After the official talks concluded, the reporters were escorted out. What followed was a closed-door discussion involving only the senior officials of both sides and Felix.
The first topic was the aftermath of the war. Although an agreement had been reached quickly on the surface, the details demanded careful deliberation. Setting reparations aside for the moment, the unresolved issues from the past had to be addressed before any further diplomatic progress could be made.
As for compensation, Hildegard neither expected it nor believed she would obtain it even if she demanded it.
Whether it had been General Theresis in the past or Felix now, their stance toward war was strikingly similar. Once committed, they would not stop until their opponents were utterly defeated. General Theresis had once been constrained by backward technology and limited military strength, but Felix no longer faced such concerns.
For the sake of lasting peace, the only viable path was for both sides to propose fair exchanges to offset their previous losses.
Hildegard offered to transfer the Originium samples from the former research institute in Kazdel to the Spire Casters for further study. Felix accepted the proposal, though he was well aware that this was little more than a formality. In all likelihood, the samples would eventually be handed to the Liches for research and processing, and the final results would still find their way back to him.
Hildegard might have been aware of the Liches's current condition, but she likely did not know that they were already considering leaving Leithanien. Otherwise, she would not have agreed to such a term so readily.
After a brief pause for thought, Felix raised the issue of import tariffs. If the two sides wished to continue meeting in the future, taxes had to be reduced. Although Kazdel was no longer short on food or basic supplies, it still relied on imports for many daily necessities. An agreement had already been reached with Yan, and there was no reason to exclude Leithanien.
What sounded like tedious negotiation was, in truth, a bloodless war. Every word spoken could have irreversible consequences for the future of a nation. Felix remained highly vigilant throughout. Any money saved here could later become seed capital for development projects.
The closed meeting lasted two full hours. When noon arrived, Hildegard extended an invitation, asking Felix and his entourage to join her for lunch in the courtyard.
It was there that Felix met the other empress.
She had strikingly fluffy, soft blonde hair and a gentle smile that immediately set her apart from the Black Empress. If Hildegard was a sharp blade for external affairs, then this woman was a warm and steady shield for internal governance.
"Eternal Grace" Lieselotte Ewigegnade, that was her full title.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Lieselotte," Felix said.
"Mr. Felix, you flatter me."
Lieselotte's lips curved into a graceful smile. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she spoke. "I hope your negotiations with Hildegard proceed smoothly. Whatever agreement is reached, Leithanien will honor it in full."
So the Black and Golden empress were aligned on this matter. At such a critical diplomatic juncture, any disagreement between them would only invite ridicule.
"It is also for the sake of peaceful coexistence between Kazdel and Leithanien," Felix replied with a smile.
He took his seat at the long round table, positioned at the head alongside the two empresses. It was the most prominent seat, and from there he experienced authentic Leithanian cuisine at the level of a state banquet.
To be honest, Felix had once looked forward to such a banquet when signing agreements with Liang Xun and the others, but there had been no opportunity. At that time, he had represented Tomorrow's Developments rather than Kazdel itself.
Strictly speaking, this was the first time he stood on such a stage as the King of Liberation of Kazdel.
As glasses clinked, Felix listened as the Black and Golden empress recounted Leithanien's history and the path that had led them to their respective thrones. He responded with appropriate praise. When it was his turn, he spoke of Kazdel's liberation and the improvements in the lives of its people, earning approving nods from both empresses.
Polite flattery at the dinner table was unavoidable. At the very least, it reassured the senior officials on both sides that their sovereign had not lost ground, and the atmosphere between them naturally grew warmer.
"Ms. Hildegard, thank you again for your invitation."
"I believe I'm not the only one who thinks this way." Hilde
Even though Hildegard had drunk quite a bit, her face didn't turn red or even slightly tipsy. It seemed like the Caprinae race was known for their drinking prowess? In his memory, Degenbrecher and Carnelian were indeed heavy drinkers.
"Fortunately, I made this decision. Being able to see the current state of Kazdel makes me happy as a leader. War takes away and destroys many things."
Lieselotte smiled. "It's a wonderful feeling to finally meet the legendary King of Liberation. I hope this diplomatic meeting will mark a new beginning for Kazdel."
Felix understood what she truly meant.
Welcome to Terra.
Welcome to this bloodless battlefield. Felix had obtained his ticket, along with the qualification to step onto this stage. Countless forces awaited him, some friendly, some covetous. Who to cooperate with and who to align with would depend entirely on his own choices.
After lunch, Empress Lieselotte excused herself to attend to state affairs, while Hildegard led the delegation on a tour of Zwillingstürme's historical sites and landmarks. They even visited the Zwillingstürme Conservatory of Music, allowing the group to experience the musical culture that was inseparable from Leithanien itself.
That evening, members of the Leithanien and Kazdel delegations engaged in discussions. Though the topics were official in nature, the atmosphere was relaxed and informal. This ease had been set by their leader.
After a full day's itinerary, Felix and his group returned to the hotel to rest. There, he convened a small meeting with the senior officials, explaining where Kazdel could afford to make concessions and where its interests must not be compromised. Each of them would serve as Kazdel's representative, visiting different regions of Leithanien for exchanges. Naturally, some parties would test boundaries, and those red lines needed to be clearly defined.
This was the allure of diplomacy. Although Ines and Shining had long been involved in Kazdel's internal governance, this was their first encounter with true diplomacy. In fact, it seemed no one in Kazdel had ever experienced such a thing, because diplomacy had never truly existed there.
