Chapter 59
Chapter 59
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: The Brotan Treaty
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Although Gerhard had been granted full authority over diplomacy with the Brotan Kingdom by the Emperor's order, turning one nation into a puppet state was no small burden.
To conclude the treaty in a way that maximized the Empire's gains as much as possible.
Gerhard spent a long time deliberating the contents with Victor and the other Imperial Army officers and staff.
Afterward, having sent the treaty draft to the Emperor for confirmation that it was appropriate, Gerhard dispatched a herald to the Kingdom expressing his intent to negotiate.
In response, some of the nobles who had remained in the Kingdom visited Saint-Touar. In the main hall where the negotiations were to proceed, the former prisoners—Guillaume and the nobles—along with those who arrived later, all took their seats.
On the opposite side from where they gathered sat the Imperial Army officers.
The only potential wildcard, Antoine, remained confined to his guest quarters.
"Antoine... what about that Antoine?"
"Do you have any separate requests?"
"..."
This reflected Guillaume's concern for Antoine, who bore far less blame for the defeat than he did. The other nobles dared not challenge Gerhard on it, given that he had arrived with his forces.
"Representing the will of the great Emperor of the Dragonia Empire, Luise Zeinburg, I, Gerhard Weisilt, Commander-in-Chief of the Dragonia Empire's Brotan Front Expeditionary Force, shall announce the demands of the Dragonia Empire."
"..."
Once preparations were complete, Gerhard's dignified voice echoed through the hall.
Guillaume glanced around the interior of the hall, confirmed Antoine's absence, and quietly let out a sigh.
"This is to resolve the long-standing hatred between the Dragonia Empire and the Brotan Kingdom. This agreement shall serve as a symbol of peace and cooperation between our two nations."
Enemy flags now flew over what had once been their own lands, and they were surrounded by foes.
The Kingdom's nobles felt the weight of their defeat more acutely than ever, masking their despair behind stony expressions.
"Article 1. The Brotan Kingdom shall maintain its sovereign status and be operated through close cooperative relations with the Dragonia Empire."
Gerhard, a pleasant tension thrumming through him, read aloud the treaty terms he had hammered out with his officers.
"Article 2. Imperial forces shall garrison major strongholds within the Brotan Kingdom, including the capital Reubois, to provide defense and security support. Any costs arising from this garrison shall be shared between both nations through consultation. The size and equipment of the Brotan Kingdom Army shall be determined through consultation with the Dragonia Empire, and their deployment and operations shall proceed under Empire cooperation."
It was dressed up as negotiation, but only Imperial troops stood guard around them.
The Kingdom's nobles sensed the Empire's brazen intent to control everything under the guise of "cooperation," but they had lost the will to resist long ago.
"Article 3. The Brotan Kingdom's foreign policy shall be formulated in cooperation with the Dragonia Empire. All negotiations, treaty signings, and transmissions of external intentions must undergo prior consultation with the Dragonia Empire."
"..."
"Article 4. The King of the Brotan Kingdom shall govern with counsel from advisors dispatched by the Dragonia Empire's Emperor and reference their advice when deciding major policies."
By the terms, the Empire would meddle in the Kingdom's diplomacy, military, and politics alike.
This was the sort of clause bound to provoke outrage, yet...
"...The King of the Brotan Kingdom shall be elected in the Kingdom's traditional manner, with no interference from the Dragonia Empire."
Aware of this, the Empire pledged to respect the authority of a king selected by the Kingdom's methods.
"Major nobles must swear cooperation with the Dragonia Empire; refusal will prompt a review of their status. However, the existing territories and privileges of nobles who agree to the oath are guaranteed."
He declared that the nobles' authority would be preserved to the greatest extent possible.
"Phew..."
"..."
Mixed feelings gave way to a strange sense of relief, their resentment fading bit by bit.
"Article 5. The Brotan Kingdom's key resources and products shall be managed in cooperation with the Dragonia Empire, which holds the right to prioritize access to those resources as needed."
Gerhard continued his confident recitation.
"...The Brotan Kingdom shall provide 10% of its annual total revenue to the Dragonia Empire and maintain close economic cooperation. Merchants of both nations shall enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement, with rights guaranteed by the Brotan Kingdom and Dragonia Empire alike."
"...10%?"
"10% is definitely low. What could they be thinking..."
"Market exchanges... An opportunity?"
Common puppet-state treaties demanded 30%—or up to 50%—of revenue. The Empire's 10% felt almost symbolic by comparison.
And rather than favoring their own merchants for exploitation, the Empire spoke—at least on paper—of mutual, unrestricted trade.
"Still, this is..."
"We have no means to resist. Better to sign now while the terms lean even slightly in our favor."
