"Calm down, Lord Hagen," Van said.
"Calm down? Pay them and end this madness." Hugo continued, "Do you know whose territory they'll attack first if war breaks out?"
Others shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
"And what's next? Do you think handing them money will be the end? Or will it make them bolder, knowing they can take whatever they want whenever they please?"
Hugo looks at Lord Kempten, "Are you suggesting we should fight them? Did you forget what happened to the troop we sent?"
The room fell into silence. It was a total defeat—a disaster.
Kempten disapproves, "I'm simply afraid that paying them won't end this issue. Their request is unreasonable. Even if we drained the treasury, it would barely suffice."
Van nodded, "They made the demand knowing we couldn't pay. They're hoping for us to refuse. Isn't this show they're searching for an excuse to go to war?"
"Even so, we shouldn't be so quick to reject them. We can try to negotiate to lower the amount."
A murmur rippled through the room. Several heads nodded.
This is the best option they can take.
Van glanced across the table, "The question is... who to send."
Every head instantly turns toward Hugo.
"?" Hugo was faintly surprised.
"You've negotiated with Ryntum before. They're more familiar with you," said Kempten.
Hugo sighed. But he couldn't deny it.
Reluctantly, Hugo nodded. "Very well. However, I need full authority to negotiate or else this will be a fool's errand."
....
"You did what?!" Riz half shouted.
Jon Blue looks visibly scared. It was rare to see Jon tremble like this.
Facing the young king's displeasure was a sobering experience for him.
Currently, Riz is at the port. This is his second favourite place after his mansion.
He often cos here whenever he's free.
It was by sheer coincidence that he encountered Jon Blue here today. Jon had arrived to drop off captured goods and resupply his ironclad.
While he was at it, he asked Jon about the current status of his operation at the sea.
Jon thought of hiding his mistake at first, but... the king probably had a way of getting news.
Nobles like them play on a different scale. Once the king knows, he may get skinned alive.
It's better to admit his mistake.
"M-My mouth slipped. I told them we were going to attack their ships. It... it was the heat of the mont. I made a mistake by saying too much."
Riz heaved a long sigh.
"Forget it. They're bound to notice you anyway. Let's wait and see their response."
"Then, what about ? What should I do?"
"Keep attacking them. Act boldly. There's no reason to hold back now."
Jon finally feels relieved. He managed to avoid being punished.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The pirate bow. He added, "And congratulations on getting a twin."
The news had spread beyond the kingdom's border, reaching neighbouring countries.
As a result, his mansion receives so many gifts.
Although he didn't reveal the nas of his children yet, the enthusiasm didn't diminish.
Maybe because people are happy that there's finally a successor to the kingdom.
"Thanks. Anyway, just make sure to be more careful next ti or you'll lose the ability to speak."
Hearing the king's words, Jon shuddered. "I'll keep that in mind."
Riz watched Jon walk off. He turned back toward the port but his mood had soured.
He no longer enjoyed the scenery. He might as well return to his office.
....
Inside the Cerdeuxia's presidential palace,
Audrey finally t with the president's representative which is a bit disappointing.
She jokingly said, "I'd say, eting with the president of this country is almost impossible. After going through so much trouble, and yet, no president in sight."
The man representing President Walter smiles, "The president is extrely busy. He had no ti to personally take care of trivial issues. I hope Miss Benett forgive him for his lack of courtesy."
She laughed, letting the comnt slide. There's no way she believes that excuse.
"Alright, I understand. Let's get to the main point. Where's the criminal we requested? He's still alive, right?"
"Of course! Why would we kill him?" he made a subtle gesture toward the door.
A pair of servants entered, bringing a man bound with ropes.
"Is this the man you were looking for?"
Audrey scrutinized the man, "Yes. He matches the portrait I was given."
Her eyes shine with satisfaction. With this, her job is half complete.
"I'm glad we got the right guy. You may take him away, along with his family. Consider the debt between our nation is settled."
She held up her hand. "His family can stay. We only need him."
The forr governor panicked. He dropped to his knees and grabbed the representative's feet.
"No! No! please, don't send back to Ryntum. I'll die if I return. They'll kill ."
But all he receives is a heartless reply. "That's none of our concern."
The representative took a step back. He shows a mild irritation at the forr governor's trembling pleas.
Audrey was also unfazed. She continues the conversation without a flicker of emotion.
"Thank you once again. We'll handle the rest from here."
At her signal, Agent Wheatman who accompanied her stepped forward.
He gripped the forr governor's arm and stuffed a cloth into the man's mouth to silence his cries.
They both leave the palace, dragging the criminal with them.
As the shadows of the presidential palace disappeared, Audrey said to Agent Wheatman, "Now that we've achieved our objective, prepare to leave the country imdiately."
Wheatman nodded, "Understood."
In the anti, she plans to et with Mr. Ashenheart. It's rude to leave just like that.
That old man has been a huge help to her in the past few months.
His connections made this operation smoother than it otherwise could have been.
She wished to express her gratitude in person.
However, she wanted no direct involvent in the riot he intended to incite.
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