Chapter 92 The Price of Peace

At the price of aviation technology, Alexander has bought an alliance with the Deutschland Empire. As for the Francois Republic, the Ruthenia Empire and the Francois Republic are bound by a formal alliance.

Upon the declaration of their allegiance to the Ruthenia Empire, Alexander declared his terms of taking Manchuria through acquisition unconditionally.

Mister Omono and Princess Diana were still at the stage of processing Alexander’s words and the ambassadors, they were clearly shocked at the sudden turn of events.

Who would’ve thought that the Deutschland Empire which has no significant interest in the region will interfere in the conflict?

As the table turned 180 degrees, Diana bit her nail in frustration before taking control again. Deeply contemplating the pros and cons if the Britannia Empire were to support the Yamato Empire in this new setting.

Should Britannia proceed and uphold the alliance and its agreement with the Yamato Empire, it will face literally and figuratively the whole Europa with no allies in the region. Even if they are the world’s largest empire in the world where the sun never sets, logistically speaking, they wouldn’t win an all-out war with the Francois Republic, Deutschland Empire, Ruthenia Empire, and its allies, the Austrean Empire from the Deutschland Empire and the Kingdom of Norway from Ruthenia Empire.

Basically, Britannia is isolated, it will be reckless to risk the existence of the empire over some stupid land in the Far East.

There’s only one logical step Diana can take in these circumstances, and that is—

“Mister Omono,” Diana turned to face the Yamato ambassador. “It’ll be futile if you push forward your plans on attacking the Han Dynasty. Our only best option is to accept their demands and come up with an arrangement…”-.

Omono looked down as defeat filled his heart and he sighed deeply. He knew to himself that the Yamato couldn’t win a war with major powers in the west and he also knew the possibility that Britannia wouldn’t side with them as they would think of their interest first. Well if they do, Omono understands it. There’s no way Britannia will fight alongside them over a region in the Han Dynasty without getting itself into conflict with the three superpowers.

They are at it again, Western powers intervening with their goals over the region. Well, it’s not like they could take on the three great empires in Europa, they just have to accept the terms and be done with it.

Frustration sowed in Omono’s mind, the decision felt so easy, and yet…he doesn’t want his country to be humiliated again. He hated it when the western powers kept denying their existence and their ambitions of becoming equal to them.

Despite having industrialized and militarized to the point it can defeat one major power in Europa, are their efforts not enough?

Omono looked up and met Alexander’s eyes. The man who is threatening to destroy his country should the Yamato decline the ultimatum. This young prince, acted arrogantly just because he was backed by the Francois Republic and the Deutschland Empire. Without their support, they are just a huge paper tiger clinging to its faltering existence. They’d not even won a war against them so him having such an attitude when the ambassadors declared their support is beyond frustrating.

He breathed out deeply before speaking. “I will consult with my government, Your Majesty. I’ll let you know once I’ve received word from the Empire,” he bowed slightly.

“You only have until midnight,” Alexander replied with a cold tone. “If we haven’t received a word from you until that time, we will consider it as an act of war.”

The room went silent after that statement, no one knew what to say or how to react to this matter. Even the ambassadors were surprised at his statement as they had not been informed about this condition.

“I understand, I will return to the embassy and inform them of the term,,, I’ll excuse myself,” Omono stood up from his chair, bowed to Alexander and Diana, and exited the room silently.

…

In the columned patio of the General Staff Building, the sun shone brightly above and warmed the area as the wind blew lightly. It wasn’t too hot but the breeze made it pleasant regardless. Alexander gaze at the scenery before him which helps him to clear his mind.

Unnoticed, Diana stepped onto the patio and glanced around to see if they are people nearby. Finding out that there was none, Diana approached Alexander who was staring off at the horizon.

“Nice trick you pulled out there,” Diana commented, revealing herself. She leaned against the railing and crossed her arms as she observed Alexander’s reaction.

Alexander chuckled quietly “It’s not really a trick, I was serious,”

“Oh? Then how did you manage to get the Deutschland Empire with you?” Diana asked.

“Well, the Kaiser of the Deutschland Empire is my uncle and I just asked nicely,” Alexander replied nonchalantly. Diana arched a brow at Alexander’s response, trying to discern if he was telling the truth.

However, she decided to let it slide and just nodded “Well, I don’t care anymore…you win this time…”

“Are you really going to buy that?” Alexander turned around to face Diana. He placed his hands behind his back as his face bore a neutral expression

“Was it a lie then?” Diana raised an eyebrow, challenging Alexander’s stance. “Is this one of your bluffs like you did to them where you threatened to send out the Baltic Fleet should the Yamato Empire not remove the war reparations and territorial concessions demand?”

“Well, the Yamato Empire can try to see if it’s a bluff…but are they willing to take the risk if it turns out that it is true?”

Diana hummed softly, thinking deeply about Alexander’s words. “I don’t think the Yamato Empire has the will to figure that out…”

“Well, truth be told, I’m not actually lying. The Deutschland Empire has assured me that they’ll help should Ruthenia be involved in a war,” Alexander admitted. He shrugged lightly.

“Hoh…interesting. Now I’m curious how you persuade the Deutschland Empire,”

“I just paid the price, simple as that,” Alexander simply responded. “So now it’s settled…what was your reaction when those two ambassadors pledged allegiance to Ruthenia Empire,”

Diana stared at Alexander for a while, weighing his intentions. Her face remained stoic but the wheels were spinning in her head.

“I’m surprised…really and it is smart. You just avoided a major conflict. For that, I’ll give you a point…But what if…the Yamato Empire didn’t accept your ultimatum…how will you respond?”

“Accordingly…” Alexander uttered. “How about you?”

“We will remain neutral…”

“So that’s what close allies do huh?” Alexander jested. “Left them in the air when things didn’t turn your way,”

“Look, we will not join a war over some stupid region in the Han Dynasty…I’m sure you’ll do the same.”

“No, I won’t.”

“Then you’re stupid.”

They laughed together, their faces were illuminated by the sunlight. After a momentary silence, Alexander spoke up. “I’ll have to go back to work now.”

“And I will have to inform my government,” Diana said.

“Let’s return together,”  Alexander proposed. Diana nodded at Alexander in acceptance.

…

Three hours later.

“The Yamato Empire will accept the ultimatum presented by the Ruthenia Empire,” Omono said. “We will recall the First Fleet and cease all hostilities…but under one condition.”

“Which is what?” Alexander furrowed his brows.

Omono glanced meaningfully at Diana, prompting her to continue. “To assure the Yamato Empire, the Britannia wishes the Ruthenia Empire to accept one condition of the Yamato Empire…Promise to not expand any further beyond Manchuria.”

“That sounds good to me,” Alexander said, not wanting to object. His goal in the Far East now is over, he got what he wanted.

“Then…let’s seal this deal by signing this paper,” Diana showed them the paper. Representatives from the Francois Republic, Deutschland Empire, Ruthenia Empire, Yamato Empire, and Britannia Empire, will sign the document to conclude the negotiations between themselves.

One by one, each of their names are written onto the paper, effectively ending all acts tantamount to aggression, and restoring peace in the Far East.