Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Hearing that Grand Duke Handa's emissary had been in the barracks for four days, Laurist stopped in his tracks. Wait, something's not right …
Laurist's thoughts changed, and he looked at Grand Duke Fisablon unhappily. What is this old fellow trying to do? The emissary sent by Grand Duke Handa should naturally be sent to the second prince and left in the barracks to summon me back. Also, this should be the barracks I'm in charge of, right? What are you trying to do by hiding the emissary here? You're trying to drag me down by hiding it from the second prince?
Grand Duke Fisabulon understood that Laurist had misunderstood the moment he saw him. He hurriedly stepped forward and explained softly, "We know that emissary. He came to find me specifically to find out what price they would have to pay if they wanted to stop fighting with His Majesty and sue for peace. I don't dare to make peace for them, so I called you back to discuss it. Also, you know that there are too many people in my barracks, so I brought him here to prevent His Majesty from finding out and misunderstandings … "
Alright, if this isn't dragging me down, then what is? Also, when did we become so close? Even Grand Duke Handa's emissary has to discuss it with me? However, Laurist's curiosity was piqued. "You know me too? Who? "
You've always had all sorts of complicated relationships with the four central duchies. Back then, the four central duchies even lost sixty to seventy thousand elite infantrymen to rescue you. I didn't expect you to side with the second prince in the blink of an eye, and even brought two of your family's legions to attack the four central duchies. Didn't you think about how the Fisablon Family's flag appeared in front of the defensive position a few months ago and was cursed by the soldiers there? You still have the face to continue colluding with the four central duchies …
That Grand Duke Handa is really something. Why would he send an emissary to find this shameless and shameless old fellow to make peace? If I encounter such a thing, I'll definitely fight him to the death … Laurist cursed in his heart. However, he also understood that such a matter was unquestionable in the eyes of the nobles. Everyone made such a choice in order to preserve their family. There was nothing that could be done about Grand Duke Fisablon's actions. It was very common among the nobles of the Galinthea Continent to be friends today and become enemies the next day. It was not surprising.
"The messenger is Count Churjwick. You also met him at the welcoming banquet when I hosted the Knight Tournament. It seems that you even invited him to the hotel where you stayed, the one called Anna's family, for a chat." Grand Duke Fisablen looked around and said in a low voice.
His posture was a little wretched, and it looked like he was just short of whispering into Laurist's ear. Laurist hurried to put some distance between them. "Oh, it's him. What did he say?"
"This …" Grand Duke Fisablon hesitated for a moment. "It's better if you tell him. Because of our past relationship, I'm stuck in the middle. It's a bit unfavorable for me."
"At least you have some self-awareness." Laurist nodded. "Then, where is he?"
Count Churjwick stayed in a remote corner at the very back of the military camp. There were a few temporary wooden huts built here. They were originally the place where the Flying Tiger Legion punished the soldiers who made mistakes and locked them up. Now that Grand Duke Fisablon had asked Legion Commander Bonava of the Pegasus Legion to stay in the camp, it had been tidied up and turned into a guest room for guests.
Laurist was speechless. If the Flying Tiger Legion stayed in the camp, not to mention Grand Duke Fisablon bringing his men over, even Laurist himself would have to be notified before he could enter the camp. Now that the Flying Tiger Legion had gone to the Demonland, this old man could come and go freely in the camp, as if he was in an uninhabited land. However, he also understood Legion Commander Bonava. He was a knight of the Filim Family, and he had to consider that the Southern Province of the Family was connected to the Eastern Wasteland Province. Even as a member of the Northern Four Families Alliance, he could not easily offend Grand Duke Fisablon. Moreover, this old man was the grandfather of Laurist's real wife, and he had been visiting frequently recently. Naturally, he would open the door to help if he could.
When Laurist and Grand Duke Fisablon entered the door, Count Churjwick was already standing at the door to welcome them. He bowed to Laurist and Grand Duke Fisablon respectively. Laurist keenly noticed the hint of surprise in the Count's eyes when he noticed his arrival. Perhaps he thought that Laurist was the one who could make the decision.
After the three of them took their seats, Grand Duke Fisablon was unexpectedly silent, as if he was unwilling to speak. As expected, after Laurist rambled on for a long time, Count Churjwick could no longer hold back and directly stated his intentions. Grand Duke Handa hoped to persuade or influence the Second Prince's intentions through Grand Duke Fisablon and Laurist to stop this useless war and let the four central duchies return to peace …
Laurist played with the teacup in his hand, as if this ordinary silver cup contained some interesting secrets. Only when Count Churjwick finished speaking and was a little impatient did he ask softly, "What's wrong? Grand Duke Handa can't hold on any longer? "
"No!" Count Churjwick jumped up from his chair as if he had been injected with chicken blood, and firmly denied, "Your Royal Highness, all the subjects and nobles of our duchy are wholeheartedly prepared to follow His Royal Highness to resolutely resist your invasion. Currently, our duchy has formed three legions. Together with the City Defense Legion of the capital, Hans City, and the various garrisons, our Royal Highness has more than 200,000 elite soldiers and generals.
