Chapter 015: Quick Peace Talks

Leoport still had some doubts in his heart, but seeing Du Fan’s demeanor, he couldn’t tell whether Du Fan’s actions were genuine or not. For him, the fact that dozens of experts from Garfield had died for no reason was already a huge blessing.

Before he could say anything else, Du Fan suddenly changed the subject, smiling lightly and saying, “Your Highness, since you came to wait for me so early in the morning, there must be more than just this matter, right?”

Leoport smiled and replied, “Of course… I’ve received news that my elder brother plans to start formal peace talks with you today. I thought he would keep delaying, but the assassination last night seems to have made him realize that Odinburg isn’t as safe as he thought, so he’s eager to negotiate now!”

Du Fan gave Leoport a strange look. He didn’t believe this was Leoport’s true intention at all. Even Du Fan knew that under the current circumstances, he might be the most in danger… But since the other party wanted to negotiate, he had no choice but to agree. Refusing would only be worse.

Du Fan simply nodded slightly and shifted the topic away from there.

After that, the two exchanged a few more words. This time, Leoport subtly hinted at a partnership with Du Fan. But Du Fan, who was in a precarious situation, pretended not to understand anything. Leoport, being smart, also changed the subject on his own.

After talking for a while longer, Du Fan changed into formal clothes, brought along Christopher and Randy, along with a few people from Shenwei Prison disguised as servants. Together with Leoport’s Blood Armor Army, they headed toward the city lord’s mansion.

Upon arriving, Garfield was already waiting there with a group of generals. The surroundings were completely different from yesterday, exuding a true royal atmosphere.

The first prince still carried his usual carefree demeanor, his smile faint and unreadable. But at this moment, how could Du Fan dare to underestimate him even slightly?

On Du Fan’s side, he and Count Christopher had been prepared. With a slight smile, Du Fan clapped his hands, and Christopher handed a document to Randy, who then delivered it to Garfield. Du Fan stood by with a smile, waiting for a response.

As this was a formal peace negotiation, Garfield smiled as he took the documents and glanced at them briefly, but his expression soon darkened slightly. Then, he quietly handed the documents to Leopold, who was standing to the side. Leopold took the documents, glanced at them, cleared his throat softly, and then said in a low voice, “My Lord Duke, regarding this peace negotiation between our two sides, are these the terms your side has proposed?” Du Fan nodded and said, “Yes. My demands are not high—eight million gold coins, along with the two fortresses that were once part of our Gavin Empire and now in your Lannier Empire’s hands, and then this war will be over.” Leopold glanced at Du Fan, his eyes twitching slightly. After a moment, he sighed and said, “My Lord Duke, don’t set your demands too high. Although you may have won this battle for now, it’s only temporary. You’ve seen how strong our army is. If we continue fighting, neither side will benefit. How about this… I mean, those two fortresses definitely can’t be given to you, but we can pay a large sum of gold coins to end this war and compensate for your losses. What do you think?” Seeing Leopold’s words, Du Fan secretly laughed inwardly. Though Leopold spoke in a righteous tone, every word was meant to pressure Garfield. Du Fan had been prepared for this and calmly replied, “To be honest, Prince Leopold, although we are short of gold coins, compared to our lands falling into enemy hands, what do these coins matter? How much do you think it would take to satisfy us? Thirty million? Fifty million? Or eighty million?” Leopold’s expression suddenly changed, and he shouted angrily, “Extortion! This is sheer arrogance!” The usually calm fifth prince lost his composure, his face filled with anger, and he declared loudly, “Eighty million gold coins!? With that amount, our country could build more than a dozen such fortresses! If your side is willing to propose such terms, it seems you really intend to continue fighting!” Seeing Leopold’s fury, Garfield’s expression suddenly calmed down. A meaningful smile appeared on his lips, and he said softly, “Brother!” As if hearing Garfield’s command, Leopold immediately restrained his anger and stepped back slowly. If one didn’t know their relationship, they might think these two princes were very close!

