The envoys from Aragon and Fasi arrived at the fortress, now under Pendralis' control, to negotiate with Arthur. They formally requested an audience with him. Arthur decided to et the Aragonese envoy first.
Sebastian, the envoy from Aragon, was summoned to the chamber. As he entered, he found Arthur seated among his top military commanders. Bowing deeply in a gesture of noble respect, Sebastian addressed him. "Your Highness, I have been sent by King Juan of Aragon to discuss the terms of peace. My na is Sebastian. The Kingdom of Aragon hopes to bring an end to this war, which has claid so many lives."
Arthur observed the envoy in silence for a mont before responding directly. "We do not wish for this war to drag on any longer either. However, Aragon must agree to certain conditions before we can proceed with peace negotiations."
Sebastian nodded. "Please state your conditions, Your Highness."
Arthur began, "First, Aragon must formally recognize that the Maraz Strait belongs to Pendralis."
Sebastian, already aware that the strait was lost, had expected such a demand. He listened intently as Arthur continued.
"Second, since Aragon was complicit in the pirate attacks on Pendralis trade ships, it must pay reparations. Lastly, Pendralis trade ships must be granted free access to Aragonese ports, with a fixed customs duty that shall not exceed 5%, the exact rate to be negotiated later."
Sebastian had anticipated the demand for reparations, but he was surprised by the request for low trade tariffs and open comrce for Pendralis rchants. It was uncommon for a nation to include such economic conditions in a war settlent. He hesitated for a mont, realizing the economic implications for Aragon, but he knew he had no authority to reject the conditions outright.
Arthur concluded, "These are our conditions. Relay them to your king. If he accepts, we can proceed with formal peace talks."
Sebastian acknowledged the terms and departed.
Shortly afterward, the envoy from the Fasi Kingdom was summoned. Arthur presented him with the sa conditions: recognition of Pendralis' sovereignty over the Maraz Strait, war reparations, and trade access with a low tariff rate. Like the Aragonese envoy, the Fasian representative was taken aback by the trade terms, unsure of how such concessions would benefit Arthur. He took note of the conditions carefully, aware that the economic landscape of the region could shift significantly if these agreents were formalized.
Once both envoys had left, Arthur gathered his commanders for a strategic eting. He ordered the restoration of the fortress and the establishnt of a fully operational military base. Additionally, he instructed that the port be expanded with separate sections for military and comrcial ships, as well as the repair of any war-damaged infrastructure.
The following day, Arthur set sail for Pendralis aboard the HMS Victory, accompanied by two escorting warships. After a week at sea, the fleet arrived in Pendralis, where a large crowd had gathered at the harbor to welco their triumphant leader.
As Arthur disembarked, he mounted his horse and led a grand victory parade. At the forefront, two soldiers carried the banners of Pendralis and the royal family. Behind them, Arthur rode with disciplined troops marching in perfect synchronization. The people erupted in cheers, celebrating their victorious army. They threw flowers onto the streets, and children climbed onto their parents' shoulders to catch a glimpse of the returning hero. The celebration was unlike anything the kingdom had seen before, marking not just a military victory, but a triumph that would define Pendralis' future.
Following the parade, Arthur arrived at the royal palace. Entering the throne room, he was greeted by his mother, Queen Eleanor, and his father, King Cedric. His mother embraced him warmly, tears of relief glistening in her eyes, while his father, for the first ti in Arthur's life, placed a hand on his shoulder and offered his congratulations. That evening, Arthur shared a long dinner with his parents, recounting stories of the war and the challenges he had faced.
After dinner, his mother retired, leaving Arthur and his father alone. Arthur detailed the entire campaign, from the capture of the fortress to the decisive field battle against the Aragonese army. King Cedric listened intently, impressed by his son's strategic acun.
Arthur then described his negotiations with the envoys. Curious, King Cedric asked, "Why did you insist on low customs duties in the peace terms?"
Arthur smiled. "Father, our production capacity is growing rapidly. The dostic market is already showing signs of saturation. We need to expand into new markets. Even Aragon and Fasi cannot consu all that we produce. We must establish trade agreents with other nations and ensure access to their markets."
King Cedric studied his son's expression and realized that this was not just about simple trade policy—it was part of a deeper, long-term strategy. However, knowing Arthur had just returned and was undoubtedly exhausted, he chose to postpone the discussion. "Very well, we will discuss this in greater detail later. You should rest now."
Arthur bid his father goodnight and retreated to his chambers. As he entered, he took a mont to survey the familiar surroundings—his desk piled with docunts, his bed, and the mirror reflecting a long-lost sense of ho. For the first ti since leaving for war, he felt truly safe. He took a long, hot bath, changed into comfortable clothing, and lay down on his bed. That night, he slept deeply, uninterrupted for the first ti in months.
Two weeks later, the envoys from Aragon and the Fasi Kingdom arrived in Pendralis. Over the course of another month, negotiations continued. Finally, both kingdoms accepted Pendralis' terms. According to the treaty, Aragon and Fasi formally recognized Pendralis' sovereignty over the Maraz Strait, opened their ports to Pendralis rchants, and agreed to a fixed customs tariff of 4%. Additionally, both nations consented to paying significant war reparations.
During this period, Pendralis reinforced its presence in the strait, restoring the fortress and establishing a permanent naval base. With the war concluded, the fleet that had been stationed at the strait—except for a garrison force—was ordered to return ho.
In the weeks that followed, Arthur observed the shifts in trade and diplomacy. His vision extended beyond the battlefield; he sought to transform Pendralis into an economic and naval powerhouse. To solidify Pendralis' influence, he considered future trade negotiations, naval expansion, and diplomatic overtures to neutral nations. His military victories had won him prestige, but he knew that lasting power ca from wealth and alliances.
With all these matters settled, Arthur finally turned his attention to his next grand ambition—the exploration of the ocean. For Pendralis, the war had ended, but a new era was just beginning.
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