Oliver answered my question immediately.

“If you would welcome them as a citizen of Ravenna.”

This is a very complicated answer.

In other words, put them on the same level as other citizens.

If they are welcomed as a citizen, they will be protected by the laws of Ravenna, is that what you are saying?

I guess he knows all the laws that we have decided.

If we proceed as we are, we’ll just be playing into their hands…

We can’t play with the cards in our hand.

I smile at Oliver.

“I see… I would like to answer your question, but our discussion has become too long. I’d like to answer your questions, but it’s a long story, and I have to sort it out, so we’ll continue later.”

Oliver stared at me for a while, and then bowed.

“I understand. Then, I hope you will call on me when you are ready.”

“Of course.”

It was not time to eat, so the meeting was adjourned.

I dared to do so, though.

Charles, who was present at the camp curtain, has a bitter expression.

“It is a very convenient negotiation…. What do you think, my lord?”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“At first glance, it makes a lot of sense. At first glance, that is…”

“In other words, you’re not willing to accept it?”

“We have to look at the postwar process as well. Not only with the enemy in mind, but also with our allies… I don’t think we can say that the ringleader is dead and therefore they are exempted… We have not even confirmed that he’s really dead in the first place. I can somewhat predict how Mr. Oliver will dispose of him.”

Charles looks at me interestingly.

“Hoh …… I wonder what they are going to do about it”.

“It’s quite vague. They are coming up with legal arguments and words that resonate with me. While trying to make me look good, they are trying to put the past behind them and start everything anew. I’m sure that’s their aim. If I had just let it slide… it would have been swept under the rug.”

“So they’re going to start over. Would a fresh start change the situation?”

I laughed and shrugged my shoulders.

If you don’t have a card in your hand…just make one.

“If we don’t do anything, it won’t change things.”

“Are you going to try something again?”

“Again, you say… that’s not a nice thing to say. It’s as if I’m always tripping people up. Anyway, let’s make a map of this area. I can’t think straight if I can’t see the whole picture.”

Charles tilted his head a little, but then nodded.

“So where would you like to start?”

“I think we should ask the locals about that. Starting from the place where you can get out of the demon territory.”

“Do you think they would honestly follow…”

“I think they will ostensibly comply. Please tell them it is for the purpose of building a postwar defense system. If they hold back during the process, it’s like telling us there’s something there. And if they refuse, just tell them you will look into it using our methods. If you do, they will definitely cooperate with you.”

“I don’t think this is our territory yet.”

“They don’t have the means to eliminate our actions at this time. In order to prevent this, the losing side will rush to conclude a treaty. The winning side also wants to end the war as soon as possible because of the heavy expense of sending out troops. So at the appropriate time, the treaty is signed.”

Charles looked surprised.

He seemed to think that I, who cared so much about logistics, was in a hurry to end the war.

“So you are not in a hurry to conclude the treaty itself?”

“If it meets my objective, I will conclude it as soon as possible.”

“Where is your goal? This case is quite unique, isn’t it?”

“There have been many deaths to our side too. If the case is left unresolved, the people who lost their relatives will not be able to take it. We don’t want them to think that they are disposable tools. However, if we continue with one-sided retaliation, we will only cause more casualties. The repercussions would be so great that we would be in trouble in the future.”

Charles sighed at my nonchalant comment.

“I see… It’s very troublesome… So, what are you after with this map?”

I give Charles a mischievous smile.

“The ringleader and his crew are hiding, aren’t they? There are about a hundred of the defeated soldiers alone who have escaped. I have no intention of accusing the lower-ranking soldiers of any crimes, though. But the commanders are different. If we leave them alone, they will be exiled.”

“Is that what happens when you leave it to Mr. Oliver?”

“Yes, he will make them lead those who refuse to assimilate and let them go somewhere under the guise of exile. Let’s see… I think they will ask the merchant they have a relationship with to do it.”

Charles heard those words and looked up.

“If that happens, it will be too late.”

“That’s not all. I left Suzana alone, and created a firestorm. I have no intention of releasing a hundred Suzanas into the world.”

“Are you sure they haven’t already escaped?”

That’s impossible.

I shook my head.

“Oliver was under house arrest, wasn’t he? It was not long after he was released. And since he had just completed a major transaction in preparation for war, he would not be coming soon. Naturally… the merchants will be looking for the right moment.”

“Do you think the house arrest is true?”

“I think so. If he had taken the initiative, he would have been able to get around better. The action after the surprise attack is too lousy. Mr. Oliver is the type of person who takes pride in his intelligence. He can’t do messy play, can he?”

Charles grinned at my words.

“I see. By the way, when do you plan to resume negotiations?”

“When the rats, driven by doubt and suspicion, have jumped into their cages.”

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