Ch.235235. End of War

Despite the Lord Protector’s dissatisfaction, once the draft treaty was completed, the peace agreement began to progress smoothly.

“From the perspective of wounded voters, complaints are inevitable. But that’s as far as it goes.”

“There’s no reason to break friendly relations with an important ally anyway.”

While there were some internal complaints in the United States directed at Dragon God Bahamut and Alicia who mediated this revolutionary war, they had succeeded in their fundamental goal of subjugating the Saint of Orleans. Additionally, the Phoenix Cult, which would serve as a check against the Saint, was officially recognized as a legitimate power through this mediation, so the United States had no reason to be greedy.

“The United States believes that democracy in Western Europe will be revived through these negotiations, and we declare our full support for this agreement.”

[Thank you.]

“Haha. I sincerely hope that the Dragon God and the Dragon Priestess will successfully complete this mediation.”

It was killing two birds with one stone—while gaining Bahamut’s favor, the United States could also show its generosity even to adversaries, naturally restoring the prestige that had been damaged by the Saint.

The United States conveyed its intentions to Bahamut through Steven, the ambassador plenipotentiary in Seorabeol, and thus the most difficult obstacle was overcome with relative ease.

This was crucial because if the two powers ended the war through negotiation, and if forces that didn’t want the war to end interfered, the peace agreement could collapse.

In that sense, the United States’ shift to supporting the peace agreement was a tremendous boon for Alicia, who was in charge of the mediation.

“We’ve overcome a major hurdle.”

[Indeed. We’ve cleared a significant obstacle. How is the Lord Protector moving?]

Yes, with the United States joining the pro-negotiation side, the outcome was essentially decided.

Though America’s influence had declined after the apocalypse, its global influence still couldn’t be ignored.

With the United States in favor, no matter how much the Lord Protector opposed it, it would be meaningless, and Alicia’s mediation was effectively successful.

“There hasn’t been any movement since that day. As soon as the United States turned to the supporting side, he seems to be laying low.”

[He must have realized the tide has turned. Though blinded by the throne, he’s still a man who rose to the position of Lord Protector.]

The Lord Protector was well aware of this fact, which is why he had essentially gone into seclusion since that day.

He didn’t meet with any outside officials and only attended to Britain’s internal affairs, as if demonstrating to the world that he had nothing to do with the revolutionary war.

Of course, those in the know were aware that the Lord Protector had known about this revolutionary war all along, and he had gained much from this betrayal.

“…But this incident will significantly narrow the Lord Protector’s position. He didn’t gain as much as expected. And the Saint of Orleans will no longer consider the Lord Protector a business partner.”

He hadn’t gained as much as he thought.

He only acquired a portion of the Saint’s influence, the material benefits were negligible, and he didn’t even gain experience points, which are crucial for the Awakened.

And in exchange, his relationship with the Saint had deteriorated.

[Still, they will maintain their alliance. They are forces that can complement each other’s deficiencies.]

“What a shame.”

However, their relationship hadn’t soured to the point of a life-or-death conflict.

From the Saint’s perspective, the Lord Protector was a necessary ally against the Phoenix Cult that checked her power. And for the Lord Protector, who hadn’t gained much from his betrayal, the Saint could still be an important partner.

When Bahamut said that while they might not maintain their relationship of trust, they would continue their alliance for mutual benefit, Alicia sighed with regret.

Still, cracks had formed in what was once a solid alliance, giving Alicia new opportunities.

“Then I’ll finalize the agreement.”

[I and Phoenix will prepare as well.]

To finalize the agreement, they moved to the central balcony alcove in the east wing of Buckingham Palace.

French government officials and Phoenix Union representatives were already gathered, enjoying a banquet. In a spot visible to the public and cameras watching the agreement, white cloth, red carpet, and flags bearing the British royal crest fluttered peacefully.

The sound of camera shutters continued to click, announcing to the world that this was truly a momentous day, and the central table was gradually being occupied by the key figures of this negotiation.

