Maou No Utsuwa

Reconciliation negotiations between the Empire and the Kingdom resumed three months later.

Considering that we have sent a new negotiating team from the Imperial Capital, this would be the best we can do. No fighting has taken place between the two countries in the meantime, but it only works in the Kingdom's favour. The kingdom was moving forward a little by little with the system of governance in the ruling area.

Negotiations within that context will begin in an unfavourable situation for the Empire, but there is no indication that the new Imperial Negotiation Corps has noticed anything.

"Nice to meet you. Vasily Serov, senior civil servant of the Kingdom of Ruthua."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Kainel Stafford, Chancellor of the Schutz Alten Empire. I have deposited with His Majesty the Emperor the full powers of this peace negotiation."

"Well, is it from His Majesty the Emperor?"

Emperor, not Crown Prince. Vasily understood this meaning correctly.

"Yes, the Empire has established His Majesty Emperor Claudia as a new emperor. Let me tell you something here, too."

"In the context of moderation negotiations, are you?"

"This is the only place for diplomacy with your country now."

"That's true."

"Once again, the official circular is going to include other countries"

"Isn't circulation in your country ahead of time?

"Of course it is. And again, the circulation to foreign countries."

"I see..."

It was meant to be a light shake, but Chancellor Kainel never wobbled slightly either. Make sure of this. Vasily, too, retightens her mind that you can't insult her as a young man.

"Now, the last terms of harmony were that the kingdom-controlled areas in the East should have been allotted as the territory of the Kingdom and, for the South, allowed to offer unconditionally to withdraw. Let's start with your answer to that."

"That's unacceptable. The South likewise wants to be part of the kingdom as far as the East is concerned."

"Really? So, for the condition, it's from the blank state."

"You will be."

"Now, where shall we begin? Let's start with the future ruling system of the Empire."

"That has nothing to do with our country."

"No, harmonious negotiations have an impact. Not right now, but I'd better tell you it's possible to leave later."

"... let's ask"

"In the future, the Empire will place the Grand Duke of the Quartet in addition to the Quartet"

"Grand Duke of the Quartet. That's the first time you've heard of it."

"Yes, it's a new creation, so the Quartet Grand Duke will be appointed by His Majesty's siblings, the Imperial Family, to rule the imperial frontier territory."

"Are you the Grand Duke of Square on the outside of Uncle Fang...... How about that for your country?

There is a visible dispute between Uncle Fang and Grand Duke Fang on each side. To a good HR, I didn't think very much. That's not all.

"If the Grand Duke of the Quartet has power, the influence of the Imperial Center will fall in proportion to it. I understand that."

That is the source of the rebellion, such as the power of the royal family other than the emperor.

"Understood, why did you do that?

"His Majesty the Emperor Claudia was made emperor by the support of his siblings, the princesses. We can't ignore that achievement."

"It's, again"

"It will take time before His Majesty the Emperor Claudia's reign reaches every corner of the empire. Ensure the range you can reach than reach where you can't reach poorly. Is this the wrong idea?

"... no, I don't think it's one option"

Vasily's eyebrows were slightly raised. I was anxious that the Empire could not grasp the other way out.

"I was a little relieved when you said that. There's something a little closer to betting."

"I guess."

"However, the border territory was originally an anxiety material for the Empire. If you can't reach it, it depends on your foolishness that you might let it go."

"Let go of the border..."

"No, I'm not going to force you to shake it off. It's only when things happen that I can't help."

"... so?

"We cannot give the southern border territory to your country under such circumstances. We already have His Royal Highness the Crown Prince who thinks it belongs to you."

"It's convenient for your country, it's none of our business."

"Is it? If the Southern Frontier Territory shows its own movement, it will be war with your country there."

"Isn't it your country's role to stop it?

"I said it earlier. There is no power to do so in the centre of the Empire. On the contrary, the declaration of independence on the southern frontier has no power to resist it"

"So you're saying the empire has nothing to do with the Southern Frontier Territory and our country going to war."

"It doesn't matter is too much. Naturally, we will make a diplomatic effort to stop the war."

"... are you telling me to abandon the South to our country with this current story?

"Yes, that would be very helpful."

"You have nothing to gain from this one."

