The Kingmaker System-Chapter 365 - 364. Peace Treaty (1)

Before Anastasia could scream again, the carriage abruptly stopped, and Lyall rushed over. The door swung open, and Anastasia practically stumbled out, seeking refuge behind him. It was fortunate that we were on a secluded path—no one was around to witness the chaos.

Nox, perched on Lyall’s shoulder, fluttered over to mine instantly, recognizing me despite my disguise.

"My lady," Lyall spoke, steadying Anastasia as she clung to his arm.

I sighed touching my earstud, allowing my form to shift. The long, flowing blue hair faded into a deep black, and my striking ocean-blue eyes were replaced by familiar crimson hues.

"Please don’t be frightened, my lady. It’s me, Ace D’Arc," I said gently.

Anastasia peeked out from behind Lyall, her brows furrowing in confusion before her eyes widened in recognition.

"L-Lord Ace?" she breathed, still shaken.

"But who was that b-blue-haired man?"

I chuckled. "A disguise, my lady. I was handling some matters and couldn’t return to your residence in time, so I came directly to the carriage. I apologize for scaring you—I assumed it was your father’s."

Anastasia hesitated but slowly relaxed, stepping out from behind Lyall. "I-I don’t understand this..."

"You’re not the only one, my lady," I teased lightly, my voice laced with amusement.

Lyall nodded in agreement. "My master is an expert at disguises. At times, he looks different, but I assure you, he is the same Lord Ace you know."

Anastasia glanced between the two of us, her eyes still holding traces of wariness before she sighed, accepting our words.

"...Alright," she murmured, finally allowing me to take a seat inside.

As I settled in, she gave me a once-over before pursing her lips. "But you’re not dressed well for the ceremony."

I merely smiled, brushing my fingers over the ear stud in my ear. Instantly, a shimmer of magic enveloped me, altering my attire in an instant.

The simple black clothing was replaced with an elaborate ensemble of deep black and crimson. A fitted waistcoat, adorned with delicate silver embroidery, hugged my frame, while a high-collared shirt of dark fabric contrasted with a pristine white cravat secured by a ruby brooch. Draped over my shoulders was a flowing black cloak with intricate patterns etched in thread that shimmered like obsidian. The edges of the cloak were lined with subtle crimson, matching the piercing hue of my eyes.

The entire look exuded an air of dark sophistication—commanding yet elegant, fitting for the my presence perfectly.

Anastasia blinked, clearly impressed. "You truly are full of surprises, Lord Ace."

I smirked. "It’s part of the job."

She was completely relaxed now so, I stepped ahead and presented my hand to her.

"Now that we have cleared the misunderstanding, may I request to be your partner for this ceremony?" I asked with a smile and she smiled back before placing her hand in mine.

"I’d love to be your partner, Lord Ace." She said and I nodded before I looked at Lyall.

"Let’s get going then, shall we?"

We reached the venue sooner than I had expected, despite the overwhelming crowd gathered to witness the peace treaty signing ceremony. The streets were lined with banners, flowers, and intricate tapestries, all in the colors of Denril and Sestia. The people, both commoners and nobles alike, had come from every corner of the kingdom, their faces alight with curiosity, hope, and—perhaps for some—lingering skepticism.

Fortunately, the entrance for nobility was separate from that of the common folk, allowing us to avoid the congested lines. The golden crest in my possession, along with another for Lyall, granted us passage alongside Anastasia without raising any questions.

Inside, the atmosphere was heavy with expectation. The grand hall was vast, its marble floors gleaming under the cascading light of the chandeliers. Velvet banners of both kingdoms hung from the towering columns, their sigils entwined in a symbolic gesture of unity. Nobles stood in their designated sections, whispering amongst themselves, while the common folk filled the outer edges, eager to witness history unfold.

As we moved forward, we were soon met by Damon and Beatrice. Their eyes widened slightly at the sight of me accompanying their daughter, though they masked their surprise well.

"Ma—Lord Ace," Damon corrected himself swiftly, his gaze flickering between me and Anastasia. "How come you arrived with her?"

Before I could answer, Anastasia spoke up. "My lord was running late, Father, so he ended up coming with me."

I smiled at her quick response and gave a slight nod. "It’s as the Lady says."

Damon studied me for a moment before nodding in acceptance.

With the formalities out of the way, we took our positions among the assembled guests. Damon, however, had to step forward—his place was among the high-ranking nobles who were required to stand alongside the King.

As I watched him walk toward the raised platform, Beatrice let out a soft sigh beside me. "I never thought I would see this day."

There was a distant look in her eyes, one laced with years of loss and bitterness.

"It’s finally here, though," I murmured, though I could feel the weight of her unspoken thoughts.

Her jaw clenched. "It almost feels like the sacrifices of all those knights and soldiers were a waste."

Anastasia, standing beside her mother, nodded solemnly. "That’s true."

Lyall’s gaze flickered toward me, expectant, as if waiting to hear what I would say.

I exhaled softly, my fingers brushing against Nox’s feathers as the raven sat perched on my shoulder, invisible to the eyes of others.

"I agree," I admitted, my voice steady. "Years of suffering, countless deaths... and yet, in the end, a simple decision was all it took to reach this conclusion."

I could feel Lyall’s sharp gaze boring into the side of my face, but I kept my expression composed.

"But I suppose," I continued, "power and intelligence both play a role in determining peace."

Beatrice turned to me sharply. "Pardon?"

