The First Marescowlian Peace Conference (Closed: AoD only)

[Yasuragi]

Prince Herald gave the representatives of Britain and Yasuragi a good-natured smile. "Forgive my interruption, but would you mind stating the exact sum you desire for reparations?"

"It is no interruption at all, honored Prince," he said, dipping his head in acknowledgment, "but I would personally prefer to see the price that Valcouria places on an enemy's life first. Personal curiosity - plus, I imagine the Minister is tired of hearing demands, and would enjoy a chance to offer a reasonable concession, no?"

[Marescowl]

Prince Herald gave the representatives of Britain and Yasuragi a good-natured smile. "Forgive my interruption, but would you mind stating the exact sum you desire for reparations?"

"It is no interruption at all, honored Prince," he said, dipping his head in acknowledgment, "but I would personally prefer to see the price that Valcouria places on an enemy's life first. Personal curiosity - plus, I imagine the Minister is tired of hearing demands, and would enjoy a chance to offer a reasonable concession, no?"

Prince Herald nodded in understanding. "I understand your curiosity, representative. Very well."

Yuri Koshco, upon being requested by one of the Sultan's servants to return, walked back into the conference hall as he hastenly tied his tie back on as on as he walked. His face looked fairly worried as he had just learned of Naniyyolia's sudden demise.
"Seeing our great ally and war partner Naniyyolia's fate, the Council of Corporations have sanctioned me the required powers to negotiate a peace treaty on Hapha's behalf.
Koshco took a seat back in his chair and looked towards the members of the 'Grand' Alliance
"Now, where do we start?"

Prince Herald smiled good-naturedly at Representative Koshco. "That depends on whether Hapha has any peace demands. If it does, you should make them known at this time."

[Valcouria]

"All sentient life is precious," Englund replied, cracking a small smile. "That being said, it is rather cold to put a financial sum on them. However, it has been done." He searched through his papers again before finding one that was relevant. "Recent international estimates place the value of human life at about $50,000," he said, reading off his paper. "However, in the spirit of finding a peace without victory,I believe it would be more prudent to bypass all reparations."

[Hapha]

"It is no interruption at all, honored Prince," he said, dipping his head in acknowledgment, "but I would personally prefer to see the price that Valcouria places on an enemy's life first. Personal curiosity - plus, I imagine the Minister is tired of hearing demands, and would enjoy a chance to offer a reasonable concession, no?"

Prince Herald nodded in understanding. "I understand your curiosity, representative. Very well."

Yuri Koshco, upon being requested by one of the Sultan's servants to return, walked back into the conference hall as he hastenly tied his tie back on as on as he walked. His face looked fairly worried as he had just learned of Naniyyolia's sudden demise.
"Seeing our great ally and war partner Naniyyolia's fate, the Council of Corporations have sanctioned me the required powers to negotiate a peace treaty on Hapha's behalf.
Koshco took a seat back in his chair and looked towards the members of the 'Grand' Alliance
"Now, where do we start?"

Prince Herald smiled good-naturedly at Representative Koshco. "That depends on whether Hapha has any peace demands. If it does, you should make them known at this time."

Koshco leaned back in his chair
"Hapha's demands are fairly simple, we would like to see the full normalization of economic activity between Hapha and members of the Collingwood Pact. Additionally Hapha would request for the area in which Naniyyolia was located to be declared an international "no man's land" in which no nation can claim.

[Valcouria]

Englund turned his attention to the Haphan Delegation, a small, warm smile on his face as he listened to them.
"This sounds like a delightful proposal," he replied. "And I, on behalf of the Empire, agree to the proposal of the no man's land, as well," he added. "I can accept those terms," he finished.

[Yasuragi]

"All sentient life is precious," Englund replied, cracking a small smile. "That being said, it is rather cold to put a financial sum on them. However, it has been done." He searched through his papers again before finding one that was relevant. "Recent international estimates place the value of human life at about $50,000," he said, reading off his paper. "However, in the spirit of finding a peace without victory,I believe it would be more prudent to bypass all reparations."

