Tomyris's decision hit Perdiccas where it hurts the most.
Everything else was easy to say. Moreover, Perdiccas really had no intention of resisting the Greek Empire. Even if Tomyris's army and the subsequent supply team were to advance from his side, Perdiccas would find a way to ensure that the supply team could arrive at the destination smoothly and safely without any problems on the territory of the Kingdom of Macedonia. However, even if he said so, Tomyris would never believe it. He could not refuse Tomyris' proposal without proposing a better plan than going with the army.
This is the most troublesome thing.
"Father..."
At this time, Akira, who had been thinking for a long time, raised his head.
"I have an idea."
"Huh? Tell me."
"Or, I'll be a hostage."
Akira put his hand on his chest seriously.
"I am the prince of the Macedonian Kingdom and the only heir in the future. So, if I become a hostage, it should have the same effect. What do you think?"
"……you sure?"
Perdiccas frowned.
"If you die, there will be no successor to the Macedonian Kingdom."
"Father, you might as well think about it this way. If I die, it means that Tomyris and the Greek Empire are determined to destroy my Macedonian Kingdom. In that case, whether I go or not, it will be meaningless. After all, they are ready to annex us. But at least this way, we can preserve our vitality. And if I come back safely, that will naturally be the best result."
Akira's words.
In fact, his attitude has been proven.
As a prince, Aguila did have the awareness of a prince, and he knew how dangerous his decision was, but he did not escape, but took the initiative to face the danger. This still surprised Perdiccas a little, and the old king knew how risky such a decision was, but if he thought about it carefully, if he considered the future of the Macedonians, Aguila's decision might be the best.
"I see."
"Father, do you agree?"
"…Well, since you've made your decision, let's do it this way."
Perdiccas smiled wryly and shook his head.
"But this also requires Tomyris's consent."
"Our country must also have its own bottom line. Tomorrow, I will argue for this point."
"Well, okay, I'll leave it to you then."
Looking at his son, Perdiccas felt for the first time that he had grown old.
His son is now growing very fast and has become an object of pride for Perdiccas.
So Perdiccas stood up and slowly walked to Akira, he stretched out his hand and patted Akira's shoulder. His strength was very strong, as a king who had been fighting on horseback for many years, the feeling of his hand patting on the shoulder was painful and numb, but Akira just frowned and had no other reaction.
"well done."
"Yes, Father."
"No matter what the outcome is, no matter what the future of the Kingdom of Macedonia is, as long as there are people like you among the Macedonians, the future of Macedonia will definitely be good." Perdiccas nodded heavily, "Remember, the future of this country belongs to you. You will be the king of the Kingdom of Macedonia in the future, so no matter what direction this country will go, it is up to you to decide."
"Yes, I understand."
----------
After discussing with my father.
Now, Akira also knew what he had to do.
The next day arrived quickly.
Unlike Tomyris who slept soundly, Akira stayed awake all night. He was not sleepy at all. He just ate some refreshing fruits and then sat in front of the table, thinking about how to face the aggressive Tomyris.
"Well, that's it... alright."
A thought came into Akira's head.
But he looked up.
But I found that it was already light outside the window.
"It's morning already."
Akira smiled bitterly and shook his head, it was dawn, which meant that he would have to face Tomyris next.
The time agreed with Tomyris was in the morning. After both parties had breakfast, they would meet in the inner city of Aigai City to continue yesterday's topic. And today was the time to decide the outcome.
At this time, Tomyris was eating breakfast.
Breakfast in the military camp is simple, just wheat porridge with some dried meat.
After Tomyris finished a bowl, she put it aside.
"Next, we have to get down to business."
"Well, I'll wait for you here."
Artemis smiled and looked at Tomyris.
"Don't be too anxious, and don't be too bullying."
"Don't worry. Besides, I have probably guessed what kind of answer Akira will give." Tomyris said with a smile, "If I were Akira, I would definitely not directly agree to the request to go with the army. After all, there are more than 10,000 lives at stake. If the command is in my hands, they will most likely be used as cannon fodder. No matter how stupid the Macedonians are, they will not fail to think of this."
"Everything is under your control?"
“Maybe.”
Tomyris also thought about it last night.
Although she fell asleep quickly because of Artemis' singing, Tomyris quickly imagined what might happen today while listening to the song.
Chapter 4 of the Fifth Part: Tensions in the Negotiations
Although, this is Tomyris' first time dealing with something like this.
But she didn't feel worried or scared.
Instead, I am eager to try.
Tomyris had a rough idea of what kind of attitude Akira would have, and what excuses or other methods he would use to ease the current awkward situation. So, she was well prepared and came to the inner city of Aigai with her personal guards.
At this time, Akira and his men were waiting for Tomyris's arrival.
As a formal meeting between the two countries.
The standards given by Akira are very high.
The densely packed guards occupied almost every place in Aigai City, and the nobles and civilians who were watching were also violently dispersed by the army, just in case. Although it was almost impossible to hurt Tomyris in Aigai City with her ability, in order to prevent someone from doing something reckless in a fit of anger, Akira still arranged the highest standard of guards to ensure that this meeting could proceed successfully.
And Akira.
Already waiting for Tomyris's arrival in the palace.
