Chapter 126: This Is Peace Negotiation (3)

Chapter 126: This Is Peace Negotiation (3)

Upon hearing those words, Assistant Henri started to sweat profusely due to surprise and tension, rolling his eyes from side to side.

Eventually, he responded as if feigning ignorance, like a high school student caught watching an inappropriate video and awkwardly whistling.

Pro pro-war faction and pro-peace faction? Our Francois Republic was established by nobles and the people together after overthrowing the oppressive Cafe royal family. So, we are all one. To suggest dividing us into factions what a terrible joke

Watching him speak like that, I inwardly wanted to advise him to wipe the sweat from his forehead and neck and lie a bit more convincingly.

However, since he was a top diplomat of the Empire, making such direct comments in a diplomatic setting could hurt his pride.

Ah, since I didnt have to be tactful, I could just say it, but anyway.

After all, he was bound to be sweating profusely today, so it seemed unnecessary to tell him to wipe it off.

Isnt it a fact known to even a mere peasant of the Francois Republic? The Republic is divided into pro-war and pro-peace factions, and they engage in lengthy discussions to find common ground whenever their directions differ.

Though I termed it lengthy discussions, what I meant was that it was standard to engage in arguments and not hesitate to do whatever it took to weaken the position of the opposing faction.

Upon hearing this, Assistant Henri, who had spent years in diplomacy and become a master of circumlocution, responded with a calm expression, quite different from the tense one he had just two minutes earlier when he heard that I might negotiate with the pro-war faction.

Haha, even a young general and famed commander of the Reich Empire doesnt seem to know much about the Francois Republic. Although our opinions differ, we all wish for the prosperity of Francois with one heart. So, we are united.

Is that so? Then, I made a faux pas. I misunderstood that unlike the pro-peace faction, who can set aside their opinions for national interest, the pro-war faction might betray the opposing faction for their survival. I deeply apologize for my misunderstanding and will make it up to you personally later.

Since the political systems of the Republic and the Empire are different, such misunderstandings can occur. Your intention is enough.

At that moment, Henri smiled, thinking he had an opportunity to regain the initiative.

It seemed he thought I had failed in probing the division of the Republics leadership into two factions.

He seemed to plan on using that as a basis to gain an advantage in the negotiation, but it was a big mistake to think I would fall for it so easily.

I looked at his smiling face and responded with the cold expression and voice I used when commanding on the battlefield.

If the pro-peace and pro-war factions of the Republic were truly united, they wouldnt stop the war just because an army of about 100,000 men was defeated. Therefore, even if a peace treaty is signed, the Republic might mobilize an even larger army of over 200,000 next time for revenge. The Reich Empire does not wish for such a cycle of war.

Therefore, it would be better for you to offer us more generous terms. What do you think? Would you be satisfied with the area around Sargminne Castle? If you agree to end the war on these terms, I will personally give you 30,000 gold. If you wish, Ill also provide a beauty from the Republic.

Those are tempting terms, alright. Lets do it this way.

Yes, Major General Yaeger

Ah, then, since I do not want war, Ill tell Duke Benner that its important to confirm if both factions still have the will to continue the war. You would think that if the two factions are working together for the good of the nation, this wont affect their unity, right? We can also use generous terms to minimize damage.

Ah, ah

Members of the pro-war faction, in their patriotism, have to endure the thought of their wives and daughters being raped and sexually tortured by the inquisitors, dying miserably.

If the leadership of the Republic were preparing for war, the situation would head towards the worst possible outcome.

Even if I had to give up my promotion and couldnt become a General for about 10 years, I would beg His Highness the Crown Prince and His Majesty the Emperor to keep the demands on Francois to a minimum.

Because if the pro-war and pro-peace factions were so determined to fight, this operation would eventually turn into a total war, the worst type of war that grinds up the lives and assets of the entire population, like the one that led to Germanys downfall on Earth.

If the Francois Republic, with a population difference of several tens of millions, and the Reich Empire engaged in total war we were not confident of victory either.

No, if Francois engaged in total war, neighboring countries would seize the opportunity to attack the Empire, resulting in a gang-up, and there would be no country left for me to live in with my stars.

Well, there was not the slightest chance of that happening.

So, when I was about to step out of the meeting room with the documents I had already prepared, Assistant Henri began to kneel and beg in front of me.

Please spare me. I have a beloved youngest daughter, who is only 10 years old, along with six daughters and sons who are like my own flesh and blood. I will persuade the parliamentarians and the assembly to meet as many of your countrys demands as possible

Hearing that, I inwardly sighed with relief.

Because His Majesty the Emperor said that any threat was acceptable for the Empires interest, but what if Assistant Henri hadnt listened to my words?

It could have backfired on me as well.

Do you really want to live?

Yes, please save me.

With a grin, I responded.

Then make a peace deal with me. In return, we will give you a justification to sweep the main battle and rule.



ED/N: Ulleungdo is an island off the east coast of South Korea, known for its natural beauty and distinctive local products. The mention of "pumpkin candy" from Ulleungdo suggests a specialty item from this region, likely known for its quality or uniqueness. In this context, the speaker seems to be implying that while they might not be able to offer something conventionally prestigious or globally recognized (like experiences related to cosmopolitan cities such as Hong Kong or something significant to the French Republic), they can offer something unique and valuable in its own right - a special, perhaps artisanal, product from Ulleungdo.