Rewari Kingdom, Inner pace of Bawal, afternoon of 7th March 1557

  After meeting with the prisoners, Aditya worked with the dungeon authorities to compile a list of the captured maulvis. He carefully categorized their names into Ashraf and Ajf groups. He then instructed Ratnakar to bring in the remaining maulvis from the associated madrasas, targeting only those from the Ashraf communities.

  The maulvis from the Ajf communities were to be rewarded, portrayed as loyal subjects who had exposed the traitors colluding with the Mughals. To prevent any disturbance, Aditya strongly emphasized that the Ashraf maulvis should be gagged and avoid any audience.

  Ratnakar, looking confused, asked, "Sir, how will this strategy help us?"

  Aditya expined his approach, "By creating division within the maulvi communities, they will be less likely to unite and create trouble.

  Those spared will be inclined to support our cause rather than risk being involved in the rebellion. Additionally, we'll use the properties of the culprits for charitable donations, which should help win over public opinion."

  Both Ratnakar and Bheem listened attentively, clearly impressed by the pn.

  Aditya then added, "Once the operation is complete, assemble the leaders and execute the one who caused the most trouble, using a cannon.

  This will send a clear message that we do not respect their status and will compel them to follow our terms."

  Bheem's face went pale at the mention of such a grim fate, while Ratnakar remained stoic. "Understood, Your Highness. I will ensure it is carried out as pnned."

  Aditya nodded in approval. "You have the authority to use the royal guards and coordinate with the vilge officials to execute this pn."

  With the pn set, Ratnakar left to meet Commander Ujjwal Singh with the official parchment authorizing his actions.

  Shortly after, Aditya was notified by a guard that Princess Meenakshi was about to arrive. As expected, she approached alone.

  Approaching his royal office, Aditya spotted his butler carrying a stack of documents reted to his administrative duties. Entering the room, he was greeted by the sight of Princess Meenakshi seated near his desk, sipping herbal tea. She wore her customary bright saree, richly designed with intricate patterns, and minimal jewelry befitting her royal status.

  Meenakshi rose holding a parchment as Aditya entered, "Greetings Prince Aditya," she said with a respectful nod, "I have brought the revised contract, including the terms we discussed. I have already signed it."

  The room was spacious, with rge windows letting in the afternoon sunlight. The walls were adorned with portraits of warriors, rich carpets and curtains exuding an aura of nobility. The centerpiece was a vish rosewood desk decorated with precious gemstones. On top of it y scrolls, manuscripts, documents of papers and a complete writing set, including ink, pot and quill. Surrounding the desk were well-furnished chairs..

  But what stood out the most were the calmness in her eyes as she gazed at him with anticipation. She appeared refreshed, perhaps from a recent bath, and a small garnd of white flowers enhanced her face, adding to her charm

  Aditya replied warmly as he took the parchment, "Greetings, Your Highness. Please, have a seat."

  Aditya took the parchment, noting the imperial stamp of the Vijayanagar Empire and reviewed it. The contract stated:

  "Trust AgreementBetweenThe Empire of Vijay NagarAndThe Bhargav EmpireDate: 7th March 1614 Vikram Samvat(1557 AD)

  Article 1: Formation of Trade AllianceThe Empire of Vijay Nagar and the Bhargav Empire hereby agree to enter into a trade alliance, aimed at fostering mutual trust, enhancing cooperation, and promoting trade between the two great empires.

  Article 2: Appointment of AmbassadorTo facilitate this alliance and ensure effective communication, the Vijay Nagar Empire appoints Princess Meenakshi as its official ambassador. Princess Meenakshi will act as the representative of the Vijay Nagar Empire and will be granted permission to stay in the Bhargav Empire as an advisor to Prince Aditya for a period of one month.

  Article 3: Advisor Role and ResponsibilitiesDuring her stay, Princess Meenakshi will be permitted to observe and offer counsel in the official affairs of the Bhargav Empire. Her role will be akin to that of an advisor and ambassador, with access to official proceedings and meetings as deemed appropriate by Prince Aditya.

  Article 4: Mutual Trust and CooperationThis agreement is intended to build and solidify trust and cooperation between the two empires. Both parties agree to uphold the spirit of the alliance and to engage in mutual efforts to ensure its success.

