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Chapter 585 The Conditions of Sirei

"You don't have to see it that way, but indeed, nationalism is definitely undesirable."

The governor of Sirei hesitated, glancing at the generals from within the Sirei region.

This time, the old general Goethrei had also come here as part of the diplomatic delegation for negotiations.

Goethrei looked intently at Laurent, as if trying to discern what kind of person Laurent truly was through the pressure he exerted.

However, with a group of teachers standing behind Laurent, Goethrei realized that it was he who was faltering first.

After a moment of thought, Goethrei felt that Laurent was right and nodded to the governor of Sirei.

Seeing that even the old general agreed, the governor found himself unable to resist alone.

Thus, he pulled out a thick stack of documents he had prepared in advance and said to Laurent, "Great Teacher, let's then discuss the privileges that you should preserve for our Sirei region..."

Bosiden revealed a confident smile, his previously tense demeanor relaxing.

Laurent, too, showed a meaningful smile, warmly saying to the governor of Sirei, "Yes, of course."

As the negotiation proceeded to this point, the general tone was set.

Barring any surprises, the Sirei region was poised to be integrated into the Oli Kingdom.

Just as the member states had over the years become fond of commerce and independence, much like the various cities of Venice, the privileges sought by the Sirei region would not be any less forthcoming.

Compared to Venice, the Sirei region boasts a powerful and innovative advantage with its mercenaries.

During the reign of the Habsburg family over the Oli Kingdom, there was a fervent admiration for the mercenaries of the Sirei region.

Even Teacherland has sung praises of Sirei's mercenaries without cessation.

Consequently, the governing officials of Sirei desired a "special mercenary insignia," akin to being sanctioned to wage war and earn profits on behalf of various nations.

The concerns of Sirei's governor and the veteran general revolved around the sustainability of their long-cultivated "Sirei mercenary" brand.

They worried about maintaining its reputation and combat effectiveness, ensuring that the continent's nations would continue to hire their brigades.

On this matter, especially regarding military affairs, Laurent remained uncompromising.

Laurent believed that allowing Sirei to maintain its autonomous brigades would undoubtedly plant a seed of trouble within the kingdom.

Under Howard's iron-fisted rule, the realm's nobility could hardly boast of commanding large armies, as military power had gradually been consolidated into the king's hands.

If this request were granted, Laurent pondered, what would stop other nobles from making similar demands in the future?

Laurent retorted, "If you're to merge into our Oli Kingdom, by what right or capability should you continue to maintain an organized brigade post-merger? Isn't that asking for trouble?"

He found the notion ludicrous and declared the subject non-negotiable.

This stance, however, agitated the general from Sirei, who exclaimed, "Our very foundation in the Sirei region is built on the mercenary system. If you plan to usurp our livelihood, don't be surprised if we retaliate fiercely!"

Laurent slammed the table and demanded, "Just how capable are your mercenaries? Let's not even start on their training—how many do you have? Besides, aren't those mercenaries primarily interested in making money? How many would actually be willing to fight wars for your country's dignitaries?"

The general from the Sirei region bristled at this, countering, "No matter what, you can't just block our path with the mercenaries!"

The back-and-forth tugging continued, but neither Laurent nor Bosiden seemed particularly rushed.

Both were seasoned diplomats, well aware that arguments at the negotiation table weren't necessarily just disputes.

Courtesies exchanged on the battlefield were surely lethal.

Thus, they maintained the rhythm of diplomats, adeptly navigating through the various issues of the Sirei region.

Where they encountered strong opposition from Sirei, they shelved the disputes; where Sirei's stance was ambiguous, they decisively struck.

Two days later, on the eve of the third bilateral representatives' meeting, in a corridor, Laurent reassured Bosiden, "Don't lose your nerve later. The Sirei region is gradually starting to yield."

Bosiden responded, "I know. I've also noticed that the governor of the Sirei region is playing the 'good cop,' while their general plays the 'bad cop.'"

