Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Seeing Viscount Penélope's expression, Lollister felt that the peace talks with the Commerce Alliance would not go smoothly. But Genolio said that Viscount Penélope had brought the vice president of the Peterson Chamber of Commerce with him. What was going on? Did he know his vice president and wanted to catch up?
Sure enough, after Viscount Penélope respectfully saluted, he said in shame, "Your Highness Duke Norton, I'm very sorry that I couldn't fulfill your request. Although I tried my best, the Grand Dukes of the Commerce Alliance didn't agree to negotiate with you. After discussing for two days, they still rejected your proposal to negotiate. They felt that it wasn't the right time to negotiate and declare a truce …"
"Thank you for running back and forth, Viscount Penélope. The Norton Family thanks you for your enthusiastic help. Regardless of whether the peace talks are successful in the future, we will not forget the efforts that you, our old friend, have made in achieving peace between the two countries." Lollister smiled warmly and invited Viscount Penélope to sit down. He had Genolio bring up a bottle of fruit wine for him to taste.
What was the Commerce Alliance planning? Lollister was a little puzzled. The Invincible Fleet was gone, and Moronte City and the Mana Hill Plains had fallen into the hands of the Norton Family. Only half of the four hundred thousand troops of the Commerce Alliance had retreated to Mawei Fulin Province. Although these two hundred thousand troops were the main force of the elite armed forces of the various Chambers of Commerce, they were far from the Norton Family's armed forces.
The Commerce Alliance was now in a situation where they could defend but not attack. Especially the provinces in the south of the continent, they were unable to provide strong support to the frontlines in a short period of time. Furthermore, the elite armed forces of Duke Fausta of the Chigeda Kingdom, the Firebird Army, had already surrendered to the Norton Family's armed forces. This basically cut off the possibility of the Commerce Alliance receiving reinforcements from the Chigeda Kingdom.
Could it be that they were stubborn? Lollister couldn't think of a reason why the Commerce Alliance would refuse the peace talks or where their confidence came from. He had already brought a ladder over, but not only were the merchants unwilling to take the opportunity to step down, they were even pointing fingers at him. Were these still the sly merchants who knew how to read people's eyes? It seemed that they hadn't had enough. Laurist was a little annoyed. He began to wonder if he should transfer the Flying Tiger Army and the Hunting Cavalry Army to the front lines to give the Trade Alliance a few more slaps in the face. How shameless!
"Your Highness, there's one more thing. The six companions who went with me this time all caught a cold because they were in too much of a hurry. When they arrived at their destination, they were bedridden. So, I had to come back alone. At the same time, I also brought their request. I hope that Your Highness can show mercy and release their families for the sake of their meager efforts, so that they can reunite as soon as possible and enjoy the happiness of a family. "Viscount Penélope asked somewhat embarrassedly.
Genolio curled his lips in disdain. These words were only meant to deceive children. Who would believe that someone with a cultivation of 2-3 Silver rank or above would easily catch a cold after a few days of traveling? It was obvious that the Trade Union had rejected the negotiation and they were no longer willing to return as captives. Now, they still wanted to fool their families. Dream on. Viscount Penélope, on the other hand, had the virtue of traditional nobility's integrity and did not return.
Laurist smiled in understanding. "The long journey was tiring, and you were in a hurry, so it was inevitable that a cold would catch. Speaking of which, it was also my abruptness that caused everyone to suffer. How about this, I will make arrangements for their families. When this war is over, they will be able to return to their families. "
"That's fine." Viscount Penélope also understood the current situation, so he naturally wouldn't let the Norton Family easily release the captives. He had already fulfilled his promise to his companions, so he wouldn't harp on this topic again. "Your Highness, although the Trade Union rejected the proposal to negotiate, they are not against contacting and understanding your family. This time, I also came back with a Vice-Chairman of the Peterson Chamber of Commerce, Earl Kite. I heard that he had business dealings with your family in the past and is also familiar with you. This time, he was entrusted by the Trade Union to discuss some matters with you. He is currently waiting outside for you to summon him … "
"Oh, it's Vice-Chairman Kite. Hahaha, why is he here? Genolio, quickly invite my old acquaintance in." Laurist was very happy.
"Yes, Your Highness.
"Back then, when I had just left Moronte City, President Peterson gave me a lot of help. Later on, our family obtained Silovas Island as a territory, and Vice-Chairman Kite visited many times to purchase goods on the island on behalf of the Peterson Chamber of Commerce. He made a lot of contributions to our family's development of Silovas Island. I wonder if Lord Viscount knows what Vice-Chairman Kite is here to discuss with the Norton Family on behalf of the Trade Union? "Laurist asked.
