The Kingmaker System
Chapter 355 - 354. Peace And War (2)

Chapter 355: 354. Peace And War (2)

*If you wish for peace then you should also know that you would have to be at war. And without a war, you wouldn’t appreciate your life, your strength and even the peace that you desire."

I watched Eric as he stood tall, his presence commanding attention. Though he bore no crown, he carried the weight of a ruler—one forged by fire, tempered by loss. A decade of war had shaped him, and now, at this crucial moment, he stood not as a warrior but as a diplomat.

[Goddess of Wisdom says your made the right choice.]

[Giver of Gifts is proud of your selection.]

[Defender of Divine Glory awaits the future to see how Prince Eric upholds the values that you instilled in him.]

"He makes me feel like a proud parent." I admitted with a smile as I watched him.

Rune looked up at his friend with the quiet sense of pride in his eyes and a small smile graced his features. Davian though, sat with an indifferent expression.

Eric took his seat and I saw Arian turning his eyes around as if trying to look for me but I was glad I was invisible. It was fun, I knew Eric would make a good opponent and also an ally for him.

If only Arian could control that filterless mouth of his then it would be a bit more smooth but I guess it’s a bit difficult.

"Anyways, let’s continue, Your Majesty." Eric said and Augustine who had been observing him gave a small smile.

"Yes, Prince Eric."

The air inside the conference hall became heavy with unspoken tension. The clinking of goblets being set down on the marble table was the only sound that momentarily interrupted the silence. Then, Augustine leaned forward slightly, fingers laced together as his gaze settled on Eric.

"Prince Eric," Augustine began smoothly, "peace is indeed a welcome resolution, but I must ask—what assurance do we have that this truce will hold? That another shift in power, another change in ruling hands, will not lead us back to war?"

Eric met his gaze, unflinching. "Trust is not built in a day, Your Majesty. Nor is it sustained by mere words on parchment." His voice was steady, his demeanor composed. "But the people of both our nations have suffered enough. It is not kings or warriors who demand peace—it is the blood-soaked land beneath our feet, the grieving mothers, the orphans left behind. If this truce falters, it will not be because of me or Sestia, but because someone has failed to uphold their duty to the people."

"Correct," I nodded.

[Goddess of Wisdom shares her popcorn with Giver of Gifts and Defender of Divine Glory.]

"Hey, give me some too!"

[Goddess of Wisdom sighs.]

"What? You guys are my Patrons and I’m Eric’s Patron, can’t I also enjoy the show like you guys?"

[Giver of Gifts has sent a bowl of popcorn for you.]

The message dinged and a glowing blue box appeared before me, I clicked on it making the bowl of popcorn materialise.

"Thanks, Giver of Gifts, you live by your name!" I grinned as I popped a popcorn in my mouth.

[Giver of Gifts accepts your gratitude.]

Augustine’s lips twitched slightly, almost as if impressed. He tapped a finger against the table. "A fine sentiment," he acknowledged. "Yet sentiment alone does not govern nations. Power does."

Eric tilted his head, a faint smile curving his lips. "Then let us speak of power, Your Majesty. For power comes not just from swords and armies, but from alliances, from unity."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Augustine’s gaze before he turned to Rune. "Prince Rune, as Sestia’s ally, do you share this unwavering faith in Prince Eric’s leadership?"

Rune, who had been quietly observing, met the King’s gaze without hesitation. "I have fought beside him. I have seen him make choices no ruler would dare to make for the sake of his people. If I did not trust him, I would not be here."

Augustine let the room absorb that statement before shifting his attention to Davian. "And you, Prince Davian?"

Davian’s posture remained perfectly composed, unreadable. "Prince Eric is capable, but peace is fragile. While I acknowledge his competence, only time will prove whether his leadership is enough."

Eric did not react to the measured response, merely offering a faint nod. "Then let time be our witness."

A small pause settled over the room before Augustine exhaled lightly. "Very well," he said. "The terms of this treaty shall include an agreement for military non-aggression and trade stability. However, Denril requires an additional condition."

Eric remained silent, waiting.

Augustine’s eyes glimmered with sharp intent. "A hostage."

The room stiffened. Rune’s fingers curled slightly against the armrest of his chair. Arian’s brows furrowed, but he held his tongue.

Eric, however, did not falter. "A hostage, Your Majesty?"

"A show of good faith," Augustine said smoothly. "A member of the royal family or nobility from Sestia will reside in Denril as a sign of trust between our nations. Should our peace be genuine, there will be no issue. But should Sestia breach this treaty, well..." He left the rest unsaid.

Silence followed.

Then, Eric chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Your Majesty, I expected a challenge, but I did not think you would ask for something so outdated." He leaned back in his chair, exuding the same calm that had carried him through the war itself. "Taking hostages is a practice of rulers who do not trust their own strength to maintain peace. Are you telling me that Denril fears Sestia so much that you require collateral?"

