Chapter 732: Peace Talks

In this steampunk world, Golden Oak, Pandon, and Redbud are recognized as the three major global powers.

Surrounding them are numerous other countries and colonies that have chosen to attach themselves to one of the great powers for survival.

Some have deliberately maintained their independence, declared permanent demilitarization, and become neutral states—serving as venues for negotiation and mediation among the major powers, thus surviving in the cracks between them.

Aleradoen is such a nation.

Located in the narrow space between the three great steam-powered powers, its territory consists of only a dozen or so cities. Compared to its massive neighbors, it appears tiny in every aspect.

Precisely because of its unique geographical position and as a buffer zone for easing border tensions, none of the great powers chose to annex it. Instead, they tacitly agreed to designate it as a neutral state, serving as a buffer for all sides.

Nowadays, Aleradoen has gained worldwide fame precisely because of its absolute security and the reputation of being free from the threat of war.

In Aleradoen’s White Dove City,

On this day, all streets had been urgently cleaned, and large numbers of patrol officers were deployed to maintain order. Many protest marches carrying banners like “Peace, Not War” gathered in front of several embassies.

—After the relentless efforts of Golden Oak and Redbud, and crucially, the compromise of Chevalier, the parties finally agreed to initiate a round of negotiations aimed at peacefully resolving the disputes of the Pandon Empire. Before then, none of the parties would be the first to use nuclear weapons.

As a result, people across the world celebrated joyfully, relieved to have momentarily escaped the shadow of nuclear war and destruction.

A massive armored airship docked at the airfield. Chevalier, dressed in military uniform and wearing white gloves, looked at the bustling streets and narrowed his eyes: “Mr. Ambassador, your citizens are indeed enthusiastic!”

The Aleradoen ambassador replied solemnly: “These are spontaneous actions by our citizens. Your Excellency, you should see the prayers for peace within them!”

“I personally have no intention of starting a world war or human destruction—as long as the Pandon Empire is willing to accept reality!”

Chevalier’s words caused the ambassador to frown involuntarily.

If those nobles in Pandon truly understood compromise, there would be no need for them to come here for mediation.

“As for this aspect, I believe the representatives of Redbud and Golden Oak will negotiate thoroughly with both parties.”

Fortunately, Aleradoen was merely playing a supporting role this time—the real hosts were those two powers.

“Indeed, I look forward to it!”

Chevalier boarded a car surrounded by numerous guards, slowly driving toward the state guesthouse. His vehicle had clearly undergone special modifications—no boiler noise could be heard, and there was no vibration on the road.

However, after passing several blocks, another convoy slowly approached, causing the ambassador’s expression to change instantly: “It’s the Pandon Empire’s convoy. Damn it, who arranged this route?”

Although intentionally mediating, before the negotiations even began, he had no desire for these two bitter enemies to meet, as he could not predict what kind of trouble might arise.

“This time, the plenipotentiary representative of the Pandon Empire is Crown Prince Gaodi, right?”

Chevalier looked toward the approaching convoy, his eyes flashing coldly.

After the previous plan to achieve peace through war failed, he immediately began investigating the cause. Only recently did spies embedded in Pandon deliver detailed intelligence, revealing to him that his failure was entirely due to this prince, who strongly advocated for war and convinced both the aristocratic Senate and the emperor. Otherwise, his plan would have already succeeded.

Moreover, along with the intelligence came some ambiguous information, particularly one speculation that Chevalier took very seriously.

“A reincarnator… huh?”

He rolled down the car window, his expression grim.

The opposing convoy also appeared relatively restrained, showing no provocative actions. The two groups slowly passed each other.

But as they crossed paths, the middle car also rolled down its window, revealing the handsome face of Crown Prince Gaodi.

Their gazes met abruptly, and sparks seemed to fly in midair.

Time seemed to last only an instant, yet also an eternity. Only after the convoy had slowly driven away did the ambassador finally exhale in relief: “Thank goodness…”

He had almost thought the two sides would start fighting immediately, which would have ended his ambassadorship. Fortunately, the worst-case scenario did not occur.

However, Chevalier’s expression had become even darker, as if water could drip from his face.

At that moment of eye contact, he sensed that familiar aura from the other, further confirming that the other was indeed a reincarnator.

Now he finally understood how his plan had failed.

“This negotiation will probably be even more difficult!”

Chevalier suddenly sighed.

Since both are reincarnators, they would understand each other’s limits and bottom lines, and certainly fight tooth and nail over key terms.