I met her gaze with a small, knowing smile. "Perhaps those in power always had the option of peace. But they were also the ones who declared and accepted war in the first place. Who’s to say that, had this treaty not been signed today, they wouldn’t have found another excuse to wage another war in the future?"

Beatrice scoffed. "Do you think declaring war is so simple?"

"Well," I mused, "perhaps not for Denril. But for Sestia? With their abundance of warriors and noble families tied to ancient magical bloodlines? War is in their nature."

Her expression darkened. "Exactly."

"That’s why I said power and intelligence both matter," I repeated, my tone calm. "A person who possesses power and understands both its destructive and constructive potential knows what it can do to others. The weak don’t seek peace—they simply submit to it. But those who are truly strong understand that peace always comes with a price."

I turned my gaze toward the grand stage, where the dignitaries would soon gather. "This war was the price both kingdoms had to pay for the peace of future generations."

Beatrice studied me, skeptical. "And what makes you so sure that these new princes won’t start another war in the future?"

I shrugged. "The treaty exists for a reason."

She scoffed. "I don’t trust them one bit."

I let out a quiet chuckle. "I’m afraid I can’t help with that. I’m just a humble merchant, after all—one with no particular sense of patriotism. I call home wherever I can rest for the night. I don’t judge people by their nationality."

"I’m not—" Beatrice began to argue, but before she could finish, the sound of trumpets echoed through the air, silencing the murmuring crowd.

A hush fell over the venue as the grand procession arrived. The royalty of Denril, clad in regal finery, entered first. Augustine followed by Arian his sword still on his hip. Their presence commanding the room.

Following closely behind were the three Princes of Sestia, their expressions unreadable as they walked in perfect sync. Their armor gleamed under the chandeliers, a reminder of the war that had only just ended.

Everyone—including us—bowed in respect as they passed.

The nobles followed behind them, taking their places in an orderly fashion. They ascended the platform where the Mage and the newly appointed Pope stood waiting, their presence marking the sanctity of this moment.

Lyall let out a slow breath beside me. "It’s finally starting."

I slid my hands into the pockets of my trousers, watching the scene unfold.

The grand hall, which had been filled with quiet murmurs, fell into an expectant hush as King Augustine stepped forward onto the raised platform. Draped in a ceremonial robe of deep crimson and gold, he exuded the majesty of a ruler who had led his people through the flames of war and now stood at the precipice of peace.

Augustine’s voice, rich and authoritative, rang through the hall.

"Welcome, all, to witness history being made!

"Today, we stand at the crossroads of the past and the future, not as conquerors or the conquered, but as sovereigns who have endured the trials of war and emerged wiser. For too long, the lands of Denril and Sestia have been stained with blood, our people burdened by loss, our fields turned into battlefields, and our sons and daughters taken before their time. But no longer.

"This day marks the end of an era of division and the beginning of a future forged not by swords, but by unity. The treaty that will be signed today is not merely ink upon parchment—it is the promise of a new dawn. One where our kingdoms no longer see each other as foes but as neighbors, bound by an agreement that ensures prosperity, respect, and above all, peace."

His words were met with scattered applause, but the atmosphere remained tense. There were those in the crowd who still bore resentment, who had lost too much to believe in mere words. But King Augustine, ever the ruler, continued with unwavering resolve.

"Let it be known that this peace is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom. Strength is not measured by the length of war, but by the ability to end it with dignity. And so, before all gathered here today, I extend my hand in goodwill to the people of Sestia, just as their new rulers have done for us."

I had already tuned out halfway through. No matter how grand the words, no speech could truly erase years of enmity in a single day. Even so, I barely suppressed a yawn, my hand twitching toward my mouth before I caught myself.

A small tug at my coat made me blink. I turned my head slightly to find Anastasia looking up at me, her expression unreadable.

I leaned closer, lowering my head so she wouldn’t have to raise her voice.

"Lord Ace, whose side are you on?"

I smiled faintly. "Your side."

She narrowed her eyes as if I was dodging the question and, after a quick glance around, whispered in an even lower voice.

"I mean, are you on the side of Denril or Sestia?"

I hummed, matching her hushed tone. "To be honest, neither."

Her brow furrowed slightly, confusion flickering in her deep blue eyes. I chuckled at her expression before clarifying, "I’m here for two or three people. Once they’ve completed their work, we’ll return home."

Technically, Davian was tagging along with Eric and Rune, so I supposed he was my responsibility as well.

Before Anastasia could pry further, a familiar notification appeared in my mind.

[Goddess of Wisdom warns you against revealing your plan.]

"Don’t worry."

"Who?" Anastasia asked, tilting her head.

I smiled, careful not to let too much slip. "My three subordinates. They’ve worked hard for long enough, and now that the war is over, I’m here to take them home."

Realization dawned in her eyes, and her lips parted in an understanding ’O’.

Well, I could consider Anastasia for my brother but she is too soft for our family, she would do well with Father’s demeanor but I guess I still need Celestia Konstantinos.

A few more notifications flared in my mind.

[Defender of Divine Glory asks you to stop treating people like pawns.]

[Giver of Gifts asks you to respect others’ feelings.]

I ignored both.

"Okay..." Anastasia mumbled, though she was still watching me with those thoughtful eyes.

The King’s speech finally concluded, and a ripple of polite applause spread through the hall. As he stepped back, the air shifted with the weight of an even greater presence.

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