"Yes. This is more a favor than a negotiation. I was wondering if you could somehow save the empire with the mercy of the kingdom."

"What?"

Kainel's words are things Vasily never thought he would. I have only heard about the other side of history, such as the Empire's desire for mercy on other nations.

"The Empire has greatly undermined its power. More and more, we will lose our strength. The future champion of the continent is indisputably the Kingdom of Ruthua. If you could show me how big you are as a champion of the continent."

"... I see. Is that what you came for? Is this the Prime Minister's idea?

"No. It is the direct word of His Majesty the Emperor. To be precise, the Empire is in trouble, so I was wondering if you could help me."

"... Is His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire?

Empress Claudia's incompetence, even though it is known, does not seem to have been conveyed to insanity.

"Yes, the New Emperor is a little innocent."

"Is His Majesty the Emperor on his way here?

"As soon as the pacification conditions come together, we'll be on our way."

"... you have time"

"No, as a nation, I don't have time, but His Majesty the Emperor says he doesn't like it until the war is definitively over"

"... Your Majesty the Emperor?

"Yes, the words of His Majesty Emperor Claudia."

Kainel does not try to hide the claudia emperor's elusiveness. This confused Vasily more and more. I can't grasp the intention at all.

"… continue. We'll talk about everything first."

"Then go on. It's about the East. This is subject to conditions, so I was wondering if it would be particularly problematic. Areas under the control of the Kingdom will be transferred to the Kingdom"

"Can you be specific?"

"Yes, the northern part of the Eastern Border Territory will be transferred to the Kingdom"

"That's too narrow, then"

"Is it? Only in the past few months has your country strengthened its system of governance. I mean, did you understand that the realm is what the kingdom wants as a territory?

"This is where we are gradually moving forward. If the north is done, head to the center. I'm planning on doing that."

"Isn't that hard? The Eastern Frontier Territory Central is where the Eastern Frontier Lords move around without even listening to the Empire."

"If you're going to turn your teeth, just crusade"

"... there's also the Grand Duke of the East?

"I thought you said it was convenient for your country."

"Really...... But the center can't give this one away either."

"It's the same in my country."

"No, can your country be replaced elsewhere, even if it is not in the eastern frontier territory centre?

"That's …, let me explain"

"Our country should hand over the Eastern Border Territory Central. So we need the Eastern Border Territory Central itself. But what your country wants is territory. It doesn't have to be the Eastern Border Territory Central."

"I want to be more specific"

"further west of the northeast."

"That's where our country pulled itself off for harmony."

"And further west."

"What?"

"If I said I would cede part of the territory of the Oriental Uncle and his subordinate nobles, how about it?

Here Kainel finally offered negotiating material. Previously, prep. This is where the real negotiations come from.

"... does the Oriental House acknowledge that?

"That hasn't happened yet. I'll tell the Oriental House after your country agrees."

"Isn't that an empty bill, then?

"After speaking to the Oriental House, if your country does not accept it, it will only create waste. I don't think you're wrong in that order."

"What if our country accepts it and then the Oriental House rejects it?

"That's what you have to do, crusade or whatever. The Empire will not stand in its way."

"Shouldn't we give it to our country after your country expelled the Oriental House?

"If you do that, will you agree to the terms of harmony?

Vasily cannot give an immediate answer to this. The fact that the Empire offers the Oriental Uncle, albeit partially, in the first place is a major influence on the Kingdom's policy.

"... let me take it back. This will require His Majesty's judgment."

"I don't mind. Just answer early. There may also be extra rumors spread at this moment."

"... ok"

A negotiating group on the Kingdom's side that rushes to take a seat and leaves the room. The exact opposite of last time.

Seeing how it went, Chancellor Kainel exhaled heavily.

"How was it?

"Brilliant. Obviously the other side was upset."

"Really? That's good."

"The Prime Minister's attitude was also grand. I don't think this is the first time I've had a diplomatic affair."

"The inside is chilling. I'm glad you didn't sweat from my face."

With that said, Chancellor Kainel wiped his palm sweat with his clothes.

"How will the kingdom come out?

"I don't know that. However, the Oriental Uncle family territory is a rich land. It shouldn't be a bad condition. If it's really unconditional, you can call it broken."

"Right."

