Chapter 271: Outskirts of Courtfelmy

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Two weeks after the fall of Shantinion, I was sitting at a meeting place in the fields near Courtfelmy, in the eastern part of the Galilia Union.

“So, you’re saying that Fritz-dono’s death was purely an accident?” (Orseus)

The man named Orseus, who apparently was the current supreme commander of the enemy forces, said.

“I’ve said it many times. If you doubt it, after surrendering, go to Shantinion. Just to clarify, it’s Galilian. Go there and ask the police officers who investigated the incident. They haven’t been silenced, so they should tell you honestly.” (Yuri)

“Naturally, I’ll do that.” (Orseus)

“Then, can we proceed with the discussion already? Whether that was my doing or not, I truly couldn’t care less. It feels like being accused of infidelity by a suspicious woman for something I didn’t even do.” (Yuri)

“…” (Orseus)

“Regarding the surrender conditions-…” (Yuri)

Since it was becoming troublesome with all the bickering, I forcefully cut to the main topic.

“I will not accept any preferential treatment in governance. The treatment we are currently considering is already quite generous compared to that of city-states. Anything more would mean better treatment than our own citizens receive.” (Yuri)

“There are no conditions regarding the tax system.” (Alyosha)

“The conditions are summarized here. Please review them.” (Alyosha)

Alyosha handed over a sheet of paper. The paper was politely facing me, so I skimmed it lightly. It included various rights such as autonomy, legislative rights, and judicial rights for Courtfelmy and several major cities, and, as expected, it was full of incomprehensible terms.

“—Sigh.” (Yuri)

I couldn’t help but let out a sigh. I picked up the offered paper and immediately tore it into two and discarded it. With the two of them frowning at having their hard-thought conditions torn up, I hesitated on how to explain myself.

After a moment…

“I have two pieces of advice for you.” (Yuri)

I said.

“First, do not be so foolish as to imagine that granting autonomy to major cities would not cause trouble in the future with the opponent who defeated you.” (Yuri)

After saying this…

“Second, like many people in this world, I dislike troublesome matters. I will absolutely not grant autonomy. Also, I have no intention of negotiating from silly conditions, like a parent guiding a slow learner child, inching closer bit by bit.” (Yuri)

This is why I wanted Fritz to stay alive. There are people who seem to either have rotted brains or do not understand their position and can only engage in extremely tiring and absurd discussions.

“These are the surrender conditions we offer.” (Yuri)

I threw the prepared paper.

“Our chancellor created it. Some minor adjustments to the conditions are possible, but do not expect significant concessions. If you find these unacceptable, then, reluctantly, we’ll have no choice but to continue the war.” (Yuri)

“Wh-what? Destroy the government building?” (Alyosha)

However, it seems Alyosha was concerned about something unexpected. I thought he wouldn’t care much about the administrative headquarters or the cathedral since he was not a politician from Shantinion.

“Yes. We will drill holes in the main pillars, fill them with gunpowder, and blow them up. This is a non-negotiable condition.” (Yuri)

“You fool! Do you understand the historical value of that building?! It is a cathedral that has overseen Galilian history! It must not be destroyed!!” (Alyosha)

The old man’s face changed drastically.

“Unlike you, I do not favor concepts like racial sins, but it is not good to place your own actions on a pedestal.” (Yuri)

“Who was it that destroyed the Shantinion Imperial Castle, which also boasted a thousand years of history, and turned it into rubble 900 years ago?” (Yuri)

“What?” (Alyosha)

It seemed the old man was completely unaware of this matter. His face showed that he was taken aback by this unexpected revelation.

“If you think that the destruction was caused by stars falling from the heavens, it seems there is quite a gap in historical awareness.” (Yuri)

“Of course, I know. But, this and that are—” (Alyosha)

“Not different issues.” (Yuri)

I interrupted the usual line.

“Your ancestors did the same thing, building a cathedral that trampled on Shantinion’s history, and you, who live in the present, have not a shred of guilt about it. Therefore, it is unfair to ask me to revere your country’s history.” (Yuri)

“But—” (Alyosha)

“Alyosha-dono.” (Orseus)

Orseus cut off the old man’s rebuttal.

“—Yuri-dono. However, doesn’t such opposition destroy the spirit of reconciliation you advocate?” (Orseus)

“I am making concessions. It is written there.” (Yuri)

“It seems like a threat that if we do not surrender, you will blow up the administrative headquarters without hesitation.” (Orseus)

“Well, if you think that way, it’s fine. In reality, no matter how much you beg and plead, no matter how much you curse, I will eventually blow it up without exception.” (Yuri)

“More importantly, Orseus-dono. You should consider the other condition. About the treatment of the soldiers.” (Yuri)

I forcibly changed the subject.

“To be disarmed without fighting and put to 5 years of labor…?” (Orseus)

The captives from the Sibyaku campaign are set to a 25-year term of labor. 5 years is quite a bargain.

“Not without fighting. We have already fought once.” (Yuri)

“That’s right. But, under these conditions, if they escape abroad, they will not have to undertake labor. If given a choice between 5 years of unpaid labor and escaping abroad, many will likely choose the latter.” (Orseus)

“W-we could shorten the period a bit, though. The truth is, we do not want to impose a penalty on you.” (Yuri)

“…Huh? What do you mean?” (Orseus)

Orseus expressed his confusion.

