204 Episode 12 Peace (2/2)

”......, but you have the warbeasts. Isn't that right, Sonia?

It was Carmine who said so.

Carmine is leading the Reconstructionists, ...... but the Reconstructionists are not about to give up on Teriportania completely.

They want to regain the power of the state and then reclaim Teriportania.

In other words, the ultimate goal is the same as that of the main war party.

However, ...... Sonia sounds like she is asking us to give up on Teriportania itself in the first place.

This is unacceptable to Carmine.

”Yes, it is. Many of the warbeasts will choose between Lemuria and Cerda.

...... You make it sound as if there are some who would choose Lemuria.

I believe that there are more than a few.

”I believe there are more than a few,” Sonia said, as if to throw him off.

Everyone frowned.

There is no way that the people of the warbeast race, let alone the human race, are going to leave.

That is the consensus of those present.

The Emperor of Lemuria demanded obedience from the warbeasts in exchange for land and property. Those who chose obedience were protected by Lemuria, and those who refused were killed. I hope you'll still be alive in five years. Those who swear allegiance to the Kingdom of Chellda.

”Sonia, it's only temporary, isn't it?　I don't think they are truly loyal to the Emperor of Lemuria. If we return, ...... they will welcome us with open arms.

Hilderic II said to himself.

Shouldn't the Kingdom of Cerda be a better place for the ...... warbeasts than Lemuria?

”The situation is as you say, Your Majesty.

The current situation is.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand what Sonia is trying to say.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. Our rights will be equal to those of the humans, and our wealth will be redistributed.

The air froze.

”Those who obeyed the Emperor of Lemuria do not obey him wholeheartedly. But they also do not have a strong allegiance to the Kingdom of Chelda. Five years from now, that will diminish even more. If the treatment will be the same in the end even if you turn against it,......, it is better to follow the stronger side.

”Sonia!　You've bonded with the Emperor of Lemuria!

Carmine shouted at her.

You're tied to the Emperor of Lemuria!

”I'm just telling you the truth, the truth!　Do you know?　Do you know that in Lemuria, when a soldier dies, his family is paid a pension? Enough to live on, every year. What about our country?　When a soldier dies, they never see him again, not even pay the ransom. Who would risk their life for a country that doesn't even pay ransom for its soldiers?

A hush fell over the room.

Sonia sat quietly.

No one opened their mouths.

After a few moments of silence, Hilderic II said in a muffled voice.

”Sonia, are you saying that ...... my policies were all a mistake in the first place?

Sonia replied coldly.

I've been saying that since the day you ascended to the throne. Have I misremembered?

Get out of here!

Hilderic II shouted.

Sonia let out a sigh and stood up.

If it makes you feel any better, we'll leave.

Sonia then stood up and walked out of the chamber alone.

Then, in the ...... chill of the air, Hilderic II said.

The policy is set.

Carmine and Hoamel's eyes widened.

Carmine and Hoermel's eyes widened, for it was not often that Hilderic II made a decision on his own.

If in five years' time the people's hearts are already broken, neither ...... Carmine's plan nor Hoamel's will bring back the region of Teriportania.

Everyone gulped.

That means that ...... Hilderic II has decided to abandon the Teriportanian region.

It was not an ”afterthought” like the Reconstructionists.

He has completely given up on the idea of reclaiming Teriportania.

..................

............

......

And for a moment, everyone thought.

”Scrap the peace treaty!

”......?

”Your Majesty?

Carmine and Hoermel's faces tightened.

”Abrogate the peace treaty!　All we have to do now is go to war and get ...... it back!　Isn't that right!

Hilderic II's words rang out.

”...... my policy was not a mistake. My choice to usurp the throne from my father was the right one. I will prove it!　I will not tolerate dissent!

Then, after desperate persuasion by Carmine and Hoamel, ......

The peace treaty was annulled and the invasion was to take place not now, but three years later.