a toad (amphibian similar to a frog)

(military): the advance and retreat of troops: tactics / (business, general): trick or tactics in negotiations, bargaining or haggling for a good price, give and take

to engage in tactics / to bargain, to haggle, to give and take

trade, have dealings with

a train station distant from society (located in mountains and the country, etc.)

bittersweet

sad pleasure

(uncommon) bittersweet

(uncommon) sad pleasure

(と〜) thinking that […] (with the next clause explaining that the truth is contrary to expectations)