Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 511: To The North I

Three days later, Hugo and Riz meet again at the same location as before.

For the meeting that will influence the future trajectory of the two countries, the place they choose to hold a negotiation is rather bland.

Looking at this envoy from Blande, Riz smiles pleasingly.

"Mr Hagen, the past few days must have been productive for you. I hope we both reach an agreement today."

"I hope so."

Today marked the last day of the week-long ultimatum Riz had given Hugo.

He had no intention of extending the timeline. He believed the envoy had been given ample time to think and seek advice.

If they don't seal the deal today, the situation will intensify quickly.

Hugo began, "The past few days have been enlightening to me. I've taken the liberty to thoroughly review the previous terms and I believe there is room for us to find common ground."

"Let's hear it, then."

Hugo began to lay out the terms he had painstakingly thought over the past week.

Every word is carefully chosen so as to prevent his interest from being infringed.

As he spoke, Riz listened intently with an unreadable expression.

"Mr. Hagen, I must admit, I didn't expect you to propose replacing your island with another holding."

"I- I believed this option would be more… practical for both parties. Is Your Majesty displeased with the territory I'm proposing to secede?"

"Displeased? Not at all! Your offer is much better than I thought. But, you see, the total area is a bit small."

Hugo's jaw tightened. He is trying his best to hold on to his anger. Inwardly, he's questioning whether the king is stupid or greedy or just pretending.

Whatever the reason, Hugo can't make further concessions. He already stretched the limit as far as he could without jeopardizing his own position.

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, the land I'm offering is as strategically valuable as Hagen Island. In addition to its location, these places are already developed. Ryntum would not have to spend significant resources to integrate them into your kingdom."

"The infrastructure, the trade routes, the established economy are all in place. Hagen Island, on the other hand, is largely undeveloped. Turning it into an asset of equal value would require substantial investment and time."

Hugo's eyes briefly flicked to Riz, gauging his reaction. The room ultimately fell into a silence for few minutes.

"You're right. It is greedy of me to ask more when I can feel the sincerity you put into this negotiation. You've done your research well. Let us finalise this treaty and get over with it."

Hugo exhaled softly. He feels a sense of relief like a heavy load being lifted from his shoulders.

Riz called his secretary in and let her handle the rest of the paperwork.

He's not going to read the stack of treaty papers. He already had his hand full with other documents. Add more and he might lose his mind.

"Oh, one more thing. Once the treaty is signed, I'll have it announced officially. Then, Ryntum troops will safely escort you back to Blande."

Hugo froze, his face going pale.

Riz could tell what Hugo was thinking so he quickly reassured him.

"Don't worry, they're not there to threaten or intimidate. Their purpose is purely to ensure the smooth transfer of the territory. You know, this is a big deal. Not everyone will accept it easily. There are always dissenters who'd rather stir chaos."

While the kingdom prepares for the departure, Hugo finds himself with a rare pocket of free time.

He decided to spend the time exploring the city. Not that he wants to. It's more of him trying to calm his nerves.

During his observation, Hugo found many novelties not found back home. Compared to Vernau, the unofficial capital of Blande, life here is much more vibrant.

Unlike the weary, thin faces he saw in many Blande cities, the citizens here appeared healthy and well-fed. Their clothes were made of finer materials, better quality, and better craftsmanship.

'Perhaps it is the right decision to cede the territory to Ryntum,' thought Hugo, trying to justify his treacherous action.

The guilt of what many in Blande would surely see as betrayal still weighed heavily in his mind, but witnessing the prosperity here gave Hugo a sliver of comfort.

Three days later, the preparation was complete. The quiet morning at the hotel where Hugo was staying was interrupted by the sound of a heavy boot.

A soldier comes knocking at the door.

The sight of the soldier caused a stir in the hotel. Many guests thought Hugo was in big trouble.

To many citizens, seeing a soldier in person was actually a rarity, even though there was an army base at the edge of the city.

Riz deliberately kept the military's visibility in the cities across the kingdom to a minimum.

Soldiers weren't allowed to walk aimlessly around the city in their uniform.

They were there but at the same time, they were not.

After all, he wants to make people feel safe, not guarded.

As such, when one appears, the citizens naturally have their imaginations running wild.

Hugo, who had his bags neatly packed, opened the door.

"Mr. Hagen, I am here to escort you."

"Okay!" Hugo collected his things and walked downstairs, following the soldier closely from behind.

He can hear guests whispering among themselves. However, he ignored the stares they cast on him.

Outside the hotel, a small military contingent lined up. The sight was enough to make even the most composed individual feel intimidated.

There's even a group of crowd form around them.

Hugo was surprised. To him, the treatment felt excessive, bordering on theatrical.

He is not a wanted criminal or plan to run away to receive this high-level security escort.

Hugo approached the carriage. A soldier opened the door and told him to step inside quickly.

Ignoring the prickling sensation of being watched, Hugo climbed in together with his baggage.