Chapter 62: Adrian’s Demands (2)
The meeting with the delegates was a critical step in Adrian’s plan to expand the reach of his inventions.
He wasn’t sure what the meeting was about, but he had a clue it had to do with sales of his inventions from what he had been informed on.
Adrian had framed this meeting as their initiative, summoning their delegates to consider their offer. Seated across from him in the private room, the delegates; clad in robes adorned with their respective insignias, represented their dukedoms authority.
Adrian met their gazes with his usual neutral expression, his child-like face betraying none of the calculations racing through his mind.
"So, what’s the issue?" he asked with a calm voice.
The Borin delegate, a wiry man with sharp cheekbones leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with respect.
"Master Adrian, your products are extraordinary. They’re transforming lives. Merchants track goods with ease, and even common folk benefit from your bulbs and fans. But we want more than distribution. We seek to present your inventions to the King, to integrate them into the kingdom’s infrastructure. For that, we need your approval."
Adrian’s mind churned. The King’s involvement could catapult his inventions to every corner of Thanad, so he didn’t know why they needed his approval.
’Why is this such a big deal?’ It only took him a moment to figure out why. He guessed that the Dukedoms stood to gain immensely — prestige, wealth, perhaps even political favor.
And since they were already making it clear that he was crucial for it to occur, he saw an opportunity to leverage their ambition.
"I see," he said aloud in a measured tone.