Chapter 9: Ceasefire Negotiations between the Demi-god and the Imperial Prince, Part 2

“That said. Even if it is a negotiation, I think that it will only be a short-term ceasefire that will be decided by this, and there is no need to be frightened. This is a very special case, after all. The conclusion of a formal ceasefire treaty with the “Kingdom of Land” that is waiting after this is not a war, but the domain of politics. Even His Highness Klaus doesn’t have that much authority, does he?”

“Mm-hmm. I appreciate your understanding in that area.”

　Klaus nods at Lute’s confirmation. As the commander-in-chief of the invasion forces, his authority extends from the start of the war to the end of the war and to some extent, the post-war process.

　Of course, the judgment of the ceasefire is within the authority given to Klaus, but this case is too unique.

　At any rate, the handling of a genuine [strategic weapon] such as a wizard with the status of a demi-god is the domain of the emperor, and is not a matter that can be handled by Klaus on his own.

　Therefore, the only things that can be decided at this negotiating table are the contents to present to Emperor Friedrich and a temporary ceasefire until the final decision is made.

　The negotiations are formalized by the fact that they are being held with Lute, who is outside the standard of national forces, but in reality, it is nothing more than a discussion on the spot with the unit led by Lute on the battlefield.

“So, well, I’d like to propose that we take it easy on each other and not get too uptight. Well, I guess we’re both still forming our first impressions, still I dare put it into words.”

“I see. Then let’s have an unreserved discussion.”

“I’m saved. Personally, I get very tired of your awe-inspiring tone.”

　Normally, appropriate language is required in formal negotiations. If there is an overwhelming difference in status, such as between a noble and a commoner, then one has to be careful with one’s language if the royalties of another country are to have an official discussion, as is the case with Lute and Klaus.

　In other words, when both parties used their usual tone, they were implicitly claiming that the negotiations were informal. And now, with Lute putting it into words, the negotiations have officially become informal.

“It’s absolutely that. It’s the first time I’ve ever met someone whose previous information is as unreliable as Lute-dono’s. Despite being said that you rarely show up at social gatherings, you’re really shrewd.”

“That’s because I am also a member of the royal family. I have received a suitable education. Well, it’s hard to believe with the abomination that this country has played.”

Klaus felt like he couldn’t say anything to Luke, who had a faraway look in his eyes and thought, “The education that was given was supposed to be a decent one.”

　It is indeed gratifying that the enemy nation is stupid, but it is extremely difficult to react to the fact that the demi-god was reluctant to stand up to clean up the mess.

“Well, what’s done is done. So, let’s get on with it and face reality.”

　After shrugging his shoulders, Lute decided to get down to business in earnest.

“First of all, we need to reconfirm the conditions. What I, personally and not the Kingdom of Land, demand of the Empire is the cessation of any further advance and use of force in this country. In short, a ceasefire. In exchange, I and all fifty-three of my men will immediately surrender and become prisoners of war. You will, of course, guarantee the safety and well-being of all of us.”

“… Hmm. There is almost no change from our previous discussion.”

“It’s obvious. I don’t think it’s possible to just change the terms and conditions that have already been presented. That would just be fraud. If you do something like that while threatening to use force against a party with whom you are trying to negotiate, you will lose all credibility and trust.”

“I see. That’s fair enough.”

　While nodding gravely at Lute’s words, Klaus inwardly patted his chest.

　Klaus’s, and indeed the entire invasion force’s, impression of Lute is fixed as “an extremely fearsome person”. If Lute had his way, he could freeze to death the entire invasion force in an instant.

　Since the invading forces do not have the strength to counter the demi-gods, there is no one who can oppose Lute at this place if there is an outrageous act of violence.

　In addition to the nearly 10,000 soldiers, their equipment, and supplies, the second prince Klaus, one of the most important figures in the empire, who is irreplaceable in terms of both military and political power, is also present. Because the expected losses were too great, the invasion forces were forced to go along with Lute’s request, depending on the extent of the loss.

　That’s why Lute’s words were nothing but good news for Klaus.

　After all, he had assumed the worst that he would be hit with completely different conditions as soon as he sat down at the negotiation table.

