TF Amethyst

TFA1 7.18 - Peace Talk

Currently, Vex could not leave the main building where the operations control center was located. Fortunately, in addition to the bedroom his quarter also had a small kitchen.

After making sure Erlin had no problem in consuming dairy product, Vex made a glass of warm strawberry milk for her, and while Erlin enjoyed the strawberry milk in amazement, he prepared a light breakfast.

When he was too lazy to go to Chow Hall for breakfast, Vex would smeared some loaf with butter, sprinkled it with granulate sugar, and then toasted it using a frying pan. For Erlin, Vex made the same toast.

In about fifteen minutes, Vex managed to make two stacks of toast which was also Nicole's favorite snack. Then, while enjoying a cup of milk coffee, he looked at Erlin who was heartily enjoying the toast, just like when he looked at Nicole who he missed so much.

Erlin might have been raised as a noble since she was able to walk, but she was still a child. So, after Vex spoke and treated her casually but attentively, it didn't take long before Erlin took off all formalities and talked to Vex like talking to a friend, and once she started talking, she would have a long talk.

One of the topics that made Erlin talk with enthusiasm was the game she really likes, namely hide and seek.

"In the castle, Erlin is very good at playing hide and seek, and sometimes it takes three days to find Erlin."

Vex listened intently with a small nod, though deep down he wondered what kind of hide-and-seek that was going on for three days in row.

At the same time, Erlin gulped down the last piece of toast in her hand before continuing, "In the east wing of the castle there is an unused maid's room. Erlin keeps a lot of change of clothes there. 

When the hide-and-seek begins, Erlin will take as much food as possible from kitchen and hide in the room. Then, only come out when father orders the castle guards to look for Erlin."

'Girl, what you're doing is not hide and seek, but run away from home,' Vex muttered inwardly while amusingly continued listening to Erlin’s story.

However, Erlin suddenly stopped talking and intensely looking at the toast in front of Vex.

"I've eaten some breakfast." While widely smiling, Vex handed his toast to Erlin. “You can have it.” 

"Mom always said Erlin shouldn't be picky, and this white bread is super yummy."

Without delay, Erlin then cheerfully enjoyed the toast while continuing her story.

--- 

Nate was engrossing himself in a mystery novel when he received a report that a high-ranking official from Kingdom of Buriek had come to discuss a possible truce. He then immediately called Vex.

"Vex, be prepared, a man claiming to be a leader of Buriek Navy has come to discuss a ceasefire."

[If they sent only one person, it means they haven't fully intended to talk about ceasefire. I guess you're more than enough to handle the meeting.]

“Vex, did you have a fever?”

“No, but I have pressing matter to do right now.]

In an instant question mark appeared on Nate's forehead. Currently, the conflict with Kingdom of Buriek was the highest priority for TF Amethyst. So, he had a hard time imagining what kind of pressing matter that made Vex couldn't spare his time to meet with high-ranking official from Kingdom of Buriek.

"Okay, I'll handle it."

[One thing I would like to emphasize, now I can't see death befalling on our guests from Sandhur Region. So, please don’t use them as bargaining chips.]

The question mark on Nate's forehead grew thicker as he asked, "Did you sleep with any of our guests?"

[No.]

"Are you planning on sleeping with one of them?"

[No.]

"Then, why is their safety now really matter to you?"

[The explanation is quite long while I'm very busy, so happy negotiating.]

*Beeeeep!!!*

While frowning, Nate put the receiver, but he didn't think any further and immediately made preparation for the meeting.

--- 

When he was greeted by a group of people, riding in an iron carriage that ran without being pulled by horses, Admiral Errez immediately concluded that his mission would not be easy.

Admiral Errez's assumption was accurate. It's clearly visible that the foreigner who called themselves TF Amethyst, held a far higher technology than Kingdom of Buriek. All the way from the port to a HQ called Davy Jones, Admiral Errez couldn't help but seeing many things that made him feel like a country bumpkin.

The highway was smooth and wide. Nouel fields that stretched as far as the eye could see, but not a single Black Eagle was visible in the sky. Large and small iron carriages that moved very quickly without horses to tow them, and various constructions that made Buriek Royal City look like a rural area.

With ease, Admiral Errez concluded, 'Kingdom of Buriek started a war with the wrong opponent.'

Once he arrived at Davy Jones, Admiral Errez was then asked to wait in a room that was not too large, but sparklingly clean, and had luxurious furniture.

Not long after that, an officer entered with a group of people who neatly arranged snacks, meals, and various types of drinks on a serving table at one side of the room. Then, after tasting some of the dishes, Admiral Errez stared blankly for some time.

As he recalled, the last time he enjoyed such delicious food was at the year-end banquet held by King Buriek XII, and no more than ten guests were invited. Even then, each guest only gets a quota of one portion for each menu.

But right now, he was treated to a dish that was no less delicious, with the amount ten times larger.

Admiral Errez had not recovered from his shock when the door to the room was opened and a man with a casual appearance walked in. The man then approached him before extending his hand.

"Greeting Ser Admiral, my name is Nate, 4th highest position holder in TF Amethyst."

"Errez, Admiral, leader of Buriek Navy."

After shaking Admiral Errez's hand tightly, Nate took various foods from the serving table while saying, "I'm sure the talks we're going to have are not official. So if you don't mind, we'll do it informally."

"I don't mind at all," Admiral Errez replied as he piled meat rolls up onto his plate.

"So, Admiral Errez, what honor do we owe for you to visit us?"

"Kingdom of Buriek proposes a ceasefire and is willing to pay a high compensation if TF Amethyst turns a blind eye to the operations we are carrying in Sandhur Region."

Nate was silent for a while before asking, "And if we refuse?"

To be honest doubts clouded Admiral Errez's heart, but he firmly said, "Kingdom of Buriek will declare a total war on TF Amethyst."

Nate made a small smile before casually speaking, "Actually, we don't care about what Kingdom of Buriek do in Sandhur Region. The thing is, we were attacked by Buriek cavalry when we were just sitting and do nothing in our place."

"Ser Nate, we can argue about who attacked whom, but without concrete evidence it’s pointless. So, can we focus on what is going to happen, and not what has happened?"

Still in a casual tone Nate answered, "For now let's have our meal in peace. After that, I'll show Ser Admiral the concrete evidence you asked for. 

I'll also show Ser Admiral a bit of TF Amethyst's military capacity. Then, you can carefully think whether going to war with TF Amethyst is a wise choice or not."

At first glance, Nate's words sounded very arrogant even though he said them with a smile. Therefore Admiral Errez frowned, but only for a moment before he made a small nod. If he could peek at TF Amethyst's military capacity for free, then Admiral Errez wouldn't mind swallowing his pride.

*****