It was said that Grand Duke Leopold was not lying; the hospitality at his residence was quite generous.
Chewing on that subtly bitter aftertaste, we left the Grand Duke’s residence, and three days later, our party arrived in the Rhineland.
“Then I shall see you at the negotiation table, Marquis Lafayette.”
“……I thank Your Majesty the Great King and the Krafte army for your kindness in bringing this far.”
The Great King grinned, waved his hand, and then headed for the Krafte army’s garrison that our side had prepared.
Only then did I let out a Sigh.
‘Now I feel like I can finally live.’
To think I would experience crossing the Germania Empire inland, escorted by the Krafte army, in my entire Life.
After parting with the Great King and heading to the garrison, the first to rush out was Count Damien De Millbeau.
“Welco, Your Excellency Marquis! I have been waiting for you with bated breath! There are rumors that we will be fighting the Krafte Kingdom! With Your Excellency Marquis Lafayette negotiating, could such an absurd thing happen? The schers in the National Assembly may slander Your Excellency, but I, at least-”
“It’s true.”
“Pardon?”
“Krafte intends to go to war with us.”
I was about to leave the stiffly frozen Count Milbeau and head to the camp, but then my eyes t those of a female officer looking at Demian with a very regretful expression from behind.
“Welco back, Your Excellency Marquis Lafayette!”
The way she shouted while saluting was almost a spinal reflex, her military discipline was sharp.
“Yes, are you Lieutenant Davie?”
“Yes! Lieutenant Giselle Davie greets the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Army, Your Excellency!”
“I heard your contributions in the last Battle were great. I’ll be keeping an eye on you, so I hope you’ll continue to strive.”
“Thank you! I will continue to dedicate myself to my duties even more faithfully!”
Giselle’s Face, who until just monts ago had been looking at Demian with an exasperated expression, brightened up, and I chuckled.
‘She still looks a bit young, but they said she’s that outstanding in tactics?’
“Ah, yes. What are your thoughts on the War with the Krafte Kingdom?”
“I believe it is Your Excellency Marquis’s shining achievent!”
“……Huh?”
I was montarily taken aback, but Giselle’s eyes sparkled as she chattered on.
“Now that the Krafte Kingdom has decided on War, there is no reason for them to give us ti. I judged that securing a two-year truce here was entirely due to Your Excellency Marquis’s negotiating Power!”
No, it wasn’t like that.
It was just because the Great King is a madman.
Rather, the excessive respect she’s exuding is burdenso.
Damien De Millbeau is sowhat pretentious, which makes him even more unlikeable, but this one seems sincere, which makes her difficult in a different sense.
I smiled awkwardly and said,
“Well…… yes. If you have any opinions regarding the War with Krafte, submit them later through Count Milbeau.”
“Yes, I will prepare thoroughly and submit them!”
I had a hunch. This one would be sending over a massive proposal in the near future.
A combination of Damien De Millbeau, who wants to get by easily, and an adjutant overflowing with enthusiasm…….
Not bad.
If I use her well, I might be able to work Damien De Millbeau even more effectively.
As I thought that and passed by, the generals of the Revolutionary Army all ca out and saluted.
“Welco, Your Excellency Marquis!”
“Ah, yes. You’ve all worked hard while I was away.”
Seeing many with dark circles under their eyes, it seems they were quite distraught after receiving the shocking news, which makes feel pointlessly sorry.
……Co to think of it, it’s not my fault.
Still, I have to say it.
“In two years, we go to war with the Krafte Kingdom. We need to prepare thoroughly, so we’ll be busy from now on.”
“Phew, I was half in doubt, but it’s true. Why on earth is Krafte getting involved in a war for the Empire?”
At Louis Desaix’s question, I had to smile awkwardly.
How on earth should I explain that Great King’s insane way of thinking?
“……It seems they want to fight us because we look strong.”
As expected, Desaix’s expression crumpled into a ss.
“No, if they want to fight soone that strong, why don’t they just go fight those demon bastards instead?”
Desaix replied as if astounded, but I inford him of an even more astounding fact.
