167: negotiation

Inside the magnificent lord's hall, the luster of Star Sea Stones flowed with deep blue-purple halos under the reflection of magical lamps. Linn and Aldrich sat as host and guest, with exquisite low tables set with local Fruit Wine and tea pastries from Star Sea Territory, their fragrance light and elegant.

After the attendants withdrew, only the two of them and Clay, who stood behind Linn, remained in the hall. Linn did not waste time on excessive pleasantries; he picked up a crystal glass, took a shallow sip, and cut straight to the theme: "Lord Aldrich has crossed the vast ocean to come here, surely not just to see the changes in my Star Sea City and reminisce with an old friend? With the current delicate situation in the kingdom and Your Excellency's sensitive identity, why not speak plainly of your purpose?"

Aldrich was not surprised that his thoughts were seen through; this young Duke had always been shrewd and direct. He set down his wine glass, his expression turning solemn as he leaned forward slightly: "The Duke is a man of quick words, so I, Aldrich, will not beat around the bush. Surely Your Grace is aware that His Majesty the King is advanced in years, and recently his chronic ailments have become increasingly apparent. According to reliable information, His Majesty... may find it difficult to last another ten years."

He observed Linn's expression, and seeing the other's calm demeanor, he continued: "His Highness the Crown Prince, as the first in line of succession, should naturally inherit the throne. However, the one in the south has been making frequent moves in recent years, not only expanding his army massively in his fief but also using any means necessary to win over the Iris Family and other powerful southern nobles. His rebellious intent is already plain for all to see. Currently, the Dukes of Nocturne and Bauhinia maintain ambiguous attitudes, and undercurrents are surging throughout the kingdom. At this critical moment, the First Prince urgently needs powerful support to stabilize the foundation of the state and deter those with ill intentions."

He looked at Linn with a sincere gaze: "His Highness knows well that Your Grace is a pillar of the nation, stationed in the Eastern Marches with outstanding achievements and a well-trained, well-supplied army. Therefore, he has specially entrusted me to come and entreat Your Grace to declare your stance and support the legitimate succession at the... critical moment in the future. His Highness promises that once the matter is settled, he will never mistreat Star Sea Territory. The two provinces of East Sea and Rhine will become Your Grace's truly hereditary foundation, the kingdom will no longer interfere, and there will surely be a generous reward."

Linn listened quietly, his finger unconsciously rubbing the rim of his glass as if weighing his options. After a long while, he finally spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of sentiment: "The old grudge between the Iris Family and myself is something both His Highness and Your Excellency are well aware of. As the eldest son, the First Prince is the legitimate successor by law and reason; I should support him."

Hearing this, a flash of joy appeared in Aldrich's eyes.

However, Linn's tone shifted, his brows furrowing slightly as he showed a bit of difficulty: "Only... as Your Excellency has seen, my Star Sea Territory may seem to have a vast domain, but it carries a heavy burden. The two provinces of East Sea and Rhine have barren land and are difficult to develop. For ten years, all costs for construction, immigration, and garrisoning have been borne solely by my territory; the kingdom has not allocated a single cent. Now, the kingdom has strictly ordered us to fully suppress the werewolf threat, and the army is about to set out. The consumption at the front lines will surely be an astronomical figure. Although my Star Sea Territory wishes to assist His Highness, we are truly... lacking the strength. Rashly involving ourselves in the succession struggle at this time might not be a wise move. If the rear becomes unstable and the front line suffers a defeat, how could I answer to the kingdom, or to the soldiers and people under my command?"

Aldrich's heart sank, knowing that terms were about to be negotiated. He said hurriedly: "His Highness is naturally aware of Your Grace's difficulties. Exterminating the werewolf threat is a great undertaking for the country and the people. Regarding the necessary military funds and supplies, His Highness may be able to find a way to mediate in court to secure some supplies. As for the governance of the two provinces, His Highness also promises that once he ascends the throne, he will provide the greatest convenience and support in terms of policy and trade."

