Inside the Sarkaz palace's council chamber, a man's and a woman's hands were locked together. Both had flushed red from exerting themselves.
Theresica watched with interest from the side as Manfred arm-wrestled a Leithanien slave laborer. One shouldn't underestimate her—in this simple contest of strength, Manfred had already fallen behind.
After remaining locked in a stalemate for quite some time, Manfred finally couldn't hold on any longer. His hand was slammed onto the table.
"Your Majesty..."
"That's enough. Don't look at me like that. I didn't summon you just to see what she was capable of."
The burly Manfred looked deeply uncomfortable, and Theresica could barely keep the corners of his mouth from twitching. He quickly shifted his attention to another matter.
"I want to transfer another thousand people from the First Army."
"Huh? Your Majesty, what do you intend to do?"
"Establish Kazdel's cavalry corps. You must have deeply felt how troublesome Kazimierz's Siege Rams were this time. What if our army could have a mobile force of its own?"
Theresica said, "Based on an enormous number of samples, the Confessors have compiled a complete set of information from the Kazimierz casualties. The handlers of Kazimierz's Siege Rams are also willing to provide us with their knowledge so that they can return safely."
Manfred fell silent and sank into thought. "Your Majesty, it would certainly be a good thing if we could have Beastmaster Knights as well. But I learned a few things while fighting Kazimierz. These animals have extremely demanding husbandry requirements. Kazdel probably really can't raise them on a large scale right now."
"That is my problem to solve. What you need to do now is prepare the personnel."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Manfred nodded, but doubts lingered in his heart. How does His Majesty intend to solve it?
How was it to be solved? Theresica didn't know either. However, he had Warfarin dissect a Siege Ram, then combined that with the husbandry essentials provided by the Kazimierzi handlers and compiled a report.
After being polished, the report was now being sent to Trimount in Columbia. Rhine Lab would receive a sum of money and a mission: to develop a special edible, easily digestible feed.
A letter was attached as well, written specifically for Kristen. To motivate her, Theresica had written:
Ms. Kristen, when heading to an unknown place, the first problem one has to face is supplies. If you could replenish nutrients directly without relying on food, wouldn't that save space and allow you to carry more provisions?
I'm taking advantage of her dream, but I haven't actually lied... Have I really become this kind of person?
Theresica suddenly froze, but in the end, he could only smile helplessly.
"Has Your Majesty encountered something happy?"
"No."
Theresica looked toward the newcomer. It was the leader of the Shapeshifters.
"Is there any new information from Kazimierz?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Shapeshifter nodded. "Overnight, the Kazimierz High Commission announced that Tolk had acted independently and attacked another country without authorization, causing enormous losses of property and life. The incumbent Grand Knight Commander resigned to take responsibility, and the former Grand Knight Commander, Iolanta Russell, was reinstated."
"She ordered that Tolk and a number of others be declared traitors, and all their assets confiscated. The Sankta named Mostima is on her way back to Kazdel. She is carrying Kazimierz's official diplomatic letter. That Grand Knight Commander Russell is preparing to negotiate peace with us."
"Uh... Didn't Kazimierz have anti-war demonstrations before? How serious are things this time?" Theresica asked curiously.
"No. There has been no unrest this time."
The Shapeshifter said, "That Kuranta named Tolk is a military noble. The soldiers used in this operation all belonged to him. Those who went with him also used their own soldiers, and they raised the military expenses themselves. Therefore, Kazimierz has received almost no relevant news."
"Moreover, before ordering the High Commission to make the announcement, Grand Knight Commander Russell ordered Cyril Long Rider to lead the Silverlance Pegasus Knights and thirty thousand Knights Errant into the Grand Knight Territory to impose armed control."
"This Russell person is truly decisive."
Theresica was somewhat surprised. He still remembered how, when Kazimierz went to war with Kazdel, this Grand Knight Commander had stepped down at once, without the slightest hesitation.
"However, since this Grand Knight Commander has declared them traitors, we won't keep them around either."
"Your Majesty, what do you intend to do?"
"Do something interesting."
Theresica smiled at the Shapeshifter leader. "I wonder, do you have any free time?"
Inside the internment camp holding Kazimierz's surrendered soldiers, the assembly whistle suddenly sounded. The prisoners were brought out in groups to assemble. Standing before them, the messenger loudly read Theresica's orders.
"A soldier's duty is to obey orders, and you were not the ones who started this war. They incited you to come here and die for their honor. Those are the people who truly deserve to die. Therefore, if any of you can identify who directed you and provide sufficient evidence, I will consider releasing those who had nothing to do with starting the war."
The prisoners instantly erupted. They had all assumed they would die here, but now a chance to survive had appeared. If the soldiers maintaining order hadn't been strong enough, they would nearly have been swept off their feet by the surging crowd.
"I came here with Novs Long Rider! He said we could obtain new territory here! I didn't want to come—it was his constant enticement!"
"I don't like fighting! Panderle Long Rider said he'd give me money if I came here. I'm only a low-ranking Knight Errant, but my family needed money, so I came!"