After all, Akira is the prince here.
He is the host and must assume such responsibilities.
"Please go here."
The leading Macedonian general lowered his head and brought Tomyris into the palace.
When entering the palace, the number of guards suddenly decreased a lot, and they all protected the entrance and exit of the palace. Tomyris just took a quick glance, and this kind of guard force could not pose much threat to her. With a confident and calm smile on her face, she walked into the main hall of the palace with firm steps. Here, Akira was standing opposite the meeting table, smiling at Tomyris's arrival.
"Welcome, General."
"It's not the first time we meet, there's no need to be so polite."
"This is not okay."
Akira retorted:
"We can't miss out on matters of etiquette."
"Then you really have a heart."
Tomyris' words were somewhat ironic, but Akira didn't seem to care. He just smiled and shook his head, then asked the maids to come up with the prepared snacks and grape juice. Tomyris looked at the food in front of her, she just smiled, and didn't reach out to take the food. Akira took a piece of the snack and put it into his mouth to show that there was absolutely no problem with the food. While eating, Akira also explained:
"Oh, I was so busy getting ready today that I didn't even have breakfast."
"It's really hard work. I did have breakfast."
"Eating with the soldiers?"
"Eating and sleeping with the soldiers is a tradition of our Greek Empire Army. From centurions to generals, they all have to live with the soldiers during marches and battles to ensure that the soldiers' living conditions are absolutely adequate. The soldiers also have to eat in the morning, so I ate some with them." Tomyris even smiled and explained, "Your Highness, if you have time, you can come and try it. Although the food in the army is not as delicious as the food in the palace, it is at least worth a try."
“There is definitely a chance.”
Akira nodded quickly.
At this time, all the cakes and drinks were served.
After that, everyone else in the hall left, leaving only Akira and Tomyris.
"Well, it's time to discuss yesterday's issues."
"It seems that you disagree."
Seeing Akira's somewhat nervous and serious look, Tomyris roughly guessed the other party's answer. Of course, Tomyris was not surprised by this result. Tomyris had considered this point when she came. So, when Tomyris pointed it out, Akira just smiled bitterly.
"Indeed, it is difficult for our Macedonian Kingdom to agree to the request made by His Excellency the General."
"What's the reason?"
"Just as you cannot accept that the precious supply line passes through the uncontrollable territory of the Kingdom of Macedonia, we cannot accept that more than 10,000 Macedonian warriors are handed over to the commanders of other countries. After all, if I were you, when encountering a battle, I would find a way to make this unit cannon fodder, regardless of whether it is to weaken the military strength of the Kingdom of Macedonia, but as long as it can preserve its own manpower, I will do so. Therefore, the Kingdom of Macedonia cannot accept that its precious soldiers are consumed in a meaningless war against the kingdom."
"So that's the case."
"Yes."
There is nothing wrong with what Akira said.
He was also honest enough.
And Tomyris had guessed it long ago.
Just like before, Tomyris asked Akira to think from his perspective. Back in the tent, Tomyris also thought about this problem and thought from his perspective. She imagined how she would deal with this tricky request if she were Akira. The conclusion she came to was that if she agreed to it, it would be like transferring the risk of the Greek Empire to the Kingdom of Macedonia, and all the risks would be borne by the people of the Kingdom of Macedonia. This was obviously very irresponsible and extremely dangerous.
Therefore, Akira would inevitably refuse.
Tomyris was in no hurry either.
She picked up the cup in front of her and gently drank the grape juice in it.
But his eyes kept studying Akira.
But Akira was not afraid at all, his eyes met Tomyris's directly. Even though he knew that he was facing Tomyris, the oracle and the legendary general of the Greek Empire, Akira did not retreat or show any fear.
Such a stalemate.
It lasted for a full three minutes.
Finally, Tomyris put down her cup and joked with a smile:
"I understand now. It turns out that the warriors of Macedonia were cowards who dared not to join the war."
"It's not that I don't dare, but that there is no need."
"According to the alliance between the Greek Empire and the Kingdom of Macedonia, our army is now caught in a war, and the Kingdom of Macedonia should have sent troops. But now you tell me that you are afraid that we will treat the Macedonians as cannon fodder. Okay, if you are worried about this problem, then the commander of this Macedonian army will be handed over to you Macedonians. You have the right to decide whether to participate in this battle. In this way, if we really treat you as cannon fodder, your Macedonian commander will react immediately."
"That's true, but..."
Tomyris had already made a big step back.
But Akira didn't agree.
"I still can't accept it."
The fifth chapter of the fifth chapter: the bottom line that cannot be compromised
"Then I don't quite understand."
“Yes, this is the bottom line of our country.”
"The bottom line is that we can't send troops?"
"Yes, the Kingdom of Macedonia has a population of only a few hundred thousand people, and the country's current military strength is 16,000. These 16,000 people represent the most elite young and middle-aged forces of the Kingdom of Macedonia. Any loss will cause a huge loss to the future of the Kingdom of Macedonia. Therefore, this is also the reason why our Kingdom of Macedonia will try its best to avoid fighting in normal wars. Unless it is to defend the country, the lives and safety of the Macedonian warriors cannot be handed over casually and must be treated with caution."
