Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] Chapter 140: Book 2: Chapter 54: Peace Talk

Read chapter 140 of Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] by TTReynolds on NovelPedia.

Book 2: Chapter 54: Peace Talk Book 2: Chapter 54: Peace Talk A light morning mist had sprinkled itself over the trenches and broken siege engines. Unlike the many, many unfortunate days before, there was no sound of marching boots that morning. In fact the was none of the normal sounds of warfare. No guttural howls of monsters. The front didn’t rumble end to end with the whip-crack thunder of released spells. Instead, there was the hollow stillness of a land that had grown far too used to violence, and seemingly had no idea what to do with itself without it. Henry leaned against the shaft of his halberd, his eyes scanning the trenches through what little can be seen in the fog. “This,” he said, “is the part that feels unnatural.” Kate gave him a dry chuckle in reply. “Unnatural? You mean the part where no one’s trying to kill us?” He just frowned into the distance. Alex walked up behind them, his clothes and cloak damp with dew, and motioned toward the command tent. “Briefing. Now.” Inside, the air was thick with the smell of coffee and anticipation. The many officers murmured around the central table where Captain Drenn was currently leaned over the battle map, propped up by his elbows. Everything was quiet until a messenger’s voice cut through the silence. “Orders from High Command. A ceasefire has been agreed upon.” The room stilled as everyone turned to the man who had made the announcement. The messenger continued, eyes flicking nervously to Alex and the other Striders. “Peace talks will be held in the enemy capital. His highness Prince Kailan has volunteered to serve as the envoy, he will enter Aeralith territory with only a small escort, as a gesture of trust.” Alex’s tightened his grip on the table’s edge. The stillness outside suddenly felt like a gasp of air before a scream. The words were a poised executioners blade hung above the command tent. Kate broke the silence first, voice sharp. “It’s a trap. It has to be. You don’t walk into the enemy’s capital with a smile and expect to walk out.” Captain Drenn stood tall from the table, his gravel-laced voice low but stern. “Strider Locke, it is not our place to question the decisions of the Royal family.” Devon pushed his glasses up, already shaking his head. “If anyone can pull this off, it’s Kailan. His influence is strong enough to stop this madness. If this works, it’s the best chance we’ve got.” Garret looked between them, unusually quiet, while Zach leaned back against a tent pole, arms crossed. His voice was calm. “He’s not foolish. He knows what he’s doing.” Eric stood apart from the rest, his arms fold in front of his chest. When he finally spoke, it was barely above a whisper. “Let’s just have hope that’s enough.” Murmurs from the other officers in the command tent washed over them all. Many agreed with Captain Drenn, but fair number of them were thinking the same thing as Kate. It all just felt too easy, too clean to be real. Alex hadn’t moved. He just look down at the maps spread across the table. All the territory line and attack vectors blurred together in his vision. His hands trembled at his sides from anger, or maybe, something colder. Without a word, he turned and walked out, the canvas flap snapping shut behind him. Kailan’s tent was quiet except for the distinct clink of buckles as he adjusted his traveling gear. Everything was awash with a muted lamplight, but the prince was still easily visible in his leathers and light armor. It was a simple attire, and yet still managed to carry the weight of royalty. Alex stepped inside without announcing himself. “You’re really going through with this?” Kailan didn’t flinch. “I am.” “This doesn’t feel right.” Alex’s voice came low, almost a growl. “You’ve made too many enemies, Kailan. There are too many variables you can’t control. You’re walking straight into their hands.” Kailan turned, his movements unhurried, eyes steady. “Peace requires risk. And if I don’t go… then who?” Alex took a step closer. “You thi