"How is Alexis Steiner doing?

"Do you care?

"That's right. The muscle behind this negotiation is what he thought. If you say it well, you want to doubt it the other way around."

"Looks like they were gathering old ministers at the Oscar Knights' place as planned. It's over half a month old information, so now I don't know what I'm doing. You haven't received the deed to lower your old territory yet, so you should be staying there."

"Really...... Ok. Let's pull it up too."

"Yes."

◇ ◇ ◇

Vasily, who returned to the main unit after more of a wish than an imperial proposal, quickly conveyed the matter in the presence of the king. Those who honestly rejoice in the unexpected proposal, those who are surprised at it the other way around. And those who have already read the back and look bitter. Heavy ministers react in a variety of ways.

When it comes to the king at heart, he is troubled by his difficult face.

"Simply put, you're saying that the Empire will give the kingdom its status as the champion of the continent, and on top of that, even part of the Eastern Uncle?

The words that finally came out of the open mouth also remain to check the contents of the report.

"Yes, as you know"

"Hmm. The status of champion."

For a kingdom that has long worshipped the rear dust of the Empire since its founding, the title of the most powerful nation on the continent is one that can be called a grief. That was haunting the king.

"As a weak man, the Empire seems to have decided to proceed with this peace negotiation. And I don't even hate being more vulnerable."

"Why do you think so?

I didn't have to ask, I was a king who knew that, but sometimes I couldn't think about it, so I threw the question to connect the stories.

"We have been talking on the assumption that we will let go of both southeastern border territories. To the East, I thought the Oriental House would be prepared to disobey the Empire."

"Right."

"Still, less than a fifth of the entire territory is let go by the Empire. If you convert it to tax revenues, it would be much less."

"I see. Your Lord disagrees."

"Yes. In me, I really want more profit than fame. I can't help but think of a different part to what His Majesty thinks."

"Fame is not profitable."

"I think so."

"Tell me, look."

"Yes, first of all it is the title of the continent's champion, but if it were fifty years old, it would still mean nothing now"

"Why?

"Which country will follow that title alone in our country, which has become a champion? The independent countries surrounding the Kingdom are the small group of countries in the south and the countries of the Union of Eastern Nations. If you feel like it, such as the small group of countries in the south, you can make them fully comply with the current martial arts. It's just not good enough to make them obey."

"Right. Will the Union of Eastern Nations not obey?

"If you are a country that obeys the title alone, our country has ruled the East in its hands for a long time."

"Hmm. So how's the imperial border? Haven't we followed the Empire so far with the great fact that the Empire is the strongest on the continent?

"That doesn't work at all either. The growing opportunity for independence on the eastern border is evident from the movement. I don't think I'm going to listen to you when my country leaves and tells you to obey."

"Right. You think the eastern border of the Empire is that far away."

"Yes."

"So how's the Oriental Uncle? It is definitely a rich land. Isn't that profitable?

"We need to fight the Oriental House to get it. And if that happens, it is the Hildegand of the Oriental House that our country will deal with."

"Can't we win?

"I will win eventually. Until then, however, the damage could be considerable. This is if the entire Oriental Army and the Eastern Border Lords are also attached to Hildegand."

"It would be troublesome if eastern border territory were attached. What do you think?"

Here the king turns his story to the Knights of the Kingdom. Military matters to that expert. I'm not looking for knowledge, I'm thinking about my position, I'm worried about being a king.

"Ha. I'm ashamed, I thought Lord Vasily was right. The Eastern Border Lords will not be insulted if they come together."

"Right."

Never a good response, but the king is content. If you are such a brilliant subordinate here, you may say that it is useless. I was relieved that I didn't.

"Didn't we have a story about the Empire kicking out the Oriental uncle and offering him that territory?

Here comes another clerk pinching his mouth.

"... Vasily"

"Yes, even if you ask the Empire for it, the Empire will surely fail. After failing, you'll cry that there's nothing you can do here. The Empire wants Hildegand to fight the kingdom. As a result, if Hildegand dies and our army is badly hurt, the Empire should rejoice."

"Do you mind shaping that far?"

"That's the kind of body the Empire is going to want for a while. That's how we're going to drain the kingdom."

"You're in trouble."

