Chapter 300: Holy war 38

Christine's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in her gaze. "What do you intend to do with 10,000 human soldiers?"

The demoness chuckled softly. "That's for me to know and for you to trust. But rest assured, they won't be harmed... not immediately, at least. Consider it a temporary exchange. Besides, with the eastern border back in your control, you'll be able to strengthen your defenses and perhaps even turn the tide of this war."

Christine took a deep breath, weighing her options. She knew the risks involved in making deals with demons, but the promise of reclaiming the eastern border and securing a ceasefire was tempting. Her people were weary from constant battles, and any opportunity to fortify their position could be crucial.

"I'll need guarantees," Christine said finally. "A binding contract that ensures the safety of my men and the return of our territory. And I want to know the specifics of this request."

The demoness nodded. "Of course. We can draft a contract, overseen by both our magic and your divine powers, to ensure its authenticity and binding nature. As for the specifics, let's just say I need them for a... special project. One that, if successful, could change the course of this conflict in ways you cannot yet imagine."

Christine clenched her fists, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. This decision could alter the fate of her kingdom and the war itself. She glanced at her soldiers, their eyes filled with uncertainty yet trust in their leader's judgment.

Just looking at her soldiers, Christine knew they relied heavily on her decisions. They would accept whatever course of action she chose. This was her burden to carry alone, a weight heavier than one might expect. The responsibility of their lives was already at stake, so the idea of trading them for a piece of land wasn't something she could take lightly. However, the prospect of a ceasefire was incredibly significant, especially with the ongoing reconstruction of major cities and the constant need for healing the injured and those in need.

Her decision today could affect the very course of this ongoing war. Although they had the advantage right now, there was no guarantee how long that would last. The thought of the high-ranking demoness in front of them, who could clearly wipe them all out if she truly wanted to, weighed heavily on her mind. Even though they might put up a fight, they would ultimately lose in the long run. Unlike demons, humans couldn't regenerate or survive fatal wounds as if they were mere scratches.

Their situation was far from advantageous, even with their divine armors and weapons. The demoness only needed to tap into the dark miasma in the atmosphere to poison them all. Christine understood this all too well.

"Princess, what are your orders?" one of her generals asked, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his concern.

Christine took a deep breath, her mind racing. She knew she had to be strategic. "We need time to consider your proposal," she said to the demoness, her voice firm. "We cannot make such a significant decision on the spot."

The demoness's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Of course, take all the time you need. But remember, the clock is ticking. Every moment you delay, more lives are lost."

"Very well, how about we have this meeting of yours three days from now?" she proposed.

Princess Christine nodded her head and glanced at Tristan in the distance. He was gripping the handle of his sword, ready to strike at any moment. She shook her head slightly, signaling him to stand down. Tristan nodded in return, understanding that the negotiations had gone well. He subtly transferred a mental confirmation to her. In the draconic language, Princess Christine told him something secretly before turning her attention back to the demoness.

"Since the negotiations are done, will you leave now, demon?" Christine asked, her voice firm.

"Sure~ but not without my 1,000 humans first," the demoness replied with a mischievous smile.

Nodding her head, Christine proceeded to select a thousand of her soldiers. The chosen ones nodded their heads willingly, stepping forward to follow the demoness. Among them was Tristan, who nodded to the princess. Their eyes met, and in that moment, Christine's heart tightened with unspoken words and mutual understanding. Tristan's presence among the chosen was a silent promise to ensure the safety of their men and to act as a spy in the demoness's ranks.

As the demoness led the group away, Christine watched them go, her heart heavy with the weight of her decisions. The thousand soldiers walked with a quiet dignity, fully aware of the risks but trusting in their leader's judgment.

The demoness's wings fluttered lightly as she took off into the air, the soldiers following her on foot. She glanced back, her eyes locking onto Christine's. "Three days, Princess. Don't forget."

Christine nodded, her resolve hardening. As the demoness and her entourage disappeared into the distance, she turned to her generals and advisors, her expression steely. "We have three days to prepare. Inform our allies and ready our defenses. This is just the beginning."

The camp buzzed with renewed energy and urgency. Christine walked among her troops, offering words of encouragement and reassurance. Despite the uncertainty, she projected confidence and determination, rallying her people to face whatever lay ahead.

Later that night, in the privacy of her tent, Christine allowed herself a moment of vulnerability. She thought of Tristan and the soldiers who had gone with the demoness. She hoped they understood the significance of their sacrifice. "We will win this," she whispered to herself. "We have to."

Her thoughts drifted to the upcoming meeting. It was a gamble, but one she had to take. The fate of her kingdom, and perhaps the entire world, hung in the balance. Christine knew she had to be shrewd and cautious. The demoness was powerful and cunning, and any misstep could be catastrophic.

As she lay down to rest, Christine's mind raced with strategies and contingencies. She knew sleep would be elusive, but she needed her strength. The next three days would be critical, and she had to be at her best.

In the darkness of her tent, Christine silently vowed to protect her people and bring an end to the demon threat. No matter the cost, she would ensure their survival and victory.