In Terra, I Have No Books Left

Inside the council hall of the Sarkaz palace, a man and a woman clasped hands, their faces flushed from exertion.

Theresica watched with amusement as Manfred arm-wrestled a Leithanien serf. Don't underestimate the serf; Manfred was clearly at a disadvantage in this pure test of strength.

After a prolonged stalemate, Manfred finally succumbed, his hand pinned to the table.

"Your Majesty..."

"Enough. Don't look at me like that. I didn't just call you here to see her capabilities."

Theresica's lips twitched, struggling to suppress a smile at Manfred's discomfort. He quickly shifted his attention to another matter.

"I want to pull another thousand men from the First Division."

"Ah? What do you intend to do, Your Majesty?"

"Establish the Kazdel Cavalry Corps. You must have keenly felt how troublesome the Kazimierz Siege Rams were this time. What if our army could also have a mobile unit?"

Theresica continued, "Leveraging a massive amount of data, the Absolver has compiled complete information from Kazimierz's fallen personnel. The breeders of Kazimierz's Siege Rams, in order to return safely, have also expressed their willingness to provide us with knowledge."

Manfred fell silent, lost in thought. "Your Majesty, if we could also have Beast Tamers, it would undoubtedly be a great thing. However, I also learned a bit when fighting against Kazimierz; the requirements for raising these animals are extremely high. Kazdel probably can't mass-breed them on a large scale right now."

"That's a problem I will solve. What you need to do now is prepare the personnel."

"As you command."

Manfred nodded, but a hint of doubt lingered in his mind. How would His Majesty solve it?

How to solve it? Theresica didn't know either. However, he had asked Warfarin to dissect a Siege Ram and then, combined with the breeding points mentioned by the Kazimierz breeders, compiled a report.

This report, after being polished, was now being sent to Trimount, Columbia. Rhine Lab would receive funding and a mission: they would be responsible for developing a special edible and easily digestible feed.

Attached was also a letter specifically for Kristen. To motivate her, Theresica explained in it:

To Ms. Kristen, when venturing into an unknown territory, the first challenge is always supply. If we could bypass food and directly supplement nutrients, wouldn't that save space for carrying more supplies?

'Although I'm exploiting her dream, I'm not lying. But... have I become this kind of person?'

Theresica suddenly froze, but in the end, he could only let out a wry smile.

"Did Your Majesty encounter something pleasant?"

"No."

Theresica looked towards the newcomer, the chief of the Shapeshifters.

"Is there any new news from Kazimierz?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Shapeshifter chief nodded. "Overnight last night, the Kazimierz Council announced that Tolk acted on his own, unilaterally attacking another nation and causing immense property and life loss. The current Grand Knight Commander has resigned, and the former Grand Knight Commander, Iolanta Russell, has been reinstated."

"She has ordered Tolk and a series of personnel to be declared traitors, and all their assets to be confiscated. A Sankta named Mostima is on her way back to Kazdel, carrying Kazimierz's official diplomatic correspondence. This Grand Knight Commander Russell is preparing to negotiate peace with us."

"Uh... weren't there anti-war protests in Kazimierz before? How did that turn out this time?" Theresica asked curiously.

"No, no one caused trouble this time."

The Shapeshifter chief explained, "That Kuranta named Tolk is a military noble. The soldiers used in this operation belonged to him, and those who accompanied him also used their own soldiers. The military expenses were also self-funded by them, so there was almost no related news in Kazimierz."

"Furthermore, before ordering the Council to announce the matter, Grand Knight Commander Russell ordered the Cyril Long Riders, along with the Silverlance Pegasus Knights and thirty thousand Knight Errants, to garrison the Grand Knight's territory and implement armed control."

"This Russell person is truly decisive."

Theresica was somewhat surprised. He remembered that when Kazimierz went to war with Kazdel, this Grand Knight Commander had swiftly stepped down without any hesitation.

"However, since this Grand Knight Commander has declared them traitors, we shouldn't keep them either."

"Your Majesty, what do you intend to do?"

"Stir up some interesting things."

Theresica smiled at the Shapeshifter chief. "I wonder, do you have any free time?"

Inside the concentration camp where the surrendered Kazimierz soldiers were held, a whistle suddenly blew for assembly. The prisoners were marched out in groups. Standing before them, a messenger loudly read Theresica's order.

"A soldier's duty is to obey orders, and you are not the instigators of this war. They incited you to come here and die for their honor; those are the ones who truly deserve to die. Therefore, if any of you can identify who ordered you and provide sufficient evidence, I will consider releasing those not directly involved in the battlefield."

The prisoners erupted. They had all thought they were going to die here, but now there was a glimmer of hope for survival. If the soldiers maintaining order weren't strong enough, they would have been nearly crushed by the surging crowd.

"I came with the Novs Long Rider! He said I could get new territory here! I didn't want to come, but he kept tempting me!"

