-After 8 years of captivity,I realized that I made the huge mistake.I must have converted to Islam from the very beginning.I,as my brother-Davit opened my eyes and figured out why you wanted me to be muslim.That way,we would be allies forever.You want to defeat the Ottomans,right?And,I also want them to leave all the occupied castles.You will be in charge of my former kingdom and I will be the puppet king,only to fulfill your orders.I will always obey you and won't ever betray your trust.
Mohammad Khodabanda was perplexed.He couldn't believe what Simon has just pronounced.
-I believe in your sincerity!From now on,we are sworn brothers!Come here and hug me!
Simon was burning inside.He knew,that he has just insulted his kingdom in order to deceive the Shah.But,it was totally worth it.
The king came closer to the Shah and snuggled him.Simon forced himself to hug Mohammad Khodabanda.The Shah soon released himself from Simon and looked at him with smiling face:
-I want to reward you after converting to Islam.What would you like?
-Whatever you deem worthy of my recently shown honesty,your majesty!
-I will give you away:5000 soldiers,1000 horses,luxurious golden clothes of Safavid official,2000 silver arrows and bows.
-Thank you for your generosity,your majesty!
-And now,you will be curcumcised in order to become muslim.Guards,bring me the doctor!
The guards entered and went to obey the order.They soon returned with the doctor.
-Guards,leave us!
-As you order,your majesty!
The guards immediately left the chamber.Then,Mohammad Khodabanda told the doctor:
-Hold the curcumcision ceremony in front of me and my advisor!Otherwise,I won't believe!
-As you order.
Simon lied down on the Shah's bed and the doctor cut the small part of his genitals.
-I have just circumcised him,your majesty!He can't get up,now!You can check.
Mohammad Khodabanda and Ismail drew the curtain which was partially covering the doctor and Simon.The Shah smiled at Simon and told him:
-You will be able to get up in one day.Now,rest please!Are you hungry right now?I want to eat with you.
-Yes,please.I am starving.
-Guards,bring us delicious meals!-Mohammad Khodabanda called his servants.
The Shah looked at Simon again and told him with smiling face:
-Simon,now you have just been curcumcised,but you must also pronounce one sentence in order to be considered muslim.
-What sentence?
-There is no god except Allah and Mohammad is his disciple!Say this 3 times and I will consider you as my sworn muslim brother!
As soon as Simon understood what the Shah has told him,his inner world burned.But,he was aware,that I he didn't do this he would never be able to return to Kartli,let alone fighting against the Ottomans.So,he breathed deeply and said this sentence 3 times in front of Mohammad Khodabanda and his advisor-Ismail.The Shah and Ismail were glad to hear this from Simon.However,after pronouncing Islamic faith formula,Simon passed out.