Augustine’s gaze sharpened, but there was amusement in his expression. "And if we do? Should we not, when we face a future ruler with such... conviction?"

Eric smiled. "If Denril truly wishes for a show of trust, then I propose something else."

"Which is?"

"A joint council between Denril and Sestia—one where representatives of both nations will oversee the treaty’s execution and ensure neither side falters. Not a hostage, but governance."

Augustine raised a brow. "And who would represent Sestia?"

Eric’s smile grew. "I will."

Murmurs spread through the room. Rune stiffened slightly, while Arian looked at Eric with raised brows. Even Davian’s expression shifted ever so slightly.

Augustine studied him carefully before chuckling under his breath. "You are either fearless or reckless, Prince Eric."

"I would like to think I am merely... responsible," Eric replied smoothly.

Another pause.

Then, Augustine nodded. "Very well. The joint council will be established."

A silent victory.

As the negotiations moved forward, I watched from my hidden vantage point, a small smirk playing on my lips.

He really does make me feel like a proud parent.

Arian decided to step up after that. His voice, sharp as a blade, cut through the heavy silence.

"Are you only going to offer an apology in exchange for the bloodshed and suffering of the past decade?"

His words hung in the air, challenging.

Eric met his gaze without flinching. "What is it that Denril wants?"

Arian’s lips curled slightly. "We have our demands."

What followed was a carefully crafted list—compensation for war damages, trade rights over contested regions, and territorial adjustments. Augustine, ever the pragmatic ruler, nodded along, agreeing to some of the conditions with little hesitation.

For a moment, it seemed the talks would proceed smoothly. But then, Eric spoke.

"I understand Denril’s losses," he said, voice steady. "But Sestia has suffered as well. A one-sided ’give’ will not bring peace—it will only plant the seeds of resentment. If Denril demands compensation, then Sestia must receive something in return. Otherwise, this treaty will merely delay another conflict."

A ripple of tension spread across the chamber as the nobles looked at each other wondering if they should speak or not.

Arian leaned back, studying Eric. "Are you saying Denril must also make concessions?"

Eric didn’t waver. "Not must, but should. Balance is the foundation of lasting peace. If one side carries all the burdens while the other enjoys all the benefits, the wounds of war will never heal. They will fester into future hostility."

"If you’re forgetting then it was Sestia who waged a war!" Arian spoke up sharply.

Eric was quiet for a moment but Davian stepped up.

"I apologise for my rudeness, Your Highness Arian in advance." He said.

"Hah? You’re already saying you’re going to be rude?" Arian challenged.

"Yes, I must follow the proper etiquette after all." Davian said and I almost burst out laughing at his sassy remark.

Arian seemed taken aback and Davian took his chance and continued.

"A war is never one sided, I know Sestia was the one to declare the war but Denril wasn’t exactly innocent when they had refused the previous trade agreements with Sestia which were made by keeping both the nations in the same standing."

"Are you saying it’s our fault?" Arian slammed his fist on table.

Eric and Rune looked at Davian but he was unfazed as he spoke.

"I never said that, I merely am getting to the point that the war was a result of various misunderstandings and bitter feelings. If there would have been some proper communication between the two sides then this war might never have happened. Just like now when both the sides are exhausted they have decided to talk because it is obvious that the war had crippled both the nations."

Arian scowled at him and Rune spoke up.

"I agree with Prince Davian." He said, "A war in general has never been of advantage to anyone except for those who politically handle it. The ones who really lose in a war as the innocent people who have nothing to do with the war. If the people in the position of power can understand the pain of those people then they would never seek war."

"I am greatly saddened by the fact that it was Sestia’s side which waged this war but I wouldn’t really say that it was one sided. So, if there are demands from one side then there must be a balance to keep the masses of both the sides to feel satisfied because it’s not the monarchs who were on the battlefield to see their comrades die but those innocent knights who had left their families and the families of those who lost their everything in this war."

I stared at my brother tempted to praise him but I held my feelings back watching him.

"All of them had grown up so well." I said feeling tearful.

[Giver of Gifts wipes her tears.]

[Goddess of Wisdom watches in approval.]

[Defender of Divine Glory silently praises the wisdom of Rune at such a young age.]

"My brother was always very wise." I corrected.

The nobles stared at Davian and my brother obviously touched by their wisdom and I could also see the look of concealed approval in the sharp green eyes that were watching my brother all this while.

Arian looked at the three Princes before he opened his mouth to say something again but Augustine spoke up.

"That’s enough, Arian."

Augustine considered Eric’s words carefully before speaking. "Then what does Sestia seek in return?"

Eric did not hesitate. "Trade rights in key regions, a neutrality agreement for border villages, and a joint security pact to prevent future incursions."

Murmurs spread across the Denril delegation. Arian’s gaze darkened, but there was something else in his expression—reluctant admiration.

The negotiation had truly begun.

And I, unseen in the shadows, could only watch as the pieces moved on the board.