Chapter 20: Diplomacy and Start of Hostilities.

3rd Pov

In the Prime Minister's Government Building, the Legatus Arthur Iordanescu was talking with the ambassadors of the Republic.

"Please understand Prime Minister, while the Republic may have supported the Liberals, it was only with the best of intentions, only to help Dacia strengthen itself for the future fight against Imperial Tyranny" Said one of the Republican Ambassadors in Dacia, Désiré Saint-Yves, quite calmly.

Désiré Saint-Yves is a slightly above average-weight 60-year-old man, bald, with a large mustache and green eyes, wearing very formal clothes.

"But I am sure, Monsieur Désiré, that the Republic knew what the Liberal Government was doing in Dacia." Arthur answered while looking into Désiré's eyes.

Désiré was calm before Arthur's accusation, he knew very well what the Republic was doing, but he has to be a good politician and pretend ignorance and even innocence about it.

"Mister Prime Minister, you cannot accuse without proof, moreover, the Republic did not know what was happening, if we knew we would never support such a regime in Dacia." Said Désiré while scratching his chin a little while looking at Arthur.

Arthur hearing this got one of the veins on his forehead throbbing with anger, but he had to calm down and not make a fuss, he then sighed and looked at the Ambassadors.

"That will have to be decided by Your Majesty the Grand Duke, I will speak with him" Said Arthur after thinking a little.

Désiré upon hearing this nodded, while in his mind he felt disgusted by this kind of "Organic Government", the Republic needed as many Allies as possible.

The Republic was already negotiating with Legadonia, if they managed to have Dacia as an ally, they could make a 3-way war against the Empire.

"We understand, Prime Minister, the Republic will await Your Majesty's response" Desiré replied as he and his assistant got up.

Arthur then politely offered his hand for a shake, which was accepted by Désiré and his assistant, after which Désiré left the Prime Minister's office.

"Monsieur Yves, do you really think the Dacians will side with the Republic?" Asked Désiré's assistant as they went to the carriage that was waiting for them outside the Government Building.

"I have my doubts, but the Republic is committed to getting Dacia as an ally, even if they are useless, at least they can make the Empire focus its attention elsewhere, giving us more chance to win against the Empire" Said Désiré as he entered the carriage.

The assistant nodded as he entered the carriage after Désiré entered.

At the Military Camp where Ferdinand is

Ferdinand was sitting facing his Uncle, who was holding a book and dictating some things, it was written on the cover of the book "International Laws of War".

"In Chapter 79, paragraph 5, it is stated that any conflict in Cities without giving Evacuation Orders, before and during battles, is considered strictly Illegal...Tell me Nephew, what are your thoughts regarding this?" Nikolay asked as he stopped looking at the book and focused all his attention on Ferdinand.

"I believe Uncle, that my opinions on this matter should be left to me" replied Ferdinand while a sweat dripped from his head.

"Nonsense, it's just us here... and the 2 Cossack Guards, but don't worry, everything you say will not leave here" Nikolay said while waving his hand in disdain.

"...Then I'll be frank, uncle" Ferdinand said as he turned serious and pointed to the International Laws of War book.

"For me, this is the biggest idiot thing I've ever seen, because giving evacuation orders to a City that is going to be attacked, would simply give the enemy troops a chance to prepare, it is necessary to attack with everything you have to take the enemy from surprise" Ferdinand said seriously and took a deep breath before continuing to speak.

"In a War, there will always be casualties, both of Soldiers and Civilians, however insensitive and cruel it may seem, these civilian casualties that happen can also be considered a blessing...because an enemy will remain an enemy at the end of the day, who guarantees that some of those Civilians will not one day become Soldiers who will fight against us?" asked Ferdinand after giving this mini-lecture of his.

When Nikolay heard this, he raised an eyebrow as he looked into Ferdinand's eyes after listening to this mini-lecture.

'That's interesting' thought Nikolay as he started to read other Laws of War to know what Ferdinand's answer would be.

At the Royal Palace.

The Grand Duke was now talking to Arthur in his office at the Royal Palace about the Republicans and the Alliance they want with Dacia.

"Any suggestions, Prime Minister?" Johan asked as he watched sipping some tea.

"Your Majesty, Dacia is preparing for a War but it is against the Pagans to the South, leaving behind the preparations we are making just to become Cannon Fodder for the Republicans against the Empire is not worth it." Arthur replied seriously as he looked at Johan.

"Hmm...I agree, besides, we are currently dependent on Imperial Military Technology, so it's suicidal to do anything without even having industrialized yet" Johan said as he started to get serious.

"Prepare a well-crafted apology that says we will not side with the Republicans...for now as we will be dealing with other issues" Johan ordered as he looked into Arthur's eyes, who nodded.

"Furthermore, I think we may already be able to start some political hostilities against the Rumelis, as well as secretly support some Slavic and Hellenic Groups to cause a bit of chaos" Johan continued as a dark smile remained on his face.

"I will carry out your order, Your Majesty" said Arthur as he bowed to Johan before being allowed to leave and do his job.

With Johan alone, he looked at one of the office walls, which had the Map of Magna Rumeli.

'We'll just have to wait and get stronger, when the time comes, Magna Rumeli will just be history in the books' Johan thought as the smile on his face grew a lot.

"Soon there will be a New Crusade...under full Dacia command"