BXBX NOVEL Chapter 120 Peace Proposal
15th of Nummum, 5018
2 days prior, Rose's army had entered the city without much resistance. With the confirmation of King Danial's death, all had lost their will to fight. The soldiers, despite being their enemy, treated the population rather nicely. As a result, Kant, who was voted to be the king, managed to observe their muskets closer. He noticed that they used a matchlock system.
Kant Maybale, wearing his modern black suit, with a long white shirt, and a black tie, was found sitting in a lone room, with 1 table and two chairs. He sat on the end where he faced the door, waiting for her to arrive.
Prior to the meeting, Kant had meet met up with many people, including the OSAC group, on a few things that they would not want to lose from the meeting, like any increased taxes on the kingdom, which they feared would come from their pockets. Although Kant did say they he could try, don't expect much considering they were losers of the war.
Just the door suddenly opens. Rose, wearing a white royal gown, enters the room. Kant Maybale respectively stands up and bows to Rose Valline to show a sign of respect. The two sit back down and begin the negotiations.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, your imperial majesty," Kant greets with a smile.
"I have heard many great things about you as well, your majesty. I heard you were quite the inventor."
"Thank you, your imperial majesty."
"Regardless, let's get to business, shall we?" Rose snapped her fingers. The door opened again. This time, a soldier enters the room and delivers a piece of paper to Rose. She unrolls it and hands the paper over to Kant to read.
The proposal requires a cap on Hoverdam's military of 250 knights along with 7,750 peasant infantry soldiers/musketeers as a military force and security forces. It also requires Kant to denounce the powers of the church and god as legitimate entities. It prohibits the production of firearms in any form or matter.
It also states that the kingdom of Hoverdam is obligated to help pay back debts collected by the Kingdom Of Vallina that it used to finance the war. Prince Edward, Princess Lisa, and Princess Sofia continue studying and living in the academy, with no visits to Hoverdam until they reach the age of 20 years old, and it states that Malinda Maybale should be relocated to a place of Rose Valine's choosing. She will not be allowed any visitors unless Rose Valine approves it.
After Kant read the proposal, he sets in down and looks back at Rose. She was clearly analyzing his face, wanting his reaction out of it. As a result, Kant kept his stoic persona on his face.
"Your imperial majesty, I would like to propose some changes to the proposal that would benefit both you and myself," Kant said.
"Go on."
"First is regarding the first statement of a cap on the security forces. I plan to expand the city to ensure that I could pay back your debts. This would require me to have a larger security force to catch... say smaller criminals or frauds.
I think you should seriously consider removing that aspect of the proposal while keeping the cap on the military," Kant proposed.
"How fast do you expect to grow?"
"That depends. I am aiming for about 15% annually."
"That is pretty ambitious," Rose commented after hearing the figure.
"Of course, but it is not impossible. Besides, the faster it could grow, the more revenue I could deliver, meaning you would have an easier time repaying your debts," Kant replied. Rose thought about his request.
"I accept. Do you have any more?"
"I do. Yes. Considering that there will be a demonic wave in a few months' time, and your best firearms consist of matchlock weapons which are incredibly unreliable when in contact with moist. I am sure that you were given a hard time capturing Malinda, am I right?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"Well, your imperial majesty. We over here at Hoverdam, have already invented superior alternatives that are resistant to such weaknesses. If you would allow us to produce a limited quantity, you will have more powerful and reliable weapons, while keeping them at a more affordable price.
As far as we know, the only other smiths that are knowledgeable and capable enough to produce firearms are situated at Vallina. Given their expertise, they will form some guilds, and charge incredibly high prices relative to the cost.
If you would Hoverdam to produce and enter the market, we could help spur innovation, and produce the weapons at a faster rate, while also keeping price competitive, as a result, lots of money in your treasury won't be wasted, and a lot of lives spared."
Rose had to admit that his request sounded VERY appealing. It took a long time for the gunsmiths to produce the muskets. while also charging the price. Although the risks of a rebellion from Hoverdam increase, she would like to have another player to counteract the smiths in her city.
"What are these alternatives?" Rose asked.
"Percussion cap technology. We use a percussion cap, filled with a sensitive chemical, to ignite the black powder in the barrel. We have a smoothbore musket version, as well as a rifled revolver version."
"Revolver?" she asked. Kant called out for Silverstone. Just then, he brought them a small wooden box and handed it over to Rose. She opened it and found a small gun, with 6 rolls in a rotating cylinder.
"That is what I call a revolver. It is a much smaller, weaker, yet more portable version of a musket. It can fire 6 continuous shots at a time and would be useful as a secondary weapon for your soldiers, your imperial majesty."
"Hmm... very impressive. Very nice. Though, won't it be very inaccurate?"
"Although the range is a lot smaller, we have managed to keep the bullet flying at a straight trajectory by rifling the barrel. The groves inside rotate the bullet, keeping it steady."
"I see. Would you be able to rifle any... musket barrels?"
"We could, but it is relatively more expensive. It would be useful for more civilian purposes, but for an army, it is too expensive to be practical."
"Hmm... I see."
"So... Does your imperial majesty accept?"
"Yes... I will give in on the condition that any excess weapons will be scrapped for other uses."
"By all means, I accept that fact. Now, the third change is in terms of religion. I fear that the current arrangement will complicate things."
"What do you mean?"
"You see, your imperial majesty. Unlike Vallina, my people are a VERY religious bunch. This was due to the exodus of 14'. Where lots of old preachers came over here. It would be very hard to convince them IF we push them too fast."
"What do you propose then?"
"I propose that I denounce the church for now, and then move on to god. It would be much easier to do slowly transition, and would be much more effective."
"How would you get them to denounce the church if you can't do the same for god?"
"Simple. I will argue that God himself has... delegitimized the church. That they can interpret God's work for themselves by reading his own words themselves."
"Can't most people read?"
"For now, but I plan on building more schools that would allow them to read. I will have a literate population, while the church becomes irrelevant in the city," Kant politely argued. Rose nodded in approval.
"I can't argue with that. Alright then. That request is also granted. Is there anything else?"
"Mmm... yes, although it is more of a guarantee that I would like to be added."
"Go on."
"I would my corporations allowed to conduct businesses in other kingdoms, without them facing any unfair taxes or restrictions. Think of it as a more diplomatic and friendlier way for us to gather resources without the use of force.
ραпdα nᴏνa| сom It would help my kingdom grow back, it would make it easier for me to produce things like those firearms at a competitive rate, and I would be able to pay off the debts a lot faster," Kant suggested. Rose wasn't sure what a corporation was, but she had an idea it was some merchant's new tool.
"On the condition that the kingdom of Hoverdam pays more in tribute."
"How much more?"
"About 2% more." Rose requested. Kant pretended to think about it, before finally accepting her offer.
"Well, I think that is about it. I got nothing else."
"Nothing?"
"No."
"What about your mother?"
"What about her?"
"I mean, are you not requesting me to allow you to visit her?" Rose asked. Kant thought about it.
"...No. I got everything I need. I fear that any more additions to it will lead to more problems than it is worth."
"Very well then. I will have this treaty updated so you can sign it later."