Abyssal Chronicles

Chapter 637 - 638: Cooperation

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The primary objective was to secure funds and financial support.

Warfare, after all, is almost synonymous with burning through cash.

Following the recent war with Sadik Empire, the financial situation of Red Leaf Empire was already far from optimistic. Now, with the burden of accommodating refugees from Snow Night Empire, an inexplicable trade war with the Elves, the reconstruction of the capital with Luminous, and the extensive expenses for northern border defense, the empire’s finances were under severe strain.

Initially, there had been hopes that the Church might share some of the burden, but after the destruction of their main temple, they turned out to be even more financially strapped...

Thus, Red Leaf Royal Family had decided to resolve the financial issue themselves.

So, Amon along with his younger brother Eldric had come to the hotel to meet the actual power behind the Ainor Group.

"Miss Eileen, is this your first visit to the capital of Red Leaf? How do you find our customs and people? Are you adjusting well to the food?"

"The people are quite pleasant, and as for the food?"

Upon hearing this, Eileen smiled slightly but did not elaborate much, instead casting a playful glance out the window:

"The capital of the empire is impressive. I’ve been eating quite well~, until Sword Demon’s attack, that is~"

"Sword Demon? I’m sorry, the attack caused some supply issues in the capital, and fresh ingredients might not have been delivered in time."

"Oh no, that’s not what I meant. I was saying that there have been a lot more people having nightmares in the capital recently."

"Nightmares??"

Amon frowned, seeming to struggle to follow Miss Eileen’s train of thought.

"Nightmares, what do they have to do with eating well?"

"Ah? No… of course, they’re unrelated~. I was just making a casual comment, don’t mind me~"

"Hm?"

"Ah, don’t worry about that~ I tend to say nonsensical things sometimes~. Now, now, let’s sit down and have some tea first, Your Highnesses~"

…

…

Observing the seemingly artless and cheerful girl before him, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, Amon’s eyes narrowed slightly. Believing the time was right, he slowly put down his teacup and spoke in a friendly yet serious tone:

"Not to hide from you, Miss Eileen, but due to the wars in the past few years, and the famine this year, our empire’s financial situation is indeed not very good. Therefore, regarding the weapons and food we ordered earlier…"

"You want to delay the payment? Or ask for a discount?"

Seemingly anticipating Amon’s intention, Eileen raised an eyebrow, preemptively speaking in a playful tone.

Hearing this, Amon gave an awkward smile:

"Yes, indeed. But Miss Eileen, you need not worry. We are not asking for credit. We plan to offer other items of equivalent value in exchange…"

However, before Amon could finish speaking,

Eileen extended her finger to her lips, making a cute gesture for silence,

"No need to say more, Prince Amon, don’t bother yourself."

"Bother?"

"Hehe, we, the Ainor Group, will provide those weapons and food to you for free."

"For free? Miss Eileen, are you serious?"

Amon’s eyes trembled slightly, seemingly unable to believe what the blue-haired lady had just said.

However,

What Eileen said next surprised Amon even more:

"Of course, I’m serious. And not only providing food and weapons, but we will also offer financial support without charge. Although our business isn’t doing very well this year, we can still afford to spare a few billion coins."

"?!!!"

Hearing this, Amon was thunderstruck, standing dumbfounded for a long time, unable to regain his composure.

His prepared speech was swallowed back in shock.

This was too smooth, so smooth that Amon found it hard to believe. Unlike Eldric, who was visibly delighted, Amon, after his initial shock, asked gravely:

"Why would you offer such unconditional support, Miss Eileen?"

"It’s simple~"

Eileen waved her hand nonchalantly:

"The holy war is a matter of life and death for humanity. In such a significant matter, how could we, the Ainor Group, be petty and focus on trivial gains? We might not have the military power to join the fight, but we can offer financial aid within our means~"

Amon: "..."

"Besides, if the expedition fails or the northern borders fall, leading to a massive invasion of Abyssal Demons, we wouldn’t be able to continue our business, right?"

Hearing this, Amon smiled in relief and looked gratefully at Eileen:

"Miss Eileen, your great righteousness is deeply appreciated."

"We’re all in this together~ no need for formalities~"

Eileen covered her mouth with her sleeve, laughing elegantly with a melodious sound. Then, the blue-haired lady turned her gaze to Eldric, who was clearly overjoyed:

"Since everything is settled, there’s no need to pay the deposit previously discussed. Prince Eldric, just send someone to our branch outside the city. I’ve already instructed my subordinates, and you can just go with my butler to collect the goods."

"Oh, thank you so much Miss Eileen!!"

Eldric nodded repeatedly to express his gratitude.

"Miss Eileen, the empire will not forget your generosity this time! If this holy war is successful, I will request the emperor to grant you a baroness title!"

"Hehe, then I thank the third prince for his kindness in advance. Oh, and about the heavy artillery you bought earlier, I’ve already dispatched it to the northern defense lines. Don’t forget to receive them!"

"Heavy artillery?! It’s already been sent over?!"

"Yes."

"Really, having a loyal citizen like you is a blessing for the empire!"

"Ah, don’t flatter me so much, it’s embarrassing~"

…

…

After another thirty minutes of conversation, Eldric left the hotel under the guidance of a young butler to head to the Ainor Group’s branch.

As for Amon, after exchanging a few more pleasantries with Eileen, he also slowly stood up and bowed politely to her:

"Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Eileen. It’s getting late, so I won’t impose any further."

"Of course, take care, Your Highness."

"Mm."

Nodding in acknowledgment, Amon then left the room, escorted by two loyal guards.

However,

Just as Amon was about to bid farewell and leave, Eileen’s meaningful words suddenly came from behind him, causing him to pause in his tracks:

"Oh, Your Highness, I heard from your brother that you’ve been troubled by the Black Rose family matter lately? I have a good idea about how to attack Black Rose~"

’Eldric’

’That talkative little brother...’

Internally scolding his silly younger brother, Amon turned his gaze back to the seductive and charming girl reclining on the sofa.

"Please, I’m all ears."

"It’s quite simple. If you lack the manpower, why not hire other troops to attack? Like... hiring the Ghostly Flame Corps, for instance~"