Book Eater

Chapter 303: End of War Agreement (1)

There was no one who didn’t recognize the name, but amazement and doubt still filled everyone’s faces. The surname was slightly different, but his identity was obvious.

He was the empire’s 1st Sword, Andras’ strongest swordsman. They didn’t know how it happened, but Crowd von Russel had become Andras’ 19th emperor.

“... I don’t remember seeing his body in the Nadun Mountains.”

“Yes, but being crowned in a few days...?”

“It is a ridiculous replacement.”

The white-masked Orta muttered quietly, “It isn’t impossible if he used force. Now that almost all of the Seven Swords are dead, there is no power in Andras that can stop him.”

Orta was correct. Crowd was the best swordsman of this era, so he could easily take over the throne with force. He wouldn’t raise an eyebrow even if the entirety of Belfort’s army stood against him. Crowd was literally the strongest person in Andras. In a nation which had been founded upon the idea that a strong man stood on top, it was highly probable that Crowd had become emperor of Andras with his own power.

“I also agree with White Tower Master’s words,” Kurt III agreed. “The monster called Invidia had worn the emperor’s mask till now, so he didn’t dare make an attempt. It was how the imperial bloodline was maintained by a single family. But after Invidia died in the last battle, there was no obstacle in the way of Crowd’s rule.”

“Additionally, the national ideal of the Andras Empire is to follow the strong, so there wouldn’t be an uprising.”

“That’s right. From this point on, we must recognize him as the emperor of Andras and evaluate his letter based on the appropriate standards.”

The 1st Sword of the Seven Swords was a great position, but it was incomparable to the emperor’s authority. The value of this letter was the same. The letter written by Crowd von Russel and Crowd von Andras was like the difference between heaven and earth.

Kurt looked at the letter in his hand and continued, “Crowd, the emperor of Andras, has asked for a ceasefire in order to negotiate terms.”

Orta said, “Ceasefire... to end the war?”

A ceasefire and ending the war... The meaning was similar, yet significantly different. Kurt nodded and scanned the letter again to deduce the author’s intent. “Perhaps it is a preliminary negotiation. If we don’t agree, he knows they have no chance of winning if we keep fighting.”

The empire had already been defeated so Kurt firmly asserted, “Crowd might’ve survived, but there is no way that Andras can win when the empire’s Seven Swords have almost collapsed. Now that he ascended to the throne, their strongest chess piece, their queen, has become the king. He can no longer freely move and has lost his ability to act as a trump card. That means he doesn’t have the power to reverse the situation anymore.”

“They are fair words.”

The emperor was the strongest swordmaster, but an emperor had two important roles. He might have been able to remain flexible if half of the empire’s Seven Swords were alive to support him. However, without a rook, bishop, or knight, the movements of a king were severely limited. Moreover, unlike a queen, Crowd already knew that the Andras Empire was completely defeated.

Thus, he had asked for a momentary ceasefire in order to present some conditions.

“I'll read out the rest.” Kurt straightened the letter and started reading, “I hope that Andras and Meltor will move their armies away from the forefront and discuss the end of the war in the northern part of the Sipoto Plains, halfway between the frontlines. I, Crowd, will come directly as the representative of Andras. I will acknowledge our defeat in this war and make a few promises first.”

Kurt raised an eyebrow at the next words but continued reading the letter.

- - - -

One. The Andras Empire promises to give up the name of the empire. I will build an autonomous nation where people of ethnic minorities, who want freedom, can live.

Two. The Andras Empire will hand over 30% of the territory close to the border of the Meltor Kingdom and permanently give up the right to occupy them. The choice of territory is entirely up to Meltor.

Three. I will establish a semi-permanent non-aggression treaty between Andras and Meltor, as well as designate a safe zone where we can trade regularly. I hope to promote a friendship between the two nations. All tariffs incurred in the trade zone for the next ten years will be borne by Andras.

- - - -

“... Now, are there any terms that those present want to negotiate further?”

The expressions of everyone had undergone a complete change.

Orta seemed to speak for them all. “The terms are ridiculously good. No, it is hard to negotiate any further. Andras was able to dominate the Northern Continent because of their territory and population. Now they are giving up both things. They do actually mean to end the conflict in the Northern Continent.”

There were those who would want to keep fighting, but the people gathered here weren’t stupid. Even if they continued the war to subjugate Andras, it was impossible to control the territory they would gain. But it was a different story if they could gain 30% with peaceful bargaining. That would be enough to make up for the resources Meltor had lost in the war.

As for the declaration that Andras would become an autonomous state and trade zone? That was nothing more than a roundabout declaration of surrender, cutting off their hands and feet. Andras might survive the end of this war, but they would never beat Meltor again. That alone was enough to make everyone hesitate about pursuing more war.

“By the way, there is one unrelated condition,” Kurt spoke again and turned to Theo. “Emperor Crowd has demanded that Theo take part in the negotiation. He has a story to share with you, regardless of whether you are the leader or just part of the group. Perhaps it is something related to the former emperor, Invidia. What do you want to do?”

“I...” Theo was troubled for a moment.

