Published: July 5, 2025
"Your Grace Duke Rondo, welcome."
"Your Excellency, it's been a while."
At the official residence of the Head of State, Head of State Cornbano personally welcomed Ryo.
By the way, the three members from Room 10 were lined up behind Ryo in formal attire they had never worn before, resembling that of stationed military and civil officials.
Of course, these were provided by the kingdom delegation.
This was a decision made by the leader Hugh McGrath, who thought it was inappropriate to follow Ryo in their usual adventurer outfits as he was to be the escort of the lead negotiator, the first duke.
Naturally, Nils and Amon were positioned as military officials, carrying their swords, while Eto held a staff.
Especially regarding this point, the delegation from the Republic did not raise any objections.
The meeting began amicably and proceeded smoothly.
It was only natural.
One side wanted to sell, and the other side wanted to buy; both parties’ intentions aligned.
Moreover, their considerations had already been communicated to each other.
There was no reason for conflict.
The only aspects to be decided were practical details.
"Now, I believe our kingdom's intention to purchase has already been conveyed."
"Yes, I have heard."
"However, I am not exactly aware of the quantity you are willing to sell."
Ryo said with a smile.
"The Republic is considering one thousand kilos."
"I see."
Ryo nodded at Cornbano's words.
Just as the information Captain Paulina had provided indicated.
"In that case, we will purchase the entire amount."
"Oh, thank you very much."
Ryo stated clearly, and Cornbano nodded with a smile.
The real issue was the final amount.
"The Republic is considering one trillion five hundred billion ducats, which translates to one trillion five hundred billion florin in the currency of the Central Nations."
"I see."
Ryo nodded at Cornbano's quoted amount.
It was slightly over their budget of one trillion florin.
The three members from Room 10 had already stopped thinking, unable to comprehend such figures, and stood expressionless behind Ryo...
"I understand. I will take this back to the inn and consider it positively."
With that, Ryo stood up.
"Yes, I look forward to it."
Cornbano also stood up, and the two shook hands.
Inside the carriage returning to Doge Pietro.
"What was that? I feel like unknown amounts were flying around."
"It's amazing, negotiations between countries."
Nils and Amon exchanged their common people's impressions.
"But what will we actually do? They've quoted an amount that exceeds our budget by five hundred billion florin."
Eto asked Ryo, looking worried.
"That's true. The best option would be to get them to lower the price."
"That’s reasonable, but..."
"Realistically, making up the five hundred billion florin difference is not feasible, is it?"
"It would take several thousand years of work to do that."
Ryo smiled as he said this, and Nils replied with a voice full of disbelief.
"You've cooperated with the Republic before, haven’t you, Ryo-san?"
"Yes, I have."
"But still, when it comes to negotiations between countries, that doesn’t really matter, does it?"
"That would be the case."
Ryo nodded at Amon’s words.
It's obvious.
If something is sold cheaply just because of a relationship or friendship with a lord, there would definitely be backlash from the parliament later.
The people would surely get angry if they found out that something purchased with their taxes was sold cheaply to another country.
Countries are entities where the interests of many people are intertwined and affect many lives.
"Well, in reality, we don’t need to buy the entire amount."
"That's true."
"Huh?"
"Yes?"
Only Eto understood Ryo's words immediately.
Nils and Amon were tilting their heads in confusion.
"Since we only have one trillion florin, we could say please sell us just six hundred sixty-six kilos."
"That’s meticulous."
"Indeed, if that's the case..."
As Ryo explained, it seemed that both Nils and Amon began to understand.
"Well, saying we only have one trillion florin is quite a bold expression."