Chapter 446
Chapter 446: I Am the Expert in Negotiation. (3)
As Ghislaine arrived in the capital, many people had come out to see the commotion.
“It’s the Northern Army Commander!”
“They say he’s dealing with the rifts all by himself.”
“That person is the hope of the kingdom.”
Now, Ghislaine’s name was widely known among the people of the kingdom.
Since the rifts and plague appeared, the kingdom’s economic situation had worsened even more than during the drought.
If it weren’t for Ghislaine and the Northern Army, things wouldn’t have improved so quickly.
Moreover, it was commendable that Ghislaine scolded the lords and distributed medicine to the people.
At some point, Ghislaine had become the hero to end this chaotic era.
Maurice warmly welcomed Ghislaine as he entered to the cheers of the crowd. As the Commander in Chief of the Kingdom Army, it was unusual for him to come out to greet someone personally.
“Has our nephew arrived?”
“……”
“Oh dear, my nephew has really had a tough time.”
Maurice laughed heartily, patting Ghislaine on the shoulder.
To the Commander in Chief of the Kingdom Army, Ghislaine was a real blessing. He was leading the Northern Army and solving difficult problems all on his own.
Thanks to him, the Kingdom Army had been pushed entirely to the southern border, keeping the Duke Faction in check.
In truth, Ghislaine was deep in thought about when he had become the nephew of Marquis Macquarie.
“Alright, let’s go in. Everyone is waiting.”
Entering the royal castle, warmly welcomed by the nobles of the Crown Prince Faction, Ghislaine soon met delegates dressed in splendid attire.
Marquis Branford, prominent ministers of the royal family, and major nobles of the Crown Prince Faction had all gathered.
“You have arrived.”
As Marquis Branford spoke, Ghislaine slightly bowed his head. Seeing his face, Ghislaine clicked his tongue.
‘Not quite the same as before.’
Though the sharp atmosphere of Marquis Branford remained, fatigue was evident in his eyes and on his face.
With the series of events piling up, it was understandable. Moreover, since no one was listening properly, the Northern Army was forced to take action.
‘So you’re handing over all the power to me and using me as a sword, huh?’
Soon, envoys from each kingdom and nobles from the Ruthania Kingdom introduced themselves and took their seats.
From the Seiron Kingdom, which brought Claude with them, to the distant Lombars Kingdom at the western edge, many nations sent their envoys.
One envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell cleared his throat and spoke.
“There are still kingdoms that haven’t arrived, but we can’t wait forever, so let’s begin our discussions. We can bring them in gradually. Aren’t most of the major kingdoms already here?”
The Kingdom of Grimwell was a strong nation comparable to the Ruthania Kingdom. Furthermore, it was the first kingdom to propose the Human Alliance in Ghislaine’s past life.
However, right now, being heavily supported by the Ruthania Kingdom, they had no choice but to respond when called.
On the surface, it appeared they were responding because the Ruthania Kingdom proposed it first.
In a way, this could also be attributed to Ghislaine’s influence.
Marquis Branford nodded.
“I don’t think those who have come all this way did so without any thought. Although we made the first proposal, they all agreed with that intention to come here, right?”
“That’s correct. This is a disaster that has befallen all humanity, isn’t it? We must cooperate more closely than before to confront the Salvation Society and the rifts. I believe everyone agrees on this point. Therefore, we’ve prepared a draft in advance.”
The envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell passed around documents they had prepared. They had come ready to take the initiative.
“Hmm, opening borders, resource support, dispatching troops and commanders, establishing alliance organizations, establishing an alliance council, selecting a chairperson….”
The content was extensive, but nothing particularly special. It was about slightly easing the restrictions between kingdoms and creating a unified system for active cooperation.
If one were to nitpick, there were many aspects that were led by the Kingdom of Grimwell.
However, the Ruthania Kingdom had nothing to lose. After all, the rifts and plague needed to be expelled from the continent as quickly as possible by uniting everyone’s strength.
That’s why they had been providing significant amounts of food and medicine to the other kingdoms.
The envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell smiled brightly as he said.
“The humanitarian support from the Ruthania Kingdom is greatly appreciated by all. Shouldn’t we combine our efforts to quickly resolve this situation? This is not just one person’s problem.”