"I only received orders to assemble the troops and march. I truly know nothing! All the orders were passed down to me by my superior, Igna Long Rider."
Whether they were making things up or telling the truth, Theresica didn't care. He ordered the prisoners' appearances as they spoke to be recorded with cameras, and had written transcripts made of everything they said.
"Your Majesty, what use are these?" the Shapeshifter leader asked curiously.
"Who knows? When they're useless, they're just wastepaper. But in the future, they might all become bombs."
Theresica casually flipped through several copies, a smile appearing on his face. "I'll entrust you with managing this new department."
Record: On May 15, 1071 of Terra, under Theresica's direction, the Kazdel Special Archives Administration Office was established. Name—Stasi.
Chapter 63: Peace Talks
War brought destruction, but it was also one of the most direct driving forces behind development. The Sarkaz summarized the experience gained from this war and made some experimental changes to themselves.
Theresica ordered the establishment of a Beastmaster Knight corps modeled after Kazimierz's, adding crossbowmen equipped with semi-automatic crossbows and casters to serve as part of Kazdel's cavalry corps.
They directly used the armor of Kazimierz's Beastmaster Knights and, with the help of the Kuranta, learned how to ride the Siege Rams.
At the same time, the Sarkaz began working to strengthen the training of junior officers. After losing their commanders, the Knights Errant had spontaneously obeyed the orders of senior officers nearby. This left a deep impression on the Sarkaz.
All of this was preparation for the next war.
Although Kazimierz was preparing to negotiate peace, Theresica did not believe peace would last forever.
However, the Laterano Pope knew none of this. He only knew that during this conflict, the Sarkaz had shown terrifying restraint. Even when Kazimierz had charged right up to their faces, the strongest people in the Royal Court had kept a firm watch over the sea.
Moreover, after defeating Kazimierz, the Sarkaz had not gone on a frenzied advance. Instead, they had properly dealt with the prisoners and done nothing unacceptable. Kazimierz, for its part, had promptly corrected its course.
A disaster for Terra had fortunately dissipated.
After learning that Grand Knight Commander Russell of Kazimierz intended to negotiate peace, the Laterano Pope immediately dispatched his own envoy. Weirdleaf arrived in Kazdel almost at the same time as Mostima, and two diplomatic letters were placed before Theresica.
Grand Knight Commander Russell frankly admitted her error and requested that the prisoners' basic safety be guaranteed, with all other matters to be discussed slowly after they met. The Laterano Pope stated that he would do everything in his power to assist with peace, and asked that, if possible, the negotiations be held in Siracusa as soon as possible.
Theresica felt nothing in particular and agreed to the proposals of both the Grand Knight Commander and the Pope. Before departing, however, he ordered the Banshee to deliver a letter to Feodor of Ursus. What followed was a series of exchanged letters, continuing until Theresica set out for Siracusa.
On June 1, the Gray Hall was Siracusa's highest political venue, but today it was filled with Papal Knights from Laterano, Royal Court Guards from the Sarkaz, and Silverlance Pegasus Knights from Kazimierz.
The Pope, Theresica, and Russell sat around a table, with their respective entourages behind them.
But this time was different. We were in the right, and we had won!
Theresica had completely changed his former attitude. With the Confessors, the Banshee, and the Corpse Eater leaders standing behind him, he exuded an overwhelming pressure. The Silverlance Pegasus Knights and Papal Knights couldn't help but tense up.
Russell secretly sensed that something was wrong, but could only brace herself and say, "Regarding the recent sudden incident and the losses it caused, we feel deeply apologetic. Kazimierz is willing to provide five hundred billion Rubles in direct financial compensation, but requests that Kazdel release all the prisoners of war."
"Your conditions are not satisfactory."
Theresica said directly, "For Kazimierz's reckless actions, we demand one and a half trillion Rubles in direct financial compensation, the unilateral abolition of tariffs on goods, and the right to deal with all the prisoners of war as we see fit..."
"That is unreasonable. These are all citizens of Kazimierz."
"And do you know how many people the Sarkaz lost?!"
At first, everyone had maintained their dignity and negotiated in a measured manner. But as time passed and the arguments went back and forth, emotions spiraled out of control, and the talks instantly turned into a quarrel in a country market.
"I said what I want. It cannot be changed!"
"If Kazdel refuses to alter its demands, we will be unable to agree."
Faced with this situation, Theresica did not hesitate for even a moment. He stood up and left, bringing the negotiations to an immediate halt. The Laterano Pope and Russell were left rooted to the spot.
Pope: This young king is completely different today from before!
After leaving the Gray Hall, Theresica sent the three leaders back to their lodgings, then had Shining accompany him as he visited various tourist attractions in Volscian.
He sampled all kinds of local food and bought entertainment products to his heart's content. When he grew tired, he even had Shining carry him around while he wandered, looking completely like a somewhat willful child.
Shining advised him, "You should finish the peace negotiations. That is what truly matters."
"I don't like her conditions, so I can't be bothered to negotiate with her."
