Thanks to our negotiations, the Alliance agreed to a temporary ceasefire.
They promised to halt their advance for at least one month in exchange for access to water sources.
From here on, the discussions will shift to formal peace negotiations—territory beyond a soldier's role, where "politics"' takes over.
Sylph may want the war to continue, but the decision on whether to make peace rests with the government.
This is an area where a mere soldier cannot intervene.
Thus, the Allied forces' advance stopped at a rural village, roughly several kilometers south of Winn.
Marking that line as the boundary, I signed a one-month ceasefire agreement with the Flamer Allied commander.
For Austin, whose Sabbath reinforcements had been delayed, this one-month ceasefire is nothing short of a blessing.
In return, we handed over information about an uncontaminated water source—a freshwater lake.
The Austin army had poisoned water sources across the region, but they had preserved a few clean ones with post-war recovery in mind.
We revealed the location of one such water source, a large freshwater lake in the southern forest area, to the Allied forces.
This will significantly reduce the distance for water supply transportation, which will be a major benefit to them.
It should also show them that Austin's negotiations are serious.
Thus, this ceasefire was a win-win for both sides.
***
"Then, Iris-sama, I will do my best to convince the leadership of Flamel."
"I'm counting on you."
My task was to present the water source and sign a ceasefire agreement.
From here, it's a matter of negotiating with the Flamel government, so I leave it to the diplomat.
"It would be best if peace could be achieved."
"Indeed. However, I ask that you not compromise on the handover of Sylph."
"Of course."
Sylph has not shown herself since that day.
She's likely desperately trying to convince them to continue the war.
"The Allied forces can be easily handled with her gone."
If they agreed to hand over Sylph, the Allied forces would no longer be a significant threat.
Without her, we would be able to protect Winn even if there's a second invasion.
And even if the peace treaty is achieved, that also wouldn't be so bad.
"Leave it to me. I will save Austin."
"I'm counting on you."
This negotiation might significantly affect the course of the war.
Full of confidence, the diplomat set off for Flamel.
***
"Puku puku puku."
"Oh, Argie. Are you here to greet me?"
After the meeting, I was safely released.
I was able to reunite with Gavel Company, who had been waiting for me.
"Did the negotiations go well?"
"…Yes, the ceasefire was accepted."
"That's great!"
Hearing about the ceasefire, Nauman joyfully clapped his hands.
Though it's for a short period, it's a relief to not have to fight.
"Touri, I'm glad you're safe. I thought you might have been killed."
"Well, it's thanks to the government's concessions. The conditions were too good to pass up."
Lieutenant Gavel welcomed me back with a relieved expression.
Looks like he was pretty worried about me.
"But it was worth taking the risk."
"Is that so?"
This was one of Bern's posthumous strategies.
A tactic to alienate Sylph Nova disguised as diplomatic negotiations… A simple but insidious move.
Once the ceasefire is in place, this peace negotiation was a success no matter how things turn out.
If I had been killed by Sylph in the middle of it, that would've been fine too.
In fact, that might have even been better.
If Sylph had unilaterally killed an envoy during negotiations, she would have been abandoned, and the terms of the peace would have been more lenient.
"Do you think this diplomatic negotiation will go through?"
"I hope it does."
The war will end if the negotiations succeed and Sylph is handed over.
Though there will still be post-war reparations to deal with, securing time to rebuild Austin would improve the situation.
Knowing Bern Valou, he probably already laid out plenty of dirty tricks for the post-war period as well.
"Well, I doubt it will go smoothly though."
"Why's that?"
"The enemy is weighing the pros and cons of whether to 'ethnically cleanse' us to prevent future trouble or to end the war considering the rising costs and loss of life."
"…Ethnically cleanse?"
"But I'm sure that those who still cling to old ways of thinking will probably choose 'ethnic cleansing.' And besides…"
Even if I'm safely returned like I was this time, there's no problem.
In fact, this very development is exactly what Bern had predicted.
"Sylph Nova isn't going to end in a place like this."
If Bern Valou were still alive, he would have been disappointed the moment peace was achieved.
After all, for him to execute his final strategy, the peace negotiation would have needed to fail.
"Do you think our country can win if it comes to a decisive battle?"
"We'll win."
For now, everything on the battlefield is still within Bern's grasp.
Even in death, he remains a terrifyingly reliable man.
***
The enemy kept their word and upheld the ceasefire.
Thanks to that, I was able to return to Winn safely without any trouble along the way.
"Welcome back, Iris-sama."
"Yes, Major Curley."
Upon returning to Winn, I immediately went to report to Curley.
This diplomatic maneuver, including the successful contact with Sylph, can be considered a great success.
He listened to my report with a smile, nodding in approval.
"An impressive display of skill, as expected from Iris-sama. Your brother would be proud."
"I wouldn't be too pleased about that, honestly."
"Bern-sama was a brilliant strategist. You can't go wrong in following him."
Major Curley smiled wryly with his pale face as he sipped on Bern's favorite dandelion tea.
This person really is a fanatic believer in Bern.
"His strategies should be preserved for future generations. I've already written a few papers interpreting them in my own way. Would you like to read them?"
"…Yes, if you don't mind."
On the other hand, this person has inherited the spirit of that "villain."
…Maybe I should be a little cautious of him.
