David fell silent, his expression gradually becoming subtle as his gaze unconsciously wandered outwards.

"Don't be afraid, I secretly came in riding a blood wyvern. No one knows. There are also dragon kin guards outside who will sound an alarm at the first sign of anything amiss."

Moran had been observing Ambassador Karuk's expression and knew his heart had already been swayed, but he still feared the national alliance represented by Natteria.

"Think about it, don't the upper classes always shift risks onto the lower classes? If the national treasury falls short they raise taxes, if business is bad they cut wages and lay off workers. Do you not believe that in a few days the Empire will apportion the indemnity for defeat to their citizens? Nations do the same - smaller countries should unite for mutual development instead of being instigated by the great powers into incessant infighting."

"I used to be the Minister of Finance for the Kingdom of Morey. But after friction with your nation, not only did the Empire fail to resolve it, they deliberately widened the rift, implicitly forcing Morey to cede land, leaving Morey harboring hatred towards Karuk to this day and wasting resources to put up many obstacles. I'd wager you retaliated plenty too, didn't you?"

David's face reddened slightly. Born into a Karuk political family, he knew some inside stories.

At the time, someone had anonymously sent over a dossier containing detailed maps of Morey's pioneering lands and the deployment of their troops.

Such a gift handed on a platter could not be ignored. It so happened that domestically, large numbers were then attempting to flee abroad under the influence of Imperial culture, with social resentment deepening. The friction with Morey conveniently diverted public attention.

The result was an escalation of the conflict with Morey. Karuk had no choice but to divert funds that should have gone towards development into preempting spies and fortifying defenses instead.

None of this generated economic benefits. The semi-state of war placed immense strain on them. Morey even restricted food exports to Karuk, forcing them to import at much higher prices from the Empire - whose food all came cheaply from Morey before being marked up six-fold.

By this point everyone realized the Natterians were sabotaging from behind the scenes, but the power disparity meant it all unfolded naturally. Seeing David fall silent, Moran pressed on: "I reviewed the historical records - in three hundred years, Morey and Karuk clashed seven times, averaging a cold war every few decades that drained massive resources into guarding against each other. And the economic trend charts tell me those periods coincided with one nation or another entering a development peak, about to transform and shed its old skin - only to be disrupted each time. Don't you find that too coincidental?"

David understood Moran was implying the Empire had been meddling, but he also knew this was all inevitable.

"I'm sorry, I cannot make this decision, especially after you destroyed Tokas Fortress and used such horrific primitive methods to kill tens of thousands of our POWs. The domestic newspeper has already publicized this - even if there are certain benefits to cooperating with you, the short-term harm would be utterly unacceptable." David still shook his head, unwilling to secretly cooperate with Erl.

"No problem, we have a long road ahead. I just came to extend some goodwill." Moran tipped his hat in farewell and quietly left.

"Too crazy! Consorting with dragon!" The Karuk ambassador muttered to himself as he sat back down on the crude wooden chair.

...

"How did it go?"

When Moran returned, Evan and the others anxiously asked, while Alvis and Hil sat impassively.

"No good, that guy is still very averse to cooperating with non-human powers." Moran shook his head. "He's not even willing to hear our plans. He said something about 'the primitive killings at Tokas' - what did he mean?"

Alvis pondered it, then coldly said, "Oh, at the time the hammer drakes urgently needed flesh and blood, so I fed those few thousand POWs to them as rations."

This answer left everyone present exchanging glances.

"Ahem, well, some sacrifices are unavoidable for victory," Moran coughed and moved past it.

"However, economic issues are the key to development. Currently Erl still lacks population, so we should strive to attract a degree of immigration. This requires major capital or governments to publicly announce investment here, which will build public trust to facilitate inflow."

Moran spread his hands. "But our reputation is utterly ruined. After the treaty, there's no way we can have incidents of abducting people again. So what do we do going forward?"

Though they had achieved military victory, Erl had fallen into the gutter in terms of public opinion.

This prevented them from gaining an influx of fresh blood, and simply closing the doors to develop independently would easily lead to stagnation.