Viscount Penélope blushed with shame. "This, this I really don't know. After all, this is a major matter between two hostile countries, and they wouldn't discuss it with a defeated general like me. When I returned this time, I expressed Your Highness' sincerity to negotiate with them, but they were only concerned about how the Paragon Fleet was defeated. There were even some nobles who scolded me in front of me, accusing me of betraying the Trade Union's trust and trust, of sending the Paragon Fleet on the road to destruction, and of being greedy and afraid of death … "
A resentful expression appeared on Viscount Penélope's face. "They didn't know the details of that naval battle, nor did they know the specific situation at that time. They accused me of turning a naval battle that was supposed to be a victory into a great defeat. They didn't think that even if we didn't surrender and throw away our lives, could the Paragon Fleet have won? It was just that more people would die. To them, the crew and soldiers of the Paragon Fleet are nothing more than numbers on a piece of paper, but to me, they are living human lives, comrades-in-arms that I have been with day and night. Why should they be sacrificed in vain … "
Hmm, this Viscount Penélope was obviously criticized a lot after returning. As the commander of the Paragon Fleet, he had to bear the responsibility for the destruction of the Paragon Fleet. However, the viscount's commanding skills had given Laurist quite a surprise. Had it not been for the fact that he had been unlucky enough to charge straight to Laurist, only to find out that he was facing a Sword Saint and had no choice but to abandon his sword and surrender, the Norton Family's armed fleet would have suffered even greater casualties in the Battle of the Romani Cape.
Laurist was a little embarrassed, and he couldn't find any words to comfort Viscount Penélope, his defeated opponent. But at this time, Gerolio had already brought Vice President Carter into the reception room, and Laurist hurriedly got up to greet them.
"Hehe, President Carter, my friend, long time no see. How are you?"
"I'm really happy to see Your Highness again." Vice President Carter respectfully saluted. "I really didn't expect that after not seeing you for a few years, the Norton Family would become our enemy, and even occupy the capital of our Commerce Alliance, Moriente City, and drive our armed forces out of the Mana Hill Plains. This is really beyond our expectations. The affairs of the world are unpredictable! "
"Hehe, my friend, becoming enemies with the Commerce Alliance is not what the Norton Family wants. What I hope is to reach a commercial agreement with the Commerce Alliance and have friendly business dealings. Unfortunately, the war between you and our kingdom has been going on for three years, and it is a meaningless war. We don't want to pursue who is right and who is wrong, but we want to end this cruel bloody war. The Commerce Alliance and the Andinac Kingdom have already shed too much blood, and we can't let it flow any more. This is the main reason why the Norton Family returned to the battlefield. Unfortunately, you rejected my good intentions, and still want to continue this war. My friend, can you tell us when the merchants of the Commerce Alliance became a group of fanatical warmongers? "
"This …" Vice President Carter didn't know how to answer Laurist's question, but he reacted quickly, and very quickly retorted angrily with a flushed face. "It was your Andinac Kingdom that attacked the territory of the Commerce Alliance first. It was you who occupied the territory of our seven provinces, and slaughtered the nobles of the Commerce Alliance. Your Norton Family even looted the territory of the Commerce Alliance's Visia Chamber of Commerce, and killed all the higher-ups of the Chamber of Commerce. You destroyed a chamber of commerce with nearly 200 years of history and a high reputation! Your Highness Duke Norton, you won't deny these crimes committed by your family's armed forces, right? "
"Hehe, is that so?" Laurist replied with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I never knew when the seven provinces of the former Christen Empire became the territory of the Commerce Alliance. As the legitimate heir of the Christen Royal Family, our king, His Majesty Ognesero the First, wanted to recover all the territories of the former Christen Empire. Under his leadership, we nobles embarked on this great journey to revive the Christen Empire. To us, you are the invaders. What we are doing is merely cutting off the claws that you have extended over.
Forget it, it's useless to talk about the inheritance and glory of nobles with you merchants. Even if you put on the coat of nobles, merchants are still merchants. You only have profits in your eyes. Do you think that as long as you have it in your hands, it belongs to you? Temporary possession doesn't mean permanent occupation. We use our swords and spears to tell you that the land in the north isn't something you merchants can covet. Although the Andinac Kingdom is weak, it has more backbone than the countries in the central and southern regions.
