When building a residence, most people preferred open terrain. Unless they were especially fond of nature, they generally would not plant too many trees around their homes—especially directly in front of the main gate.
It was not merely a matter of feng shui; there was scientific reasoning behind it as well. Too many trees blocked sunlight and easily bred snakes, insects, and vermin.
But there were exceptions. Now, many estates outside Ankara were surrounded by dense trees, with grass even planted on their rooftops.
In an age without pesticides, one could imagine how many insects and ants would breed within such estates. Under normal circumstances, only fanatical lovers of nature could endure such an environment.
In an era when most people had to struggle for their daily meals, there were clearly not that many nature-loving fanatics. Most of these estates had been newly built, with some still under construction.
Most of the trees were native growth, while only a small number had been transplanted. Seen from above, they looked no different from ordinary small woods.
This was all brought about by the war. Ever since Ankara had been bombed, these environmentally friendly, verdant estates had multiplied outside the city.
Austrian airships drifted over Ankara every few days, casually tossing a few bombs into the city without any particular target, leaving behind their mark.
Never mind the actual results; in any case, the rich and powerful no longer dared live in the city. Everyone had suddenly come to love nature and adore great forests.
Among the many estates, one stood out as especially unusual. Guards stood every three steps and sentries every five, its security as tight as an imperial palace.
That was right—this was Abdulaziz I's temporary palace. Within this inconspicuous little estate was a complete set of air-raid shelters,