As a seasoned marshal, Cale naturally knew that his side had already lost the advantage in the war.

After consecutive days of the waterway blockade by the three dragons Old Flame, Arnold, and Zenny, the Natterian Empire had completely lost control over the western bank of the Modon River.

The ground troops and shore batteries were rendered ineffective. The speed, agility, and powerful bombing coverage of the dragons had paralyzed the cities along the shores, leaving them powerless to organize any counterattack.

"Ahem!"

Eucerolot, sitting behind Cale, coughed heavily, snapping Cale back to his senses.

"Very well, perhaps we need not discuss facts that are already established," he conceded to Erl's basic demands. "Let us instead discuss the current situation. This war has brought endless harm to us both. I believe remaining trapped in a state of mutual distrust and conflict will only lead to future troubles. Discussing an agreement satisfactory to both sides is surely the purpose of us being here."

"Correct, Marshal," Moran nodded. "First, we Erls have the right to demand lands necessary for our survival. Oakenburg is undoubtedly our territory, and we have no interest in the northern regions, but these places should rightfully be part of our domain."

He took out a map already prepared, with the boundaries marked in red pen.

To the west it extended past the outskirts of KarukTokas, south all the way to Oakland, and eastward it crossed the midline of the Modon River.

"Ludicrous!"

Chancellor Fraser of Morey could no longer contain himself, standing up to shout angrily, "You brigands! These are lands that generations of our Morey ancestors struggled and shed blood to develop! Occupying Oakenburg and Pillar Mountain was not enough? I will never allow you wretched dragons to have your way!"

He turned to Cale: "Morey Kingdom categorically reject this proposal!"

This passionate, indignant speech failed to elicit any emotional response from the Erl side, nor did the human representatives show any sympathy or fiery sentiment.

"In any case, this territorial demand is unavoidable," Moran darkened his expression, crossing his hands to support his chin.

"Even if we don't take these lands, can you peacefully settle down? If the citizens of Erl cannot eat or clothe themselves, constantly complaining and causing disruptions that irritate Crimson Dragon, do you think it will spare those who work for it? Or will it instead release its breath on the very territories it was meant to conquer?"

Fraser glared coldly: "Turio Moran, how did I never see your true nature before! And those small nobility of yours - we'd long suspected something was wrong. If not for the King repeatedly protecting you, you would have been charged and punished long ago! Those demi-human soldiers are mercenaries from Strife Plain, aren't they? Who else would contact them besides you?"

Twenty years ago, Moran had served as the kingdom's capital management department head. After leading a land reclamation project that resulted in a military conflict with Karuk and losing the reclaimed land, he was made a scapegoat, stripped of his position, and sent home. Since then, he had never again stepped into the core of Morey's political circles.

"My apologies, lord chancellor," Moran said without remorse, "People have their own paths. It's understandable that I would seek another patron to ensure my family's survival. After all, you land-owning military nobility always treated me like a sheep - ignoring me during normal times and only coming to shear my wool when convenient. Can you honestly say you ever considered me one of your own?"

"You...!"

Fraser's teeth clenched, his facial muscles twisting with extreme anger: "Blatant betrayal! Don't think you can escape judgment with sophistry!"

"If you only treat someone like a milk cow or a crop to be endlessly exploited, don't expect them to save your life at a critical moment! This is an ancient maxim!" Moran slammed the table and stood up abruptly. "I no longer wish to discuss these useless moral arguments!"

He then turned to Cale, who was watching the scene with a detached expression: "Imperial Marshal, I believe you have no real sincerity! At this moment, we are leaving. The instant I step out of this tent, we will return to a state of war!"

With that, he left without looking back. Alvis and Hil followed silently, while the dwarf elder and Evan remained seated, still processing what had just occurred. "Wait!"

Cale hastily stood up and rushed to intercept Moran and his group. The Karuk ambassador also hurriedly stepped forward, pleading with the Erl representatives to return and continue negotiations, promising no further incidents would occur.

"I suggest we take a short break. Let's reconvene in half an hour," Eucerolot's smooth voice suggested.

"Fine," Moran responded with a cold snort before leaving the tent. The human representatives also returned to their temporary encampments with heavy hearts.

