The Russians had made the issue of the straits explicit; their actions had already crossed the British bottom line.
Although Viscount Stratford had yet to receive orders from London, he was certain that London could not possibly yield this time.
Not only did Viscount Stratford abandon his previous orders, he also decided to give Murad V a hand.
With Viscount Stratford's support, opinions within the Ottoman Empire finally unified, and the machinery of state began operating at full force.
Topkapi Palace.
For the first time, Viscount Stratford now regarded Murad V as a sovereign rather than a chess piece to be manipulated at will.
The moment Viscount Stratford entered the palace, he saw the enormous sand table and Murad V clad in military uniform.
"Greetings, Lord Stratford."
Murad V opened with fluent French, which left Viscount Stratford somewhat unaccustomed to it. After all, the Ottomans he usually encountered spoke English with him.
But the basic professionalism of a diplomat allowed him to swiftly compose himself.
"Greetings, Your Majesty the Sultan. Your actions have been exceedingly brave."
Murad V smiled as well.
"The Tsar's ambitions—I believe you understand them better than I do. He wants the Bosphorus Strait, he wants the Dardanelles, and he also wants East Thrace, so he can rebuild his Third Rome.
Will Britain agree to that?"
Faced with the bombshell Murad V had thrown at him so directly, Viscount Stratford was caught somewhat off guard, but fortunately, he quickly calmed himself.
"Your Majesty the Sultan, I understand your concerns. This concerns the life and death of the Ottoman Empire, and even more, the balance of the Near East.
Our British Government will certainly consider this matter with due caution."
Viscount Stratford did not choose to answer directly, instead deflecting the matter with diplomatic finesse.
This greatly displeased