The next day of the peace conference started with a huge shock for the Union's delegation. The presence of Guad and Vettalia made Hector and Luie very nervous. Compared to Leonard and Cassmira, the presence of those was far more serious and had further-reaching consequences. During the night meeting, Aoi agreed to leave all negotiations that concerned Metaka to Guad and Vettalia. Because of that, Leonard's and Cassmira's presence wasn't required but they decided to join the meeting anyway. Thanks to the presence of the Metakan delegation, the way everyone sat around the conference table changed a bit. Instead of two sides, three parties were sitting around the same, large round table. Hector and Luie remained as the sole representatives of the Union. The Empire of Metaka was represented by Guad and Vettalia, however, Leonard and Cassmira were sitting between them and Aoi, signifying their status as the representatives of both nations, even if their status wasn't clear. Finally, Aoi was sitting with Mia and Tia, as the representatives of the Empire of Arcadia. Even if Hilgvar and Verksa were independent nations, they were under the protection of Arcadia.

The first part of the meeting went smoothly with both sides determined to achieve their goals. Hector and Luie had no issue with agreeing with everything that Aoi wanted in exchange for the airship and the building plans. It was the absolute opposite of the previous day and, except for some minor details, everything went smoothly. They tried to negotiate to obtain the necessary knowledge to build the airships but the price Aoi demanded was simply too much. However, seeing their hesitation, she offered that chosen Arcadian shipyards could build airships for the Union. According to her proposal, the Union had to provide raw materials for every ship and negotiate a contract with the shipyard. Thanks to that, the shipyards of Everlight should be busy until Theon found them more work. It wasn't the most optimal solution for the Union but it was certainly the most profitable for Arcadia. After making the final touches to the agreement between the Union, Hilgvar, Verksa, and Arcadia, the documents were officially written down and prepared to be signed.

"With that, the Union is acknowledging the rights of Hilgvar and Verksa. Herby, I, Hector Breonia, recognise Tia Francesca as the Queen of Verksa and confirm her sovereignty." Hector announced solemnly as he signed the decorated scroll and sealed his signature with magic.

"I, Luie Vetulia confirm the status and rights of both Hilgvar and Verksa. May the friendship between the Union and the Empire of Arcadia grow." The retired king signed the scroll and also sealed it with magic.

"With this, the war between our countries is over." Mia signed the document and smiled with relief as her magic seal formed over the scroll.

"May this moment begin a period of prosperity for our nations." Tia signed the peace treaty and smiled as well. With her magic seal completed, she passed the fountain pen to Aoi.

"I'm glad to see you changed your minds and gave peace a chance." Aoi signed the documents and placed her magic seal over the treaty. "May this moment mark a new chapter in the relationship between our countries."

There was a pause during which Mia and Tia exchanged happy glances with Aoi. The safety of Hilgvar was secured and the sovereignty of Tia as the Queen of Verksa was confirmed. With the Crimson Hunters Legion stationed across the border with the Union and the Third Fleet ready to respond immediately to any threat, the great weight was lifted from the twins' shoulders. Aoi wondered if the third or fourth Legion shouldn't be dispatched as well, but that was Theon's problem. Even Hector and Luie seemed relaxed after the documents were signed. According to the agreement, Arcadia had two months to ship the airship and plans to the same place where the peace conference took place. Unbeknownst to the Union's representatives, the ship destined to be given to them was already stripped of all sensitive magitech and reverted to its basic state. The plans were almost ready as well. Thanks to that, the Union would obtain the ship as scheduled.

To emphasize her satisfaction with the signed peace treaty, Aoi invited everyone present for lunch and through that, the negotiations between Metaka and the Union could begin earlier. At first, Aoi thought that Guad and Vettalia would like to keep their negotiations with Hector and Luie secret. However, that would mean the army of Arcadia would going to return with her, meaning that Metakans would have only five airships on their side. To avoid such a situation and believing that the future ruler of Metaka was going to owe her a favour, Aoi decided to stay. The food was prepared by the Arcadian Navy cooks, but considering their high level, mastery, the best ingredients, and their enthusiasm, once they learnt that they got a chance to cook for her, it turned extremely exquisite. She liked the food, but Hector, Luie, Guad, and Vettalia couldn't have enough of it.

"Gods in heavens! That was magnificent, Lady Aoi!" Luie commented after he finished the third serving of the main course. "I'm starting to regret we didn't include the recipes for these masterworks in our deal."

"I'm afraid, uncle, that the price for them might ruin our treasuries." Hector smiled.

"I think we will have to have a very serious discussion before you return to Avalon, Leonard and Cassmira," Guad said with pretended seriousness, but his eyes were full of joyful sparks.

"To hide something so important from your older siblings..." Vettalia sighed and theatrically shook her head in disbelief. "The food was excellent, Lady Aoi."

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"I'm glad to hear that." Aoi smiled and waved her hand, giving a sign to the Slime Maids and Butlers to clean the place.

