These were Mikhail's conclusions, based on his own understanding, discussions with other clever people,
and a strategy he had devised using Charles's highly authoritative manuscripts.
Wear down the enemy until their economy collapsed.
But Charles hadn't listened to a single word.
Charles was still young and arrogant. He rejected the idea on the spot. "Now is our chance to advance and win."
"This is our final opportunity."
"Commit everything. Send in more troops."
"Winning is important, too."
"Your Majesty!" Mikhail persisted.
Just then, a letter was brought in.
"Report! The enemy has shot a letter over."
"A letter?"
The group exchanged puzzled looks, wondering why the enemy had suddenly sent a letter.
Leon eagerly opened it.
The Succubus Queen, Chrisel, volunteered to read it aloud. "His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Louis. We only came here to keep the peace."
"Is it really necessary to be so aggressive?"
"How about this? I concede. Let's sign a treaty and divide up the territory."
"Besides, I'm a duke of the Empire, too!"
"Lynn."
Louis had always thought of Lynn as someone who wasn't stubborn, liked to fool around, acted frivolously, and was quick to back down and play dumb.
But that was only his private image.
His international image was the complete opposite.
He was the very image of a great emperor—or even a tyrant. Whatever you called him, it all meant roughly the same thing.
He was tough.
This letter was practically begging for mercy.
As soon as it was read aloud, Mikhail stormed out in fury before Louis could say a word.
There was no stopping him.
Louis saw the letter and didn't question it. Instead, he concluded that
the enemy really didn't have many troops left.
That was why they were surrendering.
They had just finished a major battle and must