The war has progressed to this point. In fact, both sides have lost the interest and determination to decide the winner. Not to mention that no one lacks the decisive means to shake the deadlock. Even if they have such means, they are equally aware that they laugh.
The last thing is Charlemagne's damn cock.
The soldiers commanding operations have a more direct understanding of the urgency of the situation than diplomats. Senior officers from both countries look at the map and worry every day. As the blue arrow representing Charlemagne continues to approach the rear of the public defense line, anxiety and pressure continue.
The accumulation has transformed into various diseases - Brushilov has been suffering from insomnia for half a month, and Duke Wellington has also developed symptoms of neurasthenia.
Under the triple pressure of spirit, politics, and reality, soldiers actually want to end this hopeless war sooner than diplomats. However, due to factors such as their own position, domestic situation, and pressure from public opinion, even if they are willing to show goodwill, they have to put aside their efforts.
Showing a cold face, besides, they had no intention of doing that in the first place.
The general direction of the negotiations has been established, and the political part has been basically reached. Today's negotiations mainly involve the military level, focusing on post-war demarcation and the balance of military power after the armistice.
There is no ambiguity between the two sides about armistice and acceptance of war losses, but when it comes to specific issues, they still have to fight if they can.
"After the armistice, our army will begin to withdraw its troops from around the Riga Fortress, completely evacuate within one month, and hand over the complete defense line to the principality."
Lord Salisbury read Albion's terms aloud, and the earls and generals of the duchy nodded slightly.
Neither side has any objections to this point. The principality is naturally happy to see the Albion people leave their homeland, and Albion does not want to maintain a large garrison in the far north and bear heavy financial expenses. It can be said that both sides are
Coincidentally.
A good start made people think that the negotiations might end soon, but just a few seconds later, this optimism was shattered.
“…The principality should unconditionally hand over all its main ocean-going warships within two weeks after the armistice, disarm them and berth them in Scapa Flow in the Kingdom of Albion; dismantle all warships currently in service used to lay mines, and stop building such ships
;Hand over all mines
Mines should be laid, and all mines in stock must be destroyed; all factories that produce mines and shipyards that build mine-laying ships must be demolished. The principality gives up the right to possess and use immoral weapons such as mines... The Arctic Sea is neutralized and merchant ships from all countries are allowed to enter and exit.
——”
"Enough!!"
Before the translator could finish speaking, Admiral Makarov's fist hit the table, and the tea cups and snacks started to beat. Everyone's eyes were focused on the red-faced old general.
"This is tantamount to asking the Principality Navy to surrender unconditionally. This is not a sincere negotiation condition at all!"
There is no doubt that it is impossible for the principality to agree to such conditions which are equivalent to giving up the navy. It is extremely reluctant to give up the few ocean-going battleships used for window dressing, not to mention giving up the absolute main force that actually defends the territorial waters of the principality - minelayers and mines.
.
Moreover, there are two dangers in Albion's request: first, the principality completely gives up its maritime interests and fully turns to the death row with Charlemagne, allowing Albion to reap the benefits; secondly, one day, Albion feels that watching a show is not enough.
Enough is enough. When the end is decided, the royal fleet flying the red and white rose flag will sail into the Gulf of Lapland without any hindrance and aim its guns at St. Petersburg.
The principality will always remain sufficiently sensitive and vigilant towards human countries, and they will not make any concessions in the face of face and interests.
Give up the Navy? Absolutely impossible!
But the Albion people, especially the Royal Navy, insisted on their conditions. Lord Drake spread his hands and showed an expression of "I can't help it."
"The surrender of ocean-going warships and the destruction of minelayers and mines are the minimum conditions to compensate for the kingdom's losses and eliminate our military's naval and air superiority."
"The principality will never accept this humiliation and your government's conditions will lead to the breakdown of negotiations."
Makarov clenched his fists and suppressed his anger to object.
"The Principality's Navy will never accept this requirement being included in the terms of the negotiations."
Brusilov also came to lend his support.
"The Principality Army also rejects this unreasonable request."
The principality's army and navy are not as conflicted as Charlemagne's counterparts, but the relationship is by no means harmonious, and competition is equally fierce in terms of grabbing budgets. However, the principality is a land-based country after all, and does not have as many people as Charlemagne and Albion.
overseas interests, so the relationship between the navy and the army is more of a subordinate relationship - the army is the absolute boss, and the navy usually plays the role of offshore defense. After it has spare money, it expands its scale and transforms into an armed transport fleet.
The army is projected overseas—this unequal relationship mediates many conflicts invisibly.
The principality must not be without a navy. For national security, it needs to build a powerful navy.
Watching Albion continuously transporting reinforcements and supplies from the sea and the air every day, Brusilov had a painful understanding of the importance of the navy, so he jumped out without hesitation.
"If you insist on this rude request, I think the negotiation can be over. Please send 100,000 reinforcements to come and destroy our mines and warships yourself. The United Principality of Ross will complete the negotiation according to its own policy."
Count Ramsdorf stated coldly that he was a pro-Albion faction, but in the face of this, it was impossible to show any kindness. What's more, the count knew very well that the price of agreeing to such conditions would not only be losing his official position.
