Chapter 326 The Villain Lady Arrives 155
Tariq smiled slightly, bowed and said, "Your Highness, I have no other intention in coming here. I just want to have a frank exchange with Your Highness on the affairs of our two countries."
Albert nodded slightly, motioning Tariq to come in. The room was decorated simply yet elegantly, with flickering candlelight, illuminating the solemn and serious faces of the two men.
"Lord Tariq, I know that you are both wise and brave, and you enjoy a high reputation in the court. But the grudge between the two countries cannot be easily resolved?" Albert went straight to the point, revealing a bit of helplessness and determination in his words.
Tariq sighed and said slowly: "Your Highness, what you said makes sense. The grievances between the two countries are indeed deep-rooted. But I think that no matter how deep the hatred is, it cannot overcome the people's desire for peace. Your Highness, have you ever heard that your people are displaced in the war, and our people are also looking forward to peaceful days?"
Albert's eyes flashed with mixed emotions when he heard this. He was silent for a moment, as if he was having a fierce struggle deep in his heart. Finally, he slowly spoke: "Lord Tariq, I am not a heartless person. But you also know that as a prince, I have my responsibilities and mission. I must obey my father's wishes."
Tariq nodded to show his understanding. "Your Highness, I am not asking you to give up everything immediately. I just hope that we can work together to find a win-win solution. You can see that our princess does not want to become a political victim. Her happiness is equally important."
Albert's eyes inadvertently passed through the window. Under the moonlight, every blade of grass and every tree in the palace seemed particularly peaceful and tranquil. He could not help but feel an inexplicable emotion in his heart, which was a yearning for peace and a desire for the beauty of human nature.
"Lord Tariq, can you tell me, if we really choose peace, how should we face everything we have lost in the war?" There was a hint of confusion and struggle in Albert's voice.
Tariq took a step forward and looked at Albert firmly. "Your Highness, what is lost will be lost, but we can choose how to face the future. Resolving disputes through peaceful means can not only avoid more bloodshed and sacrifice, but also bring long-term well-being to the people of both countries. As for those lost, we can work together to make up for them with the fruits of peace and development."
Upon hearing this, Tariq was moved, but his face remained calm and resolute. He knew that this was a battle of hearts and minds, and a turning point in the fate of the two countries. He sighed softly, and his tone became gentler and full of sincerity: "Your Highness, I understand your concerns and responsibilities. On the scale of power, every weight is as heavy as a thousand pounds. But please allow me to remind you that in the long river of history, countless countries have risen and fallen because of wars. Only those nations that know how to cherish peace and dare to put aside prejudices can stand tall in the world for a long time."
Prince Albert frowned slightly, his eyes flickering in the candlelight, as if he was in a fierce inner struggle. He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and stared at the quiet night sky outside. The moonlight shone on his face, outlining a resolute outline. "Lord Tariq, your words are moving, but you know that what I carry on my shoulders is not only my personal honor and responsibility, but also the future and hope of the entire country. My father, a great leader, has been fighting for the prosperity of the country all his life. How can I give up so easily?"
Tariq did not answer immediately. He stood aside quietly, giving Albert enough time to think. He knew that true transformation often requires time to settle and inner awakening. Finally, he spoke slowly, with a little more tenderness and understanding in his voice: "Your Highness, I am not asking you to make a decision immediately. I just hope that before making any choice, you can listen to the voice of your heart and think about what is best for the people of both countries. War may bring temporary victory and glory, but the trauma and pain it leaves behind are difficult for generations to heal."
Albert turned around and his eyes met Tariq again. This time, his eyes were more complicated and thoughtful. "Lord Tariq, your words have made me think deeply. I never thought that I could hear such profound insights and sincere appeals from the enemy's envoys. But please forgive me, as a prince, I cannot act on my own will. I need time to discuss with my father and my ministers, and listen to the voices of more people."
Tariq smiled slightly. He understood that this was already a good start. "Your Highness, I respect your decision. I believe that a truly wise man will always make the right choice at the critical moment. I am willing to wait, waiting for you and your country to welcome the dawn of peace."
After saying this, Tariq bowed slightly and prepared to leave. However, just as he turned around, Albert suddenly spoke with a hint of hesitation in his voice: "Lord Tariq, could you please stay for a moment? I have something to say to you alone."
Tariq was moved when he heard this, and then he stopped and turned to Albert. "Of course, Your Highness, I am always willing to listen."
Albert took a few steps closer and looked directly at Tariq. His voice was low and serious: "Lord Tariq, I know that there are too many political considerations and conflicts of interest behind this marriage. But I also know that no matter what the result is, it is the innocent people who will bear it in the end. I... have an unwelcome request, I hope you can help me."
Tariq had a bad feeling in his heart, but he remained calm and asked, "Your Highness, please speak."
Albert took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind: "I hope that before the final decision is made, you can arrange for me to meet with Her Royal Highness the Princess. Not for marriage, but... for us to understand each other, and for us to know that even under the shadow of war and hatred, the kindness and beauty in human nature can still shine."
Hearing this, Tariq felt a warm current in his heart. He had never expected that this seemingly cold and ruthless prince actually had such a delicate mind and deep emotions. He nodded and solemnly promised: "Your Highness, I will do my best to arrange your request. I believe that such a meeting will be a valuable experience for both Your Highness and you."
The two smiled at each other, as if at this moment, all the barriers and hostility disappeared. Albert thanked Tariq for his help again and agreed on a time and place to meet. With Tariq's departure, the hall returned to peace again, but the air was filled with an unprecedented hope and expectation.
The next morning, when the first rays of sunlight penetrated the clouds and filled the palace, Princess Andriella was standing at the window, looking at the distant skyline, with mixed emotions in her heart. She was looking forward to meeting Albert, but also worried that this meeting would bring more troubles and uncertainties. However, she knew that no matter what the result was, she had to face it bravely.