Currently, Vex could not leave the main building where the operations control center was located. Fortunately, in addition to the bed, his workspace was also equipped with a small kitchen.

After making sure Erlin could drink milk, Vex then made a glass of warm strawberry milk for her, and while Erlin enjoyed the strawberry milk in amazement, he was preparing a light breakfast.

When he's too lazy to go to Chow Hall for breakfast, Vex would make a loaf that was smeared with butter, then sprinkled with granulated sugar, and lightly toasted in a frying pan. For Erlin, Vex made the same breakfast.

In an instant, Vex managed to make two stacks of toast with granulated sugar which was also Nicole's favorite snack. Then, while enjoying a cup of milk coffee, he looked at Erlin who was heartily enjoying the toast, just like when he looked at Nicole who he missed so much.

Erlin might have been raised as a noble since she was able to walk, but she was still a child. So, after Vex spoke and treated her casually but attentively, it didn't take long before Erlin took off all formalities and talked to Vex like talking to a friend, and once she started talking, she would have a long talk.

One of the topics that make Erlin talk with enthusiasm was the game she really likes, namely hide and seek.

"In the castle, Erlin is very good at playing hide and seek, and sometimes it takes three days to find Erlin."

Vex listened intently with a small nod, though deep down he wondered what kind of hide-and-seek that was going on for three days.

At the same time, Erlin gulped down the last piece of toast in her hand before continuing.

"In the east wing of the castle there is a maid's room that is no longer used, and Erlin keeps a lot of change of clothes there. When the hide-and-seek begins, Erlin will take as much food as possible from the kitchen and hide in the room. Then, only come out when father orders the castle guards to look for Erlin."

'Girl, what you're doing is not hide and seek, but run away from home,' muttered Vex in his heart, and of course he continued to listen to Erlin with interest, without any intention of interrupting her story.

But Erlin suddenly stopped talking and intensely looked at the toast in front of Vex.

"I've eaten some breakfast." While smiling widely, Vex handed his toast to Erlin.

"Mom always said Erlin shouldn't be picky, and this white bread is super yummy."

Without delay, Erlin then cheerfully enjoyed the toast while continuing her story.

- - - - -

Nate was engrossed in a mystery novel when he received a report that a Kingdom Buriek high-ranking official had come to discuss a possible truce. He then immediately called Vex.

"Vex, be prepared, a man claiming to be a leader of Buriek Navy has come to discuss a ceasefire."

[If only one person came, then that means they haven't fully intended to talk about peace. I guess you're more than enough to handle the meeting, especially since I'm really busy right now?]

Question marks immediately appeared on Nate's forehead. Considering that currently the conflict with Kingdom Buriek was the highest priority for TF Amethyst. So he had a hard time imagining what kind of busy matter that makes Vex couldn't find time to meet Kingdom Buriek high-ranking officials.

"Okay, then I'll see him."

[One thing I would like to emphasize, now I can't see death befalling our guests from Sandhur Region. So they shouldn't be used as bargaining chips.]

The question mark on Nate's forehead grew thicker as he asked, "Did you sleep with any of our guests?"

[No.]

"Are you planning on sleeping with one of them?"

[No.]

"Then why is their safety now personal to you?"

[The explanation is quite long, while I'm currently busy, so happy negotiating.]

*Beeeeep!!!*

While frowning, Nate put the receiver, but he didn't think any further and immediately made preparation for the meeting.

- - - - -

When he was greeted by a group of people, riding in an iron carriage that ran without being pulled by horses, Admiral Errez immediately concluded that his mission would not be easy.

Admiral Errez's assumption was accurate. It's clearly visible that the foreigner who turned out to be TF Amethyst, held a far higher technology level than Kingdom Buriek. All the way from the port to a HQ called Davy Jones, Admiral Errez couldn't help but be forced to see many things that made him feel like a country bumpkin.

The highway was very smooth and wide. Nouel fields stretched as far as the eye could see, but not a single Black Eagle was visible in the sky. Large and small iron carriage that moved very quickly and without the need to be pulled by horses, and various constructions that made Buriek Royal City look like a wide rural area.

With ease, Admiral Errez concluded. 'Kingdom Buriek started a war with the wrong opponent.'

Once he arrived at Davy Jones, Admiral Errez was then asked to wait in a room that was not too large, but sparkling clean, and equipped with very luxurious furniture.

Not long after that, an officer entered with a group of people who neatly arranged snacks, meals, and various types of drinks on a serving table at one side of the room. Then, after tasting some of the dishes, Admiral Errez stared blankly for some time.

As he recalled, the last time he enjoyed such delicious food was at the year-end banquet held by King Buriek XII, and no more than ten guests were invited. Even then, each guest only gets a quota of one portion for each menu.

But right now, he was treated to a dish that was no less delicious, with the amount ten times larger.

Admiral Errez had not recovered from his shock when the door to the room was opened and a man with a casual appearance walked in. The man then approached him before extending his hand.

"Greeting Ser Admiral, my name is Nate, 4th highest position holder in TF Amethyst."

"Errez, Admiral, highest leader of Buriek Navy."

After shaking Admiral Errez's hand tightly, Nate then took various food from the serving table while saying, "I'm sure the talks we're going to have are not official. So if you don't mind, we'll do it informally."

"I don't mind at all," replied Admiral Errez before starting to pile meat rolls onto his plate.

"So, Admiral Errez, what honor do we have for you to visit us?"

"Kingdom Buriek proposes a ceasefire and is willing to pay a high compensation if TF Amethyst turns a blind eye to the operations we are carrying out in Sandhur Region."

Nate was silent for a while before asking, "What if we refuse?"

To be honest, doubts clouded Admiral Errez's heart, but he firmly said, "Then Kingdom Buriek will declare total war on TF Amethyst."

Nate gave a small smile before casually speaking, "To be honest, we don't care what Kingdom Buriek is doing in Sandhur Region. The thing is, we were attacked by Buriek cavalry elements when we were just sitting in our place."

"Ser Nate, we can argue about who attacked whom, but without concrete evidence the debate is pointless. So can we focus on what is going to happen, and not what has happened."

Still in a casual tone Nate answered, "For now let's have our meal in peace. After that, I'll show Ser Admiral the concrete evidence you asked for. I'll also show Ser Admiral a bit of TF Amethyst's military capacity. Then, you can carefully think whether going to war with TF Amethyst is a wise choice or not."

At first glance, Nate's words sounded very arrogant even though he said them with a smile. Therefore Admiral Errez frowned, but only for a moment before he gave a small nod.

Because, if he could peek at TF Amethyst's military capacity for free, then Admiral Errez wouldn't mind swallowing his pride.

*****