Chapter 40: Post-War Settlement
The battle between the countries of Nornette and Rocha, which began in the midst of winter, came to an end just before the final decisive battle.
When I returned to the royal castle and reported, they said we needed to confirm the facts and deliver a notice to the enemy's advance party stationed in the mountains at the border. They believed that exchanging a proper ceasefire agreement would have to wait until after winter.
"Sigh... I'm so fed up with fighting in the cold of winter."
I warmed myself by the fireplace in the Marshal's office.
Watching from nearby the desk, Alekthem said, "Lord Milimos, we need you to check the documents. Nornette's war expenses are depleted after two battles, and we doubt we have enough provisions for the soldiers until winter's end."
"We also need compensation for the injured and sick soldiers. We have to find a way to cover what's lacking..."
After sufficiently warming my hands, I returned to the desk and began dealing with paperwork.
Even though there should be less work during winter, we had piles of documents due to the war.
Among them, I noticed a report that caught my attention.
"It was a mystery how Rocha suddenly appeared, but it seems they made their way through the mountains. Let's reward the soldiers who found this passage with a bonus."
If there's an easy route for them, it also means there's a potential path for a counterattack from our side. Even if Rocha intentionally caused a collapse to seal it off, we can reopen it more easily than starting from scratch.
As I dealt with paperwork one after another, the room's door was knocked.
"Marshal Milimos, King Chollex requests your presence. Please come to the audience chamber."
In response to the voice from outside the door, I turned to Alekthem.
"I wonder why I'm being called."
"Perhaps it's for congratulatory words on the victory."
"We haven't exchanged the ceasefire agreement yet, so it doesn't feel like a victory, does it?"
Though I didn't know the reason, I had to go since I was called.
I grabbed the clothes I was wearing – a soldier's uniform.
"While it's appropriate as a soldier, it's not sufficient for meeting the king."
I shrugged, and with the clothes Alekthem had prepared for me, I changed into formal attire and attached a medal to my chest.
Upon arriving at the audience chamber, the person responsible for opening and closing the door shouted inside.
"Marshal Milimos Nornette. Present yourself for an audience!"
As the official opened the door, I walked into the audience chamber, kneeled at the designated spot, and paid my respects.
"I have come as summoned."
As I lowered my head, I felt a subtle atmosphere flowing around.
Somehow, it seemed like everyone in the room was either astonished or exasperated by my presence.
Though I found the atmosphere curious, I couldn't raise my head without permission, so I waited in that position.
After almost a minute passed, King Chollex spoke.
"Marshal Milimos, you may raise your head."
With permission granted, I lifted my head and saw King Chollex sitting on the throne. Beside him was the Prime Minister, Duke Susti Avkoro.
In front of them were two unfamiliar individuals – no, I had met them once before.
One was a girl with pink hair, wearing a fluffy skirt dress – Princess Parvela, the second princess of the Holy Knight Kingdom. She seemed delighted, looking at the knight royal family's emblem-adorned dagger on my waist.
The other person was a woman with a determined face, dressed in a full-body suit of armor with a cloak – Famiris, a knight from the Knight Kingdom. She appeared to be maintaining a stoic expression while looking at me.
As I wondered why these two were present in the audience chamber, King Chollex spoke.
"Both of them are envoys sent by the Sacred Knights Nation, who learned about the unjust invasion of Rocha Country, expressing concern for Nonette Country," said King Chollex.
Upon hearing King Chollex's words, Princess Parvela curtsied and greeted me, holding the hem of her skirt. "Nice to meet you, Marshal Milimos Nonette. I am Parvela Elegiamanya Mudou, the second daughter of King Teletutos Elegiamanya Mudou of the Holy Knight State Mudou Beniornatal."
"That escort is Knight Famiris Terestajired," she said with a piercing gaze, introducing Famiris.
Since they seemed to know about me, I skipped my introduction, following the protocol of letting the conversation be led by King Chollex, the highest-ranking person present.
"Both of you are to accompany our representatives to the ceasefire negotiations between Nonette Country and Rocha Country. Until that day comes, Milimos, you shall be responsible," King Chollex stated, implying, 'You seem to know each other?'
While I kept Princess Parvela's secret, Alektemu might have shared the information, and Famiris's details were likely recorded in the reports on the frontline forts. So, it made sense for King Chollex to appoint me as the host.
"As you command," I began to respond when Famiris interjected, "With all due respect, King Chollex, I have a question."
Though it was not proper etiquette, it wasn't a reprimand either. Especially when dealing with a representative from a knight country, a small kingdom's king couldn't be impolite.
"What would you like to ask?" King Chollex inquired.
"When do you intend to start negotiations with Rocha Country?"
"I plan to start them in spring after the snow melts, as the winter travel is difficult," King Chollex replied, considering Nonette Country's circumstances.
"Too late!" Famiris sharply judged, "Rocha Country is an evil nation that invaded Nonette Country, deceiving neighboring countries and ours with false pretenses. They should be held accountable immediately, and I cannot accept delaying it just because it's winter."
Her words were extreme, but it seemed more like the stance of the knight country rather than Famiris's personal view. Nonetheless, King Chollex, who had been told such things, appeared distressed.
While Famiris continued to speak passionately, King Chollex's true expression briefly surfaced, showing clear discomfort. Then, he turned to me, seeking my assistance.
"Marshal Milimos, share your opinion," he said.
To make an unreasonable request at this point! After all, I am his actual son! Though I was inwardly surprised and confused, I maintained a composed demeanor while speaking.
It was crucial to support the knight country's opinion while also endorsing our king's view, to avoid creating conflicts.
"I agree with Knight Famiris's remarks. If we prioritize the people's well-being, it is urgent to establish the ceasefire treaty as soon as possible. However, it is a fact that winter mountains are too harsh for ordinary individuals. Even if we send negotiators to Rocha Country, they are still representatives of our people and should not be treated carelessly," I explained.
"In that case, what do you propose?" King Chollex asked again.
I didn't like this role, but I couldn't voice that with a knight country's honorable people present. Thus, I continued to reply.
"If we appoint someone from the Nonette royal family as the negotiator, we can avoid burdening our people with the difficulties of winter travel. This way, as Knight Famiris requested, we can swiftly begin negotiations with Rocha Country," I suggested.
"That person should have the achievements and reputation that other nations can recognize as befitting for diplomatic negotiations. Apart from Sorerina, who married into another country, no one else in the Nonette royal family qualifies," I stopped myself from saying more since it would be improper to recommend myself.
Understanding my intention, King Chollex took over, saying, "Marshal Milimos, you have twice led us to victory in battles and demonstrated your ability to negotiate with the empire on equal terms. You are the only suitable candidate."
"With all due respect, that is correct," I humbly replied, even though I disliked this responsibility. In the presence of knightly people who advocated righteous deeds, I couldn't utter such thoughts. With King Chollex granting permission, I bowed deeply, accepting the order.
As I did, I glanced at Princess Parvela and Famiris to gauge their reactions. Parvela wore a cheerful smile, while Famiris exhibited a resolute knight-like expression, both looking in my direction.