It was true that he was curious about the information Crowd had. The information was obviously closely related to Invidia. If Invidia had truly wanted to kill him, even Crowd would’ve died in the Nadun Mountains. It now seemed necessary to grasp why Crowd had become the emperor.

“I will accompany the group.”

“Your Majesty, I will follow. Won’t it make things more certain?” Veronica raised a hand.

It made sense. Crowd might’ve become the emperor, but there was the possibility that he was seeking Theo’s neck. However, he wouldn’t be able to do anything against two 8th Circle magicians moving together.

“Please do so,” Kurt agreed and nodded. “The date for the signing of the new agreement is in a fortnight. You all can relax, while Theo and Veronica will prepare as the heads of the group. White Tower Master, please assist them if they require it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

.

“I hope that this agreement will bring peace to the Northern Continent. I am ashamed to rely on you again when you aren’t in perfect condition. After this situation is over, I will provide proper compensation.”

With that, the meeting abruptly ended.

***

A fortnight was both a long and short period of time, but every moment was valuable to Theo. He escaped from the palace grounds and moved to the new Miller estate near the capital. The guards were surprised by the unexpected teleportation, but their eyes widened at his robes.

“No, who are you? Heok, that robe...?”

“A-Are you perhaps Prime Theo—no, Marquis Miller?”

There was no need to respond with words. Theo nodded, and they instantly saluted. It was a normal reaction. As Meltor’s hero, Theo was a person whose name was heard at any busy area in this kingdom. He didn’t know it, but his popularity had long overtaken the king’s.

“Oh, my. Who is this?” A woman embraced him as soon as he entered the drawing room. The warm and familiar smell disarmed all of Theo’s alertness. She could use perfume and cosmetics now that she was a senior noble, but his mother was still the same. As she held Theo firmly in her arms, she looked back.

“Honey! Leo! Theo has returned!”

“What?! Who came?”

“Brother! It really is Brother!”

His father had thinning hair, and his brother, Leonardo, was much bigger than before. His family gathered excitedly around Theo. He felt awkward after not seeing them for a long time, but his parents and brother didn't even notice as they chatted about Theo’s achievements or earls he didn’t know. Theo was surprised when he heard that Leonardo was better at swordsmanship than magic.

“Really?”

“Indeed. It is so cute how he plays with a wooden sword all day. What did the knight who taught him say? He said he wanted Leo to be his disciple.”

“Wow, Leo. Don’t you have amazing skills?” Theo patted Leo’s head, causing him to giggle.

Was it because he wasn’t accustomed to being praised by his brother? Theo watched him approvingly before secretly asking his parents for the truth. If it was true that his brother had talent, then Theo would recommend a proper teacher for him.

“Is there someone that you have in mind?”

“There are two possible people.”

Theo thought of Randolph and Rebecca. One was a sword master, and the other was climbing over the wall of a master. Both of them would be suitable to be Leonardo’s teacher. However, Randolph had shown his skills in the war, so he was likely to become a high ranking noble. Such a person couldn’t become a tutor.

I will ask Rebecca later.

It might be different if she was a master like Randolph, but she couldn’t stay beside Theo with her current abilities. As such, it was more efficient to make her Leonardo’s teacher and entrust her with protecting his family. Finally, Theo stopped worrying. He wanted to enjoy this time with his family.

The next day came too soon. After breakfast with his family, Theo returned to Manavil. He made his way to the infirmary and scanned their patient list for a certain name. Although he could ask the receptionist, Theo didn’t want to attract unnecessary attention.

[Vince Haidel]

Soon after, Theo found what he was looking for.

“... I’m coming in.” He entered without waiting for a reply.

His teacher, whom he hadn’t seen in a few months, was lying on the bed. Vince Haidel, the war magician in red robes, looked haggard, but he welcomed Theo with a large smile. “Ah, I was wondering who would be so impolite. I’ve heard all about your activities. You did really well.”

“Master.”

“You don’t have to feel sorry for me. I fought my best on the battlefield and got this result. Rather, I am proud that I survived the western front.”

It truly was a miracle that he had survived Invidia and the surviving Seven Swords.

Vince pointed at his missing left leg with a refreshed expression. “It is done. Vince Haidel will now live as a magician, not a war magician. I might be suited for it, but I didn’t really like fighting. A small library room with a pen and parchment is good enough for me. The things you tell me are sufficient to last the rest of my life.”

Vince laughed with delight as he thought of the analysis of ancient languages that he could now freely dive into. His face sincerely showed that he didn’t care about a lost leg. In the end, Theo couldn’t help laughing as well. The weight of the elixir in his pocket was unbearable. If he handed the elixir over now, Vince would wave his hand and tell him to use it for more important situations. Theodore Miller knew from a very long time ago that he was such a person.

‘I don’t know who was worried about whom.

Theo took off his robe and sat in the chair next to the bed. He forgot all the complicated stories and simply chatted with his teacher until the sun went down.

“Why do you keep moving around?”

Until the day of the promised meeting, Theo met and talked with people. He went to see the injured elves, and he comforted Sylvia, who was saddened by her grandfather’s death. Theo also shared a cup with those who celebrated his victory and spoke with elders of the Magic Society.

Time passed by, and eventually, the promised day arrived.