Chapter 8: Ceasefire Negotiations between the Demi-god and the General Imperial Prince Part 1

　The de facto threat by Lute led to a negotiation between Lute and his group and the Imperial Army.

　And now, a negotiating tent is being constructed in great haste by the invading forces.

　For the time being, there is a fort equipped with a VIP room (appropriate for a small country) right in front of them, but since Lute and his party have effectively become an independent fighting force from the Kingdom of Land, they could not use it. Or rather, Lute made it so.

　Lute was keenly aware of the frightening influence that a demi-god possessed after all, when such a request was easily passed.

“I knew this power was a powerful medicine. I wouldn’t even use it if it wasn’t under these circumstances.”

“… I think even the word powerful drug would be lukewarm. I didn’t expect His Highness to be a wizard with the status of a demi-god.”

“Are you surprised?”

“Yes. So much so that I thought I was going to lose my back.”

“What good would it do if the bodyguards were sitting on their hands?”

　Lute burst into laughter at Heinrich’s mixed response.

　That said, even Lute would be quite surprised if his superior at work came out to him that he is in fact a counter-national force.

“Well, if it wasn’t for this situation, it’s a power I intended to keep hidden for the rest of my life. Forgive me for hiding it.”

“Subjects complaining about the lord’s decisions…If I had to say, I would at least have wanted you to tell me about the policy of the negotiations…..I was chilled by the provocation of the imperialists.”

“You’re complaining. Well, I’m sorry about that. But it was necessary.”

　Lute also understood how insane his words and actions were.

　Just as Klaus had said, that was a declaration of war in the name of negotiation. Even Lute, who is aware of his foul mouth and twisted personality, would normally not do such a thing.

　Even so, the reason he went out on that rampage was because it was necessary.

“Without such a provocation, it would have been impossible to go along with the flow of freezing the advancing army once. Of course, I could have proved it after explaining in detail, but that would have been seen as weak-kneed. The Land kingdom is already on the verge of extinction. If you show a weak attitude, you will be at a disadvantage. In order to strike the threat of a demi-god most effectively, it was necessary to dare to go one step closer to hostility.”

　As a result, with Klaus and others riding on Lute’s provocation, the entire invasion force understood the reversal of their positions. The content changed from “negotiating with a prince on the verge of extinction” to “negotiating with a strong person who could destroy them”.

　This difference is really important as it also involves taking the initiative at the negotiating table.

　In fact, the gazes of the soldiers of the invading army toward Lute were filled with overwhelming awe.

　There is no hint of contempt when it comes to the prince of a small country on the verge of extinction.

“… I see. I see what you’re thinking.”

“Thanks to you, the negotiations after this will be relatively easy. The negotiations I have in mind will require a little bit of friction, but they shouldn’t be a complete disaster.”

　Heinrich felt an indescribable awe when Lute shrugged as he said that.

　Even though he has the power to dominate even a country by himself, he has the attitude of searching for the most effective way to use it.

　The courage to provoke even major powers when necessary.

　Above all, the planning ability to use all those elements to build a path to the desired result.

　Ah, how awe-inspiring and dependable Lute is, who is both strong and mighty.

　If this person had the ambition of being a king, he would have established even a third great power along with the empire and the republic.

“It is truly a frightening thing. This is more than enough, but His Highness also has another trump card. The empire is not so lucky.”

“Idiot. No matter how you look at it, it’s me who’s unlucky. What’s sad is that I have to negotiate with a monstrous nation called the Empire. I’m a petty person who’s content with a life of eating and sleeping.”

“If Your Highness is so petty, then we are worms that can’t even be people!”

“… Damn. You’re a noisy old man.”

　Lute sighed heavily at Heinrich who laughed reluctantly. But inwardly, he was impressed.

　Even after showing the power to destroy the country, his attitude is the same as before.

Lute secretly smiles as he realizes that his wordless determination and loyalty that “no matter what power he has, the master is the master” are worthy of shedding his mask of incompetence.

“──Now then.”

　He immediately changed his expression. He looked at Lambert, who was coming toward him with crisp movements.

“We are ready to welcome you to our tent. Prince Lute.”

“No prince, Lambert-dono. Here is a rebel who wants to make a treaty with another country without the king’s consent. There is no place for royalty anymore.”

“Well, then, with demi-god Lute-dono.”

　Lute’s words were justifiable, so Lambert immediately suggested an alternative name.

　Lute was secretly interested in the fact that he responded to the sudden request without hesitation, and that he was excellent because he was a close aide to the second prince.

　Furthermore, in this case, rather than the [Prince] of a small country on the brink of destruction, a [demi-god] who can destroy a country by himself has a greater influence in the international community, so it is a proposal or wish from Lambert on the imperial side.

“Then again, I will guide you.”

“Yes. Let’s go, Heinrich.”

