In response to the expected call for help, Li Lin's answer was cut and dry— refusal.
There was no room for negotiation; it was an outright rejection.
Owning a favor to the Church sounded fantastic, but was, in reality, meaningless. In the face of national and group interests, so-called personal favors were worthless, their effectiveness even less than a treaty that would inevitably be torn up. Moreover, the conflicts between corporations and the church were based on fundamental ideological clashes. A favor or two would do nothing to improve the relationship. Would anyone in their right mind risk falling out with Richelieu over this?
Furthermore, whether this mission was founded upon the will of the church itself was still questionable.
"You should learn to refuse the capricious requests of girls, being led by the nose is not a good sign."
"Didn't you say you could provide assistance before?"
