Although Emperor Louis Zainburg had granted Gerhardt full authority to negotiate with the Kingdom of Brotan, turning an entire nation into a puppet state was a daunting task.

To ensure the treaty was crafted to maximize the Empire's gains, Gerhardt, along with Viktor and other Imperial officers and strategists, spent hours meticulously deliberating every detail.

Once they finalized the draft, Gerhardt sent the treaty to the Emperor for review and approval. With the Emperor’s endorsement secured, he dispatched messengers to inform the kingdom of the Empire’s terms.

This prompted some of the remaining Brotan nobles to visit Saint-Toir. In the grand hall of the castle where the negotiations were to take place, all the key players gathered: the captive King Guillaume, Brotan nobles who had been taken prisoner, and the newly arrived envoys. Opposite them sat the Imperial officers, their presence a stark reminder of the Empire’s dominance.

The only notable absence was Antoine, who remained confined to his quarters.

“Antoine… Antoine, where is he?”

“Do you have any specific requests regarding him?”

“...”

Guillaume’s fixation on Antoine, who bore less blame for the defeat, was clear. The other nobles, intimidated by Gerhardt and the Imperial troops, dared not question his exclusion.

Gerhardt, standing tall with commanding presence, began the proceedings.

"Representing the will of the great Emperor of the Dragonia Empire, His Majesty Louis Zainburg, I, Gerhardt Weisschild, Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Expeditionary Force to Brotan, will now present the Empire’s demands."

The room fell silent, save for Gerhardt’s authoritative voice echoing through the hall.

Guillaume, after glancing around and confirming Antoine’s absence, let out a quiet sigh of relief.

"This treaty is intended to resolve the longstanding enmity between the Dragonia Empire and the Kingdom of Brotan. It shall stand as a symbol of peace and cooperation between our nations."

The Brotan nobles, surrounded by Imperial banners and soldiers, struggled to conceal their despair. Their stoic expressions barely masked their humiliation.

The Treaty Terms

Gerhardt began reading the treaty aloud:

Article 1:
"The Kingdom of Brotan shall retain its status as an autonomous nation, operating in close cooperation with the Dragonia Empire."

Article 2:
"The Imperial Army shall station forces in key locations within Brotan, including the capital, Levoir, to provide defense and security. The costs incurred by this arrangement shall be shared between the two nations. The size and equipment of Brotan’s military shall be determined through consultation with the Empire, and their deployment and activities shall also be conducted under Imperial supervision."

Though framed as cooperation, the Brotan nobles could see through the Empire’s intent to control every aspect of their sovereignty. Resistance, however, was no longer an option.

Article 3:
"The Kingdom of Brotan’s foreign policy shall be developed in consultation with the Dragonia Empire. All negotiations, treaties, and diplomatic communications must be pre-approved by the Empire."

Article 4:
"The King of Brotan shall rule with the counsel of an advisor appointed by the Dragonia Empire, and the advisor’s recommendations shall be taken into account for all major policy decisions."

With these clauses, it was evident that the Empire intended to involve itself in Brotan’s foreign affairs, military, and governance. While such terms would normally incite rebellion, the Empire had anticipated this.

Article 5:
"The Kingdom of Brotan’s primary resources and goods shall be managed in collaboration with the Dragonia Empire. The Empire reserves the right to prioritize the allocation of these resources as needed."

Gerhardt read on confidently:

"The Kingdom of Brotan shall contribute 10% of its annual revenue to the Dragonia Empire and engage in economic cooperation. Merchants from both nations shall trade freely without restrictions, and the rights of merchants shall be guaranteed."

This relatively lenient demand—10% instead of the typical 30-50% seen in similar treaties—sparked quiet murmurs among the nobles.

“Only 10%?”

“That’s surprisingly low… What are they planning?”

“They’ve opened trade? Could this be an opportunity?”

While suspicion lingered, some began to view the treaty as potentially advantageous. Others, however, were skeptical.

Final Articles

Gerhardt continued:

Article 10:
"The Kingdom of Brotan shall recognize the Empire’s occupation of Saint-Toir, Montpieu, and Anyak. Additionally, the plains around the Ar River, previously taken from the Kingdom of Kaen, shall be returned to Kaen."

At this, some nobles stood abruptly.

"The Ar River plains are our hard-won territory! Returning it is unacceptable!"

"Does this mean you intend to reject the treaty entirely?"

Gerhardt’s calm voice was accompanied by an icy glare that silenced the dissenting noble.

"The Empire seeks peace but does not fear war. Our strength remains intact, whereas the Kingdom of Brotan’s does not. I advise you to make a rational decision."

"...My apologies."

With the Brotan military shattered and unable to withstand even a counterattack from Kaen, resistance was futile. The nobles begrudgingly sat down, their protest silenced.

Signatures and Conclusion

As Gerhardt concluded the recitation of the treaty, Guillaume, trembling, took the document in his unsteady hands. His faded, hastily repaired crown sat awkwardly on his head as he signed the treaty.

"I, Guillaume Châtillon, the rightful ruler of the Kingdom of Brotan, hereby agree to the terms of this treaty with the Dragonia Empire."

The weight of the treaty pressed heavily on Guillaume. Though his crown remained, it was the Empire’s mercy, not his authority, that kept it there.

Gerhardt approached Guillaume, bowing slightly as he extended his hand.

"Let this handshake symbolize our mutual trust, cooperation, and the shared future of our nations."

Although etiquette dictated that a nobleman of Gerhardt’s rank should never initiate a handshake with a king, the gesture underscored the new power dynamic.

Guillaume stared at the outstretched hand, acutely aware of what it represented.

"...For the future of the Kingdom and the Empire," he muttered, clasping Gerhardt’s hand.

Gerhardt’s grip was firm, his smile meaningful, while Guillaume’s hand moved limply in response.

Thus, the fate of the Kingdom of Brotan was sealed.

A Modest Celebration

After the treaty was finalized, Gerhardt announced plans for a small banquet before the 8th Legion departed to establish their posts within Brotan.

"The soldiers have had their fill of celebration these past days. This banquet will be modest in scale," he explained.

"To avoid provoking the nobles further?" Viktor asked.

"Precisely. They’ll have their meals provided separately, and since this is an informal gathering, they won’t take offense."

"I see." Viktor nodded in agreement.

"Deputy Commander."

"Yes?"

"Make sure you attend. Don’t be late."

"Of course."

"This is an order."

"...Understood. I won’t miss it."

"Good."

Though Viktor had no intention of skipping the banquet, there was still one task he needed to handle first.

"Deputy Commander? What brings you here?"

"I’m here to see Antoine."

"Understood!"

Before indulging in the celebration, Viktor made his way to the room where Antoine was confined.

"Well, what is it now?"

"Ah, good to see you."

For personal satisfaction—and perhaps a little payback—Viktor had a visit to make.