“Ha”

　Guided by Lambert, Lute and Heinrich proceeded to the rear of the invading army.

　Usually, these outdoor negotiations are set up in a position that is exactly in the middle from both sides with a sense of fairness, but this time it will be held in the center of the advancing army under various speculations.

　As for Lute, the possibility is extremely close to zero, but he does not want the Land Kingdom to know their intentions.

　Even if someone from the Kingdom of Land sees this spectacle, it will make them think that they were taken as prisoners of war.

　For Klaus and the imperial side, it was to show the utmost respect and hospitality by daring to put Lute in their pocket, which could freeze the entire invasion force in an instant.

　As a result of the agreement between the two sides, a tent was prepared in the heart of one camp’s army as a habit of the cease-fire negotiation table, which is a moderately unusual situation in history.

“Your Highness Klaus! I have brought the demi-god Lute-dono, and his escort, Heinrich-dono!”

“Come in!”

“Ha! Well then, this way please.”

　Lute and Heinrich enter the tent as prompted by Lambert.

“Heh…”

“this is……”

　And almost at the same time, they were in awe at the magnificent inside of the tent. Inside the tent was so luxurious that it was hard to believe that this was a battlefield, much less a hastily constructed object.

　The interior is decorated with exquisite and delicate embroidery everywhere, and the furniture, including desks and chairs, is recognizable as high-end at first glance.

　If you take a closer look, you will be able to see the numerous ingenuity in pursuit of how to make guests more comfortable.

“I thought it was a huge tent just from the outside, but I never thought it would be this big. As expected, it’s an empire under the heavens. Even the equipment is different.”

“Huh. This is a special tent for distinguished guests. The ones we use on a daily basis don’t go this far.”

“Hmm. In other words, is it okay to recognize that I am a guest of honor in the eyes of the empire?”

“Ah. I don’t think we can treat a wizard who is a demi-god with impunity. Originally, our country was based on the principle of merit. It is customary to give due respect to those who are superior and powerful. This is even more so when it comes to wizards of the demi-god rank. Lute-dono may not know this, but does His Majesty care about our country’s Flame Temple?”

“Oi oi. Is it okay to tell people from other countries about that kind of situation?”

“What, this is a fairly well-known story, so there’s no problem. Because, as you know, Axia Will Heisenberg, also known as the flame god, is an extraordinary person who has served the empire for six generations. Although he is a human being, he has a lifespan that exceeds that of the elves who are said to live in the unexplored depths of another continent.Therefore, most of the royal family and nobles, including His Majesty, have been under his care since they were children. Because of this background, as well as his own power, many of the empire’s heavyweights do not raise their heads to him.”

“Oh. That’s right. Well, the two demi-gods have a long life together.”

　Lute raises his voice in agreement with Klaus’ words.

　The Empire’s [Flame god], the Republic’s [Apostle]. These two are said to have served their respective nations for a very long time, so long that they deviate from mortal life.

　According to rumors, the Empire’s Flame god Axia has lived for at least 300 years, and the Republic’s Apostle, Stark has lived for over 150 years.

　And yet, both are said to still have the physical youthfulness of their prime. This is one of the reasons why wizards with the status of demi-gods are compared to the companions of [gods].

　Incidentally, Lute, who is also a demi-god, somehow understands the mechanism of this longevity.

　For some reason, when one enters the realm of demi-god,  even concepts come under one’s control, and one’s body begins to deviate from normal physical laws.

　The aging process is slowed down, diseases are prevented, poisons become less effective, and many other changes occur.

　In addition, the manipulation of the concept of demi-god status is quite flexible, or worse, it can be adapted appropriately, so that even pseudo-immortality can be realized depending on how it is used.

　In Lute’s case, it is possible to always be in a teenage body by freezing the phenomenon of ‘aging’ to the body. Or rather, he is already doing it.

　For this reason, it is not surprising that the empire’s god of flame has a very long life, as it is a well-known story on the continent.

　And if it was said that it was the strength of a different kind of position than the power that comes with longevity, Lute had no choice but to agree.

“If he’s taken care of him since he was a child, then His Majesty the Emperor will be proud of him, and will you care about him.”

“Yeah. In particular, most of the royal family receive magic techniques from him. He is also our teacher.”

“Oh, that would be too much to ask for.”

　Normally, someone who possesses too much power would be shunned by some force and persecuted……but in the case of a demi-god, it would be impossible to counterattack because it would be too terrifying.

　Even so, Lute secretly wondered why the empire valued him so much, but if he was in that position, it would make sense.

“Yeah. This is good information to hear.”

　And that was really good news for Lute. After all, he now understood how well the empire had dealt with wizards of the demi-god class.

“Now then, His Highness Klaus. Enough chit-chat, let’s get down to business.”

　Now it’s time for some fun, fun cease-fire negotiations, grinned Lute.

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