Back at Lancia the King was also rather busy with his own side of the deal.

Firstly he needed to find the right building that would become Earth’s embassy, the place where Nelson and his people would be staying. Then he needed to find a large open space where the planned “supermarket” would be built.

Thankfully there was rather large Villa located at the inner city of Lancia that fit the bill, but he had to purchase it from the Henecian merchant who lived there. Once he was paid a generous sum of money the merchant happily returned to Henice the next day and the Embassy was now taken care of.

Next he had to deal with the large lot of land for the Supermarket.

After careful deliberation he decided to use an empty square located at the commoner’s area that was mostly used by the people for recreational purposes. It was the perfect location since the target market was the commoners anyway.

As for the Mithril and Adamantite mines he simply sent a letter letting them know of the planned joint mining operations with the Outsiders.

And finally for the Joint Military Exercises he had to write a letter to General Lorn who was currently guarding the border between Naztec and Aleria. But he was a bit concerned because he hasn’t received a reply from him yet, even though he knew exactly why.

It was General Lorn’s pride.

“That old fool” King Xavier sighed to himself

“Still, I hope he sees that this is the best move for the Kingdom. He maybe prideful but he’s not stupid” The King said thought to himself confident that the General will eventually come around.

As the King was busy writing the formal contract in his private study a sudden knock can be heard on the door.

“Your Majesty” Said the voice outside

“Prime Minister Herman has come to see you. He’s waiting for you at the reception hall”

“Ah good, I was just about to send for him. Please tell him to head to the study immediately” The King commanded

“As you wish your Majesty”

“Perfect timing old friend” The King thought to himself.

A few moments later the Prime Minister arrived at his private study. Different from his extremely nervous demeanor from when they last saw each other, the Prime Minister now had a more relaxed expression, but at the same time still cautious. The King could guess why.

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“You Majesty” The Prime Minister greeted the King

“Enough of the formalities Herman”The King immediately replied

“However I must say this is impeccable timing, I was planning to call for you anyway”

“Let’s just say I know you enough to guess what you would do next” The Prime minister replied with a laugh.

“Whatever you say old friend, now out with it” The King exclaimed

“Out with what?” The Prime Minster replied

“Well, you do have a reason for coming here correct? I’m guessing it has something to do with the deal I made with the Outsiders.”

The Prime Minster simply shrugged and began talking.

“Are you sure you want the Outsiders to enter our territory and establish a presence?” The Prime Minister said in a concerned voice.

“You do realize that they are simply trying to gain a foothold in our Kingdom”

“I know that, but with the way the negotiations went, I know that they don’t plan to brute force their way in.” The King said confidently

“After all if they wanted to conquer Aleria they wouldn’t have bothered meeting me”

“But”

“Yes, yes I know, they might dabble with the local politics but I am confident I can keep the Outsiders in check, after all they look like a people who would listen to reason, at least more than our Neighbor up north.” The King said with a sigh.

“And besides, with all the benefits we can get from a partnership with them, another person stirring up the pot is not a bad trade”

“I see, but do not trust them just yet” The Prime Minster warned

“I am no fool Herman, you know that.” The King smiled

“Just reminding you old friend” The Prime Minister returning the King’s smile

“By the way, have you told Lorn about the result of the meeting?”

“Yes, but he hasn’t made a reply yet”

“Well that is to be expected” Both the King and the Prime Minister sighed in unison and shook their heads.

“But Herman, what of the high nobles. Have they made a move?” The King now had a serious tone in his voice

“No, at least not publicly.” The prime Minister replied.

“It seems they are content on watching on the sidelines for now, still you should be careful”

“I see, I guess my true enemies are from within no?” The King said in a dejected tone.

Suddenly there was another knock can be heard on the door.

“Who is it?” The King asked

“F-father may I come in?” A soft voice came from the other side of the door.

“Oh my dear Alea, come in”

The door opened revealing the beautiful 2nd princess of Aleria. The room felt like it lit up with her presence.

“Well I guess you will need to some family time, I shall take my leave your majesty and your highness” The Prime Minster bowed and exited the room.

“What is it my dear daughter?” The king said in an affectionate voice

“Nothing I just wanted to check if you are doing well.” Alea replied

“Is that all?” The King asked in a knowing tone

“I-I haaaa.”

“Is it true that you allowed the Outsiders entry into our city?” The Princess asked

“T-they didn’t threaten you or anything did they?”

The King touched by her concern grasped his daughter’s hand but then he saw a few red spots that looked like small bruises on her forearm. This suddenly deflated the King’s mood

“Alea, are you sure you should be walking around?” The King asked

“Yes father don’t worry. I feel rather strong today” Alea reassured her father

“Still, you should go back to bed. I don’t want you wasting your strength.” The King smiled lovingly at his daughter

“I understand father” Alea obeyed.

The King then escorted his daughter back to her room. His thoughts now filled with uncertainty and sadness.