In addition, there are 200,000 allied soldiers brought by the three Grand Dukes. Our military strength has already reached more than 400,000, which has long surpassed your army of 300,000. Once you invade our territory, the Grand Duke can also recruit 200,000 young men from the nearly one million subjects of the duchy to form a new legion to resist the invaders. It's just that our Royal Highness is benevolent, and at the same time, he also remembers the old relationship with the Crisen Empire. That's why he strictly ordered the frontlines to only defend and not counterattack. It's because he doesn't want to hurt the friendship with the Crisen Royal Family … "
Laurist put down the cup in his hand and began to applaud, "Well said, Count Churjwick. Please continue."
Continue? Continue what … Count Churjwick looked at Laurist in confusion, not understanding what he meant by continue. However, seeing that Laurist was listening attentively, he could only look at Grand Duke Fisablon, who was at the side, for help.
Grand Duke Fisablon wanted to laugh, but he could only suppress it and coughed twice to smooth things over. "That, Grand Duke Norton, do you really think that in a situation where our military strength is slightly inferior to theirs, we can really rely on His Majesty's strategy to conquer Handa Duchy?"
Old fox, you're pretending again. You even made me play the good guy. Laurist smiled, but still made it clear. "Count Churjwick, the three provinces of Handa Duchy have nearly a million subjects. I think it's very difficult to support a 400,000 strong army …"
Count Churjwick's face turned red, but his mouth refused to admit defeat. "No, it's not difficult at all. A few years ago, our duchy had good weather, and we had great harvests. Grain was piled up all over the granaries, enough to feed the 400,000 soldiers for four to five years. Furthermore, the Trade Alliance has given us a lot of support. Ever since they heard that you attacked the four central duchies, they have been sending all kinds of military supplies over without compensation.
They hope that the army of the four central duchies can teach your Majesty a profound lesson and make him recognize reality, so that he won't be so ambitious and have the idea of unifying the former empire. It's just that our Royal Highness is too soft-hearted, and doesn't want to meet you on the battlefield. That's why he asked me to find out your thoughts. If His Majesty Ogseiro's request is not too excessive, then it's better to stop the war and restore peace to the four central duchies as soon as possible … "
Hehe, you're still bragging. Nobles are hypocrites. If it was really as you said, would your Grand Duke still send you here? Everyone can slowly endure it, and see who can't endure it first. Laurist curled his lips in disdain, but did not expose him. He deliberately pretended to be in a difficult position. "Count Churjwick, I believe you're speaking the truth. But you should know His Majesty's temper. He has always hated the four Grand Duchies for betraying him. He believes that if the four Grand Dukes had not refused to return to the embrace of the Empire, his great cause of unifying the former empire would have long been revealed.
So, it's not that we don't want to help you, but His Majesty has long decided to destroy the four central duchies. If the four Grand Dukes are sensible, I personally think that it's better for you to surrender and beg for forgiveness in front of His Majesty. I believe that His Majesty will not harm the four Grand Dukes. "
"That's impossible!" Count Churjwick was so agitated that his face turned red. "We still have 400,000 troops in our hands. We will not surrender without a fight!"
Laurist slapped his thigh. "That's great. Since you refuse to surrender and understand His Majesty's stubbornness, then you might as well bring your 400,000 troops here. We will set up a battle formation and have a big battle. As long as you defeat us, His Majesty will naturally stop, and everyone will be able to live in peace for a few more years."
Count Churjwick's face turned pale in an instant. He knew that he had probably overestimated himself. In the current situation, he could defend but not attack, especially with Laurist on His Majesty's side. It was not like he had not seen the power of the Norton Family's armed forces in the North. Putting on a brave front in front of Laurist was counterproductive.
"Hehe, hehe." Count Churjwick laughed dryly and quickly changed the topic. "That, Your Highness Duke Norton, I, I am here on the orders of our Grand Duke to seek peace, not to have a big battle between us. Our Grand Duke sincerely wants to end this war. That's why he sent me here to ask for your opinions, to see if there is any way to end this pointless war … "
"Is that so?" Laurist was noncommittal. "Then tell me, what are your conditions?"
"Well, our Grand Duke said that if the two of you can convince His Majesty Ogseiro to restore the situation of the four central duchies before the war, the four Grand Dukes are willing to offer two million gold fords as a tribute to His Majesty. At the same time, they are willing to remove the title of the four duchies and return to His Majesty's command. In addition, they are also willing to offer a million gold fords as a tribute to the royal family every year …"
Haha, Laurist was so angry that he laughed. You expect His Majesty to agree to such conditions? And you want us to convince His Majesty? No wonder that old man pretended to be mute and did not say anything. If this war had not happened, His Majesty might have considered such conditions. Now that three duchies had been destroyed, they still brought up such conditions. Was Grand Duke Handa's head kicked by a donkey?
