In the face of Abdulmejid I's worries, Grand Marshal Mahmoud was unfazed, even feeling that Abdulmejid I was worrying unnecessarily.

"Your Majesty, I can assure you that even if all of our fleets are destroyed by the Russian Empire, Constantinople will not be invaded by the Russian Empire!" Mahmoud replied to Abdulmejid I with calm and steady assurance.

"Why is that?" Abdulmejid I looked at Grand Marshal Mahmoud in confusion, not understanding why Mahmoud was so confident despite his own anxiety.

"Your Majesty, the British and French warships are currently stationed in Greece!" Mahmoud replied to Abdulmejid I, "They can join the battle at any time and fight alongside the Ottoman Empire!"

"But, they haven't joined the fight yet! Moreover, the British fleet seems to be intentionally blocking the French fleet!" Abdulmejid I responded to Mahmoud.

Since Jerome Bonaparte issued a war warning to the Russian Empire, Valerovsky, who was stationed at the embassy in Constantinople, immediately dispatched a telegram to Toulon Port, deploying the Mediterranean Fleet stationed there.

When the French Mediterranean Fleet arrived in the vicinity of the Ottoman Empire's waters, they were intercepted by the British Mediterranean Fleet.

The British Mediterranean Fleet stationed in Malta requested the French Mediterranean Fleet not to proceed towards the Ottoman Empire.

The French Mediterranean Fleet immediately rejected the British Mediterranean Fleet's request, claiming they were there to maintain peace and stability in the Mediterranean.

Just as the French and Mediterranean fleets were about to clash in the Ottoman Empire's waters, the French Envoy Valerovsky and the British Envoy Canning appeared, asking both fleets to calm down.

Finally, the French Fleet and the British Fleet went to the Greek Seas for stationing.

The joint stationing of the Anglo-French fleet immediately halted the Kingdom of Greece, which was ready to declare war on the Ottoman Empire. Under the barrels of the Anglo-French fleet, the Kingdom of Greece immediately gave up the idea of declaring war on the Ottoman Empire.

The Kingdom of Greece could only earnestly court the favor of their British and French patrons in hopes of their protection.

When the Ottoman Empire's Foreign Minister asked Canning why he did not let the French Empire fight alongside the Ottoman Empire, Canning explained with a bitter smile to Fuad Effendi that he had received orders from Prime Minister Aberdeen, who, upon receiving news of the French Empire's declaration of war on the Russian Empire, immediately ordered the British fleet to block the French fleet via telegram.

Canning understood that Prime Minister Aberdeen favored the Russian Empire, but he hadn't expected him to be so beholden to the Russian Empire. This order was practically a gamble with his political future. (Aberdeen believed he was always implementing an anti-French strategy.)

From the moment Canning received Prime Minister Aberdeen's orders, he had already deemed Aberdeen's political career to be on a countdown to the end, and now it just remained to see what reason would be given for his downfall.

However, even as Aberdeen was on the brink of collapse, as long as he remained as the Cabinet Prime Minister, Canning had to carry out his duties.

Canning had no choice but to explain the situation to Valerovsky, and with Valerovsky's understanding, the standoff between the Anglo-French fleets occurred.

Otherwise, it was highly possible that the British and French Mediterranean fleets would have been seen exchanging fire in the Ottoman waters.

Even though the French Fleet couldn't directly assist the Ottoman Empire, French supplies were being continuously transported to Rhodes Island, ready for the French Imperial Army to join the battle as soon as the Ottoman Empire suffered severe damage.

"Your Majesty, this is exactly the reason I need to send the fleet to escort!" Grand Marshal Mahmoud displayed a fox-like smile, unhurriedly telling Abdulmejid I, "If this fleet were to suffer heavy damage, the entire Black Sea would become the realm of the Russian Empire. At that time, would Britain and France be able to sit idly by?"

"You mean to tell me to abandon the Ottoman Empire Navy?!!" Abdulmejid I asked, eyes wide with urgency.

"Your Majesty, I never said to abandon the Imperial Navy!" Mahmoud coughed lightly twice, spreading his hands in innocence as he addressed Abdulmejid I, "I was merely discussing a possibility, a possibility of the Imperial Fleet's annihilation! Comparing the strength of the Imperial Navy with the Russian Empire Navy, I don't believe the Russian Empire Navy has the capability to completely wipe out our fleet!"

In traditional naval battles with solid shot artillery, it was simply a fantasy to completely annihilate the opposing navy — unless an extreme situation like Trafalgar several decades ago occurred.

Mahmoud's explanation tempted Abdulmejid I slightly. By relying solely on the Ottoman Empire's own strength, the outcome was inevitable defeat; he had to depend on the support of Britain and France.

