn\'t much noise of artillery and gunshots anymore, creating an eerie silence over the city.

With the agreement made, the coalition infantry, tanks, vehicles, and artillery entered Constantinople with the coalition fleet docking at the Port of Haydarpa?a. The once tumultuous sound of warfare was replaced by the rumbling of engines and the marching of soldiers. As the ships anchored, sailors and marines began to disembark.

On the streets of Constantinople, the local population watched warily. The presence of the coalition forces brought a mix of relief and apprehension. Relief that the relentless shelling and fighting had ceased, and apprehension about what the future held under this new authority.

General Macdonald, overseeing the operation, issued strict orders to his troops. "Treat the city and its people with respect. We are here not as conquerors, but as liberators. Any misconduct will be dealt with severely."

His words reflected the coalition\'s intent to maintain order and stability in the city while respecting its rich heritage.

Meanwhile, at the port, logistical teams coordinated the unloading of supplies and equipment. Trucks lined up to transport materials to various strategic points throughout the city. Engineers began assessing the damage to infrastructure and planning necessary repairs to restore essential services.

As part of the ceasefire terms, Ottoman military personnel were allowed to leave the city with dignity. Coalition forces supervised this withdrawal, ensuring it was conducted orderly and peacefully. There was a mutual understanding that unnecessary conflict was to be avoided, and both sides adhered to the terms with professionalism.

In the days that followed, coalition commanders met with local leaders and representatives of the Ottoman government. These meetings were crucial in establishing a temporary governance structure and ensuring the smooth transition of power. The primary focus was on preventing a humanitarian crisis and ensuring the safety and well-being of the city\'s inhabitants.

Throughout this period, General Macdonald remained in close communication with his superiors and allies, reporting on the progress and any challenges faced. The ceasefire had been held, and the transition was proceeding as planned, but everyone involved knew that the situation was delicate and required constant vigilance.

***

The news of the Ottoman Empire surrendering to the coalition forces spread across France, with Frenchmen once again celebrating their major victory and knocking one of Russia\'s allies.

In the Palace of Versailles, Napoleon watched the celebration from his television, a smile spreading across his lips.

In his office, Foreign Minister Talleyrand and his confidant, Armand stood in silence.

"Okay, with the Ottoman knocked out, let\'s discuss the new Ottoman territory," Napoleon said as he turned off the television and grabbed a rolled document on his table.

He unfurled it and spread it out on the table. The document was a detailed map of the Ottoman Empire, with its vast territories marked out clearly.

Napoleon pointed at the Anatolia peninsula. "This area will remain under Ottoman control. We will reduce their empire to this region," he stated firmly.

Talleyrand, ever the diplomat, nodded in agreement. "And the Balkan territories, Sire?"

Napoleon\'s finger traced along the Balkan regions on the map. "These lands are to be liberated. We will support the formation of independent states here. The people of these territories have long sought freedom from Ottoman rule. It\'s time they governed themselves."

Armand, quietly observing, interjected, "And what of the territories outside Anatolia that won\'t form part of these new countries?"

"Those lands will be annexed by France," Napoleon answered simply. "Talleyrand, you will head to Constantinople and oversee the negotiations and the implementation of these changes. Ensure the transition is smooth and that our new territories are integrated effectively."

Talleyrand nodded, understanding the significance of his task. "Of course, Sire. I will make arrangements to leave for Constantinople as soon as possible."

Napoleon then turned to Armand. "And Armand, ensure our ambassadors in Europe are briefed on this development."

"Will do, Sire."

"Dismiss."