With a knowing look exchanged between Laurent and Bosiden, members from both their delegation and the Sirei representatives shook hands once more before entering the grand room together.

The third negotiation meeting commenced.

Over the next five days, the Sirei region announced its conditional incorporation into the Oli Kingdom.

The mercenaries of Sirei were preserved under conditions requiring every mission to receive approval from the Oli Kingdom, prohibiting unauthorized engagements.

The management of Sirei's mercenaries, maintaining the region's autonomous system, ensured no reduction in the mercenaries' combat effectiveness.

Should the Oli Kingdom enter a war and find itself in need, the Sirei region must prioritize the kingdom's national interests above all, refusing engagements with enemies and prioritizing employment to the Oli Kingdom.

Sirei's tax revenues were divided into five parts: one part redistributed to the people of Sirei as part of an annual special event, another allocated to developing the region's infrastructure and educational institutions to enhance the living standards, a portion specifically granted to the Sirei mercenary management organization, and another to establish armament factories to boost the region's equipment research and development capabilities.

The final portion was contributed to the Oli Kingdom.

A new duke, Resarite, was appointed in Sirei.

Howard found comfort in having Resarite, a military strategist, oversee the region's mercenaries, confident in maintaining their combat strength.

With the Sirei matter resolved, Howard was in high spirits, rewarding Laurent and Bosiden with 100 gold coins each.

Seizing the moment of victory, Laurent suggested to Howard, "The recent military movements of Phrus have not approached us. I propose we take this opportunity to swiftly conquer the diminutive Duchy of Savoy and then attempt to engage with Provence."

Howard agreed.

Laurent, leading the delegation with Portia and Nora in tow, arrived within the Duchy of Savoy to meet with the Duke of Savoy.

The Duke was an old comrade-in-arms of Howard, having fought alongside him years ago on the battlefield to secure Nora's path to the imperial throne.

Upon seeing Laurent, the Duke couldn't help but unleash his bitterness, accusing Howard of being heartless and disloyal.

The brotherhood forged in battle had not translated into financial support over the years; instead, it had brought today's threats and persuasions to surrender.

Portia, dressed in black with a high-brimmed hat, urged, "Your Grace, please, calm yourself."

Laurent continued forward, moving through the narrow passageway into the room, followed by Portia.

Nora emerged from the tight corridor, extending her hand to the Duke, saying, "My friend, it's been too long."

The Duke, recognizing Nora, was shocked to see her, exclaiming, "Your Majesty, what brings you here?"

Nora, with a hint of mockery in her serene expression, replied, "Please, don't jest, my loyal subject. I am no longer the emperor of the empire; I couldn't even retain Oli."

The Duke looked at Laurent in astonishment, who nodded affirmatively, leaving the Duke to gasp, "How could this be..."

After exchanging handshakes with the Duke, a gesture of courtesy, Nora shared the trials of the intervening years, concluding with a poignant remark.

"Duke, you are my friend, and ideally, I should not be here on Howard's behalf to coax your surrender. But times have changed, and Howard's capabilities are unmatched; I willingly concede to his superiority. Thus, joining our Oli Kingdom is truly the best option for Savoy."

The Duke's gaze drifted to the sword hanging on the wall, uttering, "Do I even have a choice?"

Laurent spoke, "The Sirei region has also joined our Oli Kingdom. Duke of Savoy, surrendering does not mean dishonor."

The Duke walked towards the wall, slowly asking, "What's so good about Howard? Why do you all follow him?"

Portia aptly blocked the Duke's path, preventing him from getting closer to the wall adorned with the sword.

His experience with such perilous situations was vast, which is precisely why Laurent had brought him along to Savoy.

Nora, with a heavy heart, said, "Duke, let me speak frankly. When you aided me back then, you were a formidable ally. You and the Duchy of Savoy were so strong."

"But look at you now, constantly facing defeat."

"Your country shrinks smaller day by day, and now you're left with just two fragmented ducal territories."

"Duke, please, let it be."