“He said he asked them to fight.”
“Is that for real?”
“Yeah. But they said they didn’t want to and wouldn’t co out of their island, so there was nothing he could do.”
“To think we have to fight a madman who brazenly challenges Abyss Corporation to a war...”
Louis Desaix, shaking his head.
“He’s a troubleso opponent. If he at least had a strategic objective, compromise might be possible.”
Alexandre Berthier, letting out a sigh.
“Phew~ To think the man my old friend admired was such a great lunatic. Ah, co to think of it, that friend Valliant was a bit of a lunatic too. Did they like each other because they were similar?”
Jero Morelle, so casually dissing the dead.
“I have heard much of the Krafte army’s legendary valor! Please place at the vanguard!”
……Nicolas Nere, who seems like he’d fit right into the Krafte army.
‘Why does it seem like our side isn’t in great shape either?’
As I faced Gaston, letting out a light Sigh, a familiar voice ca from behind .
“Marquis Lafayette.”
A familiar white robe.
I imdiately knelt before Eris and said,
“Marquis Pierre de Lafayette, having completed his mission as Emissary to the Krafte Kingdom, has returned, Your Majesty.”
“You’ve worked hard, Marquis. ……Ultimately, are we going to War with the Krafte Kingdom?”
“……Yes. It will be confird at the formal eting, but that is how it will be, Your Majesty.”
Eris was silent for a mont, then gave a small Sigh and replied.
“I see. That man, the Great King, what is he like?”
I couldn't help but give a Bitter Smile as I replied.
“He is the complete opposite of Your Majesty.”
*
The next Day, the truce negotiations were held.
A montous occasion, with the Queen of Francia, the Great King of Krafte, and even the Empress of the Empire personally attending.
However, contrary to the Weight of the attendees, the truce negotiations were rely a formality.
After all, the Germania Empire was not in a position to dictate terms to the Krafte Kingdom, and Francia had nothing to offer against Krafte, determined to go to War.
“The Francia National Assembly does not desire War. Is His Majesty the Great King of Krafte unwilling to negotiate?”
“I am sorry, but no.”
At the Great King’s brazen words, spoken with a Smile, Nicolas Brisseau, the leader of the Liberal Party, was at a Loss for words.
With Talleyrand absent, they couldn’t just rely on or Eris and wait, so the National Assembly had sent him to negotiate themselves, but it was all for naught, as he could do nothing but listen to Karl II’s unilateral declaration.
In fact, granting a two-year reprieve in a situation ripe for War was already an exceptional condition, and since the Great King desired nothing from Francia, proper negotiations themselves were impossible.
Ultimately, after so perfunctory conversation, the Great King quickly read out the dictated terms.
“The Revolutionary Kingdom of Francia shall return the Occupied territory, including the Rhineland and Retreat beyond the borders of the Germania Empire. Thereafter, the two nations shall conclude a two-year truce, which the Krafte Kingdom shall guarantee. At the expiration of the truce, the Krafte Kingdom shall join the Germania Empire’s side and resu the War. Do both sides agree?”
Empress Cecilia of the Germania Empire readily nodded and signed, and Eris, next in line, remained silent for a mont amidst everyone’s Gaze, then slowly opened her Mouth.
“Do I have a choice?”
Karl II replied with a feigned kind Smile.
“If you dislike it, we can continue the War right now.”
“……I agree.”
Eris’s hand, holding the quill, trembled slightly with Hesitation, but ultimately signed the treaty.
The Great King, who signed last, smiled with satisfaction and declared,
“Good, then the treaty is formally concluded. I am pleased to have successfully diated the negotiations.”
With the Great King’s declaration, Francia found peace, though brief.
Though it was just ti to prepare for the War foretold in two years.
The Great King, having roughly wrapped up the eting, approached , cane in hand.
When I first saw it, I thought the cane was to support his aging, weary body.
Who could have imagined it was the baton of a warmonger’s orchestra.
Unaware of my thoughts, the Great King approached with a smiling face.
“Well then, Marquis Lafayette. I have concluded my business, so I shall take my leave now.”
