The morning sun bathed Mogadishu in a golden light, glinting off the harbor and the sails of the distant ships. Kafi walked along the palace balcony, his eyes scanning the busy docks. Merchants shouted over the clamor of traders, camels strained under heavy loads of salt, and sailors prepared ships for departure.
He tapped the railing thoughtfully. A bigger ship… faster, stronger… capable of carrying more goods than any other on the coast. His mind replayed strategies he remembered from his past life: trade routes, profit margins, and the best ways to manage merchants. But, as always, this knowledge stayed his secret.
"Kafi! Are you staring at the water again?" Amir ran up beside him, breathless and eager.
"Just thinking, Amir," Kafi replied. "The merchants move goods from city to city, but we could do more… if we had the right ship."
Amir laughed. "You and your big ideas. Father would never allow it."
Kafi smirked faintly. "Perhaps… but I need to find a way. One that seems reasonable to him."
By midday, Kafi made his way to the treasury hall, where Sultan Jama's advisors kept records of trade, taxes, and palace funds. He bowed politely.
"Greetings, Kafi," one advisor said, looking surprised to see the boy here. "The young heir in the treasury hall?"
"I need to speak with father," Kafi said confidently. "It concerns an investment for the empire—something that will bring wealth and strengthen our trade routes."
The advisor frowned, but nodded, summoning Sultan Jama. The Sultan arrived, his robes flowing, a calm expression on his face.
"You wished to see me, my son?" he asked, his tone curious.
"Yes, father," Kafi began carefully. "I've been observing the merchants at the docks. They are skilled, but their ships are limited. If we could build a vessel that carries more goods, faster and farther, we could increase trade, strengthen our ports, and bring more wealth to the empire."
Sultan Jama raised an eyebrow. "A large ship? And you wish the treasury to fund this?"
"Not just a ship, father," Kafi said, choosing his words carefully. "A vessel that can compete with foreign traders, increase the empire's influence, and even protect our coast from pirates. It is an investment for the future. I can oversee the plan, learn from the builders, and ensure it is completed efficiently."
The Sultan studied him for a long moment, then glanced at his advisors. "This is ambitious… and costly. Are you certain, Kafi?"
"Father," Kafi said firmly, "I am certain. And I will ensure it is done responsibly. The empire will benefit, and you will see the returns in trade and influence."
Sultan Jama's lips curved into a faint smile. "Very well. I will grant you funds from the palace coffers—but you must manage it wisely. Fail, and it will reflect on the heir to the throne."
Kafi's heart raced, but his face remained calm. "Thank you, father. I will not fail."
As he left the treasury hall, Amir caught up with him, eyes wide. "You… actually convinced him?"
Kafi shrugged lightly, hiding the fire of knowledge inside him. "It is not just convincing, Amir. It is preparation, observation, and timing. Father trusts me—now we must make sure this trust is justified."
That afternoon, Kafi walked through the docks, counting the coins he had secured, imagining the ship in his mind. He pictured sturdy wood, a wide hull, and sails that could catch the wind better than any other ship along the coast.
The first step had been taken. The next would require finding the right hands to bring his vision to life—a shipbuilder skilled enough to turn his ideas into reality. But for now, the treasury was in his hands, and the plan had begun.