"Didn't I tell you already - Strife Plain," Alvis frowned. "Don't keep clinging to just the humans. Open your eyes to the whole continent! There's no future in this deadlock in Morey Plain with those other nations. Conquering those unclaimed lands to the north is the right path."

Hearing this, Moran pursed his lips tightly. "But I believe rapid development requires cooperating with the human nations. It's best to dispel their hostility, invest in redeeming our reputation in public opinion to let everyone know Erl is a peaceful nation - not relying solely on the gamble of war, which is just one state for a nation."

"But it was war that won us this chance for negotiation!" Alvis suddenly raised his voice. "I admit free trade and open movement will bring economic prosperity. But outright relaxing those restrictions is absolutely unacceptable! We should maintain moderate pressure and prevent overly close ties with foreign nations. Otherwise the enemy will certainly exploit our weaknesses once known and launch a war of aggression!"

Stolen novel; please report.

"Foolishness!"

Moran's sparse, graying hair trembled.

The divide between the two sides was laid bare in this moment.

Alvis hoped to march north, using his outstanding talents and martial might to seize those unclaimed lands, permanently stabilizing Erl's regime.

While Moran hoped to avoid reckless actions and focus on economic development.

"Enough, we'll discuss this again after the negotiations." The two sides temporarily ceased fire.

Afterwards, everyone left one by one. Hil took the opportunity of nightfall to approach Raphael in secret and inform him of the dispute between Alvis and Moran.

"Oh? They're already thinking that far ahead?"

Raphael coiled his body, shielding the flashing of his draconic eyes as he pondered.

"What do you suggest?" he asked Hil.

The rat dragon grand leader lowered his eyelids. "I think you need not consider it, as those are issues twenty years away. The priority now is to steadily establish Erl's foundations step-by-step."

......

Four days later.

The negotiations drew to a close.

The human nations recognized Erl's legitimacy, while Morey and Karuk ceded large swaths of territory due to their defeat. The Kingdom of Ryton also had to withdraw from the Dragon Domain within a set timeframe.

For the next fifteen years, all sides should avoid entering a state of hostility again. Otherwise, any hostile target could be reasonably and ruthlessly attacked using any savage methods.

As for the tens of thousands of POWs from the allied forces, Raphael of course would not release them, instead preparing to exchange them for resources.

Additionally, at Moran's insistence, the nations agreed to open trade routes with Erl, with tariff issues to be discussed later.

"Good! Now I have enough time." Alvis watched as Baron Moran and the national representatives were signing, his long-planned actions finally able to be implemented.

Then the various parties began withdrawing. Raphael spent two full days doing nothing but sleep and inquire Milmos about the situation at Mount Pillar through a communication orb.

Amidst the chaos, Marshal Cale quietly approached Prince Eucerolot's side. "Your Highness, when I return I can only submit my retirement. Do you think the Imperial parliament disbanding me is eldest prince's plans?"

The Natterian emperor seemed very confident, arranging his mature offspring in important positions and providing them funds and connections, not at all worried the next emperor would face a fractured high command.

Marshal Cale's family was not from the traditional military nobility but rather the new aristocracy controlling the major press and printing firms, aligned with the soft financial power of houses like DeLuca under the fourth prince Eucerolot.

But signing a "treaty" like this would directly sever a person's future prospects, essentially invalidating eldest prince's right-hand men.

"Actually, having you represent Natteria and take responsibility was His Majesty's idea," Eucerolot said with a wry smile.

"His Majesty?" Cale was astonished.

Eucerolot lightly brushed some dust off his pristine white robe and looked towards the distant ironclad airship. "Yes, only those of us in position can see through Father's actions - exhausting every means to cling to his own throne."

"Ah?" Marshal Cale was perplexed.

"He has always been one who covets power. My eldest brother is the first prince, but Father fears the many aristocratic families and wealthy merchants will all back my brother for their own futures, diminishing his own power. So he granted authority to my second brother, third sister, and myself."

"It seems we control many Imperial resources, but in reality none of us have enough to ascend the throne. Only then can he sit securely on high." A look of disgust and helplessness appeared on Eucerolot's face.

Cale broke into a cold sweat as he listened. "Your Highness, why are you telling me this?"