As I said earlier, I don't care who is in the right and who is in the wrong. When you criticize us, please take a look at the tail sticking out from behind your butts. I don't know what you're plotting, or what you're relying on, to refuse my offer of peace talks when the situation is so unfavorable to you. In that case, my friend, please tell me, do you have a secret mission this time? "
"You …" Vice President Carter really wanted to argue with Laurist, but Laurist's sharp gaze made him feel as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over him, and he suddenly came to his senses. Back then, he was the vice president of the Peterson Merchant Group, one of the seven giants of the Commerce Alliance. He had once brought people to Sirovas Island to learn from the Norton Family about the training methods of the merchant group's armed forces. He had also signed a few commercial purchase agreements with the Norton Family. Although he respected Laurist on the surface, he actually didn't think much of him. After all, Laurist was just a lord in the north. Even if he was a Grand Duke, he was nothing compared to the Peterson Merchant Group.
But now, Laurist had another identity. He was the Sword Saint of the Andinac Kingdom. Vice President Carter didn't have to pay respect to his title. He was also a Count conferred by the Commerce Alliance. However, he had to show his respect for Lollister's Sword Saint strength. If he really angered Lollister, it would be very easy for him to take care of him, even though Lollister called him 'friend' affectionately. Furthermore, he could guarantee that no one in the Trade Alliance would be willing to stand up for him. His death would be in vain.
Vice President Carter took a step back. With a solemn expression, he placed his left hand in front of his chest and bowed to Laurist. "The envoy of the Trade Alliance, Earl Carter Wesrener, pays his respects to the Grand Duke of the Northern Region, His Highness the Blood Sword Saint, Norton. I have come under orders to represent the Commerce Alliance to give an official reply to the Grand Duke's proposal of peace talks. At the same time, I also have to discuss some matters with the Grand Duke. "
"Please …" Laurist said.
"Grand Duke Norton, the Commerce Alliance expresses its appreciation and support for the proposal of peace talks. However, before your invasion forces completely withdraw from the territory of the Commerce Alliance, we refuse to have peace talks with you. The Commerce Alliance will only have peace talks with you after you return the seven provinces you occupied and admit the war crimes you committed against the Commerce Alliance. For more than a hundred years, the Commerce Alliance has gradually grown and strengthened in the war against the invasion of the Christen Empire. In the end, we defeated the powerful invaders. This time, we firmly believe that justice will prevail. No matter how disadvantageous the situation is, the strong people of the Commerce Alliance will persevere until the final victory! Long live the Commerce Alliance! The Commerce Alliance will win! "
Laurist, Genolio, and Viscount Penélope stared dumbfoundedly at the impassioned Vice President Carter. Damn, are you here to declare war or to reply to the proposal of peace talks? Is there such a reply? At this moment, Laurist really suspected that he was dealing with a lunatic. Why was the Commerce Alliance so confident that they would obtain the final victory?
"Impudent! Men! " Genolio was furious. This bullsh * t Count Carter was too rude. He actually shouted battle slogans in front of Laurist. He must be crazy. At this moment, Genolio wanted to drag this lunatic away and teach him a lesson.
"Your Highness Duke Norton, I am the envoy! What I just said is the reply that the Commerce Alliance has given you! "Vice President Carter straightened his chest. His face was solemn, as though he was about to die a martyr.
"Oh, that's all? Nothing else? " Laurist sized up Vice President Carter with interest. He waved his hand to dismiss the two guards who had appeared by the door. He could already tell that Vice President Carter was reciting the reply, and it wasn't something that he had improvised on his own. En, there was nothing to argue with the recorder. He really did not know how the Commerce Alliance came up with such a reply.
"Uh … Are you not going to punish me?" Vice President Carter asked curiously.
"Punish you? Is that interesting? " Laurist waved his hand magnanimously. "You are merchants after all, so you do not understand the etiquette of nobles. It is completely understandable that you would make such a ridiculous reply. I forgive you for your mistake. Anyway, that's all there is to it. You are not willing to lose, so continue to resist to the end. No matter, we do not care. In the end, you will understand that victory is not justice, but strength.
As nobles, even if the envoy is a stupid farmer, we will still treat him with respect. So, you do not have to worry that such a reply will offend us. So, please continue. Apart from the reply about the peace talks, what else does the Commerce Alliance want to discuss with me? "
"Oh, it's like this." Vice President Carter's face was red with embarrassment. "Although we are at war, we are actually in a state of truce. So, the various Chambers of Commerce of the Commerce Alliance have entrusted me to ask Your Highness if you can return the captives who surrendered to you in Moronte City to us. The various Chambers of Commerce are willing to pay a corresponding ransom for these captives. To thank Your Highness for your magnanimity and benevolence. "
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