…

On the other side,

Inside the Pandon Empire convoy, the driver suddenly turned his head: “Your Highness, is revealing your identity now really okay?”

“This isn’t a big deal?”

Prince Gaodi leaned back against the foam cushion: “After all, we will meet during the negotiations anyway. There’s no difference between early or late. Since last time, I haven’t hoped to hide my identity anymore. The fact that I’ve managed to keep it hidden until now is already a huge victory!”

“So are we really going to compromise this time?”

The driver’s voice sounded worried.

“Absolutely not. Now is the best opportunity to eliminate those rebels!”

Prince Gaodi’s expression darkened: “Their foundation is unstable. We have more territory, more troops, and most importantly, our stockpile of Thunder Swords far exceeds theirs… precisely because of this, we cannot give them time to develop!”

He deeply understood the inexplicable nature of the cycle of reincarnation.

As long as Chevalier recovers and participates in several mission worlds, his team will surely accumulate numerous contribution points. Then, by redeeming some black technologies, it might be his side that ends up at a disadvantage.

“Then why did Your Highness agree to the peace talks? Was it because of Golden Oak Kingdom and Redbud Federation?”

“Partly.”

In front of his trusted aide, Prince Gaodi was quite open: “Those two countries were frightened by our recklessness. They might also have stockpiles, but they definitely won’t dare to throw Thunder Swords at each other in a mutually destructive manner like us. Therefore, they have prepared a cage for me—the Non-Proliferation Treaty, non-dissemination of technology, and a commitment not to use nuclear weapons first… hehe…”

At this point, a mocking smile appeared on his lips:

“Although those two countries are indeed cowardly, their military strength is real. To prevent us from refusing, they might fully side with the Alliance Army. Therefore, we can accept some of these terms. The Thunder Sword war can stop, but conventional wars must continue!”

Prince Gaodi said bitterly: “We cannot give the rebels any opportunity to recuperate and grow. Even without Thunder Swords, we must use our land, sea, and air forces to crush them, capitalizing on the huge victory we gained from our previous attack!”

Indeed, Prince Gaodi had grasped the bottom line of Golden Oak Kingdom and Redbud Federation.

Not allowing the entire world and ecosystem to perish together was the consistent stance of both countries. If Pandon ignored this line and threatened their fundamental survival, Gaodi had no doubt that these two countries, with their questionable integrity, would immediately switch sides and spare no expense to support the Free Alliance, swiftly toppling the Empire.

However, aside from nuclear weapons, their attitude toward the Free Alliance was likely even worse than that of the Pandon Empire.

Therefore, the nuclear war must stop, but conventional warfare must continue.

In fact, this might be exactly the outcome Golden Oak and Redbud desired most.

After all, as the war dragged on, the Empire’s strategic reserves were continuously declining, forcing it to purchase massive amounts of supplies from Golden Oak and Redbud Federation.

This resulted in a massive outflow of precious metals and even accumulating significant foreign debt.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the industries and commerce of Golden Oak Kingdom and Redbud Federation experienced a rare golden period of development, aggressively squeezing out Pandon’s market share in various colonies.

Even if the Pandon Empire could maintain its independence after this war, its fall from the status of a first-tier global power was almost certain.

…

“White Dove City, Aleradoen!”

Just as the talks were about to begin, in the train station, a train slowly pulled into the platform.

A strange figure dressed in a black trench coat, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a mask—seemingly trying to cover every inch of his face—slowly stepped off the platform, gazing toward the venue with an eerie gleam in his eyes behind the sunglasses.

The steam train, emitting white smoke and making a tremendous noise, thundered away from the station.

The strange figure walked out of the train station and immediately saw a newly-painted slogan on the opposite wall—”Long Live Peace!” The paint was not yet dry.

“Peace? Hehe…”

The figure stared at those few letters, suddenly letting out a low laugh filled with hoarseness and resentment:

“In this world, where is there true peace?”

He suddenly thought of himself.

Despite nearly sacrificing everything for the Federation, in the end, he received nothing but a meager pension.

The culprit responsible for his plight, however, was revered as a guest of honor by the powerful elite due to possessing formidable strength. This stark contrast in treatment ignited a burning hatred deep within his heart.

True peace? Fairness? Such things probably only exist in fantasy, right?

“Lucius, you’ve arrived. Very good!”

At that moment, someone suddenly approached from the side, and a voice directly echoed in his mind.

“A Reincarnator?”

Lucius took a deep breath: “Speak. What exactly did you go through so much trouble to bring me here for?”

“Just a small matter that requires your professional skills…”

The voice said: “And in return, I will give you what you desire!”