"Do you think His Majesty will agree to such conditions? If Grand Duke Handa is not sincere, he should not have sent you here. How about this, I will send you to His Majesty, and you can discuss these conditions with him yourself? "Laurist said impatiently.
Count Churjwick's face turned pale. In fact, he also felt that these conditions were ridiculous. However, these conditions were discussed by the four Grand Dukes, and not by Grand Duke Handa. Currently, the internal situation of the duchies was not good, and the relationship between the four Grand Dukes was not that harmonious. Grand Duke Fulundor was the most disciplined and could restrain his subordinates, while Grand Duke Sabaji had the least military strength. The most annoying one was Grand Duke Falkel. He was arrogant, and even though he lived in the duchies, he did not respect Grand Duke Handa at all.
Especially those nobles and knights under Grand Duke Falkel. Their actions were no different from bandits. They dared to rob villages and abduct women in the duchies, and even shamelessly announced that they had abandoned their duchies to protect Handa Duchy. What did it matter if they played with a few women?
Grand Duke Handra was furious. He sent his knights to capture those noble knights from the Falkel Duchy. Out of consideration for their alliance, he handed them over to Grand Duke Falkel to deal with. But they didn't expect Grand Duke Falkel to release all of them in the blink of an eye. He even said it was no big deal to kill a few peasants and play with a few women. At the very most, they could come to his place to have fun after they reclaimed the Falkel Duchy …
It was Grand Duke Handa's bad luck to meet such an asshole, especially when the asshole was his ally. Although Handa Duchy only needed to form two legions in the current war situation, the Grand Duke still formed three legions. This was because the third, the Black Dragon Legion, was to keep an eye on Grand Duke Falkel's Blood Spear Legion stationed in the duchy, to prevent them from ravaging the villages around the legion.
Count Churjwick was very clear about the current situation of the Handra Principality. 400,000 soldiers were not an exaggeration, but it would be an exaggeration to say that they could provide food for 400,000 soldiers for four to five years. Even if the Principality had a bumper harvest in the past few years, the consumption of food for 400,000 soldiers was so huge. The latest statistics showed that the food that the Principality had accumulated was only enough to provide for 400,000 soldiers for half a year. Even if the autumn harvest in October and the winter wheat harvest next spring were taken into account, it would at most last a month or two. Yet, in the face of such a food crisis, that Grand Duke Falkel still requested for his legion to be provided with sufficient meat and refined grains …
It was not that the four central dukes did not think of asking for help from the Trade Union, but how did the manager of Visia Trade Union, which was closest to Handa Duchy, answer? He could only express his sympathy for the four central duchies being attacked by the second prince. However, the Trade Union was currently focused on the war with the Southern Kingdom Coalition Army and could not provide support to the four central duchies. However, Visia Trade Union had dealt with the four central duchies in the past, so they were willing to sell a batch of armors and other military supplies to the four central duchies at a discount.
Although it was a discount, the price was thirty percent higher than usual, and the quality of the goods was still very poor. The manager still replied seriously that there was no other way, as there were wars everywhere, and military supplies were in high demand. To be able to provide the four Grand Dukes with this batch of military supplies was already the best that Vissia Merchant Group could do. Grand Duke Handa was so angry that he questioned on the spot. Wasn't Visia Trade Union worried that the second prince would target the trade union's territory, Podorg Province, after destroying the four central duchies? That was also the territory of the former Crimson Empire.
The manager answered proudly. Visia Trade Union was not worried about such a thing. After all, they were backed by the Forde Trade Union, the largest country in the Galinthia Continent …
It was because they could not find support from the Trade Union that the four central dukes wanted to ask for peace from the second prince. However, the first condition they came up with was to restore the situation before the war, which meant to restore the three destroyed duchies. It was impossible for the second prince to agree to this condition. How could he spit out the meat that he had swallowed? As for the two million gold fords, it was even less of a problem. As long as they conquered Handa Duchy, the two million gold fords would not be able to escape.
"If, if Your Highnesses can convince His Majesty Ogseiro to agree to our request, the four Grand Dukes will be rewarded with 500,000 gold fords each …" Count Churjwick was still trying his best.
Laurist was furious. I have almost earned two million gold fords from hunting in the Demonland. Are you trying to humiliate me with 500,000 gold fords?
"Count Churjwick, since you are the messenger, I can tolerate your rudeness, but I will not allow you to humiliate us. You can leave now. Tell the four dukes to wash their necks clean. I do not want to dirty my sword. "
"You …" Count Churjwick glared at Laurist.
Laurist ignored him. "Men, send the guest off!"
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