“Today is truly a momentous day.”

On the right sat the one known as the Saint of Orleans, who spread her arms in an exaggerated gesture, proclaiming to the watching public that today was truly a significant day.

“Yes. Everything will begin anew with this peace.”

On the left sat Teresa Mari, the leader of the Phoenix Cult, nodding her head happily as she expressed relief that the peace agreement had been successfully reached.

And between them stood Queen Alicia of England, who, despite her small stature, proclaimed with a quiet yet firm presence to the public watching this scene:

“Today is truly a joyous day. It marks the end of meaningless fighting between humans. The flames of revolution have burned enough. Now France… no, humanity must enter the struggle to survive this apocalypse.”

Teresa’s eyes wavered at Alicia’s words.

The revolution had been built on the sacrifices and aspirations of countless people in the provinces.

Now that the blood-soaked revolution was ending and a new beginning was being declared, it was a profound moment that naturally stirred emotions.

With the thought that this was the future she had wanted, she cast a glance at Alicia, who was seated in the central position.

Believing that as the Dragon Priestess who had directly contracted with the Dragon God, she could maintain this peace.

“So that this peace does not become an illusion, I will mediate this peace.”

“Can Your Majesty guarantee this peace?”

“Of course.”

Teresa strongly demanded a promise of mediation from Alicia.

In response to Teresa’s demand, Alicia nodded solemnly and quietly extended her hand.

In that small hand was a special Geass Scroll created by the Dragon God specifically for this day.

Most of the text on this Geass Scroll contained all the negotiation terms mediated during the negotiation period, and now only the signatures of the mediator and the leaders of both sides remained.

“Now the contract cannot be revoked.”

“Are you afraid?”

As the magical contract created by the legendary Dragon God appeared before the public and cameras, the Saint of Orleans gently closed her eyes, and Teresa nodded heavily with a tense gaze.

Both were well aware of the power of this contract, and for this mediation, the Dragon Priestess had personally requested the Dragon God to create a special Geass Scroll.

“Afraid? Not at all. Rather, I’m looking forward to it.”

But despite knowing the power of this mysterious contract, the Saint approached the contract without hesitation, signed her name, and delivered a cold reality to Teresa:

“Even this mysterious contract is merely a ceasefire treaty that will last at most 10 years, at least 1 year. I’m sure someone as intelligent as you knows this well.”

“…I cannot deny it.”

Despite the Saint’s cold statement, Teresa acknowledged that she couldn’t deny it and signed the contract herself.

Yes, these two had made a dramatic compromise due to foreign intervention, but internal conflicts remained unresolved.

Eventually, the two forces would clash again, and then one would inevitably be destroyed. Nevertheless, for the sake of the future, the two forces needed to form a temporary alliance for now.

“Who will remain as the true contractor of Phoenix? Whether I lose or you lose, I can accept it as a reasonable defeat. I’m rather relieved.”

“Eh?”

“Because no matter who wins, at least the great France will survive.”

But the Saint didn’t care either way.

Whether she perished or the Saint perished, both were contractors of the immortal Phoenix, so ultimately the great France could be completed, she declared with satisfaction as she stepped back to her place.

Teresa couldn’t understand the Saint’s statement at all, but satisfied with the fact that her opponent had yielded willingly, she also stepped back following the Saint.

“With this, the signing is complete. I will also sign as the mediator of this contract.”

As Alicia’s signature was finally completed, magical effects took place, and from this day forward, the French Army and the Phoenix Revolutionary Army officially entered a state of ceasefire.

It was the signal that the blood-soaked French civil war had finally ended, and it was certain that when this news reached the French domestic population, who had suffered from the wearisome civil war, it would be met with cheers for the end of the conflict.

As if to celebrate them, outside Buckingham Palace, sunlight was slowly breaking through the clouds, and numerous birds perched in the palace began to cautiously flap their wings.

And at that moment.