"I recommend the Morey representatives no longer participate in discussions," Ryton ambassador Snyder commented on the way. "They're clearly too easily provoked and can lose rationality, which could jeopardize negotiations."

Cale glanced at his own heir and gave a nearly imperceptible nod: "Correct. We're facing an unknown but seemingly unstoppable force with immense war potential. Compromise is the essence of these negotiations. Introducing emotional responses will only cause unnecessary losses."

The narrative continued, detailing the complex political maneuverings and tense negotiations between the various factions, with dragons, humans, and other races all seeking their own advantages in this delicate diplomatic encounter. The narrative continued from the previous point. Ryton and Natterian kingdoms were not particularly concerned about territorial disputes, as they weren't giving up their own lands.

Their primary concerns were ensuring coastal safety in the coming years and addressing the economic crisis resulting from losing the Morey granary.

"Damn parasites!" Fraser muttered, realizing that after investing massive human and material resources into increasing food production at the Natterian Emperor's request - which had weakened their military capabilities - they were now being treated this way.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

The dragons had massacred civilians, seized populations and territories, while other nations were only focused on self-preservation and offered no assistance. Morey would have to bear its tragedy alone.

In truth, the empire had dispatched military units to help, but their defeat had nearly exposed their own vulnerabilities. Now, mustering military strength for another conflict was impossible, as the cost would lead to the empire's complete collapse.

...

On the other side, Raphael was lying down napping, his head resting on Arnold's back, sound asleep.

Moran's group walked past, discussing as they approached.

"It seems the Empire truly has no fight left in them. Did you see their expressions when the negotiations were about to break down?"

"Mainly it's because the dragon allies destroyed all the ships in this area. They are lacking in battle dragons and at a disadvantage in aerial combat, so they have no choice but to avoid battle," Alvis analyzed.

Listening to this, Evan suddenly realized, "So that was a bluff! I thought you really didn't intend to negotiate."

Moran and Alvis shook their heads wryly. How could they not negotiate?

If they kept fighting, the Erl ground forces lacked the capability for cross-river operations. Their numbers and mobility were insufficient. Relying solely on a few dragons could only provide strategic deterrence. Once the nations fully mobilized, with millions upon millions of soldiers appearing on the battlefield, Raphael's breath wouldn't be able to kill them, even all standing still, in just a few weeks.

Hearing the commotion outside, Raphael's closed eyes suddenly snapped open, his dark golden vertical pupils sweeping around before locking onto the people below.

"How is it going?" he asked, lowering his head from Arnold's back.

"Progressing well. The enemy should fully understand our potential and strength now. If we keep pressing step-by-step, we can get the result we want," Baron Moran confidently stated.

"Very good, and don't forget my lair," Raphael gave a verbal commendation before warning them about the Ryton forces still ravaging Pillar Mountain.

...

Half an hour later, the negotiations resumed, but this time Fraser, Morey, and their entourage were absent, further convincing Moran of the humans' appeasement mentality.

The territorial issue was quickly resolved after he hinted that Erl's dragons could easily penetrate deep into the nations' heartlands and strike their vulnerabilities.

"Very well, you win," Marshal Cale sighed heavily, ignoring the uneasy and pained expression on Ambassador Karuk's face.

"We'll do as you say. Those territories belong to Erl, and we have no right to enter them at will." He didn't really care deep down, as refusing would only lead to the same result through force.

"There's one more thing. We're still engaged with your troops around Pillar Mountain," Moran suddenly turned to Snyder. "Needless to say, you must have lost a considerable amount of ammunition and supplies? And coincidentally, our dragons intercepted many of your supply ships on the Modon River."

Cale glanced sidelong at Snyder beside him, whose face was filled with resentment.

Upon receiving news of the defeat at home, Snyder had immediately contacted Ryton's command to inquire about their situation.

The response then was that Ryton could capture Pillar Mountain, but needed sufficient supplies.

So the Imperial Council hurriedly passed a series of interest-free aid programs, transporting resources by land and water. But they didn't abandon negotiations with the Crimson Dragons either.

However, with Arnold's three dragons constantly patrolling the river, and having lost air superiority, not a single Imperial ship could successfully cross Erl.

