Chapter 142

The Duke, upon hearing my conditions, spoke angrily as if there were no value in negotiating.

“I agree to cede the northern part of the Architel Duke’s territory. However, does it make sense to demand the northern territory and an additional 600,000 gold coins?”

As the Duke mentioned, in a typical war, when territory is received, only a small amount of money is exchanged in the form of knight’s wages to end the conflict.

However, the typical war here refers to a situation where the victorious side does not have absolute dominance over the defeated side.

Right now in this war, we have overwhelmingly won, and the Architel Duke’s army has suffered such a significant defeat that they can’t even think of resisting us.

Thus, the common sense that gentleman speaks of does not apply to this negotiation.

Because right now, if I am displeased with the Duke’s actions, I can advance to destroy one by one the castles of the other vassals under the Architel Duke while holding the Duke’s army captive.

I spoke in a mocking tone as if I were sneering at the Duke, who seeks logic in war negotiations.

“If you really don’t want to end the war… then we shall continue fighting.”

“What on earth are you saying? To continue the war… are you insane? We have already fought fairly in God’s name at Waine, and the winners and losers have been decided; we cannot continue the war.”

The Duke stated that since the outcome has already been determined, there is no need to continue the war.

I agree with that statement to some extent.

Because war becomes a deadly game where it is nearly impossible to reverse the strategic advantage once the line between victory and defeat has been drawn.

It would be better to end things cleanly once the line is drawn rather than allowing the defeated side to lash out and drive more serfs and citizens to death.

However, showing kindness by giving the enemy a chance to rebound after achieving overwhelming victory only leads our side to destruction.

So, if he cannot accept my terms, he must be prepared to split the belly.

I spoke in a calm voice to the Duke, who chastised me, as if stating an obvious fact.

“When the winners and losers are determined, the war ends only if both parties are satisfied with the proposed conditions, Your Excellency.”

“SIEL von Croilet… are you out of your mind…? Thousands of soldiers have died, and you still intend to see more bloodshed?”

At those words, I nodded and looked straight into the Duke’s eyes.

“Even if we see more bloodshed here, we will make sure that you, Your Excellency, do not rise again. Only then can we ensure the safety of everyone living in the Croilet Count’s territory.”

War is a massive game that occurs to seize specific interests held by the opponent and make them one’s own.

The Thirty Years’ War also started under the guise of religion, yet in reality, it became a game of seizing tax collection rights from the free cities of the Holy Roman Empire.

However, war is not like a game that ends just because one has won once.

Thus, a master of war must take actions to ensure that no enemies can rise to challenge him in the future by capitalizing on the victory in war.

Even if the blood of our allies increases, it is to prevent the repetition of the same war in the future.

“Since the war is already over, and we have overwhelming superiority, I would like to have an open conversation. No, let’s see if I can guess what Your Excellency would do.”

After hearing my words, the Duke quietly swallowed and said, “Go on.”

“First, after finishing this war, you will immediately seek out His Imperial Majesty and say this: ‘Your Imperial Majesty, for the future of Franche, we must crush that Croilet Count. Otherwise, this person will increase in power like a snowball and hold a dagger to your neck.’”

“That’s ridiculous. Because you already claimed that Wini is not even worthy of being a bastard… after losing this battle, I lost any justification to invade again, and my honor has fallen to the ground. How can I claim war against you? Your imagination is running wild, young friend… His Imperial Majesty will not listen to my words.”

“I heard that during the overwhelming disadvantage at the Battle of Villüne, you saved His Imperial Majesty just before you were captured. If it becomes known that such a Duke has been defeated by this mere child, the nobles throughout Franche will feel a sense of crisis. If, in that situation, you say that… everyone will sympathize and agree with your opinion.”

The following thoughts go without saying.

Once the Duke makes such claims, as they unite, they will all consider this:

“The Croilet Count’s territory is vast and rich. It is said that a Count here lives more richly than Counts from other nations. If I achieve immense merit and, if possible… acquire even a Count’s territory here, I could gain wealth and power.”

The greed-blinded desires of the nobles, the Emperor’s insecurity, and the logic proposed by the Architel Duke will combine…

“If opinions gather and prepare for war… a base will naturally be needed, right? And looking at the geography, it will certainly be the southern part of the Architel Duke’s territory.”

The Duke seemed flustered upon realizing I understood his plan, speaking in a stammering voice, “What… what are you thinking right now?”

Regardless, I continued with my talk to block the Duke’s retreat.

“Then all the nobles of Franche will say: ‘Even though we initiated a war without justification, it was all for the sake of the Franche Empire. Therefore, the Duke is a patriot who thinks of the Empire’s interests!’ Then naturally, your lost honor will be restored from this war.”

“……”

“Also, when the southern Architel Duke’s territory is designated as a base, there will naturally be a deferment or reduction in debt payments by the Emperor’s decree. At the same time, you will sell the grain and barley received as tax from the serfs at very high prices to gather the funds to repay the debts.”

We also have records of gaining immense profits from producing and mediating various military supplies when designated as the US military supply base during the Vietnam War.

Historically, there are many cases of countries surviving by assuming the role of a base in war and earning significant income.

Especially in this era, where transportation means are underdeveloped, and supply is difficult.

A base located closest to the battlefield can see sudden price increases of grains by 2-3 times due to war demand, rapidly increasing the value of goods.

Then the Duke would find a way to survive with a 100% to 200% increase in market value.

“Is that all? No matter how strong we are, we cannot defeat the Franche coalition, which boasts overwhelming numbers. So we will surely be defeated. Then, naturally, you will receive not only the lost territory but also more estates as a top merit after the war. Is that what you are thinking?”

Despite already having his plans exposed, the Duke looked at me confidently and replied, “……. Truly monstrous wisdom. So, what will you do now? If I am to act contrary to what you said, it seems I need to be more generous with my conditions.”

No matter how generous the conditions, it would only delay the Duke’s invasion by a few months to a few years.

Thus, yielding here would only make me a fool.

Therefore, it would be best to present the original condition I had intended to offer.

In any case, the Duke’s treasury would probably be empty now, so accepting land as payment would be the condition.

“Alright, instead of 600,000 gold coins, please give me an additional quarter of the territory. That should be a rather satisfactory deal, no?”

“Shut your nonsense…”

I interrupted the Duke, who was about to get angry, and smiled.

“Haven’t I already informed you that I can read your moves up to this point, Your Excellency? Besides, to ruin this plan, it would be easiest and most certain for me to eat up the entire Architel Duke’s territory. If you’re not satisfied, I will completely occupy the territory with my men as it stands.”

Hearing that, the Duke seemed to feel the bitterness of defeat, looking at me with eyes that appeared to have given up completely.

“Very well… let us end this war by delivering Wini von Helzman’s person and giving me three-quarters of my territory…”

I quickly wrote that clause on a piece of prepared paper and handed it to the Duke, soon succeeding in obtaining his signature.

Then, as I stepped back, I spoke with an air of bravado.

“Your Excellency, please refrain from any thoughts of attacking according to the already uncovered plan. We already have our plans in place.”