　Just knowing that Lute seemed like a reliable negotiating partner, Klaus felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

“…Then, let’s continue the discussion in that direction. And as for the conditions that Lute-dono has proposed, I would say that there is ample room for consideration. It is a little painful that we cannot gain the territory of the Kingdom of Land, but a wizard with the status of a demi-god is more than worth it.”

“That’s good to hear. Well, please be patient with Land for a while longer. As you know, there are a lot of brain-dead fools in Land. If they can come up with some good strategy, you’ll have an excuse to invade again. Just wait until then.”

“……what?”

　Klaus was stunned by the unbelievable words that came out of Lute. The words are conveyed, but the meaning is not conveyed. Lute’s words were so unexpected for Klaus that such an expression came to mind.

“…The way you put it, it feels as if you are tacitly approving of our country attacking the Kingdom of Land again.”

“Yes. So?”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait!? You stood up to save the Kingdom of Land, didn’t you? That’s what this negotiation is about right!?”

“Wrong”

　Klaus question. Lute’s response to that was extremely cold. Even though it was supposed to be a negotiating table, Klaus and Lambert, who were the parties involved, felt chills down their spines.

　Lute emits a terrifying chill air. This is because it was a line that Lute could not compromise on.

“…… I think you misunderstand me, your Highness Klaus, but I asked for negotiations for the sake of those idiots who did their best for me and remained in the dead zone. It is to protect their lives and honor. It was never for this country, never for those irredeemable fools. Make no mistake about that.”

　The reason Lute exposed his true identity was because he was determined not to let his loyal subjects, his beloved fools, lose their lives in such a foolish war. He is determined not to give them the dishonorable stigma of ‘soldiers who failed to protect their country’.

　Lute’s will is to consistently protect his subjects from beginning to end, and that is all he is focused on.

　That’s why Klaus’ misunderstanding was something Lute couldn’t overlook.

“Standing up to save the country”, in the extreme, would mean saving the king and the nobles who ruled the country. In turn, it means protecting their privileges.

　Lute can’t stand it. After all, the people who govern this country are the fools who, for extremely unforgivable reasons, quarreled with the empire and led the nation to ruin because they neglected to make the necessary decisions.

“So all I ask for is a halt to ‘this war’ and a guarantee of safety and livelihood for me and those guys. Even if we fall into captivity, if the country remains instead, it will be conveyed as the devotion of our brave soldiers. I can tell them that their honor will be protected. After that, as long as they can live comfortably in the empire, everything else doesn’t matter to me. If there is one thing I would like to request, it would be for the people of Land Kingdom not to suffer any unnecessary burden or bleeding, no matter how things turn out.”

　”If you care about that, you can invade or do whatever you want,” Lute says. In fact, he even goes so far as to say that it would be better for the world if the fools who go out of their way to lead their country to destruction were quickly dealt with.

　His words and actions are so different. Even Lute is a member of the royal family, albeit a marginal one. He must have been born into a family that governs the country. But Lute’s thinking, which showed no patriotic sentiment, was something Klaus could not understand at all.

“…Why? Why? I have wondered from the beginning, how can Lute-dono despise his country so much! It is your hometown where you were born and raised! Isn’t it hard for you to see your hometown destroyed? If you had the power of a demi-god, you could defeat us and even fight the empire on equal terms! Why don’t you fight?

“H-Your Highness!!”

　Klaus cries out. Lambert, who had been a follower, hurriedly interrupts him, blaming Lute and urging him to resume the war.

　Certainly Klaus’ doubts are reasonable. Lambert, who was standing behind him, had the same impression.

　If Klaus was born under the fate of carrying the nation on his back as a member of the royal family, Lute’s thoughts would be even more difficult to understand.

　But it would be a bad idea to put it into words. If Lute were to be tempted by those words, not only Klaus and Lambert, but the entire invasion force would freeze to death.

“Tch-…!”

“I’ve done it,” Klaus realized his blunder a few moments too late. Unfortunately, it was too late. The words he had spat out had already shaken the atmosphere and melted into the void.

　Due to the bad move that Klaus had struck, the space that had been filled with ease just now turned into a heavy silence. Klaus and Lambert were in a great deal of panic in their hearts, thinking that they might have disappointed Lute.

　In the silence, where one second even feels like an eternity, Lute finally opens his mouth.

“──Hey, Your Highness Klaus. What do you think kings, royalty, and even nobility are?”

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