, in the most serious case, you may have to face the roar and bayonet of a junior officer "Heaven to punish the national thief". The earl still has many beautiful plans for life, and does not want to meet the tragic ending.
Lord Salisbury took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. He had expected the principality's reaction. In fact, he had been opposed to the Royal Navy's overly strong request from the beginning, and clearly pointed out that it was likely to have a negative impact on the negotiations.
Very bad impact.
However, the navy did not relent. Their reason was simple: this war started with the navy suffering losses. Now that Albion has sea and air superiority, the principality should be allowed to make some form of compensation. Good.
They must save the face of the royal navy and the kingdom. Otherwise, they will have to bear the infamy of betraying the covenant and will not be able to gain substantial benefits. This is unjustifiable in any case. In addition, for Albion, a maritime nation, such mines
The threat posed by weapons is even
Beyond the Principality's dilapidated navy itself, although so far, the Principality has only used this weapon for defensive operations, its function of blocking routes remains unchanged. If the Principality's navy is developed in the future, or the Principality and Charles
Mann got together and used this weapon for offensive operations. It was used to block Albion's important ports and routes. Its huge power may completely paralyze Albion, which is increasingly dependent on overseas resources, or even collapse.
For national security, for maritime interests, and for the glory of the Royal Navy of Albion, "immoral" weapons like mines must disappear from the world no matter what.
The Royal Navy was determined to achieve this goal. In line with the principle of "asking for high prices and paying back where you are", Her Majesty the Queen and Minister Walsingham agreed to include this article in the draft negotiation agreement and instructed Salisbury
Lord Leigh "endeavoured". Of course, they neither recognized
Because there is no requirement that the Lord must complete the mission, otherwise the word "try your best" would not be added. However, the hero of the Royal Navy, Lord Drake, also participated in the negotiation. The stubborn captain stared at the Chief with keen eyes.
Negotiator, this puts your Lordship in a very difficult position.
"Your Majesty the Earl."
Adjusting his fake smile, Salisbury softened his tone a bit, sounding more like a request than a demand.
"Look, since we all want to end the war, would you seriously consider it..."
"My colleagues and I have given it serious consideration."
Ramsdorf interrupted him with a wave of his hand.
"The answer is no, not a single word of those clauses can appear in the contract."
"count……"
"My lord, as I said, it is impossible for us to accept these demands."
Ramsdorf repeated it, then added a threat.
"Please note that our negotiating partners are not limited to your country."
——Stop playing tricks, if you are in a hurry, we can go and chat with Charlemagne.
Realizing what Ramsdorf was talking about, the Albion man's expression immediately became stiff.
It is not impossible for the principality to turn to Charlemagne. Their purpose is to end the war. As long as the price is reasonable, they can negotiate with anyone. But Albion does not have such a choice. If they continue to maintain an alliance with Charlemagne, when the war ends,
Charlemagne not only reaps more benefits, but also poses a more powerful threat to Albion, which Albion never wants to see.
Therefore, their negotiation targets are limited to the principality.
This is not fair at all!
The Albion soldier protested in his stomach, his cold face motionless.
"Your Excellency, of course we have the sincerity to end the war, otherwise we would not have had so many contacts before."
Salisbury said cautiously. Seeing that the expressions of the guests from the principality softened a little, he continued:
"We all want to end the war and make efforts to contain the common enemy. The only difference between us is that our interests are different. Our country is a maritime country and is more sensitive to freedom of navigation and maritime security..."
The clever diplomats are looking for a way out for both sides. Salisbury knows very well that forcing a certain person or a country too much will not have any good results. Only by applying the right amount of pressure and giving a little appropriate temptation can we get the most.
Benefits. But what is "just the right amount of pressure" and what is the "appropriate temptation" has always been a question worthy of discussion.
Most of the time, especially the captains of the Royal Navy have not done a good job in this regard, just like this time. Therefore, he has always insisted that things like negotiations should be handled by civilian officials, and it is best for soldiers to keep their mouths shut.
Go cool down...
Lord Salisbury smiled and continued:
"Based on the current situation, I think that based on the consensus reached between our country and your country..."
As he was talking, there was a sudden noise outside the tent. Some kind of neat noise and passionate shouts came from a distance. Even from a considerable distance, it could be heard that the soldiers seemed to be deep in some kind of excitement.
Can't extricate myself from it.
What happened? The high-ranking officials and dignitaries who were discussing military and national affairs looked at each other and looked out of the tent in unison——
############
(Why...why...did I come to this point...?)
Looking up at the dazzling starlight above his head, it was difficult to tell whether it was floating or falling in the deep space. The young man muttered blankly. In the corner of his field of vision, a green golem bird was flapping its wings in the starry sky while screaming "Tolly"
, passing over the young man’s head.
Why can't we escape the sad cycle of fate?
Is it the fault of the cruel world or the fault of people addicted to pornography?
In the darkness, despair grew heavier and heavier.
However……
"Encore!", "Encore!", "Encore!"
Outside the curtain, there was a roar of people.
