Four weeks after the Battle of Solmere, a procession of luxurious caravans rolled through the gates of Alexandria.
Each one had been crafted by Barb.
Those who recognized her distinctive workmanship understood immediately that these were no ordinary vehicles. Spacious, reinforced, and equipped with pocket-dimensional interiors, they were among the finest caravans on the continent.
To the average citizen lining the streets, the sight was unsettling.
The United Kingdoms had arrived.
And they had come without an army.
No marching soldiers.
No siege engines.
No visible guards beyond a small escort provided by Alexandria itself.
Some citizens watched in fearful silence.
What reparations would be demanded?
What humiliation would their nation be forced to endure?
Others interpreted the situation very differently.
They're in our city.
We have them surrounded.
If we strike now, we can finish what the army failed to do.
But those who truly understood the balance of power knew better.
If Jax Darquebane wanted Alexandria destroyed, no walls would save it.
No army could stop him.
No number of soldiers would matter.
The Empire had already tested that theory.
And lost.
Today was not about revenge.
It was about deciding what kind of world would rise from the ashes.
The negotiations were held in Alexandria's grand council chamber.
The same room where plans for conquest had once been drafted.
Now it hosted the architects of peace.
Representatives from every major member nation of the United Kingdoms filled one side of the long table.
The Elven Kingdom was represented by King Elarion Silverleaf and his trusted spymaster, Vaelrith.
The Wolfkin sent their Alpha Lord and his advisers.
The Cat territories were represented by Leon Vandermane.
The Troll enclaves sent Grathok.
The Fairies were represented, officially and much to everyone's amusement, by Jax Darquebane.
"You don't look like a fairy," one Alexandrian councilor muttered.
Jax smiled.
"Yeah. I get that a lot."
Laughter broke some of the tension.
The Demonkin delegation arrived in full force.
Llandra sat at Jax's right hand as his second-in-command.
Behind them stood Lexi, poised and attentive.
And seated with the Demonkin representatives were Nyxian's mother, Velastra Nightveil, and her daughter, Sera Nightveil.
Nyxian's eye twitched the moment she saw them.
"Why are you here?"
Sera gave an innocent smile.
"We volunteered."
Velastra lifted her chin proudly.
"And with my influence, our appointment was unanimously approved."
Then she leaned closer and lowered her voice.
"Now, where is that handsome son-in-law of mine?"
"This is neither the time nor the place, Mother," Nyxian hissed.
Velastra pouted dramatically.
"Well, if you want your sister and me to behave, then perhaps you and the Vixens can spend the evening catching up with us."
Nyxian's eyes narrowed.
"I know you imprinted on my husband."
Sera looked at the ceiling.
Velastra smiled without shame.
Nyxian pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Oh, goddess. Fine. But if either of you starts anything during negotiations, I will personally feed you to Dante."
"Wonderful," Velastra said. "Family dinner it is."
On the Empire's side of the table sat Alexandria's remaining leadership.
Among them was Mathis Rhymekey.
In only four weeks, he had risen from respected sergeant to one of the most trusted military leaders in the realm.
Jax was genuinely pleased to see him.
Mathis wore a pristine formal uniform with several new ribbons and honors.
He looked exactly as Jax remembered him—disciplined, composed, and honorable.
When everyone had taken their seats, Mathis stood first.
"We come to these negotiations in good faith," he said.
His voice was steady.
"We were defeated, but we are not without dignity. We wish to preserve our nation and avoid further bloodshed."
He looked directly at Jax.
"We hope you do as well."
Jax inclined his head.
"We do."
For many in the room, it was striking to see every representative of the United Kingdoms turn to Jax.
No formal king sat among them.
No supreme ruler had been appointed.
And yet everyone present knew who spoke for the alliance.
Jax leaned forward.
"We are not here to destroy Alexandria."
Visible relief spread through the Imperial delegation.
"But our terms will fundamentally change the future of your nation."
The room grew silent.
Jax slid a prepared document across the table.
Terms of the Treaty of Alexandria
1. Reconstruction
Alexandria will fund and supply labor to rebuild every town and city destroyed during Imperial campaigns over the past five years.
2. Abolition of Slavery
Slavery is abolished immediately throughout all former Imperial territories.
Anyone caught trafficking slaves will face capital punishment.
3. Equal Rights
Beastkin, Demonkin, and all sentient races will receive full legal protection and equal rights under the law.
4. Open Trade
Trade between Alexandria and the United Kingdoms will begin immediately.
Upon successful completion of security protocols, a permanent portal gate will be installed between Alexandria and Solmere.
5. Dissolution of the Slave Guild
All Slave Guild property and holdings will be confiscated and redistributed to reconstruction efforts.
6. Religious Freedom
Worship of the Chaos God is outlawed.
Peaceful worship of all other faiths is protected.
7. War Crimes Tribunal
Known collaborators of the former regime, including slave traders and Chaos cultists, will be investigated and tried.
8. Army Retention
The Alexandrian military will remain intact.
Its officers will be vetted, retrained, and reassigned as necessary.
9. Educational Exchange
Teachers, engineers, and administrators from the United Kingdoms will help modernize infrastructure, sanitation, and public institutions.
10. Non-Aggression Pact
Alexandria and the United Kingdoms agree to mutual defense and a permanent end to hostilities.
The Alexandrian delegation read the document.
One by one, their expressions shifted from fear to confusion.
Then disbelief.
The terms were severe in some respects.
But they were not punitive.
No crushing tribute.
No occupation.
No disbanding of the army.
One councilor finally voiced the question everyone was thinking.
"What about our military?"
Jax folded his hands.
"We are not dismantling your army."
The room went still.
"Your soldiers are trained professionals," Jax continued. "Most were serving the nation they believed in, not the corruption that manipulated them."
He glanced at Mathis.
"Men and women who receive a stable paycheck and serve a just cause are far less likely to become tomorrow's rebels."
Mathis nodded slowly.
He understood exactly what Jax was doing.
Jax was preserving stability.
Preserving jobs.
Preserving pride.
And redirecting all of it toward a better future.
Some of Jax's own allies had argued for harsher terms.
But Jax knew history.
Humiliated nations did not stay peaceful.
They sought revenge.
Prosperous nations sought trade.
The distinction mattered.
After a lengthy review, Mathis rose.
He looked around at his fellow representatives.
No one objected.
He turned to Jax.
"These terms are more generous than we expected."
Jax smiled slightly.
"I'd rather gain a partner than create another enemy."
Mathis extended his hand.
"Then, on behalf of Alexandria, we accept."
Jax stood and clasped his hand firmly.
One by one, the representatives signed.
The Treaty of Alexandria was ratified that same day.
The war was officially over.
As the delegates began to disperse, opinions varied.
Some on the Alexandrian side believed they had escaped far more severe punishment than they deserved.
Some on the United Kingdoms side thought Jax had asked for too little.
But Jax was not interested in vengeance.
He was interested in building.
And the strongest foundations were built when both sides walked away believing they had won.
Outside the council chamber, the bells of Alexandria began to ring.
Not for war.
Not for mourning.
But for peace.