Chapter 39. Truth or Lies (4)

Even in wartime, there are certain courtesies that must be observed. Especially when it comes to sending and receiving envoys.

Therefore, even though it was a hastily assembled negotiation team, it wasn't formed haphazardly just because of the urgency.

Rather, they carefully selected the personnel, focusing on those deemed most necessary.

"Assuming Your Excellency will take the position of ambassador for the negotiation team, who should we appoint as the deputy ambassador?"

"With all due respect to the Central Army, we can't have a soldier. We need someone who can use diplomatic language."

"Then how about the Young Lady of Arshakh?"

"No. She needs to take charge of the Capital in my absence. It's better to give the position to the Nobility. We agreed to include some of their people."

Well, there was also interference due to political circumstances.

"The Nobility, you say? There's bound to be a fight...."

"We have to accept it. Even if we have the upper hand in terms of power, we can't conduct negotiations with a foreign country unilaterally."

Even if my faction held the majority in the Assembly, I didn't completely control everything. The Noble Faction, the opposition, still held about a third of the seats.

If I excluded them completely and handled State Affairs unilaterally, there would definitely be backlash.

For example, a rebellion, or an armed conflict.

The possibility of someone doing the same thing as me couldn't be ruled out. There was already a precedent, so there was no reason they couldn't do it.

So, giving them a small share was essential to appease them.

This way, even after the negotiations were concluded, there wouldn't be any rumors about the content being manipulated or its credibility being questioned.

"Then, assuming we give them this position, who would be suitable for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs...?"

"Let's leave two secretary positions vacant as well. Losing those would be the least burdensome."

Thus, the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary for the negotiation team was, naturally, me. I was delegated all authority regarding the negotiation and could conclude the treaty without the approval of the Assembly or the Monarch.

Count Epenstein joined as the deputy ambassador.

He was the father of some idiot who deserted because military life was too hard after serving as a Grenadier Regiment commander. He was also a current Member of Parliament and a senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The working-level staff consisted of half officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs selected by my brother and half talent introduced through the Young Lady of Arshakh, with the addition of some members from the Noble Faction. Finally, one battalion from the Central Army was assigned for escort.

"Will this be enough?"

"It's not entirely satisfactory, but...this should do. We've selected several experienced veterans."

"They will assist Your Excellency with areas you're not familiar with. Including drafting the negotiation documents."

Thus, the negotiation team was fully staffed in ten days. We departed for the Empire amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the Royal Capital's citizens.

And as expected, things started to go wrong right from the start.

* * * * *

"We're finally departing. I wish this day hadn't come."

"....."

"I question whether these negotiations are truly necessary. Why stop when we have the advantage? Wouldn't it be better to push the Empire back decisively before stopping?"

Count Epenstein chattered incessantly, even though I was just staring out the window without any reaction.

I had specifically requested a soundproof carriage because I needed a space for confidential discussions on the way, but now I regretted it.

I should have just ridden a horse instead of discussing anything with this guy.

One would think he'd realize that when someone doesn't respond, they're not in the mood for conversation. But the Count's momentum didn't die down, and he continued to chatter.

"Member of Parliament Roytel, no, Deputy Speaker Roytel. Why don't you reconsider? It's not too late to return to the Royal Capital--"

"Member of Parliament Epenstein, what exactly is your problem?"

Finally, unable to contain my irritation, I spoke, putting an end to his one-sided monologue.

"Thanks to the victory I achieved, the Empire is waving the white flag. They're practically begging for a few years of peace. We should take advantage of this precious opportunity, why are you so greedy for more?"

"N-No. I just meant it's a shame to stop here... You're a soldier too! You've fought your whole life for the Kingdom's victory! Don't you find it regrettable to agree to a truce at a time like this?!"

"A soldier's duty is not to mindlessly crush the enemy, but to pursue an efficient victory. If you ignore practical circumstances and insist on fighting, you're not a soldier, you're a rabid dog."