"I don't like fighting! The Panderle Long Rider said he'd give me money to come here. I'm just a low-ranking Knight Errant, and my family needed money, so I came!"

"I was just following orders to assemble and march. I really don't know anything. All orders came from my superior, the Igna Long Rider."

Whether they were speaking carelessly or truthfully, Theresica didn't care. He ordered people to record their statements with video equipment and to keep textual backups of everything they said.

"Your Majesty, what's the use of these?" the Shapeshifter chief asked curiously.

"Who knows? When they're useless, they're just scrap paper, but maybe in the future, they'll be bombs."

Theresica casually flipped through a few pages, a smile appearing on his face. "This new department, I'll entrust you with managing it."

Record: May 15th, Terra Year 1071. At Theresica's instruction, the Kazdel Special Archives Management Department was established, named - Stasi.

Chapter 63: Peace Talks

War brings destruction, but it is also one of the most direct driving forces for development. The Sarkaz summarized their experiences from this war and made some experimental changes to themselves.

Theresica ordered the establishment of Beast Rider Knight units modeled after Kazimierz, adding archers who used semi-automatic crossbows and Arts users, as part of the Kazdel Cavalry Corps.

They directly used the armor of the Kazimierz Beast Rider Knights and, with the help of the Kuranta, learned to ride the siege rams.

At the same time, the Sarkaz were also learning to strengthen the training of their junior officers. The Knight Errants, having lost their commanders, spontaneously obeyed the orders of the senior officers around them, which left a deep impression on the Sarkaz.

These were all preparations for the next war.

Although Kazimierz was now preparing for peace talks, Theresica did not believe that peace would last forever.

However, none of this was known to the Laterano Pope. He only knew that during this conflict, the Sarkaz had shown terrifying restraint. Even when Kazimierz had charged right up to their doorstep, the strongest individuals in the royal court had kept a close watch on the sea.

Furthermore, after defeating Kazimierz, the Sarkaz had not launched a frenzied advance. Instead, they had properly handled the prisoners and had not done anything unacceptable. Kazimierz, for their part, had also promptly corrected their own actions.

A disaster for Terra had fortunately dissipated.

Upon learning that Grand Knight Commander Russell of Kazimierz was preparing for peace talks, the Laterano Pope immediately dispatched his own envoy. Weirdleaf arrived in Kazdel almost simultaneously with Mostima, and two diplomatic letters were placed before Theresica.

Grand Knight Commander Russell frankly admitted their mistakes and requested guarantees for the basic safety of the prisoners, with all subsequent matters to be discussed later. The Laterano Pope, meanwhile, expressed his full support for peace and requested that negotiations be concluded in Siracusa as soon as possible.

Theresica felt nothing internally and agreed to the proposals of the Grand Knight Commander and the Pope. However, before departing, he ordered the Banshee to deliver a letter to Feodor of Ursus. This was followed by a series of exchanges until Theresica set off for Siracusa.

On June 1st, Gray Hall, the highest political venue in Siracusa, was filled with Papal Knights from Laterano, Royal Court Guards from Sarkaz, and Silverlance Pegasus Knights from Kazimierz.

The Pope, Theresica, and Russell sat at the same table, with their respective entourages behind them.

However, this time was different; they had justice on their side and had won!

Theresica's attitude had changed. Behind him stood the three clan leaders: the Absolver, the Banshee, and the Corpse Eater, exuding immense pressure. The Silverlance Pegasus Knights and the Papal Knights couldn't help but tense up.

Russell secretly sensed something was amiss but could only brace herself and say, "We are very sorry for the recent unforeseen events and the losses incurred. Kazimierz is willing to offer direct economic compensation of 50 billion Rubles, but in return, we demand that Kazdel release all prisoners of war."

"We are not satisfied with your terms."

Theresica stated directly, "For Kazimierz's reckless actions, we demand direct economic compensation of 150 billion Rubles, the unilateral cancellation of tariffs on goods, and that all prisoners of war be at our disposal..."

"That's unreasonable. These are the citizens of my Kazimierz."

"Then do you know how many people Sarkaz lost?!"

At first, everyone maintained their composure and negotiated slowly. However, as time went on and the back-and-forth haggling escalated, emotions became uncontrollable, and the negotiation site quickly devolved into a chaotic free-for-all.

"What I say is what I want, and it cannot be changed!"

"If Kazdel does not change its demands, then we cannot agree."

Faced with this situation, Theresica left without a moment's hesitation, abruptly ending the negotiations. This left the Laterano Pope and Russell dumbfounded.

Pope: This young king is different from before and now!

Leaving Gray Hall, Theresica sent the three clan leaders back to their residences and then, accompanied by Shining, began visiting various tourist areas in Volscian.

He tasted local delicacies, indulged in buying entertainment products, and even had Shining carry him around when he got tired. He seemed like a somewhat willful child.

Shining advised, "You should complete the peace negotiations. That is the truly important matter."

"I don't like her conditions, and I can't be bothered to talk to her."