The two went back and forth, testing and pulling with their words. Linn would occasionally complain of hardships or emphasize loyalty and difficulties; Aldrich would continuously make promises, trying to dispel Linn's concerns. Finally, seeing the atmosphere become somewhat stagnant, Linn seemed to make a difficult choice, set down his glass, and his gaze became sharp and direct.

"Lord Aldrich, let's not speak in riddles. Supporting the First Prince is an inescapable duty for my Star Sea Territory, but we also need sufficient strength and space to appease the military and civilians and respond to risks." He stood up, walked to the wall where a giant map hung, and pointed his finger at that 400,000-square-kilometer disputed area.

"My army is about to engage in a final battle with the Werewolf Tribe. If we win this battle, this land—which has long been occupied by orcs and has harassed the kingdom's borders—will return to the kingdom's rule. My request is—" He turned around, his eyes burning as he looked at Aldrich, "After the war, this land must be handed over to my Star Sea Territory for jurisdiction, development, and garrisoning. The First Prince needs to operate fully at the kingdom level to make this an established fact."

Without waiting for Aldrich to fully recover from the shock of this massive territorial demand, Linn continued: "In return, once the situation in the Royal Capital changes and the Second Prince truly commits a rebellious act, my Star Sea Territory will immediately fulfill its obligations as an ally. At that time, my powerful fleet will set out from the sea, striking directly into the heart of the southern coastal regions, pinning down or even crushing the naval forces and coastal defenses of the Second Prince and his vassal nobles, creating the most favorable strategic situation for the First Prince to stabilize the north and march his army south."

The hall fell into a dead silence. Beads of sweat appeared on Aldrich's forehead; Linn's request far exceeded his previous estimates. Directly demanding a piece of land comparable to a province—this appetite was too large! But the promise given by the other party was equally weighty. He had seen the prototype of the Star Sea Navy's power with his own eyes; if it could truly deliver a fatal blow to the south from the sea at a critical moment as Linn said, then the help to the First Prince would undoubtedly be decisive.

"Du... Duke," Aldrich spoke with difficulty, "This matter... this matter is of great importance, involving the division of the kingdom's territory. It is absolutely not something I can agree to. It must be reported to His Highness the First Prince, to be decided through discussion between His Highness and the high-ranking ministers of the court."

Linn nodded understandingly, his expression returning to its previous peacefulness: "Naturally. There is no rush for this matter. Your Excellency can return to the Royal Capital and convey my conditions and promises to the First Prince exactly as they are. I believe His Highness is wise and sagacious enough to weigh the pros and cons." He walked back to his seat, picked up his wine glass again, and a smile appeared on his face, "Regardless, Your Excellency has come from afar as a guest. Now that official business is finished, it's time to relax. Although Star Sea City cannot compare to the prosperity of the Royal Capital, it has some unique scenery and flavors. Why not stay for a few more days and let me show some hospitality?"

Over the next few days, accompanied by Clay, Aldrich toured Star Sea City and some surrounding areas with a complex mood, gaining a more intuitive sense of Star Sea Territory's astonishing productivity, orderly society, and the massive military power hidden beneath the surface (though it was only the tip of the iceberg). A few days later, he boarded a ship back to the Aolai Kingdom, carrying a heavy yet possibility-filled negotiation result.

Watching the distant silhouette of the sail, Clay stood beside Linn and asked in a low voice: "Lord, do you think the First Prince will agree?"

Linn's gaze was deep, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth: "It's fifty-fifty. To the kingdom, that land is like a chicken bone—tasteless to eat but a pity to throw away. Being occupied by orcs for so long makes it a bleeding wound. Trading the future jurisdiction of this 'wound' for the support of a powerful force that can decide the battle from the sea at a critical moment might not be a bad deal for a First Prince eager to solidify his position. Furthermore..."

He paused, his voice growing cold: "Even if he doesn't agree, is it possible I won't take that land? It's just that the title and method at that time might be a bit different. For now, we only need to wait for the reaction from the Royal Capital, and meanwhile... do what we need to do."

The true storm was approaching step by step. And Linn had already chosen the most suitable position for himself and Star Sea Territory to rise with the wind.