"Because I need to ask something of you. But you must absolutely keep it secret. I fear if you indulge your curiosity and pry into the matter, it could invite an avoidable disaster." Eucerolot's voice was as cold as a blade.

"This...I obey," Cale had no choice but to stand at attention and vow.

...

At dusk, the Erl forces had already withdrawn, while the Imperial side was still packing up.

Mainly it was the craftsmen and mages Eucerolot had brought who were too slow - the court gardeners claimed it would take an entire night just to perfectly transplant those pampered flowers.

"Ugh, when can we leave?"

The sailors on the ironclad airship idled on the deck, leaning against the railing watching the prince's servants slowly disassembling the structures below.

"Why did the fourth prince have to come in person? Isn't this just inviting humiliation?" one sailor wondered aloud.

"Shh, quiet!" his comrade hushed him Here is a continuation respecting capitalization and punctuation:

"I heard it's because the Emperor was suppressing him. Prince Eucerolot's power was growing too rapidly - not only did he monopolize the Empire's entire cultural industry, but he also extended his reach into the military..."

"So you're saying he came in person to avoid suspicion?"

As they spoke, a resounding eagle's cry pierced through the quiet scene. The sailors quickly turned to see the two gryphon knights atop their mounts, now donned in thick, heavy flight cloaks and preparing to take off.

Those two gryphons exuded formidable presences, their bright golden eyes shining with intelligence as they gave a humanlike bow towards the watching sailors.

"They're going out on patrol this late?" The sailors recognized the black soaring eagle insignia on the gryphons' barding as belonging to the Imperial military rather than the prince's personal property.

Soon the two gryphons took flight and disappeared into the fiery sunset clouds. One of the second lieutenants stood, puzzled, and made to leave.

"Where are you going?"

Suddenly Cale appeared, blocking the second lieutenant's path.

"Saluting you, sir!" The sailors snapped to attention, standing at perfect military salute before the second lieutenant loudly reported, "I wished to check the patrol schedule in the duty room, sir!"

"What's there to see?" Cale feigned anger. "This trip will likely be my last before retirement. To commemorate my decades of military service, I've specially arranged a performance over by the main battery turrets - the stage is all set up. You're all coming with me - anyone who doesn't will be disrespecting the marshal!"

Hearing there was entertainment to unwind, the sailors joyfully cheered "Hail the marshal!" before being ushered along by Cale, arms slung over shoulders.

Though the second lieutenant's keen senses found the gryphons' sudden patrol suspicious, his low rank meant he could only obey orders and follow his comrades.

After dealing with the sailors, Cale let out a relieved breath and, glancing in the direction the gryphons had flown, straightened his cap and also departed.

...

Two Gryphon knights charged directly into the clouds.

They soon arrived above the clouds, where a third Gryphon wearing Eucerolot's white flying robe was waiting.

Unable to speak in the air, the three knights communicated through gestures before dispersing. One of the original two Gryphon knights continued heading north alone, while the third, hidden in the clouds, returned directly.

The one departing northward was none other than Eucerolot himself. He had demanded Cale arrange trustworthy men with tight lips to assist him. First, they secretly got him aboard the ironclad's flight deck, then dispatched a gryphon knight to take his place airborne. That stand-in could now return after Cale issued orders for a night patrol, disguising Eucerolot's true mission. Adding the staged performance to divert everyone's attention made the swapped gryphon's return seem routine to any Imperial spies monitoring the prince on the Emperor's orders.

Facing the biting winds, Eucerolot actually removed his eye protection, revealing a look of grim determination starkly contrasting his usual public airs of nonchalance. "Crimson Dragon, you are my only hope to escape this predicament!" He now risked everything to infiltrate the dragon's lair alone.

"The royal family is utterly ruthless. To others, I, the fourth prince, appear blessed with wealth, status, looks - every noble privilege. But I know well the treachery of the Galoren clan's kin-slaying!"

Eucerolot's eyes narrowed against the stinging winds as he urged his lifelong mount onward like a shooting star.

"Father has already caught wind of my plans. DeLuca, Cale - both suppressed. My brothers likely had a hand in it too...such foolishness! They fail to see putting me on the throne allows them all to keep their riches and lives. But with Father there, only one of us survives!"