"Regarding your proposed temporary alliance plan for war, the Demon King's territory needs more time and feedback before we can arrive at a satisfactory answer for both sides. The key lies in the responsibilities we need to fulfill and the rewards we are entitled to."

Yinla responded to Orphirus and Novak's suggestion, while Satanye and Sirina sat down beside him... Sitting opposite them were Orphirus and Novak, along with their guards.

"Regarding your proposal for the establishment of a long-term stable trade route, we may be able to reach an agreement at the meeting. I propose that communication on the trade route be completed before the war plan is finalized."

While speaking, Yinla, unlike Orpheus and Novak who were constantly recording the contents as guards of the think tank, was simply guiding the conversation in a light and casual manner... Satan Ye and Sirina seemed very reassured.

It seems that Inra Elkaras is doing quite well in the Demon King's territory...

Orpheus made this judgment, which was unexpected, but it did not stop her from continuing her persuasion. However, the big problem was that the current "formal talks" were somewhat different from what she had imagined.

Before she even started planning, she was supposed to secretly find Ira's mansion in the Demon King's territory and have a more private meeting... There was also the idea of ​​having Novak act as the facilitator, to make friends or something like that.

As it turns out, Yinla doesn't have a "mansion" at all. In fact, many of the leaders in the Demon King's territory don't have mansions. They live directly in the Demon King's castle, which could be considered the Demon King's home.

Is this a subject or a family member?

This left Orpheus speechless.

"We agree to the request to continue the distribution cooperation for [Bee Flower Snow Moon], but I think we should discuss and come up with a more reasonable price increase for the cooperation."

"..."

Orpheus frowned as she looked at the composed Inra and Novak, who agreed with Inra's opinion and began to seriously discuss the specific price... Which side was Novak on exactly?

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Trade is fine as it may; the most crucial thing right now should be negotiating the war...

They should be discussing things like alliances, profit sharing, and the course of the war right now, instead of being completely led by the nose by Illa in trade strategy.

However, the reason they were being led by the nose was because Orpheus... she didn't have the ability to steer the conversation back on track. She couldn't shout, "This doesn't matter at all! Take the war alliance seriously!" She simply couldn't do it.

Because Ira had previously stated that "the Demon King's territory needs more time and feedback," she couldn't make a statement... But the duchy does need time; they need to establish their advantage as soon as possible.

Otherwise, even if we win, the cost will be significant.

That's not a big deal, but the problem is, Yimra probably noticed that too... How did she do that?

"..."

"The prices in the spice trade are very reasonable, and we hope to increase our purchase volume. We will provide the specific figures later, and based on that, we hope to have a more accurate understanding..."

"The Demon King's territory currently produces quite good quality honey, which, in our estimation, should be sufficient..."

"..."

That's enough.

——————————

Orpheus really didn't know what to say. She couldn't even remember the specifics of the negotiations, only that... in the end, there was absolutely no progress in the war effort.

In a daze, I was completely drawn into Yinla's rhythm...

How are you feeling?

"That's what Grand Duke Novak asked."

Which aspect are you referring to?

Orpheus countered, rubbing her temples, and said, "If you're asking me how I felt about today's conversation... it was really awful. We were completely passively receiving or discussing the points raised by Illa Elcaras."

While it must be admitted that these are mostly win-win strategies, with both sides feeling like they've gained something, that's the most interesting part... If there weren't more important things to do right now, Orpheus would be very satisfied.

After all, they made money, and for a member of the Principality's council, being able to make money is a really good thing, not to mention... Yinla practically stuffed the money into her mouth.

That's probably why Novak gave Ira such high praise...

“I’m referring to Inra.”

In response to Novak's correction, Orpheus shook her head even more reluctantly and said, "So, how I feel is... very tired. Although I didn't participate much, I'm really tired."

Indeed, Novak had been cooperating with Illa in most of the previous exchanges, but Novak seemed to be doing quite well... it was Orpheus who was exhausted.

"This shows that you think too much but can't do anything about it."

Novak shook his head as he spoke, admonishing Orfilus, "Getting along with Illa is actually quite simple, but it's hard for me to teach you... Perhaps you should be more straightforward, so that whether it works or not, there will always be an answer. Until then, you must try to relax as much as possible."

"..."

Orpheus couldn't respond. Thinking about Novak's words, she returned to her room in contemplation... Yes, she was thinking too much, but there was nothing she could do.

How should one describe Yinla? Should we say she's "slick"? Or...like cotton, utterly useless; or perhaps like a puddle of "mud"? In short...

It's really frustrating. Trying to get something out of Yinla is just too difficult.

Although Orpheus didn't know how to describe it, the arrogance and unwillingness to admit defeat that had accumulated in her heart had completely disappeared... The sharp edges that were originally there had been completely smoothed out.

"Would you like to be more direct?"

Orpheus muttered to herself, "So... that means we can simply make the exchange of benefits easier and get all the questions we need answered?" But there were still some things she didn't understand.

For example, she still wanted to know what Inra's current view of the Empire was—although she had defected, she didn't seem to hate the Empire, and it was even... too strange, so strange that it made her doubt the accuracy of the intelligence.

Thinking this, Orpheus sat up from her room in the Demon Lord's territory and ordered her servants, "I need to see Ira. Please inform the maids."

"..."

Now? But it's already night... the dead of night, is this really okay?

"Miss, it's already..."

"Do as instructed."

"yes."