Aaron leisurely looked around at the council members, speaking in a clear voice that everyone in the conference room could hear.

“I’d like to give our esteemed members a gift.”

“A gift, you say?”

“Since we’ve met like this, let’s also consider it a gesture of goodwill for our future collaboration.”

“What should we prepare?”

Dyke cautiously asked with a puzzled mind. The intention of the commander was not precisely understood, and there seemed to be a reason behind it.

“Do you have the special liquor for commanders brought from the Empire?”

“Yes.”

“I brought the best quality from the Empire, so it should make a good gift.”

With a slight smile, Aaron ordered Dyke, “Prepare it so that each member can receive a bottle.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Oh.”

While giving the order, Aaron put on a serious expression, looking at the council members.

Twisting one side of his mouth into a faint smile, Aaron made the atmosphere tense, and the council members leaned in, listening carefully.

“However, it might be challenging for you, noble members, to carry the bottles yourselves. Assistant Dyke.”

“Yes, Commander.”

“It might be difficult, but find out the locations of the council members’ mansions and personally deliver them.”

Understanding Aaron’s intentions all at once, Dyke finally relaxed his stiff expression.

Dyke nodded and replied in a loud voice, “Yes, I will follow your orders.”

One bottle of liquor. A bottle that carried no weight or difficulty. It was just an excuse.

Military personnel would accompany the bottles as gifts from the commander to the mansions of the council members.

Soldiers, along with Shikses and Gashins, would storm into the mansions, and if any security issues arose for the commander, or if the commander issued an order, they would act immediately.

The faces of the council members turned pale as they grasped the situation.

It felt as if a knife’s edge was pressing against their throats.

Rather than bringing soldiers into the conference room, it was a greater threat.

The room was filled with an undercurrent of fear disguised as peace.

Thud.

As Dyke, who received Aaron’s weapon, stepped back, the door closed.

Confirming that they were leaving, Aaron sat in the vacant seat.

As if entering his own office, he sat confidently and comfortably.

Unlike the council members, who were pale and tense, Aaron exuded a relaxed smile.

“Now, shall we start the meeting peacefully? A democratic discussion…”

Leaning his head to the side, Aaron massaged his chin.

“As you know, this may be unfamiliar to you, unlike in the Empire, but I trust that the experienced council members of Eorenti will lead us well.”

Of course, in the direction I desire.

Before disclosing the agenda, Aaron revisited the situation in Eorenti.

“As you know, in the recent Eorenti war, our Stellate Empire emerged victorious.”

While speaking calmly, Aaron scrutinized the council members with sharp eyes.

Who exactly are they?

Who is Afran?

Who is Juliano?
Her eye lines curved like a crescent moon, smiling, but her pupils were as sharp as if they could cut through flesh.

“The Stellate Empire has decided to recognize Eorenti’s autonomy and peacefully conclude by offering generous terms of victory.”

One experienced council member who was listening to the Empire’s statement quietly spoke up.

“What are the conditions for that?”

“What’s your name?”

“I am Diamante Giuliano.”

“Ah, Giuliano Kyeong.”

A commander, seen for the first time in his life, sighed toward Giuliano. Despite the seemingly arrogant attitude of the commander, Giuliano remained calm and composed.

“You are Giuliano Kyeong. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Aaron gazed at Giuliano as if seeing through him. The gentle wrinkles on his face revealed the long years he had lived. White hair, as if lightly dusted with snow, covered his head.

I wonder if he recalls that white hair while grabbing my hair?

Aaron, recalling Delia, who would grab his hair every time they kissed, squinted at Giuliano, thinking about Delia’s seductive lips and feeling disgusted.

Aaron was moved, but thinking of Delia, who desired peace in Eorenti, he made an effort to speak calmly.

“The conditions are to acknowledge the one appointed by the Empire as the ruler and to appoint you as an honorary member of the Council so that you can participate in Eorenti’s national meetings.”

A ruler. An honorary member.

A significant ripple spread among the council members.

Once again, a heated debate was about to begin.

But Aaron was one step ahead and opened his mouth.

“And.”

“And? Is there more?”

To Giuliano’s question, Aaron nodded.

It was the most crucial negotiation condition for him.

“To declare the end of the war between the two nations and establish a peaceful relationship, propose the engagement of the two countries.”

Silence enveloped the conference room, and Giuliano’s calm voice echoed.

“But…”

Aaron raised an eyebrow at Giuliano’s remark.

It was undoubtedly him causing the trouble.

“But?”

Receiving Aaron’s chilling aura, Giuliano continued calmly.