Episode 115: The Royal Capital, San Serodia

Fifteen days after departing from Pastrier Fortress City, heading west on horseback, a city appeared beyond the gentle hills—a city surrounded by vast lakes on all sides: San Serodia, the royal capital of the Serodonia Kingdom. Overflowing with greenery and water, this capital stood as the heart of Serodonia’s politics and culture.

“To the Eastern Army of the Kirchhen Kingdom… Welcome, and thank you for vanquishing the traitors!”

“Glory to Count Kreving!”

Led by Garfilia, Siegfried and his entourage entered the capital, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the crowds lining both sides of the streets. There was no doubt that Garfilia had sent messengers ahead to orchestrate this warm reception.

“Say what you will, but being welcomed like this sure feels good, doesn’t it?”

The one who muttered this was one of the entourage, Dominik.

But when he glanced diagonally ahead to gauge Siegfried’s expression, there wasn’t a trace of interest on his face.

“Well, same as always, huh…”

Siegfried’s gaze was, as ever, fixed on the villain.

The beautiful cityscape and the lively cheers didn’t seem to resonate in his heart at all.

 

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Siegfried and his party were led to a magnificent white castle—Serodias Castle. The group was ushered inside and welcomed into a guest chamber.

The room was adorned with countless vibrant paintings and ceramics.

Each piece was a stunning testament to the Serodonia royal family’s dedication to supporting the arts.

At the center of the room stood a massive table, where Siegfried took a seat on one side. Behind him, chairs were arranged for his entourage, who sat accordingly.

Across from them sat Garfilia, with an aide standing at his side.

“Now then, allow me to formally outline the upcoming schedule.”

The one who spoke was Garfilia’s aide, Ramiro de Estrella.

As the First Prince’s chief attendant, he served as Garfilia’s de facto strategist.

He appeared to be around the same age as Garfilia.

His neatly groomed black hair and an expression as impassive as a mask left a striking impression.

“In three days, Count Kreving and his party will have an audience with His Majesty, Radophilias Leglie Rios de Serodonia, King of the Serodonia Kingdom. Following that, negotiations regarding postwar arrangements will take place.”

“Though, to be clear, these postwar negotiations will be ‘provisional’ at best.”

Garfilia interjected.

“If it’s a decision I’ve made, my father—His Majesty Radophilias III—will likely approve. However, the final judgment in your country rests with King Luverios, does it not?”

“That is correct.”

Siegfried nodded quietly.

The terms to be agreed upon between the two nations—the final say rested with King Luverios.

That said, waiting for Luverios’s approval from the capital would take far too long.

In the meantime, leaving the relationship between the two nations ambiguous was not an option.

Thus, the plan was to establish a ‘provisional policy’ in three days.

However, even if termed ‘provisional,’ the decisions made here would carry immense weight.

Decisions made on the front lines often become established facts, and it’s rare for a king to overturn them later.

For instance, if a commander cedes territory to the enemy, a king demanding its return afterward is unlikely to be heeded easily.

That’s precisely why a commander entrusted with an entire army wields such significant authority—and their decisions carry profound consequences.

“Very well, let us establish the framework for the postwar negotiations in three days.”

Garfilia’s strategist, Ramiro, declared. In response, Garfilia flashed a wry smile.

“A preliminary discussion for a provisional postwar negotiation, which itself precedes the true postwar talks? Hmph, politics is such a tedious affair.”

In other words, the negotiations scheduled for three days hence were merely a formality to confirm agreements already reached.

The real negotiations would be finalized during this preparatory phase.

Naturally, Siegfried had anticipated this development.

“Indeed, politics can be quite troublesome. So, let’s dispense with pointless maneuvering and lay out our terms openly to reach an agreement swiftly. After that, I’d like to take some time to explore the beautiful city of San Serodia. The stunning cityscape, exquisite artwork, and, I hear, delectable cuisine… I’m truly looking forward to it.”

(No way he’s actually interested in any of that…)

(Ugh…)

Fen and Leon, part of the entourage seated behind, exchanged glances.

But Garfilia seemed to take Siegfried’s words at face value.

“Hahaha! Count Kreving, you’re refreshingly straightforward. Very well, let me present our terms.”

