At those words, Ilius's expression shifted rapidly. He smiled and said, "Sir, shall we sit down and talk?"
"With pleasure."
Seeing Ilius's friendly smile, with none of the murderous intent that had filled his eyes earlier, Kyle chuckled.
As expected of someone who had fought his way out of a declining family's predicament. Few people could match his composure.
At Ilius's invitation, Kyle sat down opposite him.
"Sir, may I ask what important business brought you here?"
Kyle was not annoyed by Ilius asking a question he already knew the answer to. He smiled and said, "General Ilius, my Lord knows your family's history, especially your own story. He admires your talent and wishes to guide you into the camp of order, making you part of the new world."
Ilius believed only half of Kyle's words.
Their purpose in seeking his surrender was clear: to gain the greatest benefit at the lowest cost. Admiration for his talent was merely their excuse.
"Sir, if I choose to serve you, what can you offer me?" Ilius looked straight into Kyle's eyes, cast aside his inhibitions, and got straight to the point.
"General Ilius, I appreciate intelligent people like you."
"If you are willing to surrender the city, my Lord is willing to appoint you commander of a detached force of thirty thousand men. He also promises to secure a count's territory for you in the new nation after we capture the German Kingdom's Royal Capital."
"Sir, your terms are indeed tempting, but how can you guarantee that your Lord will fulfill his promises to me?" Ilius voiced his concern without beating around the bush.
"My Lord has powerful backing. You need not worry that we will break our word."
At that, Ilius fell silent.
He knew better than anyone whether the German