“You are returning early.”
Hearing my words, the Great King grinned.
“We are not exactly on terms to enjoy a banquet together, are we?”
It’s a relief you at least know that.
I thought you didn't, given how excessively audacious your actions are.
As I was thinking that, Eris approached and spoke.
“Your Majesty.”
“Oh, does the Saintess Queen, beloved by the people of Francia, have so business with ?”
Eris stared intently at the Great King with her calm violet eyes and spoke.
“For what purpose has the Krafte Kingdom decided upon this War?”
The Great King answered without hesitation, as if proud.
“For the eternal glory, said to be the strongest of this era.”
“……To , that is a worthless glory. Perhaps it is the sa for the many people who will be sacrificed in Your Majesty’s war.”
Even at Eris’s cold words, the Great King still wore a smiling face.
He paused for a mont, then raised his cane and twirled it once.
“I don’t know if it will resonate with you young ones, but this is what I believe.”
Then, he struck the floor resoundingly with his cane, placed both hands on it, and said with a smile.
“Most of the great conquerors recorded in history were criticized and resented by the common people of their ti. However, the achievents he accomplished and the mighty nation he built beca a source of prosperity and pride for those who would live in that land in future generations.”
The Great King looked at Eris and declared.
“You fight for the present era, for those you embrace. You, hailed as the Saintess Queen, who spares no effort for her people, will surely remain a respected sage king. I willingly offer my respects.”
Without looking down on Eris, yet completely unshaken, he declared with a smile.
“However, I fight for the great na of myself and my army that will remain in history, and for the pride that those who will live in my nation in the future will eternally hold. Our perspectives are simply different.”
Eris, who had been silent, slowly spoke.
“Your Majesty is still hailed as a great and wise King. If you are defeated in a War started thus, losing not just future honor but even the na of a wise King you have earned so far, is this not a worthless War?”
The Great King’s Brow narrowed slightly, then he let out a laugh.
“Hu, huhuhu. Excellent, excellent. Should not one be at least this capable to be called my Enemy? Saintess Queen of Francia, do you believe you can win against my army, called the strongest of mankind?”
“Coincidentally, The One leading that strongest army has granted two years, so I intend to do my Best with those I trust.”
“Hahahahaha…….”
The Great King burst into Laughter, then promptly struck the floor with his cane, making a tang- sound, and replied.
“If I am defeated, my army and I will enjoy the Glory of having fought against the strongest of this era! Either way is fine with !”
While Eris was at a Loss for words, the Great King’s eyes blazed fiercely as he shouted.
“Erisliste Lilianne De Francia, and Marquis Pierre de Lafayette. I hope you use the two-year reprieve wisely. I shall expect a War worthy of your resolve, so do not disappoint !”
With those stormy words, the Great King strode out of the eting hall.
Silence fell.
Eris, who had been staring for a long ti at the direction the Great King had left, turned her head to and said.
“……I absolutely, absolutely, absolutely do not want to lose to soone like that.”
I thought Eris would detest the Great King, who treats the lives of the Common People like re military Supplies.
I too let out a light Sigh and replied.
“I agree, Your Majesty.”
“Do you have any plans?”
Worry and anxiety, not fully concealed, laced Eris’s voice as she asked after a brief pause. I replied in as confident a voice as possible.
“I do.”
While forcibly crossing the Germania Empire by land, all I could do was rack my brain.
Two years is a short ti, and we will be very busy.
I will need a lot of help not only from the generals of the Revolutionary Army, but also from Christine.
That aside.
“First, let’s Organize the Iberian Peninsula.”
I have to repay my debt to Kroxx.
Drive out all those who have joined hands with demons in the Iberian Peninsula, and secure a reliable Ally first.
Does the Great King expect a very glorious and honorable 1:1 War?
Perhaps not, I thought.
That mad warmonger might get even more excited the stronger and the more nurous the Enemy is.
I looked at Eris and declared.
“I will achieve Victory, even if it ans using every possible ans.”
Sohow, if the opponent is that Great King, it seems there will be no prick of conscience no matter what I do.
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