“The treaty is finally complete.”

Perfectly timed with this moment, a pair of shadows suddenly appeared in the conference hall from within the sunlight.

Except for Alicia, no one there had heard their footsteps, and no one had noticed their entrance.

But everyone present could somehow sense that those words carried an authority that could not be defied.

“Are you Lord Bahamut…?”

But that was only momentary.

Teresa, the leader of the Phoenix Cult, solemnly uttered the name of the man who had intruded, and at that name, everyone except the Dragon Priestess couldn’t help but hold their breath.

It was the same for Teresa, and the name of the man who had guided her here held a status that no one could ignore.

“D-Dragon God Bahamut…?”

Someone mentioned that title, and others felt like fainting at the name and title.

Yes, Dragon God Bahamut had personally visited Buckingham Palace, and except for Alicia, who knew about this plan in advance, everyone else was filled with bewilderment at the sudden, unannounced visit of the Dragon God, wondering how to handle this.

But that concern was very brief.

“My contractor has finally made peace. I couldn’t intervene in a fight between my contractors, so I was worried. I’m truly relieved.”

“T-the immortal Phoenix too?”

It wasn’t just Bahamut who had graced this place, but also the immortal Phoenix.

At the royal visit of the Dragon God and Phoenix, which most people wouldn’t see in a lifetime, the journalists who had come with casual hearts felt like fainting, and it seemed the same for the government delegation and Phoenix delegation. They were turning their heads away with expressions that suggested they might leave for lunch right now, inwardly repeating that they hadn’t seen anything.

The visit of such enormous figures would certainly elevate the status of this agreement, which was good news, but these were figures beyond what they could handle.

Moreover, weren’t they called gods!

“There’s no need to be so frightened. I came only to ensure this covenant is not forgotten.”

“We consider this covenant an important matter for us as well.”

Bahamut looked around at those frozen at his sight, smiled brightly, and quietly waved the freshly signed Geass Scroll in front of them.

In response, Phoenix also declared that this matter was important to them as well, asserting that this agreement was not as light as a mere 10-year ceasefire agreement.

With two divine beings making such statements, those gathered swallowed dryly and quietly waited for their next words.

“What brings you here, my Dragon God?”

The Dragon Priestess Alicia appeared at just the right moment, asking what had brought him here.

Alicia’s intervention was so perfectly timed that it almost seemed rehearsed, and indeed, as they suspected, Bahamut and Phoenix had planned this with Alicia.

It was an opportunity for Alicia to display her prestige, and a chance to act out a fantasy she had imagined in her mind!

Phoenix had also readily cooperated, saying he wanted to do it too!

“I came to congratulate the end of this war. Having found a new answer of harmony after struggle, shouldn’t I personally congratulate you?”

“Me too. I’m sincerely happy that the meaningless fight between contractors has stopped. Though it will be difficult, I hope you’ll lead your followers correctly by cooperating with each other.”

But they couldn’t have known that, and Bahamut’s voice carried an undeniable authority.

His voice was quieter than thunder, deep, and had a charm that made everyone turn their gaze toward him.

“As there is a beginning, there is an end. There will surely be peace at the end of revolution. So… I pray that a new breath will be born in this land.”

As those words ended, a smile crossed Phoenix’s lips, mixing sadness and joy.

When the two gods finished speaking, Alicia carefully rose from her seat, bowed her head to the two gods to show respect, and at her gesture, everyone gathered there somewhat bewilderedly began to bow their heads together to show respect to the two gods.

“‘A covenant sealed in blood will surely be fulfilled. Yes, surely.'”

And with that declaration, the gods’ figures disappeared.

In the place they had left, only the Geass Scroll remained, wrapped in a handful of flames and light.

‘Sob! I’ve finally fulfilled the fantasy I’ve been dreaming of! Innkeeper! Close the shutters right now! I’m not going home today!’

And thus, Bahamut perfectly accomplished one of the bucket list items he had been dreaming of.