"What? Making peace with Helferich and Archibald? That won't solve the problem, Your Majesty," Howard replied, surprised to find King Edmund thinking of making peace with Helferich and Archibald.
If Howard agreed to what King Edmund said, then Castlebourne, Reingard, Hildemar, and the entire alliance of House Reingard would lose their pride.
In Castlebourne's position of being pressured and proposing peace, Helferich and Archibald would likely take advantage by making certain deals. Which in the end would still be disadvantageous to Castlebourne.
"We must not fall for this. While there is still a way out, we must still seek it, Your Majesty," Howard interjected, emphasizing his support for the proposal on the paper.
"Even if we were to establish diplomatic relations with Valeron, what would we trade with?" asked Edmund.
"Castlebourne's gold reserves are sufficient to cover five years of iron trade between Athalaris and Valeron," Howard replied.