The weak need less to worry about their decency. There are more options than the strong. It's troublesome for a strong man who stands by it.

"There's more."

"Did you still leave a report?

"No, I didn't come up with this negotiation."

"What?"

"The Empire has not offered any demonic crusade this time"

"I forgot, there isn't. I don't need it anymore, but what?

"The assignment of part of the Eastern Uncle Territory. Perhaps we deduce that north of the territory to be ceded there is a northende"

"Ha, that's how it came. This has turned into a tough negotiator again."

Vasily's explanation alone made the king see what the Empire intended. collide the kingdom with Nort Ende. This is what the Empire is after.

"Yes. Honestly, it was unexpected"

"But even if I'm impressed, I can't help it. I wonder how this one gets out. About that?

"One is to postpone the negotiations. Within doing so, the thoughts of the central Empire will always go into the ears of the Oriental uncle. We'll see how it gets out then, and then we'll re-present the terms."

"How long do you think it'll take?

"One month early, two months max."

"Then watch the movement...... What do you say?"

And also, the king turns his gaze to the Knights Commander.

"I wonder if it's possible to keep the whole army. There's a limit to supplies."

"What about procurement?

"The Imperial Army has come a long way to the east, and we have reports that it is not necessary to soar but difficult to obtain."

"How's the transport coming from home?"

"... Isn't it time for the limit? Honestly, I think we should leave 20,000 elites behind and raise them all once in a tough situation to maintain the morale of our soldiers."

"This is the situation. That's exactly what keeps 130,000 in other countries."

The king is not foolish enough to do it here and make it all go away.

"Do we have to rush the negotiations? It's a bit unfavourable."

Vasily knows that, too. It is the military that supports the negotiations.

"Even the Empire shouldn't be so different. The opponent has mobilized more than 160,000 if he also puts in reserve. It might be advantageous to save a lot of transport time."

"Then we have a second proposal."

"Talk."

"The requested territory is reserved for the northeast."

"Don't pull much."

"I relinquish the territory of the Southern and Oriental House and welcome Hildegand as a sign of friendship between the two countries to Her Royal Highness the King of our country."

"What!?

Strange measures that didn't even get to the edge of the king's head. Vasily still excels at coming up with this. The desperation you're betting on a recurrence might be making you do it.

"The kingdom, the champion of the continent, renounces greed and comes to negotiations with Jen's heart. I was wondering if I could claim to take fame and throw away profits."

"Isn't that what you were saying?

There is a grin on the face of the king who says this. I liked Vasily's sarcasm.

"Even when it comes to profitability, the price you pay to get it is too high. It's not profit, it's loss."

"Will Hildegand come to our country?

"Unfortunately, you won't come. Hildegand is still the queen of Prince Therese."

"Then it's not good for us at all"

"For that matter, I ask the Empire to make a loss. What this one is looking for is not Eastern Bertian territory, but Hildegand individuals. It is the Empire's responsibility to send Hildegand to our country, and it is not our country's knowledge."

"If you're going against it, you tell them to capture it in the Empire and bring it in."

"Yes."

"If even the Empire renounces it,"

"My country will always get a big nickname for attacking the Empire. Because it is the Empire that defies the terms of harmony."

"Hmm."

"I'm afraid it's time to go back to the original invasion target"

With the king not reacting badly, Vasily decided to take a step further.

"Until you put the eastern border territories under control, that was your lowest goal. After that, it depends on the situation in the South."

"Yes. It could be about a third from the goal initially. But is it something that all military incursions achieve perfect success?

"Hmm. Exactly."

"What our country needs is a lot of rest and the removal of obstacles in the next invasion. I was so foolish."

"... dissidents?

When the king said he would hear this, he thought it was okay to adopt this proposal. No one will dispute this. It is the same for the heavy minister who wants to return to the country. Vasily's proposal also represented the thoughts of many.

"Now proceed with the current proposal. Re-negotiate with the Empire immediately."

"Yes."

"... Vasily, you've grown up"

"With the grace of His Majesty the King. And..."

"And what?

"Now if you fail me a second time, there are those who can't die."

Vasily took the matter of Egori, the one who was punished for the same reason and died without fulfilling his reinstatement.

"Well...... you did. Okay, keep encouraging."

"Ha!"