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Clever and cunning as he was, the president of Red Dusk had always known that there would definitely be a price to pay if their side didn't come out on top. There will always be a loser in a war, after all.
But now that the time might really have come for him to become a scapegoat… he couldn't help but feel a little unreconciled.
Just what had he done wrong to be pushed to the brink like this? Clearly, everyone had decided to band together and get rid of the empire together, and would also have shared the 'harvests' together, but now that the going had gotten tough, he was the only one being ditched to bear the consequences?!
Unfortunately, now that he was surrounded by enemies on all sides… the president of Red Dusk could only hold his tongue and wait to turn things around later.
Surprisingly enough, however, Emilia didn't look too pleased even with such a huge compensation. "Giving away the Commonwealth of Red Dusk? Do you even have the right?"
Not to mention that it was only the other leaders of the Federation who had one-sidedly agreed to the proposal, even if the president of Red Dusk were to be willing, Emilia wouldn't believe them.
There were a few helpless looks and chuckles exchanged between the leaders of the Federation before one of them explained their 'real' intentions.
"Naturally, we did not mean our words literally." Seeing her unamused look, he sighed. "Let me clarify. As compensation for inciting everyone into such a miserable war, the Commonwealth of Red Dusk shall pay your empire… suitable reparations. And until they're done with their payments, it's only natural for the empire to exercise certain 'victor's rights'."
Emilia narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "And what of the rest of the Federation's members?"
"… Naturally, we will help make sure that the empire is able to obtain the reparations it needs to rebuild from the tragedy. Isn't that enough?"
Instead of replying to him, Emilia turned to look at Bella, who also gave her a nod. "Since the Federation wants to end the war it started on good terms… why not show a little more sincerity?"
"…"
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With Bella arguing on her behalf, Emilia was naturally free to seek Crystal's insights on the real intentions and thoughts of her opponents in secret, and realized that while they definitely harbored some ill-intent, their 'proposal' this time was actually genuine.
They might have suffered a heavy loss in the battle of Fort Vanderbilt, and it may not seem like they had any chance to win anytime soon, but their actions still made little sense.
Unless… the 'disease' spreading through their own territories was already at a level where it couldn't be ignored anymore.
'I don't understand… the status screen clearly said that Cynthia only used her ability on thirteen targets, so—!' Suddenly, Emilia's eyes turned wide in realization. 'Fuck! I almost forgot that it only shows what Cynthia wants!'
With the raven-haired girl's nature… it really wouldn't be strange for her to cause a disaster for millions or even billions without a thought, as long as it had the slightest chance of speeding up their 'departure' from this world.
The more Emilia thought about it, the more it made sense, and she couldn't help but pout. 'She tricked me!'
But thinking about how Cynthia had helped her solve the empire's crisis, regardless of her means, Emilia couldn't really bring herself to be too angry. 'Anyway, I was the one who allowed those criminals to be armed and sent to the enemy territories to wreak havoc, too. What right do I have to criticize her?'
Even if the situation on her side could be considered desperate at the time, it didn't mean Emilia felt any better about having made such decisions.
And what she found the most revolting was the fact that… she wasn't even sure if she wanted these peace talks to succeed, even though they were decidedly good for her people.
She might be able to convince others by saying that she didn't trust the enemy's intentions, or that the compensations weren't enough, but Emilia knew deep down that all she really wanted was an excuse to tear the piles of garbage in front of her into bloody shreds.
Was someone like her… really fit to lead people?
She couldn't help but sigh sadly. 'Maybe even without Maeve… I wouldn't have been a good Queen, and the people would have been dissatisfied with my rule sooner or later. After all, how could those people be as cute as the children in the empire…?'
Perhaps feeling her gloom, the blonde girl by her side quickly reached out to pat the crimson-haired beauty's shoulder. "You did very well."
Dixie also nodded. "Their faces were almost purple by the time you were done, and even miss Bella was looking at you with admiration. There's no need to be sad, Emily, I don't think anyone could have done any better."
Crystal grinned. "Right. Let's go have fun at the prime minister's dinner party to celebrate!"
Of course, despite their attempts to cheer her up, they had no idea that Emilia's sadness didn't stem from the enemies at all.
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Whether it was the people in the empire of Blue Dawn or those in the territories of the now disbanding Federation, they all couldn't help but rejoice when they heard the news of the new treaty.
After all, the common folk rarely benefited from wars, and usually, it only plunged them into endless uncertainty and suffering. They might fight when they needed to, but when it was over, they really couldn't be any happier.
Of course, the citizens of the empire celebrated not only because they no longer had to suffer in a war that they never asked for, but also because their beloved empress could finally face them with a smile blooming like a gorgeous red rose.
As for the others, they just hoped that maybe their leaders could finally start focusing on the real issues in the future.
"How long will it take? I can't wait for us to get rid of that scourge, argh!"
"Maybe those terrorists who have been rampaging around can finally be put in their place now that our army is returning!"
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