Volume 4 Chapter 36 (1/2)
Chapter 4 Episode 36
Editor: Starbuck11
”A messenger huh ? If you're someone from the Ortomea Empire, then... I guess you're a new face ? I've never seen you before... Your name is Sudou, am I right ?”
Heavy silence dominated the office room.
Julia.n.u.s the first sit deeply into his chair while turning his line of sight towards the man kneeling in front of him with pity and ridicule.
For someone who was in the position of disadvantage all this time, this scene was the best.
A reversed situation.
A sense of superiority dominated Julia.n.u.s the first sensation.
”Yes, your majesty. Thank you for granting me this audience...”
”So, what do you want by coming to my place ? Is it to surrender ?”
A sarcastic tone leaked from Julia.n.u.s the first’s mouth.
It was only a few days ago that a report that the Ortomea's rear supply base, the Notiz Fort, had been destroyed by Mikos.h.i.+ba Ryouma.
As a result of that, the Ortomea’s imperial army, which was locked in a battlefield around Us.h.i.+as basin ended up getting isolated inside the enemy's territory, with their supplies line cut off.
With that, the Ortomea Empire invading strength of nearly 60,000 men ended up becoming like rats inside a bag.
Even if they were a big army, the fact that they were separated from their home countries was devastating.
The commanding officers aside, the unscrupulously drafted citizens and mercenaries would definitely become upset with the situation.
Under such circ.u.mstances, the Ortomea Empire's army could not do anything else but send their messenger to Julia.n.u.s the first to negotiate for surrender.
An unconditional surrender.
Although what Julia.n.u.s said was indeed the truth, Sudou felt the words he had heard were very ironic.
But because Sudou understood Julia.n.u.s’ feelings, e didn't feel angry from such ironic words.
Sudou raised his face slowly and opened his mouth towards the pathetic clown sitting in front of him.
”There is no such a thing... An unconditional surrender negotiation, I didn't come for that...”
Sudou shook his head.
”Then, why did you come here ? It can't be, but did you come here for a cup of a tea ? But then I guess you cannot afford such a thing now, huh ?”
Arrogance came out from both men’s mouth.
Toward Julia.n.u.s words, Sudou smiled bitterly.
With just a single victory.
However, no one really understood the meaning of this victory.
Up until now, it was always the Ortomea Empire that took the initiative.
When and where to attack. They completely controlled the flow of the war.
In that sense, now with Notiz fort fallen, Ortomea and Zaldled allied forces changed roles.
Towards the figure of Julia.n.u.s who desperately held back his happy expression, Sudou desperately tried to suppress his laughter.
(Such a stupid man... As expected of a clown. Despite the victory he had, it was not something he obtained with his power...)
Certainly, one existence had lit the light of hope towards the Zalda Kingdom.
Considering the current state of the Zalda Kingdom who had been always on the defeated side, this rear-blocking strategy could be said as their hope of resuscitation.
But, that didn't mean it solved all the problems.
While there were some problems solved because of such event, it also created other issues that were harder to solve.
Furthermore, it had the potential to become fatal unless the Zalda Kingdom solved it by themselves.
(Now then, just how far does the Zalda Kingdom knows where they are standing...)
Indeed the situation was greatly reversed, and now the Ortomea Empire’s army was being cornered.
However, that was only a temporary situation.
”The reason why I've come here is to end this unfortunate war...”
Sudou slowly opened his mouth.
He had used a tone that was befitting of a young child pulling a prank.
”What did you say ?”
Being unable to understand Sudou's unexpected words, Julia.n.u.s knitted his eyebrows.
”To put it simply, Ortomea Empire wishes for a harmonious relations.h.i.+p with the Zalda Kingdom.”
Thirst for blood surged from Grahart Henschel's body who stood by Julia.n.u.s side after he heard Sudou's words.
Murderous intentions start to leak out like a snowstorm towards Sudou.
(I guess they are not stupid enough to show anger at this place, huh ? Splendid...)
Sudou had gathered information regarding Henschel and Julia.n.u.s beforehand, but both of the men were calmer than he had thought.
But that was natural, after all, if one was trying to win in a diplomacy battle, one should hide one's feelings.
(Julia.n.u.s aside, that Henschel man, he is far better than I had thought... Looking at this, there seems to be some room for negotiations.)
A reconciliation negotiation proposal comes from the Ortomea Empire side who was the one that started everything.
Thus it was natural for Henschel to feel anger since his nation had been overrun by them all this time.
But thanks to his strong discipline, he had managed to show a deadpan face despite Sudou's remarks.
It was evident that he understood that it won't mean anything if he gets emotional here.
But it also meant that there was a room for negotiations.
(Because there won't be any if the other side was already spewing anger before talks begins...)
As long he was being given a chance to talk, Sudou was convinced that he would be able to obtain victory.
”Pardon me, but I don't understand your words. What do you mean by that, I wonder ?”
”The meaning is the same as I had said, your majesty. The Ortomea empire wants a temporary harmony between our nations.”
Light shone in his eyes.
”You... are serious huh...”
Hearing Sudou's serious words, Julia.n.u.s sighed deeply.
He felt amazed.
After invading another nation, they had shamelessly proposed a reconciliation, Julia.n.u.s felt amazed.
”Do you realize that it was your nation that triggered this war?”
”Of course, your majesty. It was all started the moment my country attacked yours.”
Towards Julia.n.u.s' question, Sudou answered back smoothly.
It was an antic.i.p.ated question.
In diplomacy, it was important to have both confidence and some slight arrogance.
”If you understand that, then why do you think we would accept reconciliation proposed by your side?”
Hearing that, Sudou's eyes glinted.
The situation had thrown Julia.n.u.s the first into confusion.
He also felt anxiety from Sudou's att.i.tude.
”Pardon me for interjecting...”