Chapter 106 Discussion With King Isaac

The day for a meeting with the King of Inver has arrived.

Never has she seen Gerald get this nervous even though he has attended numerous important meetings before. Gerald she knows is a man who is always calm and collected. Well, it's understandable. This is Gerald's first encounter with a foreign king. He doesn't know how another party would treat him.

Gerald was born a commoner while one party is a king. No matter what ministerial post he holds, a portion of him still harbours that fear for nobility.

It can be said, Audrey is the same as Gerald. By no means, she's brave enough to act impolitely in front of Riz as she did with Gerald.

"Calm down, isn't this a normal meeting like you always attend?" Audrey tries to reassure him.

"You don't understand, Audrey. It may be important but the war between two kingdoms may break out if the discussion goes south." Gerald feels an enormous amount of pressure on his shoulder right now. Especially when the king himself asks him to avoid war at all costs.

"Why are you so concerned about it? Knowing our king's personality, I don't think he'll blame you. I know he tells you to avoid war but it doesn't mean he is scared of one. Look, there is only one entry point to the north and His Majesty has fortified it. He even sends his best artillerist to train them. They can't move north unless they're crazy enough to cross the mountain. Even if that happened, as soon as they went down the hill, they'll meet with dense forest. Home of the Rogvor people who are best in jungle warfare."

Gerald slightly calms down after hearing the encouraging word. "I guess you're right. I should treat it as a normal meeting."

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

"Mr Gerald, Miss Audrey. King Isaac has summoned you to the audience hall." notified the butler.

"Lead us the way, Mr Butler."

....

"Before we start, allow me to apologize for making you two wait." Contrary to their expectation, King Isaac doesn't act in a haughty way. Both of them are dumbfounded by this apology. They didn't rehearse for this scenario yesterday.

Currently, there are only three of them in this huge audience hall. The hall has a modest yet regal appearance. There was very little gold used to embellish it. Instead, two huge statues around four meters in height become the main attraction. The statues were placed left and right on the throne.

Gerald quickly recovered his composure, he issued an apology as well. "We're also sorry for coming here on such short and sudden notice. I'm sure you must have an idea why we're here, Your Majesty King Isaac."

"Yes, I'm aware of it. It's unfortunate that this incident happened." How could he not know after all his spies have been reported? He thought he had an advantage against them but the other side proved him wrong. Thus, Isaac decided to take a different approach.

He is unsure of whether to be pleased or offended by the king of Ryntum sending these two young commoners as envoys.

"So, how are you planning to settle this problem?" Gerald went straight to the point.

"What are you talking about, Mr Gerald? We've given appropriate punishment to all the rouge soldiers." King Isaac stares blankly at Gerald.

Gerald and Audrey frowned, "Rogue soldiers?"

"Yes. Aren't we talking about fifty soldiers who illegally encroach on your land?"

"From the reports made by our soldiers in Baroks, that group of soldiers didn't seem like rogues at all. They're wearing the uniform and using Inver's standard-issue swords." Audrey starts to feel irritated with King Isaac who wants to play dumb.

"Is that so? They must run away from their duties at the spur moment. I was also taken aback by this incident. I'm sure you in Ryntum must be afraid this whole time thinking you've angered a kingdom three times larger than you by killing two of its soldiers. Rest assured, I won't ask you to be accountable for their death. Rogue soldiers aren't a worthy reason to go to war."

Gerald gently bit his lower lips as he tried to contain his anger. The veins on his forehead slowly surfaced, "I see. That's so considerate and merciful of you, King Isaac."

"I know. A lot of people said it." Isaac shamelessly accepts the compliment.

He decided to give the king a little jab. "We also don't want to waste our superior weapon on a petty war. It is beneath our stature."

The corner of Isaac's eyes twitches.

Gerald continue, "However, I believe Your Majesty somehow had to be responsible for the death of our merchant. If not for your negligence in teaching your soldiers some discipline, the soldiers will never go rogue. Subsequently, this unfortunate incident will never happen."

Isaac folded his arm, "You enlighten me, Mr Gerald. To think your king will go all length to avenge a mere commoner." Isaac is looking at them with a detestable look.

Gerald smiled proudly before chuckling, "What can I say? We're blessed with a wise and caring king. Perhaps that's the reason your soldiers went rogue. Our commoners are indeed living a good life. At least better than yours."

Hearing a commoner indirectly insults him caused Isaac to grip the golden armrest tightly as he tries to appease his anger.

Audrey on the other hand is trying so hard not to laugh. Just a moment ago, Gerald has been nervous all over. Now, he even insults the king on his throne, in his own palace.

Gerald's voice then turns cold, "Whatever the reason may be, let us put it aside. Your side has threatened our national security and you shall be responsible for that."

"How do you want us to take responsibility?"

"Compensation, Your Majesty."

"How much?"

"Adding physical damage, physiological injuries, loss of merchandise, cost of the funeral, widow and childcare expenses...The total of 50,000 Ryntum Golrd."

"What?! Are you trying to rob me? Just who is he?" Isaac thought the merchant must be a hidden noble.

Gerald sighed out his annoyance, "He is just a normal merchant who owns a small company in the capital. Because of your irresponsible soldier, the Kingdom of Ryntum has now lost one diligent and law-abiding taxpayer. Imagine if this happened ten more times, one hundred more times, wouldn't it have an impact on our tax revenue?"

Isaac didn't reply immediately. He can't let these people rip him off without any benefit.

"Fine, I'll pay but with one condition."

"With all of my respect, Your Majesty doesn't actually have a right to propose any condition but I'll allow it."

Isaac ignores Gerald's insulting words, "Ryntum can't sell coal past Maneas Mountain Range."

"A thoughtful suggestion, indeed. Let's improve the condition and add some.

i) Both Ryntum and Inver can't encroach on each other's sphere of influence; Ryntum in the north and Inver in the south. Maneas Mountain Range shall be used as a dividing line.

ii) There are no dangers imposed on merchants from both countries when they do business in countries that are not their home countries.

iii) If the merchant is suspected of any charges, both countries need to use the principle of presumption of innocence. They are innocent until proven guilty.

iv) Ryntum will charge no taxes to the agricultural products exported by Inver and Inver will charge no taxes to iron ores and precious metals exported by Ryntum."

'These people come prepared.' Though Isaac. After considering the pros and cons, King Isaac agrees with such conditions. Gerald signed the agreement on Riz's behalf.

....

"I'm surprised you can come out with those conditions on the spot." Audrey was impressed by him.

They're currently walking toward their living quarters and prepared to live tomorrow. For safety reasons, Gerald thought it would be better to get out of here at haste.

"I'm not. His Majesty told me the general idea of it before we depart. I just refined it. At first glance, it looks like a fair treaty but it's not. Well...King Isaac can do nothing even if he realizes it later on."