Now, Britain, due to certain influences, was unwilling to help the Ottoman Empire, nor did it want France to help the Ottoman Empire.

Abdulmejid I had to give them some incentive, even if it meant suffering some losses in the process.

Abdulmejid I paced back and forth in the empty palace, contemplating the pros and cons.

Mahmoud stood quietly by, waiting for Abdulmejid I to make a decision.

When Abdulmejid I stopped pacing and raised his head again, a glint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes, "Grand Marshal Mahmoud, are you sure our fleet will not be completely annihilated?"

"Your Majesty, please rest assured!" Mahmoud wore a smile on his face, patting his chest as he assured Abdulmejid I.

"In that case, I agree to your request! The remaining fleet of the Empire is entirely under your command. Please, do not disappoint me, Grand Marshal!" Abdulmejid I articulated to Mahmoud.

Grand Marshal Mahmoud nodded in understanding to Abdulmejid I.

After Mahmoud left the Imperial Palace for the Imperial Navy Command, each fleet commander at the Navy Headquarters inquired about the "Holy Judgment" of Abdulmejid I.

"Rest assured! His Majesty did not blame our Ministry of the Navy for this matter! On the contrary, he believes our Navy should be praised!" Grand Marshal Mahmoud cheerfully replied to the fleet commanders before him.

Upon hearing Grand Marshal Mahmoud's words, the present fleet commanders breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, no one wanted to face the wrath of His Majesty the Sultan, moreover, the navy's problems were not their doing.

They hired (British instructors) and bought equipment, yet still could not match the Russian Empire, what could they do about it?

Ultimately, the Ottoman Empire Navy's system itself has issues.

While the fleet commanders were lost in thought, Mahmoud spoke again, "Gentlemen! We must learn from the series of tragedies that occurred recently! Now, upon His Majesty's request, I am reorganizing a convoy escort fleet, which will encompass most of the Empire's existing fleets. Who among you is willing to take command?"

Mahmoud glanced around, seeing the desire in the eyes of each fleet commander. Undoubtedly, all the fleet commanders present hoped to command this fleet.

"Grand Marshal, I believe this fleet should be led by you personally!" a voice came from among the fleet commanders.

The fleet commanders present immediately reacted, all expressing to Grand Marshal Mahmoud that since the suggestion was from Mahmoud, then the Grand Marshal should take charge.

Mahmoud shook his head, declining, "I am already old and truly unable to undertake long-term sea operations. The future belongs to you!"

The fleet commanders hastily flattered Grand Marshal Mahmoud, saying he could still serve His Majesty the Sultan for decades more and should not speak of old age lightly.

To these nearly sycophantic praises, Mahmoud simply smiled and let it pass, knowing full well the ambitious nature of these fleet commanders under him.

Should they be given an opportunity to rise, they would certainly replace him without hesitation.

"Since none of you wish to volunteer, I'll have to appoint someone, this old man." Mahmoud said to the fleet commanders present.

"As it should be!" The fleet commanders unanimously agreed with Mahmoud's proposal.

After careful consideration, Mahmoud decided to select a relatively steady fleet commander to serve as the officer of the new fleet.

The commander of this escort fleet did not need to be a brave one.

After thorough selection, Mahmoud chose the most prudent Ottoman Pasha among the fleet commanders present, believing that as long as Ottoman Pasha did not lead the fleet into reckless actions, even if the warships were simply anchored at Sinop Port, the Imperial Navy would not suffer major losses.

Although Mahmoud repeatedly spoke of using the fleet as a sacrificial pawn to provoke Britain and France to act against the Russian Empire, he was unwilling to appoint a defeated general when it really came to nominating someone. He did not wish to see his efforts go up in flames.

Upon receiving the appointment, Ottoman Pasha bore a bewildered look, feeling somewhat at a loss as he looked at Grand Marshal Mahmoud.

The surrounding fleet commanders likewise cast envious glances at Ottoman Pasha.

"Grand Marshal, I..." Ottoman Pasha wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Protect this fleet, and try to avoid unnecessary conflict!" Grand Marshal Mahmoud sighed, earnestly advising Ottoman Pasha.

"I understand!" Ottoman Pasha nodded to Mahmoud in response.

A large Ottoman Empire contingent was formed, comprising four sailing battleships, eight double-deck battleships, two three-masted fast ships, and eight steam-powered vessels. It would be responsible for maritime transport from Sinop to the Caucasus line.

Mahmoud had no idea that the fleet commander he appointed would become the "culprit" for the fleet's total destruction.

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