As the clock struck twelve, Napoleon entered the grand hall of Leoben's town hall, where the meeting was to take place.

The French and Austrian delegations were seated at opposite ends of a long table, facing each other.

Berthier, who stood behind Napoleon, leaned forward and spoke. "Sir, do you really not need an interpreter?"

"No need," Napoleon whispered a reply. "I may not look like it but I'm good at German."

After saying that, Napoleon flickered his gaze to the two Austrian officials and spoke.

"Guten Tag, Mein Name ist Napoleon Bonaparte, Befehlshaber der Armee von Italien. Es freut mich, Sie beide kennenzulernen, General Merveldt und Marquis Gallo."

(Good day, my name is Napoleon Bonaparte, Commander of the Army of Italy. It is a pleasure to meet both of you, General Merveldt and Marquis Gallo.)

"Sie sprechen Deutsch zu gut, wo haben Sie Deutsch gelernt?" Mervelt replied.

(You speak German too well, where did you learn to speak German?)

"Selbst beigebracht (Self-taught)," Napoleon answered and continued. "Now, if you don't mind, we can proceed with the negotiations in your language. I'm quite confident that I can understand and communicate effectively."General Merveldt and the Marquis of Gallo exchanged glances, surprised by Napoleon's fluency in German. After a moment of hesitation, Merveldt nodded and replied.

"Very well, General Bonaparte. But first, we have to know, is this negotiation sanctioned by your government?"

Napoleon paused for a moment, considering his response. He knew that the negotiation was not officially sanctioned by the French government. However, he also understood the critical nature of the situation and the potential benefits that could arise from this armistice. He did not want to be bogged down by bureaucratic processes.

Keeping his composure, Napoleon looked directly at General Merveldt and replied with a firm tone. "That's correct."

"In that case, we can proceed on your terms," Merveldt said. "What are your terms?"

"Well, there are three terms that I'd like to propose," Napoleon began. "Firstly, I demand the recognition of the French Republic's territorial gains. Austria must acknowledge and accept the territorial acquisitions made by the French Republic during the course of this war. This includes the recognition of French control over the Austrian Netherlands and Lombardy. Secondly, I require explicit recognition of the establishment of the Cisalpine Republic. And finally, we demand reparations for the damages caused by the war. Austria shall provide financial compensation to the French Republic to account for the losses endured by our forces and the devastation inflicted upon the territories affected by the conflict. Accept these terms, and we shall promptly bring an end to this conflict. However, should you choose to reject them, be aware that fifty thousand French soldiers will march to Vienna, and the consequences shall be dire."

"Well, those are quite hefty terms you've got there, General Bonaparte. Acknowledging your territorial gains, recognizing the Cisalpine Republic, and providing reparations... It's a lot to consider, you know." General Merveldt let out a forced chuckle.

"Well, it's up to you if you want to continue this war. For us, it's fine because we are already in position, and within a day, we can reach Vienna. It is in your best interest that you accept this treaty and I know you have the power to do so. After all, you are sanctioned by your Emperor to sue for peace right?"

Napoleon's words hung in the air, the weight of his statement sinking in. General Merveldt's smile wavered as he exchanged glances with the Marquis of Gallo. The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the soft shuffling of papers.

General Merveldt cleared his throat, his expression now more serious.

"You make a compelling case, General Bonaparte. We understand the consequences of rejecting these terms, and we do not wish to see further destruction or loss of life. We are sanctioned to negotiate on behalf of Emperor Francis II, and our goal is to seek a resolution that benefits both our nations."

Napoleon nodded, his gaze unwavering. "That is precisely what I aim for, General Merveldt. We can end this war and establish a new order in Europe, one built on cooperation and mutual prosperity. The choice is yours."

The Marquis of Gallo leaned forward, his voice filled with genuine concern. "But General Bonaparte, what guarantee can you offer that these terms will bring about peace? According to our intel, the French Army of the Rhine is launching a new offensive?"

"Ah, them," Napoleon exclaimed softly in recognition. "Don't worry, once you accept our terms, we will immediately relay a message to the Directory, who will then order the Army of the Rhine to stand down. You can have my word for it, gentlemen."

The room was filled with a mixture of relief and cautious optimism. The Marquis of Gallo leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Your assurance is appreciated, General Bonaparte. It seems we have reached a pivotal moment in our negotiations. Let us take a moment to confer."

The Austrian delegation huddled together, engaged in whispered conversations. General Merveldt and the Marquis exchanged words, their expressions shifting from skepticism to consideration. After a few minutes, they turned back to face Napoleon, their demeanor more composed.

"General Bonaparte, we find your terms to be ambitious, but we recognize the gravity of the situation and the potential benefits of ending this war. We are prepared to accept your proposal."

Napoleon's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. The first step toward peace had been taken.

"Excellent," he said. "We shall draft the necessary documents and ensure that both parties are satisfied with the terms. This armistice will bring an end to the bloodshed and allow us to work towards a lasting peace."

Over the next few hours, the French and Austrian delegations drew up the necessary documents, meticulously ironing out the details of the armistice agreement.

Napoleon and his advisors worked closely with General Merveldt and the Marquis of Gallo, going through each clause with precision and deliberation. The negotiations, though complex, progressed steadily, with compromises made on both sides. As the sun began to set outside, the final version of the armistice agreement took shape.

Finally, with the ink still drying on the documents, Napoleon and General Merveldt stood side by side at the grand table.

Napoleon offered Merveldt a quill and spoke. "After you, General. Sign here, and let us bring an end to this war."

General Merveldt took the quill and signed his name with a firm hand, the weight of the decision evident in his expression. The Marquis of Gallo followed suit, adding his signature beside Merveldt's.

Napoleon grabbed his own quill and added his signature to the document, the ink flowing smoothly as he pressed the quill against the parchment. With a final stroke, he completed his signature, solidifying the agreement that would mark the end of the hostilities between France and Austria.

Napoleon faced the two and extended his hand, offering a handshake. General Merveldt and the Marquis of Gallo hesitated for a moment, exchanging glances, but then they both reached out and firmly shook Napoleon's hand.

"Congratulations, gentlemen," Napoleon said, his voice filled with genuine satisfaction. "You have just ended hostilities with the French Republic, but one must understand that this is not a peace treaty but an armistice. Your government must ratify the terms of this armistice and work towards a comprehensive peace treaty in the near future."

"We will inform the emperor," Merveldt said.