The next morning, Xilia led Sigmund to the Administrative Hall of the Royal Palace.
"Ambassador Sigmund, the commander is waiting for you inside. Please enter." Xilia stepped aside, folded her hands over her abdomen, and bowed.
Sigmund gave her a slight nod, observing the most basic courtesy due a kingdom's princess, then walked toward the hall.
"Sigmund Skelly, diplomatic envoy of the Kingdom of Skelly's delegation, pays his respects, my lord."
From his throne, Velin watched Sigmund bow respectfully. He raised his right hand slightly, lifting the envoy to his feet, then went straight to the point. "Ambassador Sigmund, what brings you here?"
Hearing this, Sigmund discarded all the pleasantries he had prepared and got straight to business. "My esteemed lord, I have come to seek an audience with you in Qixing West District to convey His Majesty's proposal to offer you territory."
"Oh?"
A curious look crossed Velin's face. He shifted in his seat and said, "Let's hear it."
"My esteemed lord, His Majesty wishes to offer half our territory in exchange for your withdrawing support from the Parambria Kingdom and supporting the Kingdom of Skelly instead."
"When you wage war against the Parambria Kingdom, our kingdom is willing to serve as your vanguard and contribute our share of strength."
Having finished, Sigmund maintained his respectful posture and waited for an answer.
Velin tapped the armrest lightly, a faint, amused smile on his face.
Sure enough, no king who could hold his ground in troubled times was a fool. First there had been Damian Bria of the Parambria Kingdom, who had offered all his territory to preserve his family. Now there was the king of the Kingdom of Skelly, willing to surrender half his territory and become a lapdog just to survive.
Of course, the fundamental reason was that