“Your words make sense. According to the document, it seems you propose that the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Grimwell be appointed as the chairperson of the alliance council?”
“If you entrust us with the great task of the alliance, we will lead the alliance splendidly.”
Marquis Branford nodded as well. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Grimwell was also a well-respected individual, making him suitable for the position.
Handling the internal enemies does not mean the Ruthania Kingdom will become stable. If everything else falls apart, they will eventually find themselves in endless war.
Marquis Branford looked at Ghislaine and asked.
“What are your thoughts?”
“I am not satisfied.”
“Hmm?”
At those words, Marquis Branford appeared puzzled. Until now, Ghislaine had actively argued that other kingdoms needed supporting.
Moreover, it was Ghislaine who had urgently requested the gathering of each kingdom’s envoys this time.
Yet now, to suddenly express dissatisfaction was curious indeed.
‘Could it be… because of the chairperson position?’
Ghislaine, who had never displayed much greed for status or power, was surprisingly indifferent about such things.
The other envoys were equally bewildered.
Suddenly summoned and then expressing discontent? What could possibly be unsatisfactory?
While it was fortunate that Ghislaine had managed to gain various resources in the Ruthania Kingdom lately, the truth was he had never asked for it in the first place.
Ghislaine opened his mouth with a nonchalant expression.
“Actually, I wanted to do some calculations with this gathering.”
“Calculations…?”
“We are already providing a tremendous amount of food and medicine to each kingdom. However, we cannot continue supporting indefinitely. Resources are not limitless, you know?”
“……”
The envoys fell silent.
To be honest, aside from the Ruthania Kingdom, almost all other kingdoms were being ravaged by the Salvation Society and the rifts. They hadn’t prepared as well as the Ruthania Kingdom.
There was no denying that they were hoping to leverage the name of the alliance to more boldly ask for support.
The envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell cleared his throat and spoke.
“We are extremely grateful for that aspect. However, smaller kingdoms are in a precarious situation, like a candle in the wind. If they are not helped soon, they will face extinction. Isn’t that right?”
The envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell looked toward the envoy from the Seiron Kingdom, who nodded vigorously.
The Seiron Kingdom was a small country adjacent to Ruthania. Their total military strength was barely 100,000.
They were just managing to hold off the capital’s surroundings, and without support from the Ruthania Kingdom, they wouldn’t even be able to supply rations.
The envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell looked at Ghislaine again and said.
“While we can still hold out, not every kingdom is in the same position. We cannot afford to just watch this unfold, can we? If other nations are entirely taken over by the Salvation Society, the Ruthania Kingdom will undoubtedly suffer great consequences as well.”
Ghislaine scoffed.
“Who doesn’t know that?”
“Then what do you propose…?”
“You will need to pay a price for it.”
Marquis Branford looked at Ghislaine with a peculiar expression. He had previously instructed that this should not be approached in a transactional manner, demanding unconditional support.
Yet now, having gathered the envoys, his tone had shifted. It implied that he had been aiming for something all along.
‘Of course. That guy wouldn’t just give it away.’
It seemed that Ghislaine had intentionally distributed food and medicine first. By helping to put out the urgent fires, he tightened the strings and aimed to obtain something in return.
The envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell, seemingly frustrated, continued.
“There are very few places that have as much food and medicine as the Ruthania Kingdom right now. The small kingdoms are struggling to breathe, you know?”
“I’m not saying you should repay with just that. Bring out something different.”
“What do you mean?”
“Bring various jewels, artworks, and precious metals equivalent to the amount we provide. That should be doable, right?”
“Uhmm…”
The envoys fell silent. Indeed, luxury items were of little use in times like these.
However, after the war, their value was bound to rise again. It would be too costly to give up for mere food and medicine, which would perish.
Still, surviving for the moment was more crucial than anything else. Without support from the Ruthania Kingdom, they would be in trouble.
“Cough, can you match the previous market price?”
“Let’s go with that.”
The envoys who had already received food and medicine could not refuse the offer. If they hadn’t tasted it, they might not know, but since they had already partaken, they were well aware of its sweetness.
As all the envoys agreed, the envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell hastily continued.
