It was a simple matter: Yuria could not offer anything that would match the right to use Fine as she pleased. How many merchants could offer something of equal or greater value to Fine?
Probably none.
Whether she understood it or not, Yuria found Fine's smile terrifying. If Yuria were to offer an equivalent price, she still couldn't say no.
It was like Fine was smiling before the verdict in a trial. Yuria didn't think it was a sane move. However, at the same time, Yuria didn't think Fine was crazy.
That's why she became interested.
"Do you understand? If I offer what you desire, you can't complain no matter what happens to you."
"I understand. But even if that's the case, I'm fine with it. I just want to be of service to Lord Al and Lord Leo."
"Would you be willing to do anything for the sake of the faction? Are you being blackmailed or something?"
Yuria felt something ominous about Fine's extraordinary self-sacrifice. She also glanced at Linphia, who was Fine's bodyguard, but Linphia looked surprised as well.
"I'm not being blackmailed. I just want to be of service."
"Is it worth that much? Is Prince Leonardo Lacks Ardor worth supporting to that extent?"
"Yes, of course. I would make him emperor even if it costs me my life. I'll do whatever it takes. If you can offer something equivalent, I'll gladly offer myself. What do you think?"
"…No, I can't. I can't offer anything equivalent to you. You win. Let's start the negotiation. What do you want? Tell me."
With that, Yuria conceded. Yuria never backed down in important negotiations. She had never compromised, even by a little. But even Yuria realized she couldn't push Fine any further.
Bluffing doesn't work against a serious opponent. Sensing that Fine was not just a simple lady, Yuria decided to move the conversation forward quickly.
This negotiation was important to Yuria. Even if it went a bit unfavorably, as long as it was concluded, it would be worth it. After all, it might allow her to reactivate the imperial capital branch, which she had already given up on.
"Let Linphia handle the details. Please."
"Ah, yes. Our demand is funds. A significant amount of money is needed for the imperial succession. We need as much as possible to win over influential people. Can you provide the support?"
"Understood. Anything else?"
"Another thing is to strike against merchants or guilds that have deep connections with other imperial candidates."
"You want me to defeat them in the merchant's field? Fine, I'll do it. Is that all?"
"That's all for now…"
"Alright, then let me state our demands. We'll accept all of your demands. In return, I want to use the name and, if possible, the face of Fine von Kleinter."
This was a proposal Linphia had expected. It was so expected that it almost felt anticlimactic.
It was what all the merchants in the imperial capital were thinking. For example, if you were selling vegetables, they would sell like hotcakes if you could say Fine recommended them. Fine was that popular in the imperial capital.
No one did it because doing so without permission could anger the emperor. However, with Fine's permission, it would be usable. Moreover, if she allowed the use of her portrait or illusions created by magic tools, the effect would be even greater. Fine, a popular figure, was more valuable to merchants than a gold mine.
"Is there anything else you want?"
"No, that's all. I tried to negotiate for better terms, but I gave up. This country's emperor has a good eye. Fine, you're a great woman. You're cute and brave. I'd like to make you my lover."
"Thank you for the offer, but if I belong to someone, my value would decrease, so I can't accept it."
"Oh dear. You're still using the imperial succession to justify your actions? I'm curious about what makes you go to such lengths?"
Faced with Yuria's question, Fine was unsure how to answer. She didn't know which answer would fit best, so she offered two.
"I am a duchess's daughter. I have the status to interfere in the imperial succession. Therefore, I believe it's my duty to support the emperor who can be proud of all the people. If I set aside my position and speak from my personal feelings… isn't it natural to support someone I love?"
This answer was unexpected for Yuria. The first part was uninteresting, but the second part was different. It was the kind of answer Yuria liked.
"Supporting someone because you love them. Which of the twin princes do you like?"
"That's a secret."
Fine winked and touched her nose. Yuria, charmed by this delicate gesture, tried to approach Fine, but Linphia, sensing the danger, intervened.
"Is the negotiation over? Then we'll take our leave!"
"Aw, you're leaving already? Stay a bit longer. I'll serve you special tea."
"Like I'd drink something with unknown ingredients…"
This female vampire might slip something into the tea. Linphia, being cautious, shielded Fine and slowly backed away.
Seeing this, Yuria sighed.
"You're so suspicious… What did I do?"
"Why don't you ask yourself?"
"Hmm… I didn't do anything."
Yuria, unashamed, told Linphia, who grimaced. Linphia knew it was a waste of time to deal with this type of person, so she chose to leave quickly.
"If we need anything, we'll contact you. Until then, please refrain from contacting us."
"Okay, okay."
"Goodbye, Yuria."
"See you."
Yuria watched as Linphia and Fine left. After they were gone, she slowly looked at her palm. She was sweating. She had been intimidated by Fine's eyes.
What kind of man could make such a good lady look at him with such intensity? Yuria's interest was piqued, and she got up from her desk.
"Speed up the preparations. We need to show results as soon as possible and sell them to the Leonardo faction. Otherwise, I won't be able to meet him."
While giving instructions to her secretary, Yuria muttered. If the man Fine loved could satisfy her curiosity,
"Maybe she'll let me have a taste."
Yuria licked her lips, showing her sharp canines. The secretary sighed.
"Here we go again with her bad habits."
The representative had an eye for valuable things, even if they were people. She hoped it wouldn't get complicated. The elf secretary silently got to work.