Marquis Ashtein fiercely protested.

“From a national standpoint, our request is truly small and insignificant. If you can’t even make those concessions, then we’ll have to re-approach the terms of the settlement from scratch.”

However, King Theodore remained adamant.

“Do so if you wish. It does not matter how long it takes.”

Marquis Ashtein did not expect the king to step up at the last minute to put a wrench in their negotiations.

“But you should know whose side time is on.”

He bit his lip upon hearing the king’s words. After all, they were not wrong. King Theodore’s expression never changed as he looked down on the enemy marquis staring at him insolently. He simply waved briefly to show his respects to the other officials in the conference room and left.

“I think we should renegotiate the terms of the settlement.”

While the king and marquis exchanged words, a senior Adenburg official had entered the conference room to speak to one of the negotiators.

“We demand double the compensation.”

“What are you saying!”

The official’s words were tantamount to overturning all previous negotiations. Marquis Ashtein shouted in exasperation.

“Our kingdom has already shown our sincerity in these negotiations! How could you, then, ask for even more in reparations!”

“Perhaps you are unaware of the happenings of this world because you’re away from your kingdom. I’ll give you some information out of consideration for your situation. Listen carefully.”

The Adenburg negotiator slowly spoke as he observed the marquis...