Sobue's face betrayed a flicker of confusion. After all, a deal worth 5 billion yen was on the table—surely, such an offer was a given to accept. The sheer audacity of a refusal seemed unthinkable.
Wataru felt beads of sweat form on his forehead. He wasn't merely declining a business deal; this was a matter of international importance, capable of influencing Japan's political and economic landscape. Even so, he couldn't bring himself to risk the safety and dignity of his companions, Mariel and Stella, by allowing them to be treated as criminals in a foreign land.
It was a decision born of anguish.
"Can you explain the issue?" Sobue asked. "I don't want to return empty-handed to my contacts. If I know the specifics, I can negotiate to adjust the terms."
"To put it bluntly, my companions can't travel internationally," Wataru admitted.
