"Marshal, the Black Forest people have compromised!"
Having received this good news just after getting up, even Hudson, who had trained himself never to show joy or anger, could not help but smile.
All their previous planning had not been in vain. The facts proved that the pressure of survival was what most easily made people abandon their bottom line.
Military pressure, financial pressure, logistical pressure—under the simultaneous assault of all three, the Black Forest Kingdom had no choice but to compromise.
"They agreed to fully open up trade as well?"
Hudson asked.
Giving up the Hundred-Mile Corridor was inevitable. Once the Alpha Kingdom sent out troops, it would certainly occupy the area, and the Black Forest Kingdom simply lacked the strength to contest it.
Fully opening trade was another matter. It meant the final obstacle to commerce between the two kingdoms had been cleared, and the Southeast Province would soon see wealth pouring in.
Unlike the noble serf economy of the Alpha Kingdom, the Black Forest Kingdom had a large number of free citizens, and its internal economy was far more dynamic.
Its corresponding economic institutions were also more advanced. It had unified its tariffs long ago.
"Marshal, the Black Forest people agreed far more readily than we expected. This is the signed treaty draft!"
Governor Pierce said spiritedly.
The two of them had devised this plan together, but Pierce had handled the actual implementation single-handedly.
Politics valued legitimacy.
Although Hudson held great power and authority, he was ultimately a military commander. Other than several provinces under military administration, he had no right to interfere in the internal affairs of other provinces.
Only local administrative leaders could represent their provinces. Hudson, who disliked taking on unnecessary matters, naturally pushed the task onto Governor Pierce.
More precisely, without authorization from