A map was spread out on the dark marble table, streaked with green and red ink that outlined borders, trade routes, and danger signs. To the south of the map lay the Erebos Forest, a wild area that had been marked as impassable for hundreds of years.
In front of the map, two figures sat facing each other. Damian Landis and Cecilia of Magenta. After their initial introductions, Damian finally agreed to Cecilia's wish to discuss their plans for cooperation further.
"This new route..." Damian began, his voice calm and gentle like a scholar's. "It lies in a dangerous forest that is renowned even in this kingdom. Without experts willing to risk their lives, the trade route you hope for will never come to realization."
Cecilia listened without interrupting, her hands clasped together neatly on the table, her posture calm, almost like a statue.
"You want our help. And in return, you will offer this kingdom official access to the trade of Nerva's Blossom and Mira Root," Damian continued.
"Why do you have such confidence that we will accept this offer? We are fine even without your supplies."
He looked Cecilia straight in the eye, hoping to see even a hint of doubt.
However, what he found instead was a small smile playing at the corner of Cecilia's eyes.
"I trust that you would not want to pass up this offer," Cecilia replied softly. "I know you do not want anyone to suspect the key ingredient to making the Elixir. You know that rumors have already spread on the black market about you regularly purchasing poisonous plants. Without an official supplier, it will only take a while before everyone knows the two ingredients to make the Elixir."
Damian narrowed his eyes. "They can find out the ingredients. But they will not be able to make it."
"Not yet, Prince," Cecilia replied as she leaned back confidently. "Not yet. There are many geniuses out there. Even if only one ingredient were to leak to the public, there are many people out there who can start research to develop the Elixir."
"Then, when that happens... the Landis Royal Family won't be the only ones who can make that medicine anymore."
Damian didn't answer immediately. In his eyes, there was a glint of complicated calculations, as if his mind was reconsidering all the possibilities.
Finally, he said. "In that case, we would like some planting rights for Nerva's Blossom and Mira Root."
"That can't be done," Cecilia cut in immediately. "Nerva's Blossom and Mira Root develop naturally, not through someone's cultivation. I'll sell you those two plants, but I can't sell or transfer the land where they were grown from the Magenta Kingdom."
Before Damian could protest, Cecilia immediately continued.
"However, I will ensure the confidentiality of our transactions if that is what you are worried about. Every transaction will be handled directly by me. And, for every aid you send to open a route through the Erebos Forest, I will increase your purchasing quota by five percent."
Damian was silent.
That was... smart. Too smart, actually.
Cecilia had not only come with an offer, but had already calculated the negotiation trap before she could set it up.
This masked figure was no simple noble who brought diplomacy to the table. This was someone who was used to gambling with lives and information, and he always won when he did so.
Finally, Damian smiled a little. "You are truly interesting, Cecilion."
Cecilia paused for a moment. It was the first time she had seen Damian smile at someone. It felt strange, but Cecilia took it as a note that Damian enjoyed talking to smart people.
If she had known that, she would not have pretended to be stupid and helpless in her previous life.
Cecilia took a breath. Let bygones be bygones. Cecilia was grateful that her negotiations had gone smoothly this time.
"Glad we finally agreed," Cecilia replied. "Don't worry. I'm not a scammer. I'm just someone who doesn't like to lose."
"Not anymore," Cecilia added in her mind.
Damian laughed, a sound that rarely came from his lips. "And I'm starting to suspect... you're more suited to be poison than the twin sister of a noble princess."
Cecilia just lowered her head slightly. "Poison, if controlled properly, is medicine."
Damian nodded. He liked how Cecilia could always respond to his words well.
"Very well. You win, Cecilion Magenta."
Damian extended his hand, which Cecilia immediately took. They shook hands. That simple interaction would create a new alliance that no one expected.
But behind the agreement, both Damian and Cecilia knew that it was not the end of the negotiations. The agreement was the beginning of a much bigger game.
Damian hasn't given up on the secret of the Elixir, while Cecilia also knows Damian isn't someone who would let someone who knows his secret off the hook so easily. The deal was just the beginning. If she wanted to use Damian well, she would need to lure him with something else in the future.
But that would be a plan for another day. For now, securing the trade routes and filling the royal treasury to strengthen the Magenta Kingdom were Cecilia's goals.