The senators of Marinburg were mentally prepared for the possible demands of the Empire and had secretly discussed the asking prices. What they most hoped for was to settle the matter with a large sum of money, as over time, this money would eventually flow back into their pockets. Newest update provided by novel⸺fire.net
But the conditions from the Griffin Duke left them dumbfounded. Was this even a negotiation? If they agreed to these terms, what difference would there be between Marinburg and losing its autonomy?
They would all become servants of the Empire!
However, Schultz was also someone who could remain calm. After looking at the treaty for a while, he burst into laughter: "Lord Ferdinand, out of the conditions you've presented, we might only partially agree with the fourth clause and completely agree with the fifth clause."
It's certain that all military expenses of the Imperial Army should be borne by Marinburg. This condition is the foundation of everything. As for fifty thousand Gold Marks... though a bit much, considering the first three conditions, this one is more negotiable and open for bargaining.
"Is that so? Lord Schultz, I would say that the primary conditions we focus on are the first three. As for the fifth clause, which you've agreed to, I believe it shouldn't just demand things from you; it should also require us to do something in return. That makes for a fair contract." Ivan smiled and said, "If the first four clauses are strictly adhered to, we will certainly fulfill the fifth clause as well."
"Additionally, this must be a contract that is open, fair, and just, subject to the supervision of all Empire citizens, with no allowance for anyone to act selfishly or destructively."
Laine observed the negotiation and thought that this negotiation anticipated failure from the start.
The Griffin Duke was not the main person in charge of this negotiation. The Emperor had sent a diplomat specifically to lead the talks. Most of the time, he simply sat there, enjoying his tea and snacks.
Yet, his mere presence was a significant deterrent. With him and his Griffin Knight Order present, the Empire's diplomat was emboldened, speaking aggressively, while Marinburg seemed a bit lacking in momentum.
This is the status of a Holy Sanctuary Tier expert.
Thus, the first day of negotiations lasted only two hours, reaching some consensus in certain areas. Both sides established communication mechanisms, preparing for future dialogue.
In simpler terms, the talks broke down, ending in discord.
In the evening, another banquet was held at the city hall. The nobles of Marinburg wore strained smiles as they welcomed the Griffin Knight Order.
In the vast city hall, various delicacies were displayed, including main courses, meats, vegetables, drinks, and fruits, offering a rich variety and delightful taste. Honey, jam, cream, cheese, and butter were packaged in matchbox-sized exquisite small boxes.
The beverages included coffee, tea, various juices, and milk. The main courses were various breads, accompanied by cream, cheese, and jam to pair with the bread, along with sausages and ham.
The Griffin Duke was undoubtedly the protagonist of this banquet.
If we speak of his famous achievements in recent years, it is undoubtedly his leading of the campaign against the Red Horned Beastman Tribe in the Dragon Forest.
Several years ago, before the current Emperor of the Empire, Carl Franz Friedrich, ascended the throne, the reigning Emperor was Luitpold-Frederick. This former Emperor was merely a ruler who maintained the status quo. In the last few years of his life, he was beset with illness, unable to effectively govern the Empire.
The famous First Battle of the Giant Dragon Forest occurred during this time. The Prince-Elector of Brescia, "Sleeper" Andrea Bernardino, could no longer tolerate his territory being repeatedly harassed by the Red Horned Beastman Tribe, and decided to personally lead the army into the Dragon Forest to completely eradicate the Red Horned Beastman Tribe.
However, just as his nickname suggested, "Sleeper" Andrea was not a Prince-Elector skilled in war. He excelled more in Internal Affairs and led the army into the Giant Dragon Forest without adequate preparation.
His opponent was the Beastman Tzeentch Champion "Deceiver" Angul. This cunning Beast King gathered tens of Beastman War Gangs to form an army of thousands while carefully luring the enemy deep into the forest, continuously dispatching Beastman Warbands to repeatedly raid the supply lines. Finally, in the third week of the Prince-Elector's army entering the forest, this great army was crushed. The Prince-Elector himself perished in battle, and the army was utterly defeated. The Holy Sword "Western Fire" and the only daughter of the Prince-Elector were lost in this war, severing the Bernardino family's legitimate bloodline.
The position of Brescia Prince-Elector is currently temporarily held by Andrea's nephew, Gani Bernardino, who is just a teenager. Many are searching for Andrea's legitimate daughter's whereabouts in hopes of gaining a strong claim to Brescia.
The Griffin Duke rose to the occasion to lead the Griffin Knight Order and Imperial reinforcements in launching the Second Battle of the Giant Dragon Forest. During the battle, Ivan took advantage of the Beastman Army's disarray and heightened infighting after their victory, abandoning a few spoils of war to provoke infighting and self-slaughter among dozens of Beastman Warbands. He then led the Imperial Army to completely crush the Beastman Army.
Beast King "Deceiver" Angul was personally killed by Ivan. Although Tzeentch's blessing resurrected Angul once, the Griffin Duke remained composed, calmly drawing the Griffin True Silver Holy Sword again to decapitate Angul.
His legendary reputation was entirely earned through battle.