This happened during the Assembly votes too. Why were these nobles like this?

If it were possible to win simply by pushing forward when we had the advantage, the concept of a truce wouldn't even exist. It would be common sense in war to keep fighting until both countries were ruined.

But that wasn't the case, was it?

Every war had its time and its limits. If we overextended ourselves, we'd be lucky if we didn't lose everything, let alone achieve victory.

And the Kingdom's limit was now.

"What we need right now is not weapons or supplies, but rest. If we continue fighting while the entire society is groaning from the war, the losses will outweigh the gains."

Having stabilized two key front lines and reclaimed lost territory, the Kingdom lacked the capacity for further operations. After more than 10 years of total war, both the front lines and the rear were exhausted.

To attack the enemy further, we would have to cross into Imperial territory, and that wouldn't be easy. We didn't know the terrain, and our supply lines would keep stretching.

We could capture a fortress or two, occupy some territory. But that would be all.

We wouldn't be able to advance any further, and we would be driven back into the Kingdom by the Imperial Army's counterattack. Even if Napoleon himself came and took command, he couldn't change this.

The loss of troops from the operation would lead to an overall weakening of the defense lines, and what would happen after that...well, it was too obvious to even mention.

"As a Count and a member of the political arena, you should understand this simple logic...why do you keep advocating for this reckless warmongering? Is there a reason why the war must continue?"

"T-That's absurd! I just said it out of regret. We've lost so much because of this war. Thinking about it makes me feel regretful."

Even though I indirectly hinted at my suspicion of his true motives, Count Epenstein didn't back down, but continued to argue.

"I admit that a truce would benefit the Kingdom's internal affairs. But wouldn't it also give the Empire a chance to reorganize its forces? Considering that, I don't think it's necessarily beneficial for us."

"No, even considering that, it's clearly beneficial. We can restore the devastated land and strengthen our defenses."

I refuted him with a short answer, as his logic was too weak to persuade me.

The main stage of the war had been within the Kingdom. The exchange of fire and the clash of countless swords and spears had all taken place on our land.

The desolate northern snowfields were one thing, but the western plains and hilly areas were fertile lands suitable for farming, and they had been ravaged by war.

How many refugees do you think were driven from their homes? How much farmland was destroyed? How many mines and facilities were abandoned?

Just restoring those would be a great help to the Kingdom. The normalization of the West's productivity would also improve tax revenue, which had been steadily declining.

"If you understand, stop with the sophistry. The negotiations have already been decided. Don't try to change them now."

"....Understood. My apologies."

After that, I wasn't bothered by his nonsense during the journey. But I had to watch the Noble Faction members whispering amongst themselves every day.

I wondered if they were planning something.

* * * * *

After traveling for several days, alternating between well-maintained roads and dirt paths, we finally crossed the border.

The flags and symbols of the Kingdom disappeared from view, replaced by the flags of the Empire.

"Halt! Identify yourselves!"

"We are the negotiation team dispatched from the Kingdom. We have documents with the royal seal, please verify them."

After a brief inspection to confirm our purpose of entry...

"....Verification complete. We will guide you, please follow us."

Following the courteous guidance of the Imperial border guards, we headed towards Orléans, the capital of the United Empire.

It didn't take long. We arrived after about ten days of travel from the border.

Thanks to the capital being located in the south, despite the cold northern climate of the continent.

"Right here. The heart of our Empire."

The walls, though not as artistic as the Kingdom's, were still magnificent and imposing. A massive fortress and defensive structures, cluttered yet intimidating with numerous artillery emplacements and watchtowers.

The largest city on the continent, built solely by human hands.

We set foot for the first time on the land we had only seen on military maps, the land we had always considered our enemy.

* * * * *

And in the ensuing private meeting, I was hit with a bombshell.

"....So, you're saying that your Kingdom's Crown Prince attempted to rape Her Highness the Imperial Princess??"

"Before they were even officially engaged."

What the fuck.