  Article 5: Right to WithdrawalBoth the Empire of Vijay Nagar and the Bhargav Empire reserve the right to withdraw from this alliance if either party finds that sufficient trust and cooperation are not being maintained. Withdrawal from the alliance may be executed by formal notice, detailing the reasons for the decision.

  Article 6: Final ProvisionsThis contract, once signed by authorized representatives of both empires, shall be deemed effective immediately. Any amendments or additional cuses to this agreement shall be made in writing and with mutual consent.

  Tokens to be imprinted for deal:For Vijay Nagar: [ Imperial seal imprinted by vijaynagar princess]Princess MeenakshiFor Bhargav Empire:[ ]"

  'Huh! adviser? not bad, I happen to miss my secretary.' Aditya thought inwardly.

  Aditya's eyes gleamed with amusement as he noticed how cleverly Meenakshi had updated the terms from a visitor to an advisor. Although he had been initially hesitant, the advisory role seemed justified. If she was willing to offer her services at no cost, there was no reason to refuse.

  Still, he asked her one st time, "Are you certain you want to spend a month here as an adviser? My days aren't always as calm as they seem between these documents. There will be times of conflict and bloodshed that might not be suitable for a princess."

  Meenakshi smiled reassuringly. "Do not worry, Your Highness. I am trained in Karipayattu and have experience in management and finance. You may not have known, but I've also contributed to the defense of your walls. My presence here will be an asset, not a burden."

  Aditya signed the document by thumping the token of his own used in pce of modern day singatures and pced it on the desk. "Very well. Your presence will be most welcome."

  In the meantime his butler Hari singh came and started arranging the documents and parchments in neatly order.

  As Aditya reviewed the reports detailing compensations for injured and deceased soldiers, Meenakshi inquired about them. He handed her the documents and expined, "These are the compensations we need to arrange for the soldiers who were injured or killed. It's crucial that their families are taken care of, and we must ensure the process is handled efficiently."

  Meenakshi nodded thoughtfully. "I see. If you'd like, I can help organize this. I have experience in managing such matters, and it might ease your workload."

  Aditya looked relieved. "That would be most appreciated, Princess. It would allow me to focus on drafting the pns for matters regarding king's court."

  Meenakshi began examining the documents with a practiced eye. As she worked, she occasionally asked for additional information or crification, which Aditya provided. Despite her focused work, she maintained a calm and attentive demeanor.

  After quite a some time, Meenakshi completed the organization of the compensations. She presented the results to Aditya, who was impressed with the efficiency and thoroughness of her work.

  "Your Highness, I believe everything is now in order," Meenakshi said with a smile. "The compensations are properly categorized, and the necessary arrangements for disbursement have been outlined."

  Aditya examined the organized documents and nodded in approval. "This is excellent work, Princess. Your assistance has been invaluable. "Feeling satisfied, Meenakshi asked, "Your Highness, if you don't mind, may I ask you something?"

  Aditya, impressed by her skills, replied, "Certainly, Princess Meenakshi. Please go ahead."

  But before the conversation could continue, the door to the room opened, and Butler Hari Singh entered, his expression grave. "Your Highness, an official from Delhi has arrived," he announced.

  Aditya excused himself from the discussion, citing personal concerns. He instructed Hari Singh to remain with Princess Meenakshi and Bheem, who stood guard outside.

  In the Audience Hall

  Aditya made his way to the audience hall, where a distinguished figure awaited him. The man introduced himself with a formal bow. "I am Subedar Rudra Singh Chauhan, Royal Guard Sub-Commander, assigned to your service by the Defense Minister."

  Rudra handed Aditya a parchment, which he quickly unfolded. The document revealed that Shadi Khan was leading the campaign himself and had achieved a swift conquest of Agra. It explicitly instructed Aditya not to leave Rewari under any circumstances until further notice.

  Aditya gnced up, his expression inquisitive. "What happened at Agra? How did they manage to take it so swiftly?"

  Rudra replied, "When we id siege to Agra, the city was already in turmoil. The king was overthrown by his own people. His eldest son, seeking mercy, delivered his father's head and pledged loyalty to the Emperor. He cimed ignorance of his father's pns and offered the command of 15,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry to Shadi Khan. This support was crucial, and as a result, his family was spared."

  Aditya nodded thoughtfully. "A throne can indeed make people do wonders."