The Vastness of Magical Destiny

The rather arrogant laughter was particularly grating to Katya’s ears; it was clear that her adversary intended to provoke her. However, he seemed to have forgotten who he was dealing with. Such petty tricks were truly beneath her notice. Still, Katya had to admit that his words did strike a nerve with the Kingdom.

If her father, the king, had heard these words, she could not be sure how he would react.

But now, facing the famously composed herself, Komer’s thoughts might need revision.

"Your baron, the Kingdom is not a minor territory; it has more issues to consider, in all aspects, and it cannot act as casually as you imagine. Indeed, the relationship between Homer and the Central Kingdom is tense, and the Kingdom does indeed want to resolve this issue, but it is not as simple as you imagine. We need your help, and for those loyal to the Kingdom, the Kingdom will not hesitate to give anything. But your suggestion that the Caucasus become a directly governed territory of the Kingdom could easily provide Homer with an excuse to trouble the Kingdom. Therefore, I cannot promise anything in this regard. Everything must wait until I return and report the situation to Lord Tez and Marshal Mathew. They will make a decision with my father. However, I believe that although this issue cannot be resolved immediately, we can fully discuss other substantive issues. I believe we will find much more common ground in these areas."

Katya finally steered the conversation towards substantive negotiations. While the outlandish demands of the other party needed consideration, even if the Kingdom agreed, they could not be accomplished in a day or two. What was needed now was to discuss some more substantial and immediate issues.

"Very well, it seems that Princess Katya has not been granted full authority by the Kingdom. Perhaps I was too hasty. However, Your Highness is right, on some substantial issues, we can indeed reach more consensus."

Of course, Komer was aware that such matters could not be settled instantly. Gaining psychological agreement from the other party was already a significant victory. At least Katya was no longer dismissing his demands as mere pipe dreams, and that was enough. As for the Kingdom’s side, whether it was Tez or Mathew, they could see further and would not find it hard to make a wise decision.

Negotiating with smart people is always the most relaxing. Once the bottom lines of both parties were clear, the second negotiation proceeded much more smoothly and easily.