In the park, Theresica rested his head on Shining's thighs. "I've been on the throne for so long and done so many things. I'm already exhausted. What's wrong with taking this opportunity to rest properly and play for a few days?"
For several days afterward, the negotiations made no progress at all. Theresica only asked whether Russell agreed to his demands. Whenever she said no, he immediately went out to play, as if he intended to visit every corner of Volscian.
At this point, Ursus suddenly made a move. Emperor Feodor inexplicably ordered his newly formed Fifth Army Group to assemble near the capital.
At the same time, Kazimierz intelligence agents reported that large quantities of military supplies were being secretly transported toward Kazimierz's borders, bypassing Ursus's civilian channels.
Upon hearing this, Russell truly panicked. But Theresica's current behavior left her completely at a loss. What country would let a child handle matters of state?! Even if he was royalty, it was still unacceptable!
I haven't even married yet. How am I supposed to know how to talk to a child?
Russell tried to negotiate with Theresica in private, but whenever she found him on the streets, he was already asleep in Shining's arms. And Shining refused to say a single extra word to Russell.
"His Majesty is tired today. Please don't disturb him."
Russell knew how to negotiate with diplomatic personnel, but she truly had no idea how to deal with a child who wielded state power.
She secretly sent people, and even went herself, to contact the three leaders who had accompanied Theresica. But the Confessors and the Corpse Eater were like statues, ignoring anyone who spoke to them. Only the female Banshee was willing to exchange a few words. Even so, what she said left Russell greatly shocked.
Russell: "Is it really appropriate for your king to play around like this all day...?"
Banshee: "Children his age are supposed to love playing. It's perfectly normal."
Russell: "Won't that delay important matters?"
Banshee: "What could possibly be more important than the king's wishes?"
Russell was speechless. This was absolutely not the sort of thinking found in a normal national government! That very night, an elderly man in a suit rushed to Kazdel from Kazimierz, and Russell discussed matters with him for the entire night.
The next day, she looked at Theresica and said, "We agree to one and a half trillion Rubles in direct financial compensation, but you must return all the prisoners."
"The prisoners are my spoils of war. I won't give them back."
Theresica grinned. "These knights just fought a battle against the Sarkaz. They probably won't have many easy days ahead even after they return. It's truly pitiful. Why doesn't Kazimierz abandon those places it can't hold? Then there won't be any conflict between us."
Russell's hand, hidden beneath the table, clenched into a fist. Her knuckles paled slightly, and a sheen of sweat appeared on her forehead.
Are the Sarkaz and Ursus working together?!
She wasn't negotiating with the Sarkaz. She was negotiating with two countries!
Russell did her best to keep her expression composed, but her heart was roiling like a storm. How was she supposed to survive this situation? She suddenly felt as if she were desperately holding together a dilapidated landship amid the devastation of a Catastrophe.
Gods, is Kazimierz really going to decline from this point on?!
Chapter 64: Wendigo
Although the Sarkaz had defeated Kazimierz, they were actually in an awkward position. They did not border Kazimierz, nor could they send troops on a long-distance expedition. Moreover, Kazimierz still had a large number of Knights Errant, as well as powerful members of truly old-established knight families, such as the Nearl Family.
Continuing the war would no longer be worthwhile, and it would also cost them their advantageous political position. In truth, the only bargaining chip Theresica could rely on was the 120,000 prisoners in his hands.
If Kazimierz truly didn't want those 120,000 prisoners, Theresica would have no way to force them. Therefore, he could only find a way to "inflate their price," while Ursus could directly and effectively create a window of demand for Kazimierz.
Thus, Theresica brought Ursus into the negotiations, essentially forming a coalition to negotiate with Kazimierz. As long as he ceded part of Kazimierz's interests to Ursus, Kazdel could use Ursus's influence to obtain more benefits while also currying favor with Ursus.
The Sarkaz profited, and Ursus got a piece of meat for free. As for who lost out... no one cared.
After a day of arguing, the final peace terms were as follows.
Kazimierz would directly compensate the Sarkaz for their economic losses with 900 billion Rubles, as well as provide large quantities of technology, industrial processes, other means of production, and industrial machinery. At the same time, it would abandon several "disputed" regions in the east that currently bordered Ursus, leaving them for the Sarkaz to handle.
As for the 120,000 prisoners, the Kazimierz High Commission would pay war reparations in installments within a month, bringing back those whose ransoms were paid.
The Sarkaz, meanwhile, provided a trial list of over one hundred people and demanded that these Kazimierz nobles be executed in Kazdel.
Russell's eyes were bloodshot as she stared fixedly at the terms, but she was powerless to change them. In the end, she could only write her name at the bottom.
Under the Pope's witness, Theresica and Russell shook hands, confirming that peace had been restored between the two countries.
That same day, Laterano, Kazimierz, and Ursus officially announced to all Terra that they recognized Kazdel's status as a nation and would establish permanent embassies there.
Theresica subsequently announced that he would gift the territories to Ursus.
Upon receiving the news, Feodor publicly declared with excitement that, to Ursus, Kazdel was unlike any other country on Terra. The two nations shared a profound friendship.
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