[Bonus chapter]Chapter 69 - the triparty meeting(finale)

"I am certain that my diplomats and nephew have already apprised you of his presence, but as the host, I shall introduce him myself. Beside me sits the brilliant son of Gustav Denison, Crassus Denison, the man who will usher the mercantilism of the North into a new era," Dante declared, introducing Crassus. Taking the cue, Crassus addressed the elders with a warm smile, "Good afternoon, esteemed elders. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I hope this meeting proves fruitful."

"Good afternoon, sir. I am Grendrick Firebrand, the Chief Elder and a member of the Council of Six Elders of Ferrum Castrum," the chief elder introduced himself, gesturing toward the others in turn. "To my right, we have Halrod Rockhammer, the Military Elder, and Gundrick Steamgear, the Engineering Elder," he said cordially, acknowledging the two representatives. "To my left, we have Malgrim Stormweaver, the Mage Elder, Thorin Firebeard, the Blacksmith Elder, and finally, Elara Deepshaper, the Science Elder," he concluded, as each elder nodded in acknowledgment.

With the introductions complete, John rose from his seat, capturing everyone's attention. He surveyed the room briefly before addressing the gathering. "Now that we have concluded the introductions, I believe it is time to officially commence this meeting, shall we?" he proposed, awaiting their consensus.

"Very well, as of 12:15, the meeting to discuss a triparty alliance is now officially underway," John announced, his gaze shifting to the clock displayed on the side of the room. As he did so, the room erupted into applause, reflecting the shared anticipation and significance of the occasion.

Once the room quieted, Dante spoke, "Now, as we commence this meeting, I would like to open the floor to any questions." His virtual face scanned the room, inviting inquiries and engagement.

The chief elder was the first to raise a question, his tone laden with genuine curiosity. "How confident are both of you that your initiatives and reforms will yield the desired results?" he inquired, resting his hand upon the table.

Dante pondered for a moment, contemplating the chief's query before responding, "Well, if this meeting proceeds favorably, I am highly optimistic about the prospects."

"I see. One more question I wish to pose," the chief elder continued, his expression serious and concerned. "Your nephew mentioned the integration of our city into the empire and the employment of our people within the duchy. However, what safeguards are in place to prevent exploitation?"

Dante, acknowledging the gravity of the chief elder's concern, replied, "Your people will have the right to withdraw from this treaty and our domain, so I believe that should address any apprehensions. However, we can certainly include provisions in the treaty specifically addressing worker exploitation," he proposed, directing his gaze toward John, who sat attentively, taking notes on a piece of paper.

The blacksmith elder leaned forward, adding his voice to the discussion. "And what about the distribution of goods produced? How do you intend to ensure equitable allocation?" he queried, his expression mirroring a mix of curiosity and caution.

"About that-"Just as Dante was about to provide an answer, John interjected, asserting, 'It would be best if Sir Crassus answers that question.'" John's interruption prompted Crassus to nod in agreement and take the floor.

Crassus assumed a serious expression before addressing the elders. "Well, depending on the progress of this meeting, the Gustav Merchant Company will oversee the distribution and sales of all Dwarven products under a separate name," he explained. "The pricing for each product will be negotiated individually with its creator, and, for your peace of mind, we will purchase the products at 90% of their usual price, providing 50% of the resulting profits to the creators. This way, even if we encounter losses, the creators need not worry." Crassus directed his words specifically to the blacksmith elder, awaiting his response.

The blacksmith elder nodded in acceptance. "Those terms are acceptable," he declared, taking his seat once more.

The military elder swiftly rose from his chair, voicing a crucial concern. "If what you say is true, and the Empire is truly on the brink of a long period of strife, then I'm certain you're aware that the demons will soon begin to mobilize. If the situation is as dire as you claim, those foul creatures must already be making their moves," he stated with urgency.

John pondered the inquiry for a moment before providing a thoughtful response. "That is a valid concern, and we are indeed preparing for a war with them. However, from what I can ascertain, their invasion is still a few years away. It will likely occur following the death of the current emperor. Nevertheless, if this meeting progresses positively and our military reforms proceed as planned, I am confident that our defensive capabilities will leave us with little to worry about," John assured, his expression deep in contemplation.

The military elder leaned forward, his gaze intense. "What about our military? Do we simply render them unemployed? You mentioned that your military would protect us, correct?" he queried.

John proposed an alternative approach, seeking permission to address the concern. "Rather than rendering your people unemployed, if you permit, it would be preferable if they could join the army of the duchy. It would facilitate a peaceful incorporation, allowing the guardians of the city to remain the same, albeit with a few additions."

The military elder contemplated the proposal, expressing his reservations. "Would that truly work? While I acknowledge your lack of discrimination, can the same be said for your people? I am uncertain whether my people and yours would readily accept one another," he voiced his doubts after careful consideration.

John responded with a confident smile. "Undoubtedly, there will be challenges at the outset, as such transitions require time. However, once they have battled side by side against formidable foes, even a single unit considering each other as brothers in arms, transcending racial boundaries, will pave the way for others to follow suit. After all, the military is an environment where we leave our past behind and forge new bonds," John explained, radiating optimism.

The military elder nodded in acknowledgment. "That indeed seems plausible. Very well, I have no further questions," he conceded, settling back into his seat.

"Do either of you have any questions of your own?" John inquired, his gaze shifting between the engineering elder and the science elder. The former simply shook his head, while the latter turned her attention to the mage elder.

"Hmm, I don't have any particular questions. However, I am curious about your plans for funding. I must inform both of you that my department and the science department drain funds like sinkholes," the mage elder voiced her concern, receiving a nod of agreement from the science elder.

"Rest assured, we will continue to provide funding for your projects. A significant aspect of the infrastructure initiative is the development of new products, and both your departments—the science department and the mage tower—will lead the way," John assured, observing the contemptuous expression on the mage elder's face as she settled back into her seat.

"Are there no further questions from your end for now?" John inquired, his eyes scanning the room, seeking confirmation.

"No, it seems there are none," the chief elder responded, his gaze shifting to each of the elders who remained silent, their agreement implicit.

"Great. In that case, would it be acceptable if we present a few requests of our own?" John proposed, anticipation evident in his expression.

"Please, go ahead," the chief elder granted permission with a smile.

John took a deep breath, his countenance growing serious. "Firstly, I propose the merger of your mage tower and the Ice Phoenix mage tower to form a completely new department—the Department of Magic Research of the Grand Duchy of Valoria. Additionally, I suggest combining the science department of Ferrum Castrum with the existing Alchemical Society within the grand duchy to establish the Department of Science and Research of the Grand Duchy of Valoria," John stated, pausing briefly to gauge the reactions around the room. "Furthermore, I propose the creation of a new department, the Department of Public Education, which would comprise members from both aforementioned departments. This department will be responsible for teaching in the campuses that, I believe, everyone is aware of," John concluded, his gaze sweeping across the room, awaiting further inquiries.

As expected, nearly every negotiating party, excluding himself and Dante, raised their hands, indicating their desire for clarification.

John patiently addressed each raised hand, answering questions and alleviating concerns. Once he had satisfactorily addressed their queries, he moved on to another point, which sparked further questions. Dante stepped in to provide answers and continued the dialogue. The meeting carried on for nearly four hours, with a comprehensive exchange of ideas and negotiations taking place.