Whether it was General Theresis or even the ancient Sarkaz kings, there had only ever been one thought in their minds: war.
To encounter a king like Felix and be led through such a novel experience was a profound shock to their worldview.
Seeing that everyone was exhausted after the long day, Felix gestured for them to rest. He himself was equally worn out from hours of intense mental exertion. They are gradually adapting to their new roles, and that was a good sign.
Loughshinny stayed behind. She still had a few questions for Felix. As the nominal second-in-command, she anticipated many requests and issues arising the next day. Of course, beyond her questions, she noticed how tired he was and decided to give him a massage.
Twenty minutes later, W knocked on Felix's door. Though exhausted herself, she had forced herself to stay energetic throughout the day. Now that she finally had time to rest, she naturally wanted to talk to Felix. A girl who had just fallen in love always wanted to carve out a moment of solitude for the two of them.
Loughshinny opened the door and paused slightly when she saw W. W also stopped for a moment, then pursed her lips. She clearly understood the relationship between Loughshinny and Felix. Tsk, she was a step too late.
Loughshinny could tell what W was thinking from her expression. She smiled, took W by the hand, and led her into the room.
"W."
Felix was lying face down on the bed, with essential oils, towels, and other massage supplies arranged beside him.
At the sight of Felix's bare upper back, W's face instantly flushed red, and she almost turned away.
She did turn her head, but forced herself not to turn back. Loughshinny could see it, but she didn't say anything.
"Did you come to chat with me?" Felix asked.
"W-Who wants to see you!"
"But you're already standing at the door."
"Hmph!"
W turned her head away.
Loughshinny smiled and took W's hand, like an older sister coaxing a sulking younger one.
"Do… what?" W asked.
"A massage. I can teach you."
"…Oh."
W agreed without hesitation. She washed her hands and stood beside Loughshinny, listening to her gentle instructions. Soon, her hands, slick with fragrant essential oil, carefully touched Felix's body.
Her face turned red all over again. Seeing her flustered expression, Loughshinny could not help but laugh softly. After all, W usually presented herself as a carefree, rebellious mercenary, only adopting a dignified air during official meetings. This girlish side of her was something rarely seen.
W quickly got the hang of it. After boldly rubbing Felix's back, she grew dissatisfied with merely maintaining the rhythm and continued massaging him according to the technique Loughshinny had taught her. By then, Loughshinny had already taken a shower and returned, gesturing to W that the bathroom was now free.
It's empty now… Could it be… can I…?
W's face was already burning red. She did not even know how she ended up in the bathroom. She only knew that her mind had gone completely blank.
Despite the luxurious surroundings, she lost her usual sharp tongue and restless thoughts. She did not even realize when she had undressed and sunk into the bathtub. It was as if she were sleepwalking, her thoughts completely overheated.
When she left the bathroom, she found Loughshinny already straddling Felix's back, massaging him in a way no child should ever witness. W almost threw the towel in her hand. After a brief hesitation, she clenched her teeth and stepped forward, lifting her leg.
Spring filled the room overnight.
W did not wake early the next morning. When she finally opened her eyes, Felix was already getting dressed, and Loughshinny was washing up in the bathroom.
She wanted to pretend to keep sleeping to avoid the awkwardness, but there was important work waiting for her. As a high-ranking member of Kazdel, she had to be present.
With that thought, she reluctantly sat up. Realizing she was naked, W flushed and pulled the blanket over her chest.
"How are you feeling?" Felix stepped closer and gently stroked her head. "If you're not feeling well, you can rest for the day. Ines can handle your duties."
"No… no need."
Those words seemed to ignite W's rebellious streak. She jumped out of bed, ignoring the sway of her ample figure, and began getting dressed. She did not want to be looked down on. Her physical condition was excellent. Her legs were only slightly weak, nothing more than lingering indulgence, and it would not affect her plans for the day.
"Um… about that." W looked up at Felix, pursed her lips, and spoke softly. "I won't regret it, so you have to take responsibility."
"At least… I need a place in your future."
"This is a promise I made to you," Felix said gently. "And it will never change."
He stroked W's head again and pulled her into a light embrace. W let out a satisfied, quiet sound. She rose on her toes to kiss him, then blushed deeply and hurried into the bathroom.
Loughshinny soon emerged. Hearing the movement behind her, she smiled at Felix and calmly began changing her clothes. The ease between them made them look like an old married couple.
"I'll probably continue moving around Zwillingstürme today," Felix said. "Most of the important matters were handled yesterday. The rest will depend on you and your reconnaissance."
"Understood."
Felix turned his gaze to the window. "Although Kazdel has officially returned to Terra, Leithanien is still different from home. Every word and action requires caution. I originally planned to meet the Lich King's Court in Zwillingstürme, but now it seems that will have to wait until we return to the Venus."
"Yes."
W rushed out of the bathroom, already washed and dressed. Loughshinny stepped forward to tidy her hair, while W obediently sat down and let her do so.
She could already sense it faintly. She had become part of Felix's growing family. The thought filled her with excitement. That sense of inclusion and warmth made her feel that this, perhaps, was love.
Felix watched the two women leave, then turned back toward the window. The diplomatic journey was far from over, and he could not afford to lower his guard.
Work really is exhausting. I miss the old days, when problems could be solved by simply tinkering with machines.