Afterward, Ryton's replies were always "imminent victory," "need more time," "hope to keep attempting supply runs."

Finally, with the dragons' constant harassment causing widespread public anxiety, the Empire lost patience and decided to open negotiations.

As for the Ryton people...they certainly had no right to keep fighting, as the Empire was no longer willing to support them.

"The war in the north will also end. The Kingdom of Ryton will withdraw its troops and relinquish all occupied lands," Cale promised.

Snyder had nothing to say, fully aware that his forces were on their last legs. The frontline soldiers' food was becoming increasingly coarse, and weapons increasingly scarce. If counterattacked, they risked complete annihilation.

"That's good," Moran nodded in satisfaction.

They then began discussing the details, such as how exactly to hand over the territories.

......

Time passed quickly, and as night fell and the negotiations were still ongoing, everyone had to camp outdoors.

Erl and his people stayed in a hastily erected tent, where Baron Moran was changing clothes by the dim lamplight.

He took off his original black formal attire and donned a dark overcoat with a wide-brimmed hat.

He then quietly exited the tent, and after waiting for some time, a blood wyvern snatched him up and flew toward the human encampment.

The representatives of the nations could only stay in their respective makeshift lodgings.

The Prince of Eucerolot naturally resided in the exquisite little garden house that craftsmen had rapidly constructed in a day, supposedly even with a working fireplace inside.

The other representatives, including Cale and the Natterians, could only set up tents scattered along the riverside, with distinctions made according to their nations' power.

Karuk was the most ostracized, so he could only settle in a low, damp area, with lights still burning in his tent.

The blood wyvern silently passed over the Natterian river guards, likely because seeing Raphael's mighty form earlier had left them shaken, convincing them that posting sentries was futile against such great power. Thus, they failed to notice the fleeting dragon kin.

Moran reached Karuk's tent, which surprisingly lacked any guards.

"Who's there?" Karuk's anxious voice came from inside after noticing a figure lurking outside.

"It's me."

Moran quietly lifted the tent flap and entered.

"You?" The ambassador seemed surprised that this human-turned-dragon ally would visit him in the middle of the night.

"My full name is Turio Moran."

"David."

"Well then, David, I came here not to do anything untoward, but merely to discuss the future of our two nations. We both know that the human nations are not a united front. Certain upstream countries monopolize vast resources, while hoping to shift risks onto those downstream."

Moran spoke affably, his words striking a chord with David.

"What are you getting at?" the Karuk ambassador asked, his anxiety subsiding as he sat down.

"Have you ever considered what Morey's decline would mean?" Moran's tempting words rang out.

David fell silent, watching the middle-aged man make his case.

"It means the Empire loses control over the western bank of the Modon River. Karuk should have a brighter future. Your people are numerous, your land bountiful - you should be enjoying these riches yourselves. But the Empire controls your economic lifeline. Through technological superiority, culture, and naval might, they force you to produce minerals, alchemical ingredients, clothes, and food with your people's sweat, only to exchange them for so-called 'high-end' alchemical products at low cost. Do you think that's fair?"

Moran spoke regretfully while observing David's facial expressions.

The ambassador's face twitched ever so slightly, a hint of gloom crossing his brow, reassuring Moran.

This was a true Karuk patriot, not some quisling representative entangled with the Empire.

"It seems independent thinking still prevails in Karuk over being Natterian's eternal vassal, at least on matters of national security and defense," Moran thought to himself.

"You seem to want us to cooperate with you, but is that even possible?" David suddenly chuckled lightly.

"I don't trust my countrymen, let alone a dwarven kingdom ruled by dragons? Isn't that just to focus on the details while ignoring the bigger picture?"

Moran remained unfazed. "But these so-called countrymen are only alike in appearance. Tell me, in any nation, would someone of noble birth ever look upon someone from the slums as an equal? The divide between them is far greater than that between man and dog."

"We Karuks believe in equal human rights," David said, turning his head in objection.

Moran scoffed coldly, "But human rights are merely an ideal equality. In reality, the disparities in wealth, status, and material possessions have long killed human rights. So we should discuss the common interests that transcend race and nationality, not mere countrymen."