With the last plates gone, the light mood in the tent gradually vanished, replaced by meaningless smiles and concentration. With trained smiles, Guad and Vettalia took out various documents and placed them on the table in front of them. Aoi realised that the crown prince and princess of Metaka were working out together so perfectly that she forgot that once Emperor Darius was going to die, they were going to fight each other. What a pity... Meanwhile, Vettalia straightened up with dignity and looked at the Union's representatives.

"In light of recent discoveries, our previously friendly relationships with the kingdoms of the Union are in question. The Empire of Metaka is currently tracking down every single traitor you managed to bribe and every single agent you sent to our homeland. Eventually, we will find and kill them all." She said with a very displeased voice and shook her head.

As if that was some kind of a sign, Guad slightly leaned over a table and gave a very intense look at Hector and Luie. "You can try to save as many of your people as you want. Including the corrupted Metakan nobles if you believe that you need them. Everyone who worked against the interests of Metaka is persona non grata. If they ever try to return to the lands of Metaka they will die."

He leaned back and smiled disturbingly. Aoi, who was able to observe both sides of this conversation, was impressed by the Metakan crown siblings. Vettalia smiled, but there was a not so hidden threat behind that smile.

"Despite that, Emperor Darius, inspired by the benevolent example of Emperor Theon, decided to give you another chance," Vettalia announced as if she wasn't especially pleased with that decision. However, the tone of her voice was light and neutral.

"We..." Hector tried to say something but Guad raised his open palm to stop him.

"Oh, of course, you will insist that you know nothing about the events that transpired recently, but I am sure you understand the implications. The Empire of Metaka is not pleased with your actions." Guad put a very heavy accent on the last sentence. "Any further actions taken against the integrity of the Empire or its sovereignty will result in an immediate declaration of war."

"It's up to you if you want to follow that path. The Empire had no intentions of interfering with the Union's affairs and we never considered attacking the Kingdoms of the Union unprovoked. The trust we had between us has been shattered and it will take time to mend those wounds." Vettalia's voice was full of sadness.

Aoi observed, fascinated by how Hector's and Luie's faces showed their guilt. They weren't hiding it any more and she wanted to see how the situation was going to unfold. However, Aoi was sure that war wasn't Metakan's goal. Contrary to Theon, for whom a war was just the extension of his politics and had far less severe consequences, Metakans were far more reserved. Of course, she couldn't blame them for that - the war was always an unimaginable loss of life, wealth, and resources. Arcadia had all the advantages in the world but Aoi had no desire to wage the senseless and unnecessary wars.

"Do you have sufficient proof to support your very serious accusations?" King Luie calmly said despite the obvious guilt of a red-handed caught child painted on his face.

"We have testimonies of the people the Union managed to bribe into supporting you. We also have many testimonies of the Union's various spies and agents." Guad rolled a scroll across the table towards Luie Vetulia. It made a fairly ominous noise before it was caught by Luie who unrolled it and started reading in silence.

Aoi found it amusing that Hector and Luie were so careful to not make Metakans angry. During yesterday's negotiations, they made it apparent that they firmly believed they could fight against the army Aoi took with her. Right now, they were needlessly careful while negotiating with the far less powerful Empire of Metaka. Theon was right when he said that 'knowledge is power'. The uncomfortable silence extended while Luie paled as he read the scroll's content. It seemed that Guad and Vettalia decided to wait and see what Hector and Luie were going to do about it.

"The testimonies you have gathered are serious." Luie gave the scroll to Hector and locked his heavy gaze on Guad. "However... As incriminating as they are, you can't possibly believe that we could confirm such... Rumours."

"No." Guad shrugged. "But you will pay for this transgression nonetheless."

The silence once more consumed the tent. Hector finished reading and put away the scroll with a heavy sigh.

"Emperor Darius Nineteenth, in his magnificent gesture, offers you a peace treaty. Despite your ill intentions and the possibility of war, there can be peace between our nations." Vettalia said very slowly. "The Union's merchants will be charged with additional tolls and taxes. In addition, you can't implement any tax and toll increases on our merchants for the period of the next five years. After this time, we will negotiate a new trade deal."

Hector and Luie grimaced painfully but it was obvious they would like to avoid the war they almost provoked. Seeing that, Aoi wondered if her decision was good. However, considering that she got everything she wanted, it wasn't a particularly bad outcome. The Union had no trade deals with Arcadia and the border was basically closed. They had nothing that Arcadia particularly needed so when the time came to discuss the trading agreements, she was going to make sure to make them regret ever plotting against Arcadia. She was smiling to herself when she noticed that Hector Breonia was looking at her. She ignored him and closed her eyes. He might have guessed what she was thinking about but she couldn't care less. Hector and Luie were discussing something with hushed voices but ultimately, they agreed to sign the peace treaty. Finally, Hector Breonia and Luie Vetulia returned to their forces and their armies slowly began their retreat.

Aoi was about to leave when she was stopped by the friendly smiles of Guad and Vettalia.

"Now that those two are gone, we can start the true negotiations, Empress Aoi." Guad took out a large and impressive scroll.

"Coffee, Lady Aoi." Vettalia laughed seeing her incredulous gaze.