Tilea's Worries

Negotiating with the Demon King’s army:

The terms for our first diplomatic exchange are as follows:

1. The extradition of the war criminal, Kouan.

2. Compensation of one trillion gold.

3. Establishing the border between the Demon King’s army and the Evil God’s army.

Appointed as the deputy envoy for the Evil God’s diplomatic corps, Alhas-Edim scrutinized the terms conveyed by the General Staff Headquarters.

First, regarding the extradition of the war criminal, Kouan, this is a natural demand. As the main instigator of the recent chaos, it is a matter of pride for the Evil God’s army to insist on this. However, we must be cautious that they do not use any tricks. If Kouan were under a mind control spell or, worse, had a timed explosive spell on him, it would be a disaster.

Well, as long as we’re careful, this shouldn’t be too difficult. The real issues are the next two demands.

One is the compensation of one trillion gold.

One trillion gold... 

That’s equivalent to a small country’s annual budget. While we were nearly incited into a riot, our actual damages are negligible. Demanding such a high amount is excessive. The Demon King’s army must have their own intelligence division and would know that we didn’t suffer any significant losses. There’s no way we could actually secure this compensation.

The second issue is the establishment of the border.

I agree that we need to establish the border. The ambiguous territory lines need to be clearly defined.

However, the terms are overwhelmingly favorable to the Evil God’s army.

The Treaty of Karabuto-Chishima Exchange...

The contested border near where the Evil God’s army and Demon King’s army clash stretches from the south of the Karabuto region to the north of Chishima. The treaty proposes that the Evil God’s army will own the Karabuto area, while the Demon King’s army will own Chishima. On the surface, this appears to be a simple exchange, but the reality is different.

Karabuto is far larger in area and resources. This isn’t an exchange; it’s essentially demanding a cession of territory.

Getting them to agree to these terms would require a significant disparity in national power.

...It’s absolutely impossible.

We didn’t even win a war. There’s no way they would agree to such unfavorable terms. We aren’t dealing with weak human nations; we’re up against the Demon King’s army. They have formidable leaders like Hidler, the Demon King’s governor, and three of the Six Demon Generals, who are on par with Camilla-sama. Plus, they have numerous veteran demon warriors from ancient wars. Even though the Demon King hasn’t been resurrected yet, it’s still a formidable nation... 

This is coercive diplomacy. How should I proceed?

Since being appointed as deputy envoy, I’ve been wracking my brains over this. Damn, with the issue of Kikka as well, why am I the one bearing all this burden? This kind of strategizing should be the envoy’s responsibility.

I glanced ahead.

There, in front of a large mirror, stood our envoy, striking poses. He was likely adjusting his appearance to exude authority before the Demon King’s army. He even mentioned having new clothes made.

What an idiot. Too idiotic.

In diplomatic negotiations, preparation is crucial. From gathering intelligence on the opponent to analyzing current military strength, everything must be approached from multiple angles. There are far more important things than one’s attire.

Is this fool, who’s so giddy about being appointed envoy, even aware of this?

"Ortissio-sama, have you read the diplomatic clauses?"

"Of course. The General Staff Headquarters has issued quite lenient terms."

"Lenient?"

"The Karabuto-Chishima matter. Why should we exchange territories? We should just take it all."

"But, Karabuto is far more valuable. These terms are overly favorable to us. The Demon King’s army is unlikely to agree."

"Hmph, if they don’t accept the terms, we’ll just crush them."

"Crush them..."

No, this fool really doesn’t understand anything. If war breaks out, it means the failure of the diplomatic negotiations. That means this entire envoy group would be at fault. Thanks to this idiot Ortidiot, I’ll end up taking the blame again.

"Edim, how do I look in this newly tailored outfit for the negotiations? Don’t you think I exude authority?"

Ortidiot spun around once.

Disgusting. Annoying. Die!

I almost screamed but managed to swallow my words.

"...Ortissio-sama, it looks excellent. But more importantly—"

"Edim, ‘more importantly’? Are you belittling this diplomatic mission?"

Ortidiot grabbed my collar, spitting as he shouted.

It’s hard to breathe...

This is bad. I’m losing consciousness. I need to calm this idiot down by apologizing.

"I-I apologize... *cough* deeply... I’ll be more careful..."

"Good. Make sure you do. I don’t want to suffer because of your mistakes again."

As I choked out my apology, Ortidiot finally let go.

Pant, pant, was he trying to kill me?

Diplomacy is the last thing you should be taking lightly! There are far more important things than appearances!

But upon reflection...

Leaving this fool alone is probably for the best. It’s safer to let him focus on his attire. I’ll handle the diplomatic negotiations myself.

"Ortissio-sama, please take your time to review your attire. I’ll continue to scrutinize the treaty terms."

"Understood. Now, how about this outfit?"

"...It’s wonderful. Everyone will bow down before you."

"Is that so? Hmm, I’ll consider it then. Next..."

Ortidiot started changing into another outfit.

Are you a woman? How many outfits did you buy?

Alright, enough. Dealing with this fool is only going to stress me out. I should just leave—wait, I almost forgot an important task.

"Excuse me, Ortissio-sama, may I ask a question?"

"What is it, can’t you see I’m busy?"

"Yes. Do you know anything about the Demon King’s army’s formal etiquette?"

"Etiquette? I don’t care about that."

As expected, asking Ortidiot was a mistake. I should ask one of the other leaders instead.

"I see. Well then, I’ll excuse my—"

"Wait. Why do you need to know about their etiquette?"

"Because we’re going to a diplomatic meeting. Proper etiquette is essential, right?"

"Hah? Why should we follow the enemy’s etiquette? Are you suggesting I should bow to them?"

"Is that a problem?"

"Of course, it is. Bowing to the enemy’s governor is an act of treason."

"But diplomacy has certain protocols..."

"Unacceptable. You half-demon are still just a human. You have no pride. Do humans have a custom of bowing to enemy kings?"

"Not all, but there are specific rules like a great power’s envoy not kneeling to a small country’s king. It varies by country. I don’t know all the details."

"Hmph, by that logic, the Evil God’s army is a great power. We have no reason to bow!"

"But this is the Demon King’s army..."

"So what! We have Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama. The difference in power is immeasurable."

"Yes, you’re right. But the issue is whether they understand that."

"Of course they do! Do you doubt the power of the great Tilea-sama?"

"No, it’s not that. But—"

"Enough. I’m tired of your nonsense. I’m busy."

Ortidiot shut the door in my face. He’ll likely go back to scrutinizing his outfits.

As expected...

"Hmm, an all-black ensemble might be good. I should reflect Tilea-sama’s dignity by standing by her side. Hahaha."

I could hear his disgusting laughter.

Yes, it seems like I’ll have to tackle this diplomatic mission alone once again.