CHAPTER 752: CHAPTER 752: UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL

Those who were responsible for it should be the ones to bear the brunt.

"Of course, Your Majesty. But all the information I will provide is only what we were able to gather so far in our faction. I and my companions would not know if there are more since we no longer have time to gather more intel. Jacob and Emily have verified it, so we can confirm its accuracy," Princess Seraphina clarified.

"Yes, I understand," Arabella nodded.

The list, though incomplete, already held significant weight. Even if they were not sure it was everyone who still had Prudencians, it was already more than enough.

It would make searching for the remaining Prudencians in Crux much easier since they would know which household to focus on instead of searching the entire kingdom.

"We can also pinpoint where some nobles are hiding Prudencians," Princess Seraphina added, causing Arabella to gulp nervously.

’This is exactly what we need! How many locations can she provide for us?!’ Arabella tried to mask the emotion on her face.

[We need to extract this information from her!] Alwin was equally eager.

Discovering the whereabouts of the hidden Prudencians would hasten the end of the war, allowing them to shift focus to the issues in Sibruh.

"However, only if Your Majesty grants us a favor," Princess Seraphina added.

Arabella and Alwin’s hopes for their tasks to be lessened soon was doused.

’What would she ask in exchange for such valuable information?!’

[What would she ask in exchange for such valuable information?!]

Arabella and Alwin exchanged a knowing glance. Given the gravity of the intel which could be accounted as a betrayal against Crux, they figured Princess Seraphina’s request would be something big in exchange.

"And what is this favor?" Arabella inquired. Whatever it was, she knew it was the reason Princess Seraphina took the risk to meet with her.

Princess Seraphina swallowed nervously and glanced at her companions. They smiled politely and nodded reassuringly.

Relieved they were here with her, Seraphina took a deep breath to steady herself. Summoning her courage, she asked, "Your Majesty, what are Valeria’s intentions for Crux after the war?"

’Oh, is she afraid we would conquer Crux and make them permanently a part of Valeria?’

Ferdinand and Arabella had no such plans. They only wanted to reclaim their people and bring them home.

"If you are concerned about our future plans, rest assured that Valeria will leave Crux alone after the war. We will only take back all our people to safety and leave. But of course, only after receiving an apology," Arabella informed.

"I see. Then, the favor I ask, Your Majesty, is for Valeria to take over Crux," Princess Seraphina stated.

"Pardon?" Arabella questioned, unable to believe her ears.

’I must have misheard,’ Arabella thought, momentarily stunned.

After all, why would a princess who loved her people ask for her kingdom to be conquered.

"Please, Your Majesty. Please integrate Crux as a part of Valeria," Princess Seraphina repeated.

"..."

Arabella was left speechless when Princess Seraphina said it again.

’I heard it right!’

She was silent for a few seconds as she tried to process what the Princess meant.

[What is she talking about?!]

Even Alwin was taken aback by Princess Seraphina’s request.

"I understand this might seem unreasonable, but after careful deliberation within our faction, we believe it’s the only viable solution," Princess Seraphina explained earnestly. "It’s not just my wish, but the consensus of our entire faction. We have debated this extensively, and we firmly believe it’s in the best interest of our people."

"Can you please elaborate? What do you mean? How can this be for the best when you would become just another territory of Valeria if we do as you say?" Arabella finally managed to speak.

"Valeria is the strongest nation in Eliora, Your Majesty," Princess Serapina continued. "Though it is regrettable that we have to submit, it is because we want the change now before more of our people in Crux die from slavery. We cannot wait for ten years when it is unsure even by then if change would have been gradually accepted in Crux or would never come. Since the revolutionary faction cannot win war with the current power in Crux, then at least, by becoming a part of Valeria, slavery would be abolished much sooner."

Arabella swallowed hard as she understood what Princess Seraphina had in mind.

If Crux joined Valeria, the pro-slavery faction would be compelled to abide by Valerian laws. Rather, they would have no choice but to submit to Valerian rules.

In Valeria, slavery was strictly forbidden, ensuring its immediate abolition throughout the kingdom upon Crux’s integration.

This strategic move meant that Princess Seraphina and the anti-slavery faction in Crux would no longer need to sacrifice lives in futile wars they already knew they would lose. Thus, instead of exhausting their own resources and military might, they decided to rely on Valeria’s strength.

However, it also meant Crux would have to submit to Valeria’s authority and pay taxes annually.

"Are you certain this decision represents the entire faction?" Arabella inquired cautiously.

"Yes, Your Majesty. After reaching consensus, every household signed in agreement," Princess Seraphina confirmed confidently.

Emily produced a scroll seemingly from thin air and handed it to the princess.

Princess Seraphina partly opened the scroll and settled it on the table.

Alwin inspected it and began unscrolling further for Arabella to review the contents.

It was long scroll with statement on the top most part about their agreement to become a territory of Valeria to solve their most pressing problem which was the slavery in Crux and their repeated loses against the Pro-slavery faction.

Arabella was astounded. A lot of noble houses had agreed to this decision. They were the ones who signed with their household seal.

Likewise, there were so many more common households signed. They were the ones who signed without an insignia.

’She and her brother had indeed worked hard over the years. They had gathered so many people to join their cause,’ Arabella thought as Alwin continued to unscroll it.