204 Episode 12 Peace (1/2)

June.

A peace treaty between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Cerda was finally signed.

The Kingdom of Cerda ceded the region of Teriportania to the Lemurian Empire.

The Kingdom of Chelda paid reparations to the Lemurian Empire, half of which was to be paid in a lump sum and the other half in five-year installments.

Mutual non-aggression for five years.

Mutual non-aggression is renewed one year in advance, in three-year increments.

That's all.

So Sonia managed to return to Cerda City.

”Are you all right, Sonia?　Did they do anything to you?

Hilderick II greeted Sonia as she stepped off the deck.

Hilderick II greeted Sonia as she stepped off the deck and asked with concern.

”...... Yes. I'm fine, Your Majesty.

Sonia replied.

She then bowed to her father, who was standing behind Hilderick II with an uncomfortable expression on his face.

I'm sorry for your concern. ...... General Carmine (・・・・・).

”.......

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

After that, high-ranking generals and bureaucrats who had been captured by the Lemurian Empire came down from the deck and were reunited with their families.

After a few days of rest, a meeting including Sonia and the others who had been captured was held.

This was the first meeting after the peace treaty was formally signed and implemented.

The agenda was to decide on a policy to rebuild the war-torn country.

Currently, the Kingdom of Cerda was presented with two options.

One, use the country's power for economic recovery and rebuild the country with at least enough military power to prevent the Lemurian Empire from invading.

Two, put the country's strength into military power and try to retake the region of Teriportania.

The former is supported by the Reconstructionists, led by Carmine ......

The latter was supported by the main war party led by Hoamel.

The region of Teriportania was an important base of support for Hoamel.

He had to win it back.

Of course, the meeting was split in two.

Now, with the loss of his support base, Hoamel's momentum was waning. ......

He was opposing Carmine by involving the neutrals who wanted to restore the land.

And Hilderic II was unable to put an end to the conflict between them.

”Sonia, what do you think of ......?

Towards the end of the meeting.

Hildegard II took the opportunity to ask Sonia, who had remained silent until now.

Sonia looked lost for a moment, but then ......

I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

...... Teriportania will never return. So there is only one option.

Sonia's words were met with a momentary gasp.

This is because Hilderick II, Carmine, Hoamel, and the rest had expected Sonia to insist on restoring the land.

What do you mean, ”Teriportania will not return?　Sonia. Does it mean that the Lemurian Empire can't win a war?

”...... That's one thing. But the people don't want it in the first place.

No one could understand what Sonia was saying.

The people who live in Teriportania are originally subjects of the Kingdom of Chelda.

They don't want to return to the Kingdom of Chellda?

How can that be?

”...... What do you mean, Mister Sonia?

Hoamel asked.

I'm sure you're not the only one who'd like to go back to Cerda.

I mean what I say. Five years from now, the people of Teriportania will choose between Lemuria and Cerda.

”...... Are you talking about the human race?

Hoamel asks.

Teriportania has a large human population.

It's no wonder that the latter is a better place for humans to live than the Kingdom of Cerda and the Empire of Lemuria,.......

It is true that humans may be attracted to Lemuria. But ...... we have adopted a policy of reconciliation to eliminate the disparity between the warbeast and human races. In fact, there are humans like me here. Isn't that right?

I don't deny that. But ......

Sonia narrowed her eyes.

Is it as far as Lemuria?

What does ...... that mean?

In Lemuria, half of the ...... bureaucracy is made up of humans. A large number of human nobles also occupy seats in the senate. Yes, there are human nobles. Are there any human nobles in this country?　What is the percentage of humans in the bureaucracy of this country?

Yes, that's .......

The policy of reconciliation is no match for Lemuria, which has been pursuing it for hundreds of years.

If you fight on the same field, you will surely be defeated.