Chapter 67

Chapter 67: Minister's Route

On March 2, 1867

In St. Petersburg, Cross, the representative of the Hechingen Consortium, engages in negotiations with Count Sergei, a close associate of Tsar Alexander II. Cross seeks to confirm the authenticity of the news regarding Russia's intention to sell the Alaska region.

Count Sergei confirms the news, explaining that there has been internal discussion about selling Alaska due to its economic burden and the focus on other priorities like Central Asia. He acknowledges that Russia is considering selling Alaska for a substantial amount of money.

Cross discreetly offers a substantial payment of 20,000 rubles as a gesture of goodwill, signaling the Hechingen Consortium's interest in purchasing Alaska.

Count Sergei expresses willingness to assist but emphasizes the significant monetary reward he expects. Cross inquires about Russia's expected price for Alaska, to which Sergei suggests a staggering sum of ten million dollars.

Cross, aware of the actual value of Alaska, questions the high price, but Sergei insists that this is Russia's expectation.

Cross then reveals that the Hechingen Consortium is primarily interested in Alaska due to their boss's eccentric preferences. He describes the boss's unconventional colonization efforts in Africa, suggesting that their interest in Alaska is similarly unconventional.

Sergei, curious about their boss's eccentricity, wonders why someone would buy such a barren land. Cross explains that their boss has a peculiar hobby, including attempting to develop challenging territories. This information leaves Sergei intrigued.

Cross continues the negotiation, offering a reward of 300,000 rubles to Sergei if he can persuade the Russian government to sell Alaska to the Hechingen Consortium. He sweetens the deal by agreeing to pay an additional 100,000 rubles for every one million rubles that Sergei reduces from the purchase price.

Sergei, motivated by the lucrative offer, eagerly accepts the proposal, ensuring the Hechingen Consortium that he will handle the matter to their satisfaction.

With this agreement, the Hechingen Consortium plans to bypass direct negotiations and focus on bribing Russian ministers to secure the purchase of Alaska.

(End of Chapter 67)