“Now let’s get down to how we will operate the alliance in practical terms. We need to establish a framework and create policies to quickly appoint talented individuals from various regions…”
The envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell hoped that no further talk of transactions would emerge. Therefore, proposing to discuss the formal establishment of the alliance, but Ghislaine cut him off immediately.
“Troops.”
“Pardon?”
“First, send support troops our way.”
All the envoys stared at him in bewilderment. Everyone was busy fighting against the rifts, so how could they send troops for support?
And to send them to Ruthania, which was in the best condition? This made no sense.
As everyone was left speechless, Ghislaine continued.
“Why not? To propose an alliance means we are meant to fight together, right? There are already provisions for support troops in the draft you provided earlier.”
“Ah, that’s true, but… to ask Ruthania to send support? You’re the ones who are fighting best right now! Other kingdoms are really struggling.”
“Isn’t Grimwell still holding up okay?”
The envoy from the Kingdom of Grimwell fell silent.
Indeed, they were in a better position than others. Their initial response might have been a bit late, but they had military power, and the royal family’s strength was overwhelmingly greater than the rebellious nobles.
Still, they were hesitant to send troops. They hadn’t properly dealt with the rifts within Grimwell yet.
Ghislaine looked around at the envoys and declared.
“Most likely, we’ll be the first to stop the expansion of rifts on this continent.”
“That, that’s right. Everyone knows you are famous for that.”
“If our army comes to assist you, it will be a huge help.”
At those words, the envoys smiled slightly.
In truth, the greatest reason for establishing the alliance was to receive the help of the Northern Army of the Ruthania Kingdom, which was the fastest in dealing with rifts.
“However, there’s the Delphine Duke Faction, who has teamed up with the Salvation Society.”
At that, the expressions of the envoys darkened.
Everyone was aware of the strength of the Delphine Duke Faction even in the neighboring kingdoms of Ruthania. Those in distant lands were also beginning to grasp it.
With a fierce look in his eyes, Ghislaine continued.
“The Delphine Duke Faction is powerful. Moreover, the priests of the Salvation Society must have come here in greater numbers than elsewhere in order to take over the Ruthania Kingdom. Let me ask you: If we are defeated, will that be good for you?”
“Hmm…”
Thanks to the Ruthania Kingdom, they had managed to prepare troops and medicine, albeit barely. Right now, the only kingdom suppressing the rifts was Ruthania.
In a way, the Ruthania Kingdom was instilling hope in people that they could continue to fight.
But what if the Delphine Duke, allied with the Salvation Society, triumphed in the civil war?
The other kingdoms would lose morale dramatically. Perhaps the entire human race would plunge into despair.
Ghislaine hammered the point home.
“Only after resolving the Delphine Duke Faction can the army of Ruthania support you. Therefore, any kingdom with even a little power should send support troops. Understood?”
“Ugh…”
The envoys wore troubled expressions.
In truth, they hadn’t considered this level of implication. They had aimed to establish the alliance first and hoped to receive benefits that benefited their respective kingdoms through coordination.
It was clear this would be a long and tedious task, but negotiations were inherently like that. All the envoys present were well-acquainted with the slow and intricate processes involved.
But Ghislaine didn’t care about that. He didn’t want to know either. He was determined to move forward in the most rapid and efficient manner.
‘In my past life, things dragged on without end, only to sour everything.’
Having experienced it once in his previous life, he knew that everyone had been preoccupied assessing what was beneficial for their own kingdom, making proper negotiation impossible.
By the time they finally matched each other’s conditions, humanity had already been pushed back to the brink.
To prevent that from happening, he rapidly gathered the envoys through Marquis Branford.
‘Now the priests of the Salvation Society have fully entered the war. The situation is different from my previous life.’
In his past life, the Salvation Society had managed to keep their identity concealed, which had allowed them to endure.
The initial momentum in a fight is crucial. They needed to firmly seize the initiative while the balance of power was still precarious.
‘I must eradicate the Delphine Duke Faction and the Salvation Society first, no matter what.’
Ghislaine was absolutely unwilling to compromise on this point.
So if they wanted to join the alliance, they would first need to send support troops to Ruthania.