"Why is there a need to find a 'peace without victory', Minister, when we have already found victory?" Sakanoue asked.

[The Greater Lands of Albion]

"Sir, perhaps you would wish to be reminded that presently, British terms for Valcourian surrender are that Valcouria leave South Hadian entirely, renounce its claims to South Hadian, pay reparation to all opposing nations for damage done and persons killed as a consequence of war, accept defeat publicly and apologise publicly for Valcourian imperialistic ambitions in the Far East, and making a non-aggression pact with Hadian, South Hadian and Rurikia for the next three months whilst reparation is being paid for," reminded Emma Ricefield kindly and politely.

[Valcouria]

Growing mildly annoyed, Englund returned his attention to the Yasuragi delegation.
"Has there been a decisive battle? Has there been a surrender?" He inquired. "These are the hallmarks of a defeat. The Empire is seeking a mutual agreement to end hostilities without either side having to suffer through such indignities," he finished. Then Englund turned towards the British delegation as well. "At present," he continued, "only the first term is acceptable. But then again, as I've been informed," he added, tapping on a sheet of paper in front of him, "it was my understanding that such an action was sufficient for the United Kingdom to accept an offer of peace," he finished.

[Yasuragi]

Growing mildly annoyed, Englund returned his attention to the Yasuragi delegation.
"Has there been a decisive battle? Has there been a surrender?" He inquired. "These are the hallmarks of a defeat. The Empire is seeking a mutual agreement to end hostilities without either side having to suffer through such indignities," he finished.

"There have been multiple decisive battles, although I will admit at present there have been no voluntary surrenders," Sakanoue confessed, "although that is primarily because the Valcourian forces have been forced to surrender or been killed before they've had a chance. The fact remains, though, that the Empire of Valcouria has been solidly defeated in the Hadian archipelago. With that being established, I see no reason for the Valcourian Empire to not suffer the indignities of defeat, given that it has been, again, defeated. Do you deny this?"

[Valcouria]

"Considering that both the Empire and the Principality of Equestria was planning on reinforcing the South in short order before this conference," Englund retorted, "I would be apt to say that there wasn't a clear-cut defeat and end of the power projection that accompanies a war." He glanced at Princess Twilight before continuing. "As I've stated, the goal of this conference is to end hostilities without any more bloodshed, not to have nations gloat over battles and strategy," he finished.

[The Greater Lands of Albion]

"Considering that both the Empire and the Principality of Equestria was planning on reinforcing the South in short order before this conference," Englund retorted, "I would be apt to say that there wasn't a clear-cut defeat and end of the power projection that accompanies a war." He glanced at Princess Twilight before continuing. "As I've stated, the goal of this conference is to end hostilities without any more bloodshed, not to have nations gloat over battles and strategy," he finished.

Abraham Weatherall turned and spoke with Sakanoue briefly in hushed voices, before turning to face their Valcourian counterpart, "Mr. Englund, as First Secretary this is the most I am authorised to offer without conferring with my more senior colleagues back in London — whose answer would be a disappointed, 'No, you have done all that you could possibly have had; we are not prepared to offer any more concessions,' — and what Mr. Sakanoue is also most authorised to offer: that Valcouria leave South Hadian entirely, renounce all its claims to South Hadian and refuse to house any South Hadian or Hadian shadow government(s) and political parties, accept defeat publicly, and openly apologise for its actions and ambitions in the Far East.

"I think when you have five nations working against one nation — intelligence reports suggest that the Principality of Equestria soon saw the impracticality of it all and elected against joining the conflict — with only a few tiny island chains as footholds, which could be reclaimed in less than an hour after the currently enforced ceasefire is retracted, that constitutes as Valcouria losing a war."

[Yasuragi]

"...that Valcouria leave South Hadian entirely, renounce all its claims to South Hadian and refuse to house any South Hadian or Hadian shadow government(s) and political parties, accept defeat publicly, and openly apologise for its actions and ambitions in the Far East."

"We would also note that you have already agreed to the first three terms in spirit, if not formally," Sakanoue further noted. "The only issue would be the latter two concessions."

