I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 112: Nope...Treaty
The Iberian Royal Palace in Madrid was a grand structure of towering marble columns and golden chandeliers, a testament to the empire's power and legacy. Yet, within its halls, a quiet tension had settled. The Royal Council had gathered in the Hall of State, where King Felipe IV of Iberia sat at the head of a long, polished table, surrounded by his most trusted ministers and military leaders.
The subject of the meeting was clear—the Elysean incursion in Pan-America.
The recent battles at Fort San Rafael had been a humiliating defeat. The Iberian forces had underestimated the Elyseans, believing them to be just another European power looking to establish a few minor colonies. Instead, Elysea had brought weapons never seen before—Gatling guns, which had ripped through entire battalions with horrifying efficiency.
Felipe's fingers tapped against the table as his generals and advisors spoke.
"The reports confirm that the Elyseans have solidified their hold over the eastern territories," stated Duke Fernando de Mendoza, the Iberian Minister of War. "Our forces have retreated to the western regions, and our commanders have advised against launching another attack."
Felipe's expression was unreadable. "You mean to tell me that we have already lost Pan-America?"
A silence filled the chamber before Mendoza finally spoke again.
"Sire… it is not that we have lost. It is that we must decide if Pan-America is worth fighting for."
Felipe narrowed his eyes. "Explain."
Mendoza sighed. "We have greater concerns elsewhere—our holdings in Africa, the continued conflict with the League of Italian States, and the constant threat from the Habsburgs. Pan-America was never a core region of our empire, merely an extension of our reach. What has been taken by the Elyseans is land that, while valuable, is not critical to our sovereignty."
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The king leaned back in his chair. "So, you are saying we should give them the frontier?"
The Duke nodded. "Yes, but not freely."
The room stirred.
"We sell it to them," Mendoza continued. "We make it official—Elysea wants to claim Pan-America? Let them. But they will pay Iberia for the right to keep it."
Felipe considered this. "And if they refuse?"
"Then nothing changes," Mendoza replied. "They already hold the land, and we have neither the means nor the desire to fight them over it. But if they accept, we turn a humiliation into an advantage. The funds we receive will be invested into our military and naval forces, preparing us for the wars that truly matter."
Felipe's ministers exchanged glances. The plan made sense. Stay connected with novelbuddy
"Very well," Felipe said at last. "Summon the Elysean ambassador."
October 20, 1697 – The Elysean Royal Palace.
The Iberian Ambassador Hernando de Villanova once again found himself standing before King Bruno. Unlike his previous visit, his posture was more relaxed, and his expression less tense.
Bruno, dressed in his usual black and gold coat, studied the ambassador carefully from his throne. Antoine Leclerc, his Chief of Staff, stood at his right, along with other high-ranking officials.
"Ambassador," Bruno greeted. "I did not expect you so soon. Has the Iberian Crown decided on war?"
De Villanova shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. Iberia has no intention of engaging in an unnecessary conflict over Pan-America."
Bruno raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Your victories have been acknowledged," de Villanova continued. "You have proven that Elysea is willing to fight for the frontier. But my king believes that war over such a distant land is not worth the cost."
Bruno leaned forward slightly. "Then why are you here?"
De Villanova straightened his posture. "The Iberian Crown is prepared to recognize Elysea's dominion over the Pan-American frontier. However, sovereignty comes with a price."
Bruno smirked. "You wish to sell us what we have already taken?"
The ambassador met his gaze firmly. "You have won through battle, yes. But without official recognition, your presence remains a disputed claim. This means other European powers may see an opportunity to challenge your expansion. If you purchase the land from Iberia, that challenge disappears. No other nation will question your ownership."
Bruno leaned back in his throne, considering the proposal. It was a clever move—Iberia was turning its defeat into a financial gain, ensuring that even in losing, it still benefited.
Leclerc spoke up. "And what price does Iberia demand?"
De Villanova handed over a document. "Two million livres, paid in gold or silver, over the course of five years. In exchange, the Iberian Crown will officially cede all territorial claims in Pan-America to Elysea."
A silence settled in the room as the Elysean officials examined the document. It was a reasonable sum—not an exorbitant demand, but enough to be a profitable arrangement for Iberia.
Bruno tapped his fingers against the armrest of his throne. Two million livres was a small price to pay for full sovereignty.
He turned to Leclerc. "Thoughts?"
Leclerc smirked. "It is a good deal, Your Majesty. A fraction of our war budget. And once we control the resources of Pan-America, it will pay for itself within a decade."
Bruno chuckled. "So, Iberia is selling its failure to us. Interesting." He turned back to de Villanova. "Tell your king that Elysea accepts the terms."
De Villanova nodded. "Then it is settled."
Bruno smiled. "I suppose I should thank your king for making this easier than expected."
De Villanova exhaled. "His Majesty believes this is the wisest course for Iberia."
Bruno's grin widened. "Oh, I agree. But understand this, Ambassador—your king just sold an entire continent to me. One day, he may regret that decision."
De Villanova said nothing.
The meeting was over.
November 1697.
On November 15, 1697, Elysea and Iberia formally signed the Treaty of Madrid, finalizing the transfer of all Iberian claims in Pan-America to Elysea in exchange for two million livres.
With the stroke of a pen, Elysea had become the undisputed ruler of the frontier.
As news of the treaty spread, Elysean settlers and soldiers celebrated. There would be no more Iberian resistance, no more looming threat of war. The continent was theirs to shape as they saw fit.
In Fort Saint-Louis, Marshal Armand Roux read the news with a satisfied smirk. "So, the Iberians are tucking their tails between their legs?" he remarked to Captain Giraud.
"They were smart enough to cut their losses," Giraud replied. "But we both know this isn't over."
Roux nodded. "No. Now, we must claim the rest of Pan-America before another power does."
From the royal palace, Bruno watched as Elysean trains set their steams, carrying settlers, supplies, and weapons to their new land.
Pan-America belonged to Elysea now.
And soon, the entire world would know it.