The Müller Empire was not shocked—they had expected this outcome. The Vistarans had always been reckless, charging headfirst into conflicts without proper planning. Their recent invasion of Frechen had been a disaster, and now they were scrambling to escape the consequences.
Inside the Imperial War Council Chamber in Reichstadt, Emperor Friedrich IV of Müller sat at the head of a grand, oak-carved table, surrounded by his top generals and ministers. The air was heavy with tension as reports from Vistara were read aloud.
"So, the Vistarans now beg for peace," Friedrich muttered, his piercing green eyes scanning the room. "After leading their armies to slaughter, they suddenly find wisdom?"
Field Marshal Siegfried Herrmann, his most seasoned commander, leaned forward. "Your Majesty, they have no other choice. Their land forces were obliterated, their fleet is on the brink of destruction, and their economy is in ruins. We warned them not to act recklessly, but they did not listen."
Admiral Konrad Falkenhayn, the head of Müller's navy, scoffed. "They wasted our shipments of weapons, thinking brute force alone would win them this war. Fools."
Friedrich sighed, rubbing his temple. "And now they come crawling back, hoping we will forget their arrogance. The question is—do we?"
Chancellor Matthias von Rüdiger, the Emperor's most trusted advisor, cleared his throat. "If we accept their peace, we must ensure they never act independently again. Vistara has proven that they cannot be trusted with military decisions. If we let them go now, they will drag us into another foolish war in the future."
Friedrich's fingers tapped rhythmically against the table. "And Murvacia? How have they responded?"
Herrmann handed him a telegram. "Duke Alphonse is furious. He sees Vistara's exit as betrayal."
Friedrich let out a dry chuckle. "Good. Let him rage. Murvacia will now be forced to lean on us even more. And as for Vistara…" He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "We will acknowledge their peace request, but we will not forget their failure. Chancellor Rüdiger, draft a statement. Müller acknowledges Vistara's decision but condemns their reckless waste of our support. We will ensure the world knows who the true power is in this alliance."
Rüdiger nodded. "At once, Your Majesty."
The war was shifting, and Friedrich IV intended to shape it to Müller's advantage.
Frechen Republic – Temporary Government Headquarters
The war-torn capital of Frechen was eerily quiet, the scars of war still fresh on its streets. Even with peace on the horizon, an air of tension loomed over the Temporary Government Headquarters, where negotiations with the Vistaran delegation were about to take place.
Inside the grand chamber, Frechen President Étienne Moreau, Wallonian Chancellor Erich von Lastra, and Admiral Koshida Skyler sat across from the Vistaran envoys, led by Duke Fabrizio Lucchesi—a veteran statesman who had once been the chief architect of Vistara's war strategy.
Despite the weight of his nation's defeat, Lucchesi kept his posture upright, his weathered face showing little emotion. The Vistaran Kingdom, once proud and ambitious, now came seeking peace—but not without its own conditions.
Lucchesi cleared his throat, his voice composed yet firm.
"Gentlemen, I will speak plainly. His Majesty, King Vittorio IV, has decided that further war is futile. Vistara acknowledges Frechen's independence, effective immediately. We shall withdraw all claims and formally end hostilities. In exchange, we demand that Vistaran territories be left untouched, and that no punitive occupation occurs."
Erich's eyes narrowed slightly as he adjusted his gloves, his voice cold and measured.
"You demand? After sixteen years of war, after the destruction of Frechen's cities, after the countless lives lost? You dare to dictate terms?"
Lucchesi met his gaze, unshaken. "I speak on behalf of my nation, not out of arrogance, but necessity. This war has cost us all. Vistara seeks to end it in a way that ensures stability for all parties."
Moreau leaned forward, his fingers interlocking. "And what of reparations? What of the thousands of Frechen citizens who lost everything because of Vistara's ambitions?"
Lucchesi inhaled deeply. "We are prepared to pay reparations. Gold, resources, and industrial support for the rebuilding of Frechen."
Admiral Koshida Skyler, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his tone sharp.
"That's not enough. What about the blood that was spilled? What about the families shattered by this war?"
Lucchesi exhaled slowly, clearly expecting such resistance. "I understand the bitterness. But vengeance serves no one. If this war continues, more lives will be lost, including yours. Vistara is willing to sacrifice much for peace, but we will not surrender unconditionally."
Erich tapped his fingers on the table, considering the words carefully. Then, in a deliberate motion, he pulled out a sealed document—a direct message from Emperor Arthur Paulus Wallonia.
"Wallonia will consider your offer, but we must consult His Majesty before making our final decision."
Lucchesi nodded. "We shall await your response."
With that, the Vistaran delegation was escorted out, leaving the Wallonian and Frechen leaders to deliberate.
---
Wallonian Imperial Palace – High Command War Room
Far from the battlefield, in the heart of the Wallonian Empire, Emperor Arthur Paulus Wallonia stood before a vast world map, listening as Chancellor Erich von Lastra relayed the details of the negotiation.
Arthur remained silent for a moment, his eyes scanning the strategic positions of their forces. Then, finally, he spoke.
"Vistara knows it cannot win. They have finally learned their place."
Erich chuckled slightly. "Indeed, but their terms are still lacking. They want to walk away without true consequences."
Arthur's fingers tapped the map near Vistara's capital. "We accept peace, but on our terms."
Erich smirked. "I thought you'd say that."
---
Frechen – The Final Decision
When the Vistaran delegation was called back into the negotiation chamber, they found Erich von Lastra and Étienne Moreau waiting, the peace document before them.
Erich, in a slow and deliberate motion, took the Wallonian Imperial Seal and pressed it onto the document.
"Wallonia accepts the peace."
Moreau followed, signing the treaty on behalf of Frechen. "Frechen accepts."
Duke Lucchesi exhaled in relief. "Then, the war is over."
But even as peace was signed, the war elsewhere was far from finished.
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