9 Chapter 9 — One-sided Negotiation

The heavy doors of the chamber swung open. A hushed silence fell over the assembled nobles and ministers as they watched the imposing figure of General Konrad, clad in his black SS uniform.

Konrad exuded an air of authority and power as he strode forward, his black leather gloves adding to his mystique. Behind him, his officers followed suit, their disciplined march reverberating through the chamber.

King Edmund rose from his chair at the head of the table to greet the arriving delegation.

[Welcome to our Kingdom, General Konrad. Please take a seat. I hope that our two countries can strive forward together as friends]

While the ministers and nobles were nervous, King Edmund displayed his qualifications as a King. While the nobles were focused on how to run away, Edmund would not. The Kingdom was where he was born, and it was where he shall lay. Konrad nodded and sat down with his officers. He had already formulated a plan in his mind.

[Thank you, King Edmund. I appreciate your willingness to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest in these trying times.]

Konrad's tone was measured and composed.

[General Konrad, as you should be aware, our Kingdom faces an imminent threat from the Elsass Empire. Their armies are closing in, and our destruction is all but inevitable without your country's help]

King Edmund did not try to underplay the situation to his advantage. He knew that his own armies stood absolutely no chance against the Elsass Kingdom and that no matter how doubtful he was of Konrad, he was the Kingdom's only hope.

Konrad didn't hesitate to reply.

[Naturally, our country is able to protect and shelter your country]

The whole room looked on in anticipation. What was the price?

[In return for your allegiance]

The room was instantly in an uproar. The nobles and ministers exchanged anxious glances while King Edmund maintained his composure. He had guessed that Konrad's demands were going to be significant, but he didn't think his appetite would be this big.

[If you wish for our allegiance… It's not impossible, but how can you protect us with the power you've shown us?]

Everyone in the room had heard the recounts of how Konrad's army defeated the bandits. While their power was impressive, it was not strong enough to stop the Elsass Empire's army's advance, let alone defeat it.

At this moment, a royal guard ran into the room with a terrible announcement.

[Your Majesty, the Elsass Empire's army has arrived!]

The room instantly panicked with only King Edmund and Konrad's delegation remaining unaffected. Konrad stood up from his seat.

[Let me show you. Our power]

He started walking to the roof of the castle. The rest of the room nervously exchanged glances before following him.

At the top of the castle, the Elsass Kingdom's army could be seen approaching from far away. The strongest army of the Elsass army was called the Imperial Army. The Imperial Army had only come into existence recently and was equipped with strange and new technology. Judging by the equipment of the incoming army, this army was a fragment of the Imperial army.

In the distance, huge wooden ships were floating in the sky, speeding forward towards the city of Canariel. It was obvious that it had already defeated all the armies sent against it. The design of the ship was something that Konrad would expect to see from the age of exploration. There were hundreds of these ships, packed with soldiers. Giant cannons medieval cannons could be seen poking out the sides of the more armoured ships. Wyvern riders and heavily armoured soldiers could also be faintly seen onboard.

However, the main attraction of the fleet was a giant fortress floating with them. Gigantic cannons covered the entire fortress and a magical shield could be seen surrounding the entire structure like a gigantic bubble. The sight of this army alone was enough to end terror in anyone who was foolish enough to stand against them.

[Oh my god… And to think that this is only a small splinter of the Imperial Army…]

[We are dead… There's no point resisting]

[Can we still run away?]

The only reason the Kingdom hadn't surrendered during the war was that while the country might be spared, the ones in control would have to be executed for their crimes of going against the Elsass Empire. The Elsass Empire would only accept the surrender of those strong enough to fight them. The Canary Kingdom was simply not qualified for the Elsass Empire to accept their surrender.

The nobles broke out in despair and some even directly started crying. The ministers were more composed, but their deathly pale faces exposed their true feelings. Only King Edmund and Konrad's delegation remained upright. The Imperial army was only a few kilometres out at this point.

Konrad's piercing gaze swept over everyone, silencing them.

[Now, shall I display our might?]

He gestured slightly and an officer beside him pulled out his radio with a swift motion.

[Waiting for your command!]

Konrad took a moment, then ordered with a calm voice.

[Launch!]

He said it as if his order wasn't about to kill tens of thousands of humans, like it was just a training exercise.

Konrad turned back to face the incoming Imperial Army. He felt the wind on the high castle roof blow through his hair. Looking down, he could see the city. From this perspective, the city seemed too simple. The numerous houses and walls looked almost like a miniature city. Konrad didn't think of himself as a good person, and his mind was still registering his current position. He whispered soundlessly to himself.

[Now, I can be considered one of the big players in this chess game. I will announce my entry by using this army, then eventually the Elsass Empire as a stepping stone. All shall know my name. And they shall tremble in fear]

[W-what is that?]

From the forest behind the city, Numerous missiles rose into the sky, creating countless towers of white smoke. There were anti-ship missiles, anti-air missiles, rocket artillery missiles and ballistic missiles. But they all shared one common target and direction: the Imperial Army.

The nobles, ministers, and even King Edmund watched in awe as the missiles streaked high into the sky and over the city, leaving behind trails of white smoke. The approaching Imperial Army, with its floating fortress and formidable weaponry, seemed invincible. But now, it was about to face a force the likes of which had never been seen in this world.