“What we believe is that sending soldiers filled with hatred back to their hometowns after a war is akin to sowing seeds of poisonous millet in the fields. Even with disarmament, it’s not like there are no knives available in the world. Small-scale resistance with hoes and other tools could become troublesome. In that sense, if everyone were to return to their hometowns and quietly work the fields, we would be fine with no labor requirement. But in reality, even if told to behave quietly, they won’t necessarily do so. We tried this once in the city-state region, but it didn’t work out well. To cool the heads of the hot-blooded, we want them to perform labor for a few years. It’s not that we intend to impose harsh labor that results in death.” (Yuri)

“Well, when you invaded our country, you took even ordinary civilians as slaves and dragged them off. Considering that, 5 years is not an outrageous demand.” (Yuri)

“But if there is an option to escape abroad, the soldiers will not be satisfied. Those who are 20 now would spend half of their twenties in labor. It’s too great a loss.” (Orseus)

“Well… how about this. One year less, making it 4 years. That should be a reasonable compromise.” (Yuri)

“3 years. Anything more won’t be accepted.” (Orseus)

“3 years and 6 months.” (Yuri)

“……” (Orseus)

Orseus, perhaps pretending to deliberate, fell silent with a difficult expression. I had initially intended for 3 years and 6 months, so this was going according to my plan.

“Actually, 3 years and 6 months might be more convenient. You might have forgotten, but winter is approaching. However, in 6 months it will be spring. I don’t think a big eater returning in winter will be welcomed.” (Yuri)

When I said this, Orseus looked at me with a realization. He seemed to have recognized that he had been manipulated.

“Choosing to return home in 3 and a half years or fleeing abroad… Either way, it doesn’t matter to us. The obstacles will be removed in both cases.” (Yuri)

“…I see.” (Orseus)

“Or, continuing the war. Since that was the intention from the beginning, I wouldn’t mind that either. It’s regrettable for the people of your country who would suffer, though.” (Yuri)

Considering that the capital has been lost in that way and the governor is now submissive, there’s also the question of how much resistance remains. Orseus seems capable enough and might make things troublesome, but in this state, there will likely be many deserters, and it would be hard to continue fighting.

“So, Alyosha-dono, what do you intend to do? Even if Orseus-dono is inclined, you hold the decision-making power in the system, right? If you agree to this, it would be the quickest solution.” (Yuri)

“…Even if we accept, there will be conditions. As it stands, it is no different from having no benefit.” (Alyosha)

“I’ve heard that in the diplomatic culture of the Isus faith, it is normal for defeated countries to pay reparations. You should consider it a gain that we’re not demanding such reparations.” (Yuri)

“We are laying down our own weapons and surrendering and this is not enough. We still demand an expansion of the vice-mayoral powers in administration.” (Alyosha)

“That’s unacceptable. It’s not negotiable.” (Yuri)

“However, if there is concern that the lives of the citizens will be oppressed by the oppressive rulers we send, we are willing to create a new system.” (Yuri)

“A new system?” (Alyosha)

“Yes. If there are instances of bad governance or unfair trials, we’ll allow special petitions to be made by the vice-mayors that bypass the Shanti mayors. This should provide some reassurance. Of course, we won’t accept these petitions unconditionally, but we will dispatch competent personnel to investigate.” (Yuri)

“… And what guarantee is there that this will be effectively implemented? Won’t it just be a hollow system?” (Alyosha)

“We don’t want mayors who suppress dissent and complaints through oppression. Such mayors are undesirable because they could become the spark for rebellion. Additionally… well, it might be acceptable to include a certain number of Kuran people in the investigation team.” (Yuri)

“Hmm…” (Alyosha)

Alyosha stroked his beard, adopting a thoughtful pose.

“Understood. If the conditions are as stated, I need a little more time. I have many people to consult and secure agreement from.” (Alyosha)

“Then… well, until tomorrow morning. Please reach a conclusion by then. I’m busy, so I can’t extend the deadline.” (Yuri)

“I can’t imagine anything more important than this meeting.” (Alyosha)

Alyosha said, displaying the typical arrogance of his age. Perhaps he thought my claim of busyness was a mere pretense. Not at all. While handling the remnants of the army was significant, it was not so crucial as to be the most pressing matter.

“You may not know this, but even if you conquer Shantinion, you’ll still need to navigate narrow straits to enter the Mediterranean by sea. In these straits stands Telumur, the second-largest city of the Dragon Empire, and there are massive defensive towers on both sides of the strait, capable of blocking it at any time.” (Yuri)

I mentioned this common knowledge that should be obvious to both of them.

“You’ve been paying to pass through the straits, but we have no intention of doing so. Fortunately, the Kururuan Dragon Empire is currently in conflict with us. At present, we have no reason to be restrained.” (Yuri)

“Are you planning to fight Kururuan now?” (Orseus)

Orseus asked.

“No. However, we happened to acquire a valuable asset on the battlefield. We intend to make the most of it.” (Yuri)

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I looked at the elderly Alyosha.

“So, how about it? It’s quite an important matter, wouldn’t you say?” (Yuri)

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