Aqua stood before the king, his heart pounding like a drum in a bard's tale. "Oh, mighty king, I would be overjoyed if you accept my humble offering with an open heart," he said, his voice echoing slightly in the grand hall.
The king, maintaining his regal composure, nodded. "Very well, if you wish to bestow this upon me, I shall accept. But tell me, what do you seek in return?"
"I seek nothing, my lord. Your happiness is reward enough," Aqua replied, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
Before the king could respond, Arthur stepped forward. "My lord, Mr. Shiki's generosity is boundless, but accepting such a gift without recompense would cast a shadow upon our court's honor," he cautioned.
The king stroked his beard thoughtfully. "You make a fair point, Arthur. Mister Shiki, I cannot accept such a grand gesture without offering something in return. What is it that you desire?" the king asked, his gaze piercing.
"If I may be so bold, my king, during my travels, I came across a charming village in the southern part of your kingdom. If you could grant me stewardship over this village, I would be eternally grateful," Aqua proposed, his voice steady.
"Is that all?" the king inquired, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Yes, my lord," Aqua affirmed.
Arthur interjected, "My king, what Mr. Shiki offers is a treasure without equal. Imagine what another ruler might provide in exchange for such rarities."
The king nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Arthur, you are correct. Therefore, I shall bestow upon you a million gold coins, one hundred workers, full control of the village, and a title of nobility in the southern lands. Even the local governor shall answer to you," the king declared, his voice resonating with authority.
Aqua bowed deeply. "I am greatly honored, my lord," he said, barely concealing his glee. Well, I was hoping for a village, but I've landed a fortune, authority, and a workforce. Not bad for a day's work, he mused silently.
"Commander, ensure that Mr. Shiki receives everything as promised," the king commanded.
After the assembly, Arthur and Shiki returned to the Red Corp headquarters.
"That went exceedingly well," Arthur remarked, a satisfied grin on his face.
"It's all thanks to your guidance," Aqua replied, his confidence shining through.
"We may have outwitted the king, but that's the art of negotiation," Arthur chuckled.
"And here is the 200,000 gold coins, the 20% I promised," Aqua said, handing over a heavy pouch that jingled with the sound of prosperity.
"Thank you, Mr. Shiki. It's a pleasure doing business with you," Arthur said, the weight of the gold satisfying in his hands.
"What are your plans now?" Arthur inquired.
"I'll head to the village I've been granted and see to the well-being of the people there. I also have some places to visit in the capital, so I shall bid you farewell until my next visit," Aqua said, turning to leave.
"Safe travels, Mr. Shiki. I await your return," Arthur called out as Aqua departed.
The minister will bring the workers tomorrow at the gate, which means I have the whole day to myself. It's only afternoon; perhaps a trip to the weapon shop is in order, Aqua pondered.
Upon entering the shop, the familiar clang of metal greeted him.
"Ah, Mr. Aqua, how fare you? Have you concluded your business in the capital?" the shopkeeper, Mr. Brawn, asked.
"Good day, Mr. Brawn. I am well, thank you. Indeed, my business here is complete. Tell me, have you considered my offer to join my village?" Aqua inquired, his eyes scanning the array of weapons that gleamed with promise.
Brawn's face lit up like a lantern in the dark. "Mister Aqua, my wife and I have decided to join your cause and start anew in your village," he said, his smile as wide as the horizon.
"Excellent! Here are 500 gold coins. Use them to gather what you need, and we'll set off at dawn tomorrow. Meet me at the gate," Aqua instructed, the coins clinking in his hand like music to Brawn's ears.
"Wh-what? 500 gold coins?" Brawn stammered, his eyes as round as saucers. It was a fortune he'd never imagined holding.
"Yes, take it and make good use of it. I must be off," Aqua said, leaving a stunned Brawn in his wake.
With his tasks complete, Aqua's thoughts turned mischievous. Women's Plaza, here I come, he mused, a roguish grin spreading across his face.
Upon arrival, Aqua's ears caught the sound of distress. Inside, he found five women in tears, their pleas filling the air.
"What's going on here?" Aqua inquired, concern furrowing his brow.
"Mister Shiki, welcome back," Angie, the receptionist, greeted him. "These women are struggling to make ends meet. They're being pressured into servitude by the nobility for a chance to earn their bread," she explained, her voice heavy with sorrow.
"That's terrible. Were you thinking of employing them here at the plaza?" Aqua asked, his mind already turning over solutions.
"I would, but the financial strain would be too great," Angie admitted, a look of defeat crossing her face.
Aqua surveyed the women, his entrepreneurial spirit igniting. "Why not open a plaza in my village? You all have the grace and charm to make it a success," he suggested, his voice full of promise.
"A plaza in your village?" the leader of the women echoed, disbelief mingling with hope in her voice.
"Yes, I've recently acquired the land and have been granted nobility in the southern lands. A plaza graced by your presence would be a jewel in the village," Aqua said, his confidence infectious.
"But we have no funds to start such an endeavor. We're flat broke," the woman replied, the weight of her situation evident in her voice.
"Fear not, I will provide the necessary funds until you can stand on your own," Aqua assured them, his generosity shining like a beacon.
"Really? You would do that for us?" the woman asked, her grip on Aqua's hand tightening with gratitude.
Aqua chuckled, taken aback by the sudden contact. "Of course," he affirmed.
Angie stepped forward, her eyes glistening with appreciation. "Mister Shiki, your kindness is a rare treasure," she said, embracing him warmly.
Aqua's senses were enveloped by the scent of her perfume, a reminder of the vibrant life in the capital. This is indeed the best place in the entire capital, he thought, a contented smile playing on his lips as he envisioned the future of his village, now bright with the prospect of new beginnings.
Today we will celebrate and indulge in drinks, Aqua exclaimed...
"Yes!" all the women responded eagerly, then surrounded Aqua...
Aqua's face was obscured by those generous bosoms...