Page 133 of DATE
"What happened?"
She quickened her pace and soon reached the maid.
"You’re finally back—my lord has been looking for you."
Dechio hurriedly took the various things from her hands and led her back to the office.
The lord had already left, and only the servant Cosimo remained to convey the new message.
"We’ve received news from the south—"
"The Ottoman Empire is attacking several coastal cities. Over eight hundred people have already died in Vistna."
Cosimo looked at her with deep concern, clearly anxious and nervous.
"We're all worried about the Pope and the safety of the Roman citizens."
It had only been twenty-seven years since the fall of Constantinople.
"Is it happening? The Ottoman Empire?"
Hedy took a few seconds to realize what he was referring to.
The Turks—the Ottoman Turkish Empire.
Cosimo, evidently more familiar with this situation, quickly explained the basic details to her.
After the destruction of the Eastern Roman Empire, the Ottoman Turks had made Constantinople their capital. The ruler of that empire was known as Muhammad II.
According to the limited intelligence, they had dispatched about seventy fleets to attack Vistna, and their main target for slaughter was the male population.
"My lord went to discuss countermeasures with the envoys from Milan and Venice. He'll be back soon to talk with you," Cosimo paused, adding pointedly, "The transportation and communication networks have certainly played a huge role."
They had established post stations under the guise of trade in several city-states, aiming to achieve the fastest possible communication.
If anything happened in Milan, Florence might receive news within two days.
From banks to grocery stores, even to ordinary farmhouses in the countryside, the Medici family had quietly set up a web-like system to ensure the dynamics of nearby cities could be reported in a timely manner.
Hedy didn’t expect the war to come so quickly, nor could she predict its outcome.
But Italy had not been conquered, or else there wouldn’t be a Renaissance.
As a foreigner born in Austria, hearing this news now, Hedy’s historical understanding and geographical associations were somewhat slow to adjust.
But one thing was unquestionable—this was a very good opportunity.
It meant that the Medici family had a legitimate reason to intervene and could strengthen diplomatic ties with other city-states.
When Lorenzo walked into the office, his steps were hurried, and his expression serious—clearly, he had heard the latest war reports.
He hadn’t originally intended to discuss political decisions with her, but her suggestion of a communication network had proven to be incredibly effective—remarkably effective.
When the war broke out, Florence was among the first to receive distress signals and clear information. The envoys from Milan and Venice didn’t even know the scale of the war.
"What do you plan to do?" she asked.
"Form a defensive alliance and rally the majority of the city-states to resist the foreign enemy," Lorenzo replied without hesitation. "At the very least, we need to expel the Turks."
