Capítulo 11: Chapter 11
The city of Cassandora has some special events today. With the population of only around 17000, seeing a parade of military is a rare thing to see. And often, it's is a joylous news for all the citizens; however, the flags that the Slyrians expect do not appear. Instead of the bear banners, what appears are the white eagles of Poland singing Polish national anthem marching into the city after the gates are opened by the defenders.
The ruling house of the Slyria, house Turbeck, led by the house head, Loyce Turbeck and its' living members are standing outside the royal palace, holding oliu branches, the symbol of peace or negotiation. Their faces are gloomy, since this is the third times they watch the Polish army marching into their home city. This time is a brutal loss, more than 800 young Slyrian men are drown while nearly 500 are being captured. The defeat of the Craken Hall River leaves their military strength plummet to a mere 100 garrisons in this city.
When seeing nearly 2000 Poles outside the walls, the nobles immediately ask house Turbeck to surrender the city and hope that Poland will show mercy like they did in the past. Although being frustrated and all Loyce wants is executing these traitors but he has to restraint himself since he knows that their demand is reasonable. Unwillingly, he has prepared every plot so that Slyria will lose the least after the pact is signed.
Leading the Polish army is a very young man, just around 14 years old with an armor that has many scratches on it. His white cloak is blacken by gunpower and redden by blood, which shows that he is not a mere commander but also a warrior that fight alongside his troops. When the Polish Army reach the palace, all Turbecks kneel while Loyce advances a step forward, raising the royal bear flag and gives it to one of the bodyguards of the Polish leader.
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Now my army is inside Cassandora, 7 days after seeing the combined army of Slyria and Ruthia being destroyed. In three days, envoys from both country have come to negotiate for peace. I agree for Ruthia to pay 30000 Ducats, 1000 tons of wheat, 500 barrels of wine, and 200 barrels of oil as long as paying tributes annually like before. However, in the case of Slyria, I demand the royal family to show their subjection themselves in exchange for peace.
I didn't receive the response from Slyria for 3 days so I decided to march to its' capital myself. Seeing the might of my army, the Slyrian scouts or patrols just ran away when encoutering. The soldiers of Cassandora opened the gates after being convinced by the prisoners that I saved back in Craken Hall. And just like that, Slyria is under my control.
The guy that led the royal family of this country stands in front of the Palace's gate with the symbol of Slyria, which he hands it to me. After some time-wasting greetings, we get into the Palace. Not caring for the faces of the nobles of Slyria, I climb onto the throne and sit as comfortably as possible on there. The Slyrians' faces darken but who cares? The winner has the right to decide the fate of the losers, and in this case, I hate these people since they have risen against Poland 3 times, which is an unforgivable humiliation.
I signal my bodyguards, they take out a paper and hand it to Loyce Turbeck. Standing in the middle of the room, reading the paper where the terms that I offer are written on it. I can see he clung to his fists in anger, but seeing him trying to calm down and not to act too revealing makes me laugh. I offer several terms that bring Slyria under Polish direct control. In short, if this pact is signed, Slyria will be simply a puppet of Poland.
The terms are:
1. Slyria has to pay tributes annually to Poland. Tributes can be food, valuables, or ducats. The amount is at least 30% of the taxes paid by the people in Slyria's territory.
2. Slyria has no rights in foreign affairs; Instead, a Polish embassy will be formed in Cassandora and be responsible for these.
3. Slyria can decide the domestic affairs themselves, but the decisions must be signed by the Polish embassy to be put into practice.
4. Poland has rights to station troops unlimited in Slyria's territory.
5. Slyria is forbidden to raise armies or recruit troops without Poland's permission.
6. Slyrians' men must answer for Poland's call in time of war if being summoned; In return, those who take part in the war will be rewarded with Poland citizenship.
7. The eldest princess, Princess Elizabeth Turbeck of Slyria will be married to the Jan Kawasaki of Poland.
8. The role of leading the country will be shared between a Polish Warlord assigned and house Turbeck.
9. Every Slyrian troops must be disbanded immediately
I speak:
- These are our terms, Turbecks. I suggest you consider it quickly, I can wait but my friends do not have enough patience.
The soldiers on the throne room load their guns, the sounds of click can be heard everywhere, which scare the crap out of the nobles inside the room. The body of Loyce trembles in fear, he takes out a pen and signs the treaty. And just like that, after more than a year, the rebellion of the vassal states ends with the victory belonging to Poland.
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No, everything is settled, I decided to leave Kawasaki the junior here as the Warlord of Cassandora as he'll be marrying to the princess, who has the second inline claim to the throne. She has an elder brother but with some plot in the future, I believe I can have him die in an unknown place and Kawasaki will manage to seize control of power afterward.
Now, a strange merchant that helped Kawasaki in the mission of sealing the river request a meeting with me, and I agree. I need to figure who he is and what is his purpose. After that, I guess I'll depart to come back to Poland immediately, I want to be present in Warsaw when Abigail gives birth to my child. I'll regret it my whole life if I miss it.
Looking at the stars in the sky, I sigh in relief. Finally, the war is over, it has drought energy from both my physical and mental health. I guess it's time to come home..
Estado de energía semanal
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