Turning the Tide of Fate

Zubov shot Małachowski a sidelong glare and snarled, "I warn you, your actions will bring terrible disaster upon your country!"

"We have long grown accustomed to disaster." Małachowski pushed the Ceasefire Agreement before him forward again. "And Russia, which created these disasters, must return every inch of Polish territory before this treaty can possibly be signed. This is a resolution passed unanimously by our Parliament."

"A resolution from the Polish Parliament? Hahaha." Zubov laughed scornfully. "You are facing the three most powerful nations in Europe. It is not your turn to make resolutions here."

As he spoke, he looked toward the Prussian and Austrian negotiators beside him, as though seeking their support.

Yet Prussia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Friedrichs, merely gave a simple nod.

Earl of Rhinefels of Austria, meanwhile, stared at the ceiling and said, "Mm, the treaty must be signed as soon as possible."

The two of them had both keenly noticed that the Poles had only demanded that Russia return territory, without mentioning Prussia or Austria at all.

The Poles' attitude was clearly directed at Russia. This was easy enough to understand—Russia had started this war, and the East Line was also the main battlefield.

So why should they stick their necks out for Russia?

Lord Grenville, serving as the "Mediation Envoy," made no statement at all—United Kingdom only intended to win over Prussia and Austria, while weakening Russia had always been the strategic direction Britain adhered to.

Unsurprisingly, the first round of negotiations quickly ended in deadlock.

At four in the afternoon, after making who knew how many threats, Zubov stormed out of the negotiating hall, cursing under his breath.

Though Małachowski appeared extremely resolute, his heart was full of unease. His hands beneath the table trembled faintly without pause.

After all, he was facing great