"But..."
The Kingdom nobles' opinions split and wavered between defiance and acceptance.
'...Too generous, isn't it? This country's ripe for more squeezing.'
'It only seems that way. Implement this treaty, and the Kingdom's trapped in the Empire's fold forever. Feigned generosity is cheaper than crushing backlash from harsh terms.'
'...I see.'
'We gauge their reactions and squeeze more, bit by bit.'
"...Article 8. The Brotan Kingdom shall retain its own flag and symbols but display those of the Dragonia Empire alongside them to symbolize the cooperative ties between our nations..."
Watching them, Gerhard recalled his talk with Victor, smiled faintly, and pressed on with the reading.
"Article 10. The Brotan Kingdom recognizes the Dragonia Empire's occupation of Saint-Touar, Montpieu, and Anyak, and returns the Ar River plains—seized from the Kaen Kingdom during the war—to the Kaen Kingdom."
"That's...!"
When it came to territory, a few nobles even shot to their feet.
"The Ar River region is land we conquered! Returning it...?"
"Are you rejecting this agreement outright?"
Gerhard fixed the standing noble with a piercing glare at odds with his even tone.
"Shall I take that as readiness to prolong the war with the Empire?"
"Th-that's not what I..."
"The Empire seeks peace but fears no war. Our strength endures; the Kingdom's, it seems, does not. I advise clear-eyed judgment."
"...My apologies."
The Kingdom's army lay in utter ruin, lacking even confidence to repel a Kaen counterattack.
Cowed by Gerhard's unyielding stance, the nobles sat back down empty-handed.
"...Article 16. This agreement may be amended through bilateral consultation. In the event of a breach by the Brotan Kingdom, the Dragonia Empire reserves the right to impose severe sanctions."
In the end, no real opposition surfaced from the Kingdom side before Gerhard finished.
"These conclude the Empire's demands. Detailed provisions for implementation and enforcement are in the treaty document."
"...Hm."
Having heard the lengthy treaty read aloud, Guillaume...
"I, Guillaume Châtillon, lawful ruler of the Brotan Kingdom, hereby agree to this accord with the Dragonia Empire on behalf of the Brotan Kingdom."
Donning a faded crown hastily mended, he signed with trembling hands.
"...No choice, is there."
"Can't resist, but still..."
"...Might not be all bad. The Dragonia Empire's vast market has opened to us."
"Market? Money on your mind even now—impressive."
"Ha. That patriotic, are you? Who was it that folded without a fight earlier?"
"Biding our time. For the future."
Gerhard, having eavesdropped on the Kingdom nobles' chatter, signed in turn.
"The peace treaty is concluded."
He raised the document, bearing signatures and seals from both sides, for all to see.
Imperial officers clenched their fists and nodded; Kingdom nobles traded subtle glances.
Unlike the Empire side's jubilation, the nobles' faces blended faint relief with resignation.
Guillaume hung his head.
The crown salvaged on Imperial mercy felt unbearably light, the treaty's weight crushing him instead.
"Now the Empire and Kingdom advance toward a shared destiny. Your Highness Guillaume—let us cast off old grudges and forge a new era together."
Gerhard approached, dipped his head slightly, and extended his right hand with decorum.
"May this handshake stand as proof of our trust, cooperation, and common future."
His words brimmed with courtesy, yet for a mere duke—Imperial proxy though he was—to offer his hand first to a king flew in the face of protocol.
"..."
But gazing at that outstretched hand, Guillaume confronted his own future—and the Kingdom's.
"...We must. For the Empire's and Kingdom's tomorrow."
He had no choice but to clasp it.
"Together, onward."
Gerhard's smile held layers of meaning as he gripped and shook firmly; Guillaume's hand followed limply.
Thus was the Brotan Kingdom's fate sealed.
After the accord was finalized, Gerhard announced a modest banquet before the 8th Legion departed for its garrison posting in the Kingdom.
"The troops have reveled enough these past days; we'll keep the banquet small."
"Accounting for Kingdom noble backlash?"
"Mm. We'll serve them fine meals separately. Informal affair—they won't fuss."
"Likely."
I nodded along.
"Deputy Commander."
"Yes."
"You must attend, without fail. On time."
"Understood."
"That's an order."
"...Got it. I won't be late."
"Good. Splendid."
Gerhard had stressed it to me repeatedly—no chance I'd skip or dawdle.
But first, one task.
"Deputy Commander? What brings you here?"
"Come to see Antoine."
"Right away!"
Before savoring victory, I sought out Antoine, still isolated in his quarters.
"...What do you want."
"Good to see you."
For my personal amusement.
And a touch of payback.