[Valcouria]

Englund conferenced again with the Empress, whispering in hushed tones, before turning back to the two diplomats.
"The Empire would be willing only to leave South Hadian, and acknowledge it had done so, but without admitting any defeat," he reiterated. "As stated, the war had not escalated to the point there were full-blown winners or losers, so why should one particular side admit to it at this time?" he asked. "Can we not settle for a peace without victory?" he added, gesturing with his hands openly towards the two sides.

[Yasuragi]

Englund conferenced again with the Empress, whispering in hushed tones, before turning back to the two diplomats.
"The Empire would be willing only to leave South Hadian, and acknowledge it had done so, but without admitting any defeat," he reiterated. "As stated, the war had not escalated to the point there were full-blown winners or losers, so why should one particular side admit to it at this time?" he asked. "Can we not settle for a peace without victory?" he added, gesturing with his hands openly towards the two sides.

"Again, we have already found our victory; now we seek peace. I see no reason to sacrifice our hard earned victory, nor would it be just or honorable to lie to our people about what they had lost so many noble sons and daughters for," Sakanoue countered. "We view this war as being a conclusive victory for Hadian and ourselves."

[The New Changeling Empire]

Englund conferenced again with the Empress, whispering in hushed tones, before turning back to the two diplomats.
"The Empire would be willing only to leave South Hadian, and acknowledge it had done so, but without admitting any defeat," he reiterated. "As stated, the war had not escalated to the point there were full-blown winners or losers, so why should one particular side admit to it at this time?" he asked. "Can we not settle for a peace without victory?" he added, gesturing with his hands openly towards the two sides.

"Again, we have already found our victory; now we seek peace. I see no reason to sacrifice our hard earned victory, nor would it be just or honorable to lie to our people about what they had lost so many noble sons and daughters for," Sakanoue countered. "We view this war as being a conclusive victory for Hadian and ourselves."

Lacewing coughs to bring attention to herself. "Would the British and Yasuragi be receptive of being paid in uncut gems?"

[Cyrod]

"Regardless of the no-doubt infamous Valcourian stubborn pride, the Diplomatic Service of the Empire of Cyrod is more than willing to publicly acknowledge the defeat of the Grand Alliance in the Hadian theater, and to apologize for its unrightful and undiplomatic interventions into the affairs of the Hadian islands; after all, who appointed the State of Valcouria the supreme spokesperson of the Grand Alliance, as opposed to the State of Cyrod?"

[Hapha]

After seeing the heated argument between the two parties dive down, Koshco turned back toward the Collingwood Pact delegates with a simile
"I am very glad that our two nations can come to an agreement. As far as the history books go, I am assuming its safe to say that the war in the Thrasz theater ended in an white peace?"

[Yasuragi]

"Regardless of the no-doubt infamous Valcourian stubborn pride, the Diplomatic Service of the Empire of Cyrod is more than willing to publicly acknowledge the defeat of the Grand Alliance in the Hadian theater, and to apologize for its unrightful and undiplomatic interventions into the affairs of the Hadian islands; after all, who appointed the State of Valcouria the supreme spokesperson of the Grand Alliance, as opposed to the State of Cyrod?"

"Ah..." Sakanoue said, taken slightly off-balance. "This is true, and our apologies. However, as you say, who appointed the State of Cyrod the supreme spokesperson of the Grand Alliance in turn? Perhaps, for the sake of singling no one nation out - as the Empire of Valcouria seems to be attempting - the announcement could come from the Joint Command?"

After seeing the heated argument between the two parties dive down, Koshco turned back toward the Collingwood Pact delegates with a simile
"I am very glad that our two nations can come to an agreement. As far as the history books go, I am assuming its safe to say that the war in the Thrasz theater ended in an white peace?"

"It did not; the Despot seized control of the Kingdom of Thrasz, and now holds it at his leisure - as is only his right," Sakanoue noted carefully.

