Chapter 274: Ceasefire Negotiations

New chapter of The Demon King is out! (12 chapters)Myaro and I brought Halifa into one of the ship’s cabins.

“Well then, first of all, let me praise your impressive apology earlier. You seem to be more than a capable diplomat.” (Yuri)

Since his pride might have been hurt more than necessary by kneeling, I started by praising him.

“…I see, so you were testing me.” (Halifa)

“I was actually angry too. But still, you should have had the sense to handle something of that level.” (Yuri)

“He was truly the only suitable person. I beg for your forgiveness.” (Halifa)

“I don’t mind. However, make sure the emancipation from slavery is not just words, but is carried out.” (Yuri)

“We will certainly do that――so then…” (Halifa)

Halifa tried to move on to the main topic, but I stopped him with my hand.

“Let me introduce myself first. I am Yuri Hou. I serve as the regent of the Shaalta Kingdom. And this here is Myaro, who holds a similar position to you.” (Yuri)

“Pleased to meet you.” (Myaro) Sᴇaʀᴄh the ɴ0velFɪre.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Myaro bowed her head slightly.

“I see……I suspected as much, but you look even younger than what I’ve heard.” (Halifa)

“People of your race often say that, but Shanti is generally seen as younger than their actual age. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t think of me as some kid.” (Yuri)

“Well then, how is Crown Prince Adil doing at present?” (Halifa)

He immediately brought up the main issue.

“Your asking that question means the power of His Majesty Aknar III is wavering, doesn’t it?” (Myaro)

Myaro interjected.

While I was out negotiating the surrender of the remnants, Myaro was learning about the internal affairs of the Kururuan Dragon Empire from a former diplomat of the Galilia Union. It was to make the best use of the fortunate acquisition of Crown Prince Adil. Therefore, Myaro knew more about this matter than I did.

“Now that the heir, Crown Prince Adil, is absent, isn’t the Empress Midia, of lowly origin, in a very precarious position? If His Majesty Aknar III protects her, there is a chance they could both fall together.” (Myaro)

“…” (Halifa)

Halifa was at a loss for words after Myaro frankly stated her theory.  Having been asked a question he couldn’t answer, he looked at us with eyes that seemed to criticize us a little.

“We are not unhappy with the reign of His Majesty Aknar III, so it would be troubling if he were to fall. As for the ceasefire, we hope to extract as favorable terms as possible, while ensuring that your empire remains intact. This is our genuine desire.” (Myaro)

Myaro clearly stated our position.

“If that’s truly how you feel, I would like you to cease hostilities immediately and return the Crown Prince. If you have any conditions, please let me know.” (Halifa)

“Naturally, since His Excellency Yuri and I are here, we have already agreed upon the terms. Shall we discuss them first?” (Myaro)

“Please do. We can’t begin negotiations without hearing them first.” (Halifa)

Prompted by Halifa’s words, Myaro, who looked a bit tense, let out a small breath.

“There are two conditions for the ceasefire. One is the free passage through the Telumur Strait. The other is the leasing of Engira Island for 30 years. In exchange, we will immediately cease hostilities and continue to treat Crown Prince Adil in a favorable environment.” (Myaro)

When Myaro presented the conditions, Halifa furrowed his brow and fell silent, as if thinking over the terms two or three times. After a moment…

“In short, you’re holding the Crown Prince hostage and trying to force us into accepting these one-sided terms, aren’t you?” (Halifa)

He looked at us with resentful, glaring eyes.

“We don’t think these conditions are that severe.” (Myaro)

Myaro continued, unfazed by his gaze.

“First, regarding the free passage through the Telumur Strait, this is not a loss for your country. The benefits you’ve been receiving from the Galilia Union will simply disappear with the fall of that nation. Next, regarding the lease of Engira Island, this too shouldn’t be considered a major loss. Of course, for our country, having a base in the Mediterranean is of great significance. However, Engira Island isn’t particularly important to your country. It’s just one of many islands, without any significant industry. From what we hear, it’s merely a small fishing village, with most of the island’s land remaining unused except for the area with a port.” (Myaro)

“Indeed, those conditions might be reasonable. If we ignore the fact that Crown Prince Adil remains a captive, that is.” (Halifa)

“Rest assured. In truth, we’ve brought two sets of conditions. One set if we return Crown Prince Adil, and the other if we don’t. I have presented the conditions where we don’t return him first, but if your country wishes, you can choose the terms where we do return him.” (Yuri)

“…I don’t understand your intentions at all. If you had any sense of politics, you’d know without explanation that we wouldn’t choose to lose the Crown Prince.” (Halifa)

As expected, it seems like he’s questioning whether I even have a brain.

“However, I think that’s not necessarily the case. It’s possible that not returning him could actually be more beneficial for your country. After you hear what I have to say, if you don’t like it, you can reject it. But if you have any sound judgment, I think you’ll find the proposal quite appealing.” (Yuri)

—

After all was said and done, Halifa stood on the deck of the ship.

“It was a fruitful discussion. I’ll consult with His Majesty the Dragon Emperor immediately, and we’ll visit Shantinion. With that, I’ll take my leave.” (Halifa)

Since the content of what I discussed wasn’t something Halifa could decide on his own, he would take it back and discuss it with the Dragon Emperor. He had been given full authority over the negotiations, so he could have dismissed our proposal outright. But at the very least, it seemed to be a set of conditions worth considering.

“Wait, there’s one thing I forgot to ask.” (Yuri)

“Yes?” (Halifa)

“About the Entak Dragon Kingdom. They were acting as mediators, but did your country request the intervention of the Dragon King?” (Yuri)

“Ah, that. Now that I think about it, given the proposal you had prepared, it seems there was no need to owe the Dragon Kingdom any favors.” (Halifa)

Halifa had the expression of a merchant who had incurred unnecessary losses from a failed business.

“As for your question, no. The Dragon King had somehow obtained information that our country was preparing to send reinforcements, and even before they departed, he had already given instructions to the ambassador. He ordered that if the battle ended in your victory and the two nations remained in conflict, the ambassador should act as a mediator.” (Halifa)

“As you know, the battle ended in a disastrous defeat for us, and to make matters worse, Crown Prince Adil was taken captive. At that time, I truly despised Fritz Roni, who had misled us.” (Halifa)

An unexpected name popped up at an unexpected moment.

“But no matter how much we resent him, it won’t bring the Crown Prince back. We knew almost nothing about your character, so we clung desperately to the Dragon King’s proposal.” (Halifa)

“I see. That explains a lot.” (Yuri)

To recover the Crown Prince as quickly as possible, the Prime Minister himself rushed to Telumur with the ambassador in tow. That’s when we arrived by ship.

“I apologize for asking this, but could you show some appreciation and give some credit to the ambassador? I sent him away because he was getting in the way of our frank discussions, but we don’t want to sour relations with the Entak Dragon Kingdom.” (Yuri)

“…I understand. That should be acceptable. Our country also realizes that it’s not wise to let old grudges strain relations forever. Though it’s a burden to owe a favor, this might be a good opportunity.” (Halifa)

“That’s all. Please send my regards to His Majesty the Dragon Emperor.” (Yuri)

“Understood. With that, I’ll take my leave.” (Halifa)

With that, Khalifa bowed his head, climbed over the railing, and climbed down the rope ladder.

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