The hall gradually became quiet.
"This report summarizes all damage confirmed to date."
Odelia's words were calm.
"The costs required for recovery are also included."
Calix's gaze went down to the documents.
"If Bernadia is truly intent on resolving this matter, what is needed is proper accountability and compensation. The full extent of the damage to Talamand Port is detailed in this report. Two piers have completely collapsed, and twelve warehouses have been completely burned down. A significant portion of the cargo held by the port merchants has also been lost. The restoration costs recorded here alone amount to at least this much."
Odelia lightly touched a part of the document with her fingertips.
"If Bernadia wishes to express their apologies, they must first bear the full cost."
A commotion arose once again in the hall. However, Odelia did not stop speaking.
"And deploy Bernadia's shipbuilding technology and port engineers to the reconstruction of the port. The reconstruction of the docks and breakwaters is to be undertaken entirely by Bernadia."
Her tone was still calm.
"In return, the Bernadia merchant ship may be granted trading priority for a certain period."
The expressions on the faces of some ministers brightened a little.
"However, customs duties are an exception."
Her gaze, having spoken with certainty, slowly scanned the hall.
"Talamand has suffered significant damage from this war. Therefore, if Bernadia merchant ships use the port of Talamand in the future, we will apply war recovery tariffs higher than the existing tariffs."
The hall became quiet again.
The tariffs are used as a Talamand recovery fund for a certain period.
She paused for a moment, then continued speaking.
"Furthermore, going forward, when Bernadia merchant ships use ports in the Empire of Alendasia, the entry accompanied by warships is prohibited. Only trading vessels are permitted to enter. Additionally, Bernadia merchant ships must pass through Talamand when using the Alendasia route. This measure is intended to strengthen the Empire's control over maritime trade."
The atmosphere within the main hall was gradually changing. Now, calculations appeared on the faces of the ministers. Talamand would become the center of the sea route, and the Alendasia Empire would control maritime trade even more strictly.
And Bernadia must accept that condition as a pretext for an apology.
"Otherwise, Bernadia would have to go to war with Alendasia again, but the Crown Prince had already died in Talamand, some soldiers had been taken prisoner, and the resulting losses were significant."
Odelia said one last thing.
"At this rate, Bernadia's dignity will be preserved. The apology will certainly be made, and trade between the two countries will be maintained. I believe this is a much more constructive method than sending someone to offer up like a sacrifice."
After Odelia finished her proposal, low whispers circulated among the ministers. Some nodded, while others narrowed their eyes as if calculating. Princess Bernadia remained standing in the center.
Odelia paused for a moment and looked at the Princess.
There was no blatant hostility or mockery in her expression. It was merely a very calm look.
"And I think I must mention one more thing. It concerns the proposal you mentioned earlier, Princess. I do not intend to humiliate you, but I cannot accept the proposal to be kept as either Empress or concubine."
The main hall was stirred up again by the unexpected turn of events.
The Princess's eyes slowly rose.
“...Why?”
Odelia looked at the throne for a moment.
And she turned her gaze back to the Princess. It was a clear, unwavering look.
"Unfortunately, I have already promised to stay by His Majesty's side."
The air inside the main hall froze in an instant.
The eyes of some ministers widened. From Fabiana's side, the sound of gasping could be heard.
The Princess's expression wavered as well. Odelia continued speaking, completely unfazed by the change.
"Therefore, neither the Empress, nor the concubines, nor anyone else can stand in that position."
At Odelia's words, all eyes in the main hall turned toward the throne. Calix was still seated, but he no longer hid his expression.
The corners of his mouth were clearly turned up. A bright smile had bloomed. It was a face that was clearly enjoying her possessiveness.
"As you have heard, I already have a designated successor by my side. I have no choice but to refuse the Princess's proposal."
Some of the ministers cautiously bowed their heads, while others stared at each other speechless. In the midst of this, Princess Bernadia bowed her head in agreement.
Afterward, the Bernadia delegation accepted all the conditions proposed by Odelia. Bernadia agreed to bear the full cost of restoring the Port of Talamand, and the reconstruction of the port and a new trade agreement were concluded in accordance with those conditions. The delegation quietly returned home, leaving behind the negotiation documents, and Bernadia officially apologized to the Alendasia Empire.
And a few months later.
The capital of the Alendasia Empire was buzzing with excitement like a festival for the first time in a long while.
Flags hung on every high tower of the imperial palace, and splendid tents and flower decorations lined the main avenues. Nobles from the capital and foreign envoys arrived one by one, and even commoners flocked to the streets to gaze up at the palace.
Today was the day the royal wedding between the Emperor of the Empire and Lord Talamand was to be held.
The main hall of the Imperial Palace also looked completely different from usual. Long streams of sunlight streamed through the windows, and long white cloths and golden decorations hung from the ceiling. Nobles stood in rows wearing their most splendid ceremonial robes, while ministers and foreign envoys were also all in their places.
A short while later, the door in the main hall slowly opened.
First, the imperial palace knights entered.
Odelia walked in behind her.
For today, the Lord of Talamand wore neither armor nor a sword. Instead, she was clad in ceremonial robes adorned with pearlescent silk and gold thread. However, her spirit remained unchanged from when she rode her horse on the battlefield. Her gait, too, was as straight and steady as ever.
At the end of the battle, Calix stood before the throne.
Dressed in the Emperor's robes, he appeared a little calmer than usual. However, from the moment Odelia entered, his gaze never once left her. To the point of blindness.
Odelia walked slowly forward.
The inside of the main was silent, as if holding its breath.
The ceremony wasn't long.
Just as the last oath was finished, the priest declared.
"I hereby declare the marriage of Emperor Calix and Empress Odelia of the Alendasia Empire."
Suddenly, applause and cheers erupted inside the main hall. The shouts continued from outside the windows as well. Even the people gathered below the imperial palace were cheering in unison.
Calix stood there for a moment, listening to the sound. Then, he quietly held Odelia's hand a little tighter.
As if determined not to miss it this time, as if it would be like that for the rest of his life.
Odelia looked down at the hand for a moment, then raised her head.
Their eyes met.
This time, she laughed first.
A moment later, Odelia's hand slowly moved down onto her stomach. Although nothing had changed to the eye yet, she suddenly felt clearly that new life was growing there.
Calix's gaze followed the movement for a moment, going down and then back up.
He didn't say anything, but the fingers holding Odelia's hand tightened a little more.
Outside the imperial palace, the shouts continued. The imperial flag fluttered slowly in the wind, and the sound of bells rang out softly in the distance.
People talked about this day for a long time afterward.
The day when the two people, who had wandered through war and misunderstanding, and countless hours, finally arrived at the same place and decided never to let go of each other's hands.
<END>
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