The venue was packed with seats, the aisles and fences were crowded with people, and there was even more buzz outside the venue.
It is rare for a beautiful woman to visit a military camp full of stinky men and gays, and it is even more unheard of for a beautiful lady to perform for the labor force. There is no need for any hype. The temporary venue used for the performance was suddenly packed. When imagination appeared on the stage
When the beautiful girls above joined the group, there were only chaotic cheers and applause in the venue.
Up to this point, the soldiers may still be thinking about "appreciating beautiful girls" and "carnival in the name of appreciating beautiful girls." But they cannot deny that the "idol group" including Roland - this new thing
It itself has the popularity-gathering effect that can be used as an excuse.
People who are far away from their hometown and live a dangerous, boring, and depressing life. Witnessing the cute girl (?) and her innocent performance, backed by the music full of innocent childlike interest, the haze and troubles are swept away. They welcome the uncertainties of life and death with a new mood.
tomorrow - the so-called labor performance is such a ceremony.
Roland knew this very well, so even though he was still extremely resistant to women's clothing, he still performed hard. But I don't know whether his acting skills were too successful, or the suggestion effect added in "Platinum Head of State" was too strong, the direction of the performance, or the venue.
The whole thing started to change subtly.
"Encore! Encore! Encore!"
The venue was almost shattered by a tsunami of cheers and applause, but this was relatively normal.
"Dedicate my eternal love to you!"
"I swear to protect you to the death, holy girl!"
"Miss Zhen, please let us see your face!!"
All kinds of passionate and disgusting words echoed in the air. Some people were still shouting "leader" or something. There were even fainting people among the crowd who shouted the name of "Zhen". In order to get closer to the stage, the audience pushed and pushed each other.
There were also physical conflicts with the military police who were maintaining order, and some people were injured and were carried off.
Everyone could see that the venue was on the verge of getting out of control. The enthusiasm had gone beyond the enthusiasm of star-chasers and was closer to a certain religion, and Roland was the leader who accepted the worship of believers.
I'm afraid that if Roland orders "die" now, some people will do it with a smile.
If he is a person with excessive self-awareness, he will probably be immersed in the pleasure brought by such a scene. However, he does not have such a strange hobby. On the contrary, the enthusiasm of the audience troubles him.
The original plan was to use the concert to attract everyone's attention so that a hostage rescue operation could be carried out without alerting the military and to prevent the crown prince from sabotaging the peace negotiations.
Now it seems that the performance has indeed attracted the vast majority of people, but the overly enthusiastic crowd has surrounded the venue, and it seems impossible to escape quietly...
"What are you thinking about?"
A familiar voice came from behind, and the young man couldn't help but sigh and turned his head.
The slim and lovely girl was staring at him, a smile blooming on her childish face.
"Nonna is ready, you're welcome, feel free to make a scene."
"I said..."
Roland stared at the "girl" and sighed tiredly. Even he couldn't tell how many times he sighed, but no matter how many times he sighed, his heart was still heavy.
His handsome features were full of sadness, and then he murmured like a groan:
"Can you stop being like this and speaking with this voice?"
The same appearance, the same voice, almost exactly the self in the mirror - the self wearing women's clothes and pretending to be a woman.
The projection created by Li Lin using the phantom technique in the Q version has no flaws. Optical illusions are unfolded from all angles, including up, down, front, left, and right, and the sound has also been adjusted. It is almost indistinguishable from Roland himself. As long as they are not in close contact, no one can
You will find that this is just a phantom that can make sounds.
After a while, the impostor came on stage to perform, and Roland was naturally able to get away to save the person. He just looked at the female version of himself in the mirror, and felt awkward as if he was participating in a shameful play.
Phantom shrugged and said with his signature smile:
"You have to be patient for the sake of fighting."
The emcee's explanation came from another part of the curtain. Hearing that the goddess in his heart was about to perform on stage again, the crowd burst into even louder cheers - this also announced that the battle to rescue Prince Charles was about to begin. After swallowing his unfinished complaints, Roland
Turn around and run away.
The stage lighting went out and the auditorium became quiet as if water had been poured on it.
Colored lights flashed in the darkness, dim brilliance gathered in one place, the curtains parted to the left and right, and a girl with gorgeous light blond hair and sexy clothes appeared on the stage. Before the audience could recover from their breathlessness,
In amazement, the whip in the girl's hand began to dance. The consciousness of everyone gathered at the venue and crowded outside the venue was attracted by the girl's movements.
"Listen to my song~~~~~!"
The whip made a bright sound on the stage, and fireworks and dry ice smoke were sprayed from all over the stage. The colorful lights created by using simple operating system techniques rendered the entire stage in a fantasy color, and fast-paced music that had never been heard before filled the air.
The people who had recovered from the shock were quickly involved in a more fanatical whirlpool than before.
Almost no one noticed that among the fireworks just now, three extremely bright red balls of light shot up into the sky.
"The battle begins."
Reciting the hidden message of the flare, in the passionate electric guitar prelude of "less", Roland stepped onto the started Hummer. Nona stepped on the accelerator, and the vehicle body made a roaring sound like a beast, like a wild horse running at full speed.