Even in wartime, there are certain courtesies that must be observed. Especially when it comes to sending and receiving envoys.
Therefore, even a hastily assembled negotiation delegation wasn’t just thrown together haphazardly. Instead, it was carefully composed of the most necessary individuals.
“Assuming His Excellency will take the role of the chief negotiator, who should we appoint as the deputy?”
“Apologies to the Central Army, but no soldiers. We need someone skilled in diplomatic language.”
“Then what about Lady Arshah?”
“No. She needs to manage the capital in my absence. It’s better to concede to the nobles. We already agreed to include a few of their people.”
Well, there were also political intricacies and interference to consider.
“The nobles? Surely, there will be conflict…”
“We’ll have to endure it. Even if we hold the upper hand, we can’t unilaterally negotiate with foreign powers.”
Even though my faction holds a majority in parliament, we don’t have complete control. The noble faction, our opposition, still holds about a third of the seats.
If we completely exclude them and unilaterally discuss national affairs, there will inevitably be backlash—rebellions, armed conflicts, and so on. The possibility of someone doing the same thing I did can’t be ruled out either. There’s already a precedent, so why wouldn’t they follow it?
So, to let off some steam, it’s essential to give them a small share.
This way, even after the negotiations are over, there won’t be any accusations of manipulating the content or questioning its credibility.
“Then let’s hand over this position. Who in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be suitable…”
“Let’s leave two secretarial positions open. Even if they’re taken, it’s the least burdensome.”
Thus, the special envoy of the negotiation delegation was, of course, me. I was granted full authority to negotiate and sign treaties without needing parliamentary or royal approval.
As the deputy, Count Eppenstein joined. He’s the father of that idiot who deserted after serving as a grenadier regiment commander, now a current parliament member and a senior figure in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For the working staff, my brother selected bureaucrats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and talents introduced through Lady Arshah, with half of them being from the noble faction. Finally, a battalion from the Central Army was assigned as escorts.
“Is this sufficient?”
“Not entirely satisfactory, but… it should be fine. We’ve selected several experienced veterans.”
“These colleagues will assist you well in areas you’re unfamiliar with, including drafting negotiation documents.”
Thus, after ten days, the negotiation delegation was fully assembled. We set off for the Empire amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the capital’s citizens.
Unsurprisingly, things started going awry from the very beginning.
* * * * *
“Finally, we’re departing. I hoped this day wouldn’t come.”
“……”
“I really question whether negotiations are necessary now. Why stop when we have the upper hand? Wouldn’t it be better to push the Imperial Forces back decisively before stopping?”
Count Eppenstein kept talking incessantly, even as I silently gazed out the window.
We had requested a soundproof carriage for confidential discussions, but now I regret it. I’d rather have ridden a horse than deal with this guy.
You’d think he’d realize that silence means I’m not in the mood for conversation, but the Count kept rambling on.
“Councilor Roytel, no, Vice-Chairman Roytel. Why don’t we reconsider? Even now, we could turn back to the capital—”
“Councilor Eppenstein, what exactly is your problem?”
Finally losing my patience, I spoke up, putting an end to his monologue.
“Thanks to the victories I’ve secured, the Empire has backed down. They’ve even begged for years of truce. When you get such a rare opportunity, you should know how to use it. Why are you so greedy for more?”
“Ah, no. I just meant it’s a shame to stop here… Vice-Chairman, you’re not a soldier. Haven’t you fought all your life for the Kingdom’s victory? Isn’t it a shame to cease hostilities now?”
“A soldier’s duty isn’t to mindlessly crush the enemy but to pursue efficient victory. Ignoring reality and blindly seeking battle isn’t the mark of a soldier but a rabid dog.”
Even during parliamentary decisions, it’s the same. Why do these noble brats act like this?
If we could just push forward and win when the situation is favorable, the concept of a truce wouldn’t exist. Wars would just be endless slugfests until nations collapsed.
But that’s not how it is.
Every war has its time and limits. Overextending beyond our capabilities won’t bring victory—it’ll just lead to disaster.
And the Kingdom’s limit is now.
“What we need immediately isn’t more military supplies but rest. With society groaning under the weight of war, continuing to fight will only bring more losses than gains.”
Having stabilized two critical fronts and reclaimed lost territory, the Kingdom lacks the capacity for further operations. After over a decade of total war, both the frontlines and the home front have long since run out of reserves.
To attack further, we’d have to push into Imperial territory, but how easy would that be? We don’t know the terrain, and supply lines would stretch endlessly.
We might capture a fortress or two, maybe occupy a few territories. But that’s it.
Instead of advancing, we’d soon face a counterattack from the Imperial Forces and be driven back to the Kingdom. Even if Napoleon took command instead of me, he couldn’t change this outcome.
The loss of troops from such operations would weaken our defensive lines, and what follows… well, it’s too obvious to even mention.
“Count, as someone who holds a position in politics, you should understand this simple logic… Why do you keep pushing for an aggressive war? Is there some reason the war mustn’t stop?”
“N-no, of course not! I just felt it was a shame, that’s all. We’ve lost so much in this war. Thinking about it, I couldn’t help but feel regretful.”
Even as I indirectly hinted at my suspicions, Count Eppenstein didn’t back down and continued to argue.
“Even if a truce benefits the Kingdom’s internal affairs, wouldn’t it also give the Empire a chance to reorganize their forces? Considering that, it’s hard to say it’s entirely in our favor.”
“No, it’s clearly beneficial. We can restore our devastated lands and strengthen our defenses.”
Of course, I rebutted him again. His logic was too weak to persuade me.
The war’s main battleground has been within the Kingdom. The places where cannons roared and swords clashed were all our lands.
The desolate northern snowy plains are one thing, but the western plains and hills, which are quite fertile, have also been ravaged by war.
How many refugees were driven from their homes? How much farmland was ruined? How many mines and facilities were abandoned?
Just restoring these would be a huge boon to the Kingdom. If the western production capacity normalizes, the dwindling tax revenues would also improve.
“If you understand, then stop with the sophistry. The negotiations are already decided. Don’t try to change things on a whim now.”
“…..Understood. My apologies.”
After that, I wasn’t subjected to any more nonsense during the journey. Instead, I had to watch the noble faction members whispering among themselves every day.
I wonder if they’re planning some kind of trouble.
* * * * *
After traveling for dozens of days along well-maintained roads and dirt paths, we eventually crossed the border.
The Kingdom’s flags and symbols disappeared from view, replaced by the Empire’s banners.
“Halt! Identify yourselves!”
“We are the negotiation delegation from the Kingdom. Here are the documents with the royal seal for verification.”
After a brief inspection to confirm our purpose for entry.
“…..Confirmed. We will guide you. Please follow us.”
Following the friendly escort of the Imperial border guards, we headed towards the Empire’s capital, Orléans.
It didn’t take too long. After about ten days from the border, we arrived.
Thanks to the capital being in the south, unlike the cold northern regions of the continent.
“This is it. The heart of our Empire.”
Not as artistic as the Kingdom’s, but still grand and majestic walls. Countless artillery batteries and watchtowers create a chaotic yet imposing fortress and defensive structure.
The largest city on the continent, built solely by human hands.
Beyond the military maps. On the land we once thought we’d have to conquer. We set foot for the first time.
* * * * *
And then, during the private audience.
I was hit with a bombshell.
“…..So, your Crown Prince attempted to rape Her Imperial Highness the Princess?”
“Even before the engagement ceremony.”
What the hell.