In the park, Theresica rested his head on Shining's lap. "I've been on the throne for so long and done so much; I'm already very tired. While I'm out, I might as well rest properly. What's a few days of playing going to do?"

For the next few days, the negotiations made no progress. Theresica only asked Russell if she agreed to his demands. As soon as she disagreed, he would go out to play, as if he intended to visit every corner of Volscian City.

At this time, Ursus suddenly caused a stir. Emperor Feodor, without any apparent reason, ordered his newly formed Fifth Army Group to assemble near the capital.

Simultaneously, Kazimierz intelligence reported that a large quantity of military supplies was being secretly transported to the Kazimierz border, bypassing civilian routes in Ursus.

Upon hearing this, Russell became truly anxious. However, with Theresica acting this way, she had no idea what to do. What country would allow a child to handle state affairs?! Even royalty wouldn't!

'I haven't even gotten married yet, how am I supposed to know how to talk to a child?'

Russell attempted to negotiate with Theresica privately, but every time she found him on the street, he was already asleep in Shining's arms. And Shining, when faced with Russell, would not say a single extra word.

"His Majesty is tired today, please do not disturb him."

Russell knew how to negotiate with diplomats, but she was truly at a loss when dealing with a child who held the power of the state.

She secretly sent people to contact the three clan leaders who accompanied Theresica, but the Absolver and the Corpse Eater were like statues; they ignored anyone who spoke to them. Only the Banshee, a woman, was willing to say a few words. However, what she said greatly shocked Russell.

Russell: "Is it appropriate for your king to play like this all day?"

Banshee: "Children of this age are in their playful years; this is very normal."

Russell: "Won't this delay important matters?"

Banshee: "What could be more important than the king's wishes?"

Russell was speechless. This was completely unlike the thinking of a normal national government! That evening, an elder in a suit and tie rushed from Kazimierz, and Russell conferred with him all night.

The next day, she looked at Theresica and said, "Our side agrees to direct economic compensation of 150 billion Rubles, but in return, all prisoners must be returned."

"The prisoners are my spoils of war; I won't give them up."

Theresica said with a playful grin, "These knights just fought a battle with Sarkaz. They probably won't have an easy time back home for long. It's truly pitiful. How about Kazimierz gives up those places they can't hold onto? Then there will be no conflict between us."

Russell clenched her fist under the table, her knuckles turning slightly white, and a sheen of sweat appeared on her forehead.

'Are these Sarkaz and Ursus working together?!'

She wasn't negotiating with the Sarkaz, but with two countries!

Russell did her best to maintain a calm expression, but her heart was in turmoil. How could she get through the current situation? She suddenly felt as if she were struggling to keep a dilapidated landship afloat amidst the ravages of a natural disaster.

God, was Kazimierz going to fall into decline like this?!

Chapter 64: Wendigo

Although Kazimierz had been defeated, the Sarkaz found themselves in an awkward position. They neither shared a border with Kazimierz nor had the capacity to launch an expedition. Furthermore, Kazimierz was home to a large number of Knight Errants, as well as powerful, established knightly families like the Nearl Family.

Continuing the conflict would be unprofitable and would result in the loss of a favorable political environment. However, Manfred's only real leverage was the 120,000 prisoners he held.

If Kazimierz truly didn't want these 120,000 prisoners, Manfred would have no recourse. Therefore, he had to find a way to 'inflate the price.' Ursus could directly and effectively create a demand for them from Kazimierz.

Thus, Manfred brought Ursus into the fold, effectively forming a joint entity to negotiate with Kazimierz. This way, by ceding a portion of Kazimierz's interests to Ursus, Kazdel could not only leverage Ursus's influence to gain more benefits but also curry favor with Ursus.

The Sarkaz profited, Ursus gained a windfall, and as for who lost... no one cared.

After a day of verbal sparring, the final peace terms were as follows:

Kazimierz would directly compensate Kazdel 90 billion Rubles for economic losses, along with a substantial amount of technical and craft production materials, and numerous industrial machines. Additionally, they would cede some 'disputed' territories bordering Ursus in the east to Kazdel's disposition.

As for the 120,000 prisoners, the Kazimierz Council would pay the war ransom in installments over the next month to repatriate those who wished to return.

In return, the Sarkaz provided a list of over 100 names, demanding that these Kazimierz nobles be executed in Kazdel.

Russell's eyes were bloodshot as she stared intently at the terms, but she was powerless to change them. In the end, she could only sign her name at the bottom.

Under the witness of the Pope, Manfred's hand clasped Russell's, signifying the restoration of peace between the two nations.

On the same day, Laterano, Kazimierz, and Ursus formally announced to all of Terra their recognition of Kazdel's statehood and the establishment of permanent embassies.

Manfred then declared that the ceded territories would be gifted to Ursus.

Upon receiving the news, Feodor, visibly moved, publicly stated that Kazdel was unlike any other nation on the continent of Terra to Ursus, and that a deep friendship existed between the two countries.