[Hapha]

"Regardless of the no-doubt infamous Valcourian stubborn pride, the Diplomatic Service of the Empire of Cyrod is more than willing to publicly acknowledge the defeat of the Grand Alliance in the Hadian theater, and to apologize for its unrightful and undiplomatic interventions into the affairs of the Hadian islands; after all, who appointed the State of Valcouria the supreme spokesperson of the Grand Alliance, as opposed to the State of Cyrod?"

"Ah..." Sakanoue said, taken slightly off-balance. "This is true, and our apologies. However, as you say, who appointed the State of Cyrod the supreme spokesperson of the Grand Alliance in turn? Perhaps, for the sake of singling no one nation out - as the Empire of Valcouria seems to be attempting - the announcement could come from the Joint Command?"

After seeing the heated argument between the two parties dive down, Koshco turned back toward the Collingwood Pact delegates with a simile
"I am very glad that our two nations can come to an agreement. As far as the history books go, I am assuming its safe to say that the war in the Thrasz theater ended in an white peace?"

"It did not; the Despot seized control of the Kingdom of Thrasz, and now holds it at his leisure - as is only his right," Sakanoue noted carefully.

[Hapha]

"...A white peace between Hapha and the Collingwood Pact. Last time I checked, we were not at war with the Despot..."

[Yasuragi]

"...A white peace between Hapha and the Collingwood Pact. Last time I checked, we were not at war with the Despot..."

"Of course not, of course not," Sakanoue said. "I simply meant that the Thrasz theater no longer exists, given the Despot's intervention. Overall, however, I believe a white peace exists between the Grand Alliance and the entirety of the Silverwood Coalition, including Hapha."

[The New Changeling Empire]

Lacewing coughs again, louder this time. "Hello? I'm offering to pay reperations to you."

[Hapha]

"...A white peace between Hapha and the Collingwood Pact. Last time I checked, we were not at war with the Despot..."

"Of course not, of course not," Sakanoue said. "I simply meant that the Thrasz theater no longer exists, given the Despot's intervention. Overall, however, I believe a white peace exists between the Grand Alliance and the entirety of the Silverwood Coalition, including Hapha."

"I would argue that there was still a Thrasz theater after the Despot's intervention, after all Haphan and Nahan forces were still in the area preparing attacks on Collingwood Pact forces in the area for after the ceasefire expires. None the less this is not the place to debate this, I would a agree that there is white peace between the Silverwood Coalition and the Collingwood Pact."

[The Greater Lands of Albion]

"Regardless of the no-doubt infamous Valcourian stubborn pride, the Diplomatic Service of the Empire of Cyrod is more than willing to publicly acknowledge the defeat of the Grand Alliance in the Hadian theater, and to apologize for its unrightful and undiplomatic interventions into the affairs of the Hadian islands; after all, who appointed the State of Valcouria the supreme spokesperson of the Grand Alliance, as opposed to the State of Cyrod?"

Lacewing coughs again, louder this time. "Hello? I'm offering to pay reperations to you."

Ruth H. Berkins drank tea out of her cuppa before turning to look at the Cyrodoon diplomat. "We are grateful to hear your offer, and indeed, in terms of diplomatic prestige and weight, the Empire of Cyrod is greater than the Empire of Valcouria, however it should be noted that this is a war against the nation state of Valcouria, not against the whole of the Grand Alliance. After all, no other nation but the Empire of Valcouria is currently fighting in the war against us, therefore it must be Valcouria that concedes to our terms."

Emma Ricefield, smiling at the Queen-Empress Lacewing very politely said, "We are of course very grateful for your very generous offer, but you are not required to render such a payment; after all, we've already dropped that as a demand. It is overly generous of you to offer, but an admission of defeat from the Empire of Valcouria will suffice. Your offer demonstrates your true commitment to the peace process, and we are very grateful of it."

[Valcouria]

Englund glanced back and forth between the Empress and the other delegates, then cleared his throat to speak again.
"I believe that, yes, the Thrasz theater will be acceptable as a white peace," he replied. "As for South Hadian, the Empress has offered to pay reparations in jewels...would this, coupled with the Empire pulling out of South Hadian, be an acceptable peace?" he asked.