Holfort Palace

"Everyone, I’m glad that you could come on this occasion. I thank you as the ruler of Holfort Dukedom."

The ones sitting at the table are the representatives of each country who participated in the Tevinter subjugation, the ones responsible for diplomacy.

"First have a taste of the refreshments and tea. They were made by our country’s finest craftsmen."

"This is excellent."

"As expected of the coastal country of Holfort."

Each country’s representatives tasted the cakes, which were made with expensive white sugar and studded with rare fruits.

"I thank you for the praise. Well, why don’t we split up this prized cake and start our conversation."

Everyone’s face became tense. The purpose of this conference is none other than to divide the territory of the destroyed former Tevinter state.

The conditions to participate in the conference is that each was entrusted with the full authority for their respective countries. The result of the conference would be the amount of territory that each country receive.

"The chairman is the Marquis Cyril de Montfort from Council of Herald of Orlais, and furthermore I will be serving as the representative for Holfort, the first country to be discussed."

The representative of each country nodded, it’s a natural result that Holfort became the main focus because of its contribution of national power and military power.

"First is the representative of the Orlais Allied Nation, tell us your request."

"My country is not adjoining with the former Tevinter. Thus I want to take the eastern port city on the coast of the Thedas ocean and the territory surrounding it."

"I can’t nod to that!"

"Exactly! Even if your land is detached it’s fine if you get the traffic rights to trade!"

The representatives of the landlocked country, Dioral Kingdom and Republic of Florence, located on the neighboring shore along Thedas ocean, opposed. It was clear that both countries also wanted the port city.

"Well, wait a moment. First we only want to hear the requests, after that I will ask for your opinions."

In the end, the three countries exchanged a heated discussion in which they first put forward what they would compromise, and it was decided that they would take turns in acquiring the services of the developing port city based on the degree of contribution.

Duke Redgrave, the ruler of Holfort made eye contact with his son who was taking notes at his side. He did not care for the other three countries. He knew what they wanted, and possessing the port city that was developing more than Tevinter was not important to Holfort. Besides, based on its location it was clear that it would not allow him the ability to rule over the whole area from southern part to the eastern part, including the capital.

The problem was with the country closely facing the border, Principality of Fanoss. Historically, they had circumstances that caused them to dispute with Tevinter repeatedly, they were a small country with a population of 100,000, but have dispatched an army of over 10,000, and aligned with Holfort’s army to form the nucleus of the punitive force. Naturally one would think that they would make a request based on that contribution.

"I have no objection to the plan for the three countries’ demand of the eastern coast area."

"And what do you want for your country?"

Everyone held their breaths and waited for the representative for Principality of Fanoss to open his mouth.

"Excluding the eastern area…I want to take half of the entire area of the Tevinter southern region."

Everyone grumbled and complained.

"Half is it…?"

"Isn’t that too much…"

The representatives from the three countries looked at Duke Redgrave with unpleasant expressions. With this condition Fanoss would be equal to Holfort. Looking at the difference in national power, it will be hard to see Holfort letting it pass without any objection.

"I have one question. What will you do with the capital?"

"The capital is geographically part of the southern area which is included in our request so please understand."

That is not good. The representatives from each country held their heads. This is too advantageous for Principality of Fanoss. If you have more than a quarter of the entire Tevinter’s population, and gain even the giant fortress city in the capital, it would be Principality of Fanoss becoming the sole winner.

Holfort would not accept conditions like that. If things did not go well the negotiations might well end as a blank slate. The representatives from each country glared at the person who proposed the insolent request with eyes of condemnation, but as expected from those who participate in diplomacy, he wasn’t affected in the slightest.

"How do you expect me to accept this?"

Duke Redgrave’s voice remained calm.

"Well, the negotiations begin here. Let’s talk it over."

The duke’s eyes met with his son and he nodded. The negotiations had not started, they were already finished. From here on, what would be happening was just an act, it’s a ridiculous joke.

At the end of the heated discussion that stretched over half a day, finally a conclusion had been reached.

Orlais Allied Nation , Dioral Kingdom, Republic of Florence obtained 

Eastern Tevinter 1 region – port city and the surrounding area divided into three.

Principality of Fanoss obtained entire Southern Region excluding the eastern area, including former capital city.

Holfort Dukedom obtained the entire northern region of the former Tevinter state excluding the eastern area, outlying western region.

***

The negotiator for Principality of Fanoss, Prince Veldo couldn’t stop laughing. Requesting for even the capital was a move to test how Duke Redgrave would respond, if he agreed then it would be divided to me, if not then it would be fine to give to Holfort.

It was to make the capital an important existence as the subject of the negotiation so that they could not see that what I really wanted was the southern region.

Tevinter was originally not a poor area. The land was suitable for agriculture, there were iron ore and other mineral mines. Securing the southern half will cause Principality’s power to rise significantly.

But who would have thought. Of course the capital would be under the control of the southern half. It’s more than the best result, it’s a result above his expectations.

Duke Redgrave requested for only the former Tevinter’s northern area and the remote region that was close to where the large western mountain range started. Prince Veldo believed the Duke wanted the remote far west area to be Holfort territory regardless of the north-south parts.

Of course, it was accepted instantly. Both Fanoss and the former Tevinter had their primary cities entirely in the southern and central area. The far western area had towns and villages with at most 2,000 population so there was not much to gain.

Although it was connected by land to the motherland of Fanoss, the highways were not maintained so the transportation of crops and tax collection was inconvenient, so it did not make for a good place to rule over. To add on, the western side adjacent to where the mountain range started, had mountain people living in the large wasteland, which sometimes caused disputes. It’s an area that is only troublesome to reign.

Of course that was why Veldo asked the Duke why he would wish for such an area, but the at the time the duke took the throne he appointed a large amount of new nobles. It seemed that he was lacking in land to give to them.

Veldo could understand, territory was the reason as to why the nobles would swear their loyalty to the king. If they did not get reward corresponding to their loyalty then their hearts will leave in an instant. He was also struggling with how to handle nobles isn’t he?

"Although if the nobles were given that kind of territory they would also think it was troublesome."

To speak so candidly about his internal circumstances, that duke was stupid but he could  be likable. Veldo would hate for him to be a lord to look up to but he had nothing to complain about them as a neighbour.

"At first I didn’t know what to do, but now our house’s future is looking bright now."

This huge success was something worthy for Veldo to get praised. The land that they were able to obtain this time might somewhat be granted as  rewards. In addition, Veldo was able to make personal connections with the lavish Duke Redgrave.

It was impossible for Veldo to suppress his cheerful smile on the way back to the home country.