Half

Malius and Conrad had been waiting for several minutes before Frey walked through the doors with Alicia in tow. Layla was already seated and had served the two Friedhand gentlemen with a luxury tea. She saw Frey and Alicia enter and got up to make them a cup as well. These negotiations would be very important for the future of both territories but setting the stage for such an event was important. Serving drinks and snacks was an important part of high society's rules in the Alioth Kingdom, failing to abide by these social norms was an immense sign of disrespect.

For Layla, the game of politics was an open book but Frey was not a diplomat. While he was strong-willed and a good person, these traits were a negative in the ruthless game that was politics. Yet when it came to his territory, Frey was unwavering. He would give all he had to ensure the continued security of his realm, even if it made him lots of enemies. This was one of the reasons Layla fell in love with him in the first place, but she also knew that the Runewalker territory would not survive without allies. Thus, this was her job.

Malius placed his teacup down gently on the saucer and cleared his throat softly.

"*Ahem* Now, I'm certain that you don't particularly want to see me after... well after your industry fell to me. You attempted to negotiate much earlier on but things were exceptionally busy attempting to safeguard my son. I apologise for not meeting you sooner."

He bowed his head in apology yet Frey was not impressed. If Kye had not made the Spellweave crystals, he still would not have been here and would have left the Runewalkers to fend for themselves. Frey leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees, letting his face be concealed by his hands as he interlinked his hands.

"What do you want Malius? Do not come here and pretend you are doing this for altruistic purposes, that's not how these things go. If you want Spellweave, then set your terms, if not, I have things that need doing."

"Fine Frey, have it your way. Yes, I want to secure a steady supply of Spellweave crystals for my factories. If you're willing to sell, I will pay very good money for one of those condensers as well. Maybe my son could even improve it."

Frey looked at Alicia and began to laugh.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, improve it? I highly doubt it. Your son might be a genius but mine doesn't fall short either. In fact, I think you'll find it is YOUR son who could learn a thing or two from mine. As for the condenser, forget it, Kye doesn't trust anyone else but his family with it. As for your second request, if you have good enough terms we will consider it but there will have to be changes to the current arrangement."

Malius was taken aback in shock at how arrogant Frey was being. He knew that he had hurt the Runewalker territory but was it really to this extent? Nevermind the comments about his son, Malius knew that he had insulted this Kye to his father's face and wanted to see how he would react. Malius wasn't convinced before that his once crippled son woke up and was actually this unparalleled genius. Rather, Malius suspected that it was a farce, that Kye had indeed woken up but it was some unknown genius that was taken into the Runewalker family who did it.

At least, that is what he had believed until Frey so boldly stated what he did. Such a bluff could be uncovered easily and would make him a laughing stock if Malius exposed it. The chances that Kye was the inventor of this technology was all but confirmed in his mind. For now, Malius had to offer favourable terms to the Runewalkers to accomplish his goals.

"It is a shame about the condenser and an even further shame that your son isn't here to speak for his intellect himself, But I digress. In regards to what I will give you for a steady supply of Spellweave crystals is 50%."

"50% of what?"

"Everything. The produce and profits from the factories. I'll give you half."

"That's... a lot more than I was expecting."

Malius looked down at his hands and sighed.

"I know. It might sound like an excuse but I truly had no idea how effective these steam engines would be. I only intended to talk a portion of the manufactory market from you yet I took all of it. I may hold no particular love for you Runewalker, but I do respect you. Keeping the Kingdom safe is noble and after coming to understand that this was how you paid your soldiers I realised that I had to set things right. Now that you have something that can benefit us both, I hope to secure a long term partnership with you and your house."

Frey sat in silence for a moment and thought about it before turning to Layla.

"What do you think?"

"On the surface, this would come off as a very altruistic move from Malius to those in the capital who are removed from this part of politics. Yet what we gain from such a partnership is great but I cannot help but feel we need to do two more things before this becomes something we can agree to."

"And what would those be Miss Runewalker? We are prepared to join our families together in marriage if that is necessary."

"That was one of my conditions, yes. Kye is too young and our other sons are... not suitable yet we guaranteed our daughters that they would be free to choose their partners."

"Conrad's elder sister, Katherine, is also too young to be wed right now. If it is tenable for you, we can simply announce their engagement to secure the alliance until they are eligible to marry."

Layla looked at Alicia who frowned and shook her head. She didn't like marrying off Kye to some family just because it brought back their industry. Layla sighed.

"If we talk to Kye about this and he agrees, will you be fine with it then?"

"... I suppose."

Layla got up from her chair.

"Then I suppose we have to go meet Kye right away. We also have to get his permission to sell you the Spellweave crystals."

"His permission?" Malius was confused. "Is he not your son?"

"He knows this technology best, we have to consult with him to make sure it's safe, for both of our families."

With that, the diplomatic precession left the mansion and got in magic carriages to go to Kye's workshop. Kye would have no idea such important guests were coming.