Chapter 59: Compensation Negotiation
The negotiation between the Ambitosu nation and our party took place at the border between their territory and the Roccha region.
Accompanied by Princess Parubera, Famiris, civil servants, and guards, I headed to the meeting place. Honas had accompanied Solerina, who was heading to the Nonette homeland. He was one of the few who knew the route from the capital of Nonette to the capital of the Roccha region.
Now, just as in the ceasefire talks I had with Roccha, Princess Parubera and Famiris were the ones leading the negotiations. It seemed that Ambitosu also recognized the Knight Nation's neutrality, as they raised no objections.
"Now, both parties, commence the negotiations," Famiris declared.
The representative of Ambitosu was the first to speak, "First, allow me to present our case!"
Facing me across the negotiation table was a man in his forties with blackish-brown hair and eyes, sun-kissed tan skin, deep wrinkles on his face, and a rich beard that almost concealed them. He wore attire reminiscent of Central Asian style from my previous life, with a turban-like hat and loose white clothing.
This individual began speaking vigorously, his eyes bloodshot and spittle flying, "There is poison in the rivers flowing from your country to ours! Due to this poison, our people are suffering from health issues! How do you intend to take responsibility?"
If this were a simple argument, it might have been wise to apologize and then engage in constructive negotiations. However, this was an issue between nations. Apologizing, admitting facts easily, or revealing our demands too readily would not be prudent. Moreover, I had a prior reputation for allowing myself to be manipulated in negotiations with the former Roccha nation, which had led to me being burdened with territories.
"Could this be mere accusation?" I feigned ignorance for now, and the representative of Ambitosu turned red, likely from anger.
"Our citizens are suffering as we speak! To call it an accusation is outrageous!"
"Your citizens have fallen ill. That is indeed a tragic occurrence. However, without clarifying the causal relationship between the illness and the river, we cannot draw any conclusions, can we?"
"People who consumed water from the river flowing from your country have fallen ill! Are you implying something else? Are you suggesting they didn't boil the water properly before drinking it? Furthermore, you claim it's poison, but have you identified the specific toxin? Do you have any evidence that this toxin originates from the Roccha region?"
As I continued to ask questions, the representative of Ambitosu averted his gaze from me and turned to Famiris, who was moderating the discussion.
"Esteemed knight of the Knight Nation, are you willing to overlook this person's heartless words?"
Oh, he's resorting to a sneaky tactic now. Certainly, if someone from the Knight Nation were to intervene, there might be a chance they'd help us. To an outsider, Ambitosu appeared to be the victim of poison, and our side, the perpetrator.
However, the representative of Ambitosu was mistaken. The concept of the "righteous actions" upheld by the Knight Nation didn't mean they would unconditionally help someone who claimed to be a victim. I had come to understand this through our interactions so far.
"Prince Milimos has not said anything incorrect. In fact, due to the lack of evidence, it appears as if Ambitosu is making baseless accusations," Famiris decisively affirmed.
The representative of Ambitosu looked dumbfounded.
"So, a knight from the Knight Nation takes the side of the accused party that allegedly poisoned the water?"
"That's rude. I am merely speaking from a neutral standpoint. I am not taking either side."
"If that's the case—"
"I have understood Ambitosu's argument. Therefore, please present the evidence to support your claim. Without evidence, we can only consider this as baseless accusations," Famiris concluded firmly.
With that, Famiris made her point. The representative of Ambitosu seemed taken aback, and I was slightly surprised too. I had a vague image of Famiris as someone who would resort to force to resolve issues, but it seemed she possessed the capacity for thoughtful judgment. Well, maybe that was a rude assumption.
Now that the other side's argument had crumbled, it was time for us to present the evidence we had prepared.
"Ambitosu's representative claims that the rivers flowing from our country contain poison, causing illness to those who drink from them. However, there's something odd about that," I began.
"What do you mean? Are you suggesting that we are lying?"
"Exactly. I conducted a health survey of the residents within the Roccha region living along the rivers in question. The results showed no evidence of health issues related to poison."
As I presented the evidence in the form of copies of health survey reports conducted since I became the lord, the representative of Ambitosu snatched the documents from me and glanced through them. He then slammed the documents onto the table, clearly frustrated.
"This is nonsense!"
"If you claim it's nonsense, then provide evidence to refute it."
"There's definitely poison in the river! They must have removed language that would be detrimental to their country from the report!"
"We wouldn't do such 'bad' things. Besides, if there were health issues in the Rocha region where the two knights from our country live, they would have heard about it. And if they heard such information, no matter what I say, they would probably extend a helping hand."
As I directed the water, Famiris nodded vigorously, and Princess Palvela smiled.
"That's right. We're not under Prince Milimos' command. If we learn that his misrule is harming the people, we will definitely take action."
"I have read your report on that side. And in fact, I have personally seen that there are no sick people."
What Princess Palvela said must be about the conditions she saw on the journey from Nonette to the central city of Rocha.
In fact, the villagers were drinking the water that Famiris' beloved horse Nerotiora had refused, and there were no signs of health damage.
Nevertheless, Princess Palvela and Famiris assured us that the report was true, making things easier for us.
I shouldn't get carried away and negotiate with these two based on their support. Just like when we met with Old Rocha, it could work against us, so we have to be careful.
Let's systematically debunk their claims.
"Now, we've presented evidence on our side. Are you just going to insist that there is poison on your side?"
"Grrr... Right, why don't we draw water from that river and have them drink it! If there's no poison, they should be able to drink it!"
"That's fine. We trust your report. However, if you're willing to boil and cool the water freshly drawn from the river, then we can proceed."
When I set conditions, the other side adopted a triumphantly victorious attitude.
"Now you've admitted there's a reason to boil it! Clearly, there must be poison!"
"No, no. As I mentioned earlier, drinking raw water can upset your stomach. And by the way, is the poison you're claiming the type that disappears when boiled, as stated in the report?"
"I don't know! But you must know!"
"That's right. As I stated in the report, your claims are incorrect."
The conversation wasn't getting through. At this rate, the negotiations would end in a deadlock, and we might end up in war.
Since the Rocha region is in the midst of reconstruction, avoiding war would be the best outcome.
We might have to extend a helping hand to the other side.
"Why don't you investigate the people who are said to be sick in more detail and bring it as a report? That way, it will be proper evidence."
"As a knight of the Knight Nation, I support Prince Milimos' proposal. The way things are now, we have no choice but to consider it a baseless accusation and declare war."
Famiris' pursuit made the representative of Ambitos look extremely bitter.
"All right, wait! I'll go fetch water from the river in question!"
With hurried footsteps, the representative of Ambitos and their entourage left.
After watching them leave, I turned to Famiris.
"Is it okay to consider this a break until the negotiations resume?"
"We don't have much choice. It might be better to resume tomorrow. What do you think, Princess Palvela?"
"Let's inform the Ambitos side to resume tomorrow. And we also need to monitor whether those people bring the river water properly and don't tamper with it in the meantime."
Surprised by Princess Palvela's sensible proposal, I decided to withdraw to our camp.