Knights of Tezoth

-- I see far too many conditions here, and that alone is enough to call it a threat. For that reason alone, we cannot agree... -- Ambrose, taking the document, jabbed the tip of his dagger at the lines "by the court of Lord Albus," "no fewer than five," "shall enter into marriage" -- But this would already be a fourth front, and that is quite untimely for us right now. Let us try to find a compromise here, and if not -- let it be worse for them.

...

"The Knights of Canamia send greetings to Lord Ferlutz

On behalf of us all, we are glad that the thirst for justice and the noble resolve to stand for it remain within you.

However, the conditions you have put forward for preserving that which is eternal and self-evident cannot but surprise us.

We regret to note that you have doubts as to whether the first point requires any reminder. We assure you that a proper investigation has already begun and will be conducted until its full success.

In light of the multitude of our enemies, we find the second point just, but we are compelled to strike out the amendment regarding "no fewer than five" so that our other loyal vassals are not unjustly deprived.

Financial assistance will be directed to you as necessary for military expenditures during the conflict; upon its conclusion, we take upon ourselves the procedure of restoring the region in financial, administrative, and organizational aspects in full measure.

Regarding the third point, we must remind you that such proposals, by every law and custom, are appropriate either from equal to equal, or from superior to inferior, but not the other way around.

Two of our knights have already suffered for Albus. Our commitment to our duties as suzerain, which consist of the fairness of the court, protection from enemies, and avenging those who wrong our vassals, is unconditional.

Just as unconditional should be your fulfillment of the duties of a vassal.

In the name of the memory of your father and the future of your region, humble your pride.

Better to gain less than desired than to lose what you have.

Understanding the grief that has befallen you and your just thirst for vengeance, we forgive your careless words.

But we also assure you that any form of betrayal will not be forgiven."

The Knights, having drafted the reply, await the opinions of Axel and Lester on what to add and what to cut.

-- Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, hmm... -- having read Ambrose's reply, Axel turned to Yin before adding his edits. - What do you know about Lord Ferlutz's character? Judging by the letter, one gets the impression that he is a rather capricious young man. Or the text was deliberately composed on the principle of demanding more than you need in order to get what you need.

- In my view, Lord Ambrose correctly noted that he possesses great pride, which has only grown through taking on the current burden of his region. This man is endowed with intelligence and can be bargained with, but I fear the condescending tones in our reply will work against us.

So what do my experienced experts advise? If we go back, it's an absolute total disaster.

Going back means returning to camp with a madman, sacrificing the rest of the team. Then recruiting new ones and going back, immediately sacrificing half of them...
Going forward is 50/50, as they say. Either you make it, or you don't...