"Also, Iris-sama. I know it's soon after you got back, but I have a favor to ask of you."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Three days ago, reinforcements from the small nation of Paulrand arrived."
"Oh?"
Major Curley handed me a document as he said this.
Paulrand is one of the small countries bordering Austin.
Fifty years ago, Austin mediated to help them gain autonomy from Flamel, so there are many pro-Austin people there.
It seems they responded to our call for reinforcements.
"Will they be useful?"
"From what I hear, their stamina is remarkable."
"…I see."
The Paulrand Army consists of about 2,000 soldiers, mainly equipped with spears, a rather outdated force.
Since such troops wouldn't be effective in modern warfare, we are now teaching them trench warfare tactics.
"They're currently being trained and housed at the military academy dormitory."
"I see."
"I would like Iris-sama to go and greet them."
"Of course."
I am Austin's current Chief of Staff.
"Such courtesy visits are the kind of tasks that someone like me, who is merely a figurehead, should handle."
"Alright, I'll arrange an appointment."
"Thank you, Iris-sama."
I accepted the request without hesitation.
With Major Curley handling most of the paperwork, I actually have quite a bit of free time.
I'll take the opportunity to put on some proper makeup before heading out.
***
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Austin's Chief of Staff."
With permission granted, I made my way to the training grounds at Winn's military academy.
There, soldiers in unfamiliar uniforms were busily running laps.
"I am Calvario, the commander of a thousand men from the Paulrand Army."
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Chief of Staff Iris Valou."
Among them, a particularly large, imposing man standing beside a horse addressed me.
He seems to be their frontline commander.
"How's the training? I imagine it's tough."
"Not at all. The soldiers are boasting that, 'The training in our home country is harder.'"
The Paulrand soldiers were undergoing training by Austin's instructors.
However, as expected, the Paulrand soldiers' stamina posed no issue.
Their military consists of spears, bows, and cavalry. Because their army relies on physical strength, they must have undergone thorough basic training.
They are already teaching them technical aspects, such as how to dig trenches and how to use rifles.
"We may be few in number, but each and every one of us is worth a thousand men. You can count on us."
"We are truly grateful for the reinforcements. We will rely on the strength of you brave Paulrand soldiers."
From what I've heard, Paulrand has long been known for its cavalry.
They excel at hand-to-hand combat, centering in cavalry charges, and also regularly conduct infantry training.
…But that's already an "outdated" style of warfare replaced by trench warfare.
"It benefits us as well."
Calvario said with a laugh.
"The power of rifles is amazing. … unless Paulrand understands the technology to make these rifles and the fundamentals of trench warfare, we will be at a disadvantage in the future."
"I suppose so."
"2,000 soldiers is a small price to pay to learn modern warfare."
Calvario patted his beloved horse with a melancholy look on his face.
"The era of the horse is over, isn't it? …For the sake of Paulrand, we must reform."
It seems Calvario spearheaded the decision to send reinforcements to Austin.
Calvario had long felt that cavalry was outdated and was looking for an opportunity to learn about modern warfare.
When Austin asked for reinforcements in exchange for technical assistance, he seized the opportunity.
"We'll learn as much as we can. Including how to make rifles and ammunition."
"Of course."
Paulrand has its own objectives. We, in turn, will use them to further our plans.
…Knowing full well that it will lead to a mountain of corpses.
"That's right, Chief of Staff. Would you like to go meet my father?"
"Your father?"
"Yes. Dormatteo, Commander-in-Chief of the Paulrand Army."
Calvario beckoned me to follow him.
… I thought I should greet the Commander-in-Chief as well, so I nodded and followed him.
"My father is a man known as the 'War God'"
"War God… He must be a very brave man."
"Indeed. When he rides a horse, he rides faster than the wind and wields a 30-pound iron spear, cutting down hundreds of enemies in one strike."
Calvario boasted proudly about his father.
…I see. That certainly sounds worthy of the title "War God."
He must be an ace from a previous era like Renvel.
"If you upset him, he'll cut down anyone. Please be careful of what you say."
"Y-yes."
I was a little frightened, but it wasn't an option to avoid greeting him.
I doubt I'd be killed outright, but still…
"Father, the Austin's Chief of Staff has come to greet you."
"…Enter."
"Excuse me."
I followed Calvario into the War God's room.
What I saw there was…
"Oh, who is this, Rio?"
"Austin's Chief of Staff."
"…Hmph. And whose daughter are you? Willy's?"
"No, I told you, she's Austin's Chief of Staff."
He was a frail, white-haired, man with sunken-cheeks.
"As you can see, Father can no longer lead. He has the title, but I'm the one in charge."
"…I see."
"Rest assured, I'll handle all the real command."
As we talked, the old man suddenly shouted, "Who says I can't lead?!" and lashed at Calvario.
…Is this person just a figurehead, and Calvario is the de facto Commander-in-Chief?
"Father, this girl is an ally. Remember that."
"Huh? Rio, is she your bride?"
"No. She's… more like Kemchai."
"Kemchai? Oh, Kemchai! How's he doing these days?"
I smiled and waved, and the old man, mistaking me for this Kemchai person, cheerfully shook my hand.
It felt a bit deceitful, but I didn't want to cause trouble.
"Umm, who exactly is Kemchai?"
"Father's old friend. He's a strong man who fought a bear naked and killed it with his bare hands."
"…"
I wonder how I appear in the eyes of this old man?