Pausing for a moment, Garfilia continued.

“My condition is the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Kirchhen Kingdom and the Serodonia Kingdom. Of course, the final decision lies with Lord Luverios, but I’d like you to demonstrate a positive stance toward this goal.”

“Understood, Your Highness Garfilia.”

Siegfried nodded slowly.

“Well, that’s about what I expected. Now, for the main issue—there will be no postwar reparations or territorial concessions. That’s the approach I intend to take in these negotiations.”

In this series of battles, the Kirchhen Kingdom had consistently emerged victorious.

They defeated the Western Army, advanced to Pastrier Fortress City, and ultimately joined forces with Garfilia to bring down Volfirio.

The initiative had always rested with Kirchhen.

In such a peace settlement, it would be reasonable for Serodonia to cede territory or pay reparations.

However, Garfilia’s argument followed a different logic.

“This conflict was solely about eliminating traitors to both our nations—it was not a war between Kirchhen and Serodonia. Therefore, there should be no reparations or demands between our countries. Any objections, Count Kreving?”

From Siegfried’s perspective, this was a rather convenient stance for Garfilia.

Indeed, Volfirio’s defeat was the result of a joint effort between Garfilia and the Eastern Army.

But it was none other than Siegfried and the Eastern Army who laid the groundwork and created the momentum. Garfilia had merely joined in at the final stage.

After a brief silence, Siegfried responded with a faint smile.

“I understand. While the final decision rests with His Majesty Luverios, I have no objections to proceeding with that approach.”

(Oh?)

Garfilia narrowed his eyes, his brows twitching slightly.

(I expected some pushback… but he’s surprisingly agreeable.)

But Siegfried continued.

“However, I’d like to propose one condition of my own.”

“…Let’s hear it.”

Garfilia prompted.

“Our forces currently hold approximately three thousand prisoners—soldiers formerly under Prince Volfirio’s command, from the Western Army. I’d like to transport these prisoners to our country.”

“Prisoners…?”

For Garfilia, this was a somewhat unexpected request.

“Yes. I wish to present clear evidence of our victory to His Majesty Luverios. That’s the purpose of the prisoners.”

“I see, that’s your angle.”

No territorial concessions, no reparations—without those, there’s little to show for being the victor.

But with three thousand prisoners, Siegfried could at least maintain appearances before his king.

“Of course, I assure you the prisoners will be treated with the utmost care. They won’t be sent to some crude regional facility; they’ll be managed responsibly in the capital, Kirchherion. This will be documented in writing.”

“Very well. It pains me to see our people imprisoned, but… it can’t be helped.”

Garfilia nodded gravely, as if making a reluctant decision.

Yet inwardly, he considered this proposal rather favorable.

(The Western Army was nothing more than Volfirio’s pawns… I care little for their fate. If anything, they’ll serve as a fine example of the consequences of following that foolish brother of mine.)

“I accept your condition.”

“My gratitude, Your Highness Garfilia.”

“…Hm?”

Garfilia tilted his head slightly.

Then, with a mix of confusion and a hint of delight, he responded.

“Count Kreving, did you… make a mistake?”

“A mistake, you say?”

“Indeed. I am not ‘Your Majesty.’”

At those words, Siegfried’s eyes widened as if struck by realization. He placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head.

“My apologies—I spoke in error.”

“Even the cunning strategist who outwitted Volfirio, Count Kreving, can make mistakes! Hahaha!”

Garfilia burst into hearty laughter.

‘Your Majesty’ is a title reserved for a king. Garfilia, a prince, should be addressed as ‘Your Highness.’

Using ‘Your Majesty’ for Prince Garfilia was an obvious mistake—but to him, it was a pleasing one.

(In other words, he already sees me as a king. Proposing Volfirio’s downfall, accepting postwar terms favorable to us… this man is quite accommodating.)

To Garfilia, Siegfried was merely a collaborator in defeating Volfirio.

But… he wasn’t ready to end their partnership just yet.

(This man is essential for my path to domination. I must secure him as my pawn, no matter what.)

Summoning him to the capital wasn’t just for negotiations.

Garfilia’s true objective lay elsewhere.