Garfield coughed lightly and said, “Duke Du Fan, to be honest, the terms your country has proposed are truly difficult for me to accept! But since you’ve put forward your conditions, I might as well speak the truth. Indeed, your recent attacks on seven of our cities have shaken the entire Lanii Empire. Although I don’t know the combat strength of your army, no one in our country wants to continue fighting at this point… That’s why we’re willing to accept peace talks. Duke, since you’ve already occupied part of our land, don’t be greedy after gaining an advantage… With such unreasonable conditions, it seems you lack sincerity in seeking peace, doesn’t it?”

Du Fan smiled faintly and said, “Your Highness, that’s not quite right. These two fortresses have always been part of the Gavin Empire, no matter how you look at it. I originally planned to take these fortresses along with the southern plains after a single battle… But then I received orders from Your Highness to seek peace, forcing me to do so. If it were up to me, I’d prefer to continue fighting… After all, as an envoy from the southern regions, anything I conquer falls under my control! Do you understand what I mean, Your Highness?”

Hearing Du Fan’s words, Garfield couldn’t help but frown. Though it was unclear whether he was truly troubled or not, after a moment he sighed and said, “Duke, is this a clear threat? Could the mighty army of the Lanii Empire really be afraid to keep fighting?”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Du Fan replied with a smile. “However, I seem to have heard that your imperial capital isn’t exactly peaceful either. As one of the heirs, shouldn’t Your Highness consider which is more important—this border or the capital?”

Garfield’s expression changed slightly, and after a pause he said softly, “Duke, asking for both fortresses is really unreasonable. Is there no way to adjust your terms at all?”

Du Fan smiled gently and asked, “So, what do you suggest, Your Highness?”

Garfield seemed to ponder for a moment before gritting his teeth and saying, “Odinburg! Plus ten million gold coins! But my condition is that you, as an individual, guarantee that you won’t invade any part of the Lanii Empire for the next three years!”

Without hesitation, Du Fan replied, “Agreed!”

In fact, Prince Fischer had only said to handle it as it came, and it would depend on Du Fan’s ability to reap as much benefit as possible! Seeing Garfield agree so quickly, Du Fan smiled inwardly, yet he also felt a slight sense of unease… After last night’s events, he knew clearly that leaving this time wouldn’t be so easy. But the fact that Garfield agreed so promptly likely meant he already had some plan for him; otherwise, he would have continued to delay things… With these thoughts in mind, Du Fan’s expression remained unchanged, showing only a smile. Garfield never expected Du Fan to agree so readily. He was momentarily stunned before laughing and saying, “The Duke is truly decisive. If that’s the case, let’s make it official! Tomorrow morning, we’ll formally sign the peace treaty! I hope this peace treaty won’t turn out to be just another joke like the last one!” Du Fan knew Garfield was implying that he hadn’t kept the terms of the peace treaty from half a year ago, but he was too lazy to argue about it at the moment. He simply smiled slightly, letting it go. Seeing Du Fan’s expression, Garfield, unsure of what Du Fan was planning, smiled faintly and said, “By the way, Duke, it’s better to arrive at the right time than early. This afternoon, I’m planning to go hunting outside the city with some generals. If you’re free, you might as well join us! It would be a small gesture from our side!” “Oh?” Du Fan was slightly taken aback. He hadn’t expected this sudden invitation. He glanced at Leopold, who also seemed puzzled. Realizing this, Du Fan smiled and said, “Since it’s Prince Garfield who’s inviting me, Du Fan certainly wouldn’t dare refuse… Then I’ll come over this afternoon.” Garfield laughed and said, “There’s no need for that. This afternoon, just take your men and head outside the city. We’ll meet at the hunting ground outside!” Du Fan smiled faintly, and the two chatted casually for a while before Du Fan left the lord’s mansion with his men.