CHAPTER 312: CHAPTER 213: LOOPHOLES ARE MEANT TO BE EXPLOITED

Sven the Seventh held out for 47 hours, surrendering just before the deadline set by Roland.

Of course, he never admitted it was a surrender; he claimed he was merely making concessions to prevent further war suffering for the people of both nations.

As for starting the war himself, he conveniently forgot about that.

The Hosenburg Treaty was signed on an unnamed hill outside Hosenburg City.

The signatories were Empress Sylph of the Sussex Empire and Mr. Tovting, the representative of the Oden Kingdom.

Empress Sylph flamboyantly signed her full name in full character.

She even paused for a few seconds during the signing to carefully verify the spelling difference between Sylph and Sif.

Tom, Jerry, and Raikkonen, as representatives of the outstanding young officers, witnessed the signing ceremony on-site.

Watching the Oden Kingdom’s representative leave, seemingly calm but actually distraught, Tom couldn’t help but quietly grumble.

"Our Empress personally signed, yet they only sent a representative. So disrespectful!"

Jerry, standing next to him, almost couldn’t hold back a smile and whispered a low explanation: "Firstly, we are the victors; signing is an honor. They are the losers; signing is a disgrace. Secondly, only Her Majesty can sign on our behalf."

Tom stood there dumbfounded, his eyes full of confusion, and asked cautiously: "Why can only Her Majesty sign? Can’t the Governor or Lord Count do it in her stead?"

"Because Her Majesty is the Supreme Leader of the nation, she can decide on foreign wars and peace treaties. However, she has not formally ascended the throne and cannot authorize anyone outside of the Cabinet to do it."

Jerry explained it very clearly, but Tom only became more bewildered.

Politics was too complicated; his brain couldn’t quite handle it.

Seeing his perplexed expression, Raikkonen patted his shoulder and smiled reassuringly:

"It’s okay; actually, I don’t understand it either."

Tom shook his head vigorously, dispelling his worries. Raikkonen was right; politics was way too complicated.

"By the way, we get a week’s vacation when we return to Hansa. Where do you guys want to go?"

In this war, Tom had made several remarkable achievements, was promoted two ranks exceptionally, and was listed for knighthood, making his status dramatically different, with many people approaching him and showing goodwill.

He felt a bit overwhelmed, but he cherished the comrades who shared life-and-death experiences with him more.

During the siege defense, he hadn’t directly met Raikkonen; he only learned after the relief that the cavalry vanguard leader continuously harassing the enemy to alleviate the city’s defense was Raikkonen.

Though they didn’t meet, they fought side by side.

Thus, Tom, Jerry, and Raikkonen, who were not far apart in age, formed a bond of friendship on the battlefield, becoming close brothers.

Tom respected Commander Jacobs very much, but the commander’s age was akin to his father’s, creating a generational gap.

Though Joseph was younger, he always had a cold face, indifferent to everyone, and Tom rarely spoke to him.

Despite the lack of communication, Tom still listed Joseph among friends he could entrust life and death.

Overall, this was a victory worth commemorating.

Tom planned a full schedule upon returning to Hansa, intending to enjoy a few days of thrill.

However, just as he dreamed of a delightful life, a stranger, a Golden Knight, approached him.

"Are you Major Tom of the Army?"

Tom knew Golden Knights were direct affiliates of the Governor, so he didn’t dare to be negligent and quickly saluted.

"Major Tom of the newly formed 19th Regiment, salutes you."

"Major Tom, please receive the Lord Governor’s notification, asking you to report to the Military Academy immediately upon returning to Hansa; you’ve been selected for short-term class training."

"Ah?"

Tom was stunned on the spot. Immediate reporting meant his vacation hadn’t even started before it ended. What does this short training class mean? Is it dissatisfaction from the Governor, necessitating additional training?

Seeing his bewildered expression, the Golden Knight smiled and explained: "Don’t overthink it; all selected for the short training class performed well in this war as young officers."

Tom sighed in relief; it seemed to be a good thing.

He quickly reported to the Golden Knight and happily headed back to camp.

Before the expedition, he was appointed as a lieutenant due to his proficiency with firearms. Now, not only an Army Major, he’s also been titled a knight, with a bright future, certainly having reasons to be happy.

Many were as happy as Tom.

Everyone knew Governor Roland’s style, both strict and generous, matching rewards for accomplishments.

While everyone was full of hope for the future, Roland was not as leisurely as them.

He locked himself in a small room, closed his eyes, silently conducting a post-war review, seeking issues exposed during the war.

Firstly on the strategic level.

Months ago, he couldn’t have dreamed the Oden Kingdom dared to attack the Three Overseas Provinces.

He considered potential adversaries like the Jin Yuan Republic, already an enemy, the eagerly expansive Prudon Kingdom, or the Vladimir Empire, eventually fighting; the surprise came only from northern brutes.

Fortunately, Alina’s intelligence work was excellent, conducting analyses before the Oden Kingdom’s war, predicting their movements.

Roland quietly warned himself not to consider everyone a sharp political strategist.

Most national systems in this era are still monarchical; if the Monarch lacks wisdom, irrational decisions may happen.

Where to complain if enemies don’t follow political norms?

The Oden Kingdom’s invasion seemed to exploit Sussex Empire’s internal conflicts with precise timing, but in reality, it was a setup.

The Cabinet clearly hoped Sif faced setbacks overseas, forced back to the Imperial Capital, yet they absolutely wouldn’t permit the Three Overseas Provinces’ annexation.