??Chapter 204: Chapter 5 – Negotiation and Alliance_3
Chapter 204: Chapter 5 – Negotiation and Alliance_3
Kor’s frank words took Hoffman by surprise. Although the situation in Leon was chaotic, he didn’t think it had escalated to such a degree. Could this man be exaggerating? But what would be the point of doing so?
“You an to say the situation in Leon could further deteriorate to the point of complete loss of control?” Hoffman had to stress his words and ask again.
“Correct, if the Army of Hor doesn’t intervene with martial power soon,” Kor’s reply was also very brief.
“Hmm, is there any assistance from Caucasus in all this?” After pondering a mont, Hoffman seed to grasp sothing and nodded as he asked.
“Oh, Your Excellency, our Caucasus would absolutely not interfere with the situation in Leon. Of course, it is said that Muscat, bordering the Leon region, has now beco a trade center where there is a great demand for weapons and food. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that those slaves and mobs are getting supplies from there. As you know, we in Caucasus are currently short on manpower, and it’s hard for us to take care of remote areas, so I’m powerless in this regard.”
A sly smile flashed across his lips as he winked at the other party, Kor spoke with a relaxed tone.
“I see, I can’t bla you for that. Caucasus Prefecture was established less than half a year ago, and these problems should be resolved by Lord Leon himself anyway,” Hoffman nodded in understanding, “But what do you think if the Hor Army enters Leon? Do you think those mobs will be able to hold out?”
“Your Highness, you’re thinking too highly of them. They’re nothing but a group of untrained slaves, lacking both weapons and food. How could they possibly contend with the regular Hor Army?” Shaking his head, Kor revealed a dismissive expression, “Your Highness, are you seriously placing your hopes on them, expecting them to perform so earth-shattering feats?”
“No, no, Your Baron, I’m not that naive. But if we can keep those rabble busy with the Hor forces for one more day, it counts as one more day; this would further restrict and deplete Philip’s attention, isn’t that exactly what we’d like to see?” A brilliant smile erged on Hoffman’s fair face.
“But that may disappoint Your Highness after all,” Kor said noncommittally.
“If we could provide them with more weapons and food, do you think the situation would be any better?” Hoffman finally began to reveal his hand.
“Oh? Your Highness, Caucasus has always been lacking food, and as for weapons, we can’t produce them here. Even my personal guard’s weapons have to be imported from the outside, and they’re subject to various restrictions. Of course, if Your Highness could solve this problem, I think those mobs might do better than they are now.”
Smiling happily at each other, Kor nodded his head. It seed that this ti, his counterpart would bring him so unexpected gains, and the feeling of being a Lord was indeed pleasant in certain situations.
“Oh, by the way, Your Highness, it seems you’ve forgotten your other identity. You are also Grand Duke Philip’s fiance, don’t you think your actions are sowhat inappropriate?”
“Heh, Your Baron, the interest of the kingdom outweighs everything. The Romanov family has never lacked a mistress; what can an engagent prove? I don’t see an issue,” Hoffman shrugged indifferently. He wanted to use this opportunity to clear himself of bla, “Princess Tracy is too arrogant. Besides, given the current relations between the kingdom and Hor, what chance do you think I have with her, Your Baron?”
A sense of relief swept through Kor, though he had suspected that Hoffman’s engagent to Tracy was just a political charade, hearing the other party straightforwardly deny that possibility still lifted a weight off his shoulders. He couldn’t even tell why he felt this way. Could it be that he still harbored unrequited feelings for the other party?
Kor pondered the warmth remaining in his heart or perhaps it was the jealous desire deep inside him wanting sole possession causing this sentint?
Thinking of this man having his way with Tracy spurred an indescribable irritation in Kor’s heart. His sincere pursuit had been t with cold rejection, while this man could frivolously toy with her and then toss her aside as if she was nothing. Maybe this was the cruel play of fate and destiny.
Noticing that the man before him had a strange expression on his face, as if lost in thought, Hoffman quickly steered the conversation back to business, “Your Baron, the past is in the past. Tracy is unsuitable for both
and you. Things that should be discarded must be dropped with firm resolution, and that, I believe, is a sincere piece of advice from a friend. As for the weapon and food issue, I think I can offer so help to Caucasus. Since Mattdam has opened its port, I’ve also seen fleets from families like Freeman and Montague docked there. Kingdom’s Grain rchants aren’t limited to Palermo, and although weapons are a forbidden trade item in the kingdom, as long as we secure a permit from the Internal Affairs Departnt, I don’t think it will be a problem.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but please consider the price issue regarding food and weapons. Those mobs lack the ability to pay. If the price is too high, they may struggle to afford it,” Kor exhaled softly, forcing himself to refocus on the matter at hand.
“Heh, rest assured, Your Baron. The shifts in Leon’s situation are crucial to our interests. The person I arrange will surely satisfy you,” Hearing a scurrying of footsteps outside, Hoffman picked up his coffee cup, signaling that the conversation could end here.
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