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Between 1301 and 1303, Charles of Valois, brother of Philip the Fair, carried out a political arbitration between the Count of Savoy and the Dauphin of Viennois. More than twenty documents from this process have survived and shed light on the unique role of this arbiter, whose mandate emphasized mediation—a dual function built into the legal framework from the start. However, the arbiter lacked significant authority, despite his connection to the papacy. Both parties remained in conflict, often violating truces, even as Charles of Valois treated them equally, aimed to promote cooperation, and carefully considered their petitions. Despite a thorough investigation by qualified personnel balanced between the two sides, the proceedings stalled and ended without resolution—highlighting the inherent challenge of blending arbitration and mediation, two fundamentally different methods.