Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 49 The Grand Duke's Past

Isabella's words caught Grand Duke Roland off guard.

The matter of secretly building up forces in the Lost Land is his biggest trump card in this negotiation.

I didn't expect that the other party had already known about it.

He also investigated the details of the force he had nurtured, which instantly put him in a passive position in the subsequent negotiations.

There was a long silence at the negotiating table.

Finally, His Royal Highness the Grand Duke sighed, and his tone became much gentler:

"But at least we have a foundation, right? It's much better than rushing in blindly."

Isabella also slowed down her tone:

"Of course we value the power that His Royal Highness has painstakingly cultivated, and we can also provide this power with supplies to the best of our ability so that they can expand as much as possible.

But this is not a reason for you to take away 50% of your profits at once!

We at Pale Wings built this project from scratch. If we don't make at least 70% of the profit, I won't be able to explain myself to the family!"

Grand Duke Roland fell into deep thought again. After a few minutes of silence, he slowly said:
"How about this, since you're confident enough to recruit an adventure group to help you conquer the Lost Land, let's both take a step back.

We'll take 30% and you 50%. As for the remaining 20%, whoever can gain a foothold in the Lost Land first will own it. How do you say that?"

Isabella secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Before she left, the family elders' meeting gave a bottom line of 50%. Now that the initial goal has been achieved, she is relieved.

As for recruiting an adventure team to fight for the remaining 20%, we will have to discuss it after we return.

She also didn't want to push Grand Duke Roland into a corner. After all, this trade route would ultimately pass through the Western Region Empire. Without the support of the local government and nobles, the cost of their "Pale Wings" investment would only be higher!

Isabella pretended to consider it, then nodded reluctantly:
"Since His Royal Highness has taken the initiative to make concessions, it would be rather ignorant of me to insist. So let's settle it this way for now."

Grand Duke Roland also smiled and waved his hand vigorously:
"Great! Talking to the Golden Winged Girl is definitely more refreshing than dealing with those stubborn, old-fashioned people!"

The two men finalized a few more details and soon began signing their names and stamping the agreement with the family crest.

The negotiations were concluded, and Grand Duke Roland's expression relaxed considerably:
"Little Isa, did you just arrive in Florence today? Then you should spend a few more days here. There are many places worth visiting."

Isabella's eyes moved slightly and she asked:
"Your Highness the Grand Duke seems to be very familiar with Florence?"

Archduke Roland said with great interest:
"Of course. Actually, I had a selfish motive in choosing Florence as the venue for the negotiations this time."

After a pause, a subtle sadness appeared on his face, and his tone was a little heavy:

"Victor Corleone, the former king of Effiin, is an old friend of mine.

I heard that Effiin is now the queen, and I want to go see how she and her descendants are doing. Choosing Florence as the venue for the negotiations can be considered a good balance between public and private interests."

Isabella was extremely sensitive and caught the "she" in Grand Duke Roland's words.

Grand Duke Roland obviously noticed his own gaffe, and immediately smiled nonchalantly and sighed:
"When you get older, you tend to feel sentimental for no reason."

It seemed like he had been holding it in for too long, and to a younger generation he knew well, His Highness the Grand Duke expressed his inner desire:

“Back then, Victor, I, and Violica were very good friends.

Together we ventured and explored across the continent.

Communicate with various races on the continent, delve into dungeons and ancient ruins...

That was truly the happiest time in my life.

But when Victor turns thirty, he has to go back to inherit the throne, and Viorica has chosen to go back with him."

Grand Duke Roland's face showed regret and sigh for the white moonlight that he could not get in his youth.

“Time is truly a sharp sword that can easily cut off everything in the world.

Time flies, not only Victor dies inexplicably in the 'Twilight Zone', but Viorica also disappears mysteriously.

I came to Florence this time to discuss business with you, the Pale Wings, and also to meet the descendants of my two good friends.

I heard he was under a spell, so I brought a few great wizards with me this time to see if I can help him get rid of it."

Isabella's mind moved slightly and she asked:
"Your Highness is going to the palace to pay a visit to the King of Effiin?"

"good."

Isabella said quickly:

"I wonder if Your Highness would mind if I go with you?" Grand Duke Roland looked surprised.

"Are you also interested in the young king?"

Isabella smiled and said:

"That's not the case, I just want to meet his queen.

I've wanted to personally meet the 'Strongest Silver' who became famous five years ago for a long time, but I never had the chance."

Grand Duke Roland nodded thoughtfully:
"Isn't that the little girl who can deal with the Legendary level?"

"Your Highness also knows this queen?"

Grand Duke Roland's face showed a look of reminiscence:

“She was considered Viorica’s apprentice. In fact, among the three of us, Viorica had the best talent.

I'm not surprised at all that the students she personally taught have such ability."

Isabella suddenly realized: "I didn't expect that the current queen and the former queen had such a connection!"

Grand Duke Roland's tone became much more serious:

“If it weren’t for this relationship, would Angus have been able to become prime minister?
I didn't interfere with the political changes in Effiin because her daughter was Viorica's student.

After all, it was Viorica's student who became the queen, so it was not unacceptable.

I didn't expect this bunch of losers couldn't even protect their own king!"

There was an inexplicable light in Isabella's eyes, and she couldn't help but become more interested in the Effiin royal family.

After saying so much at once, Grand Duke Roland felt a little sad.

The two sides finalized all the details of the cooperation, and Roland agreed:
"Let's meet at the State Guest House tomorrow and go to the palace together?"

Isabella nodded in agreement. Looking at the Grand Duke and his entourage preparing to leave, she felt something in her heart and said:
"If Your Highness is not in a hurry, why not watch a big show before leaving?"

Grand Duke Roland is the brother-in-law of the current emperor of the Western Region Empire and holds a noble status.

When the battle starts later, Grand Duke Roland, as a new partner of the "Pale Wings", will definitely not watch Isabella being besieged.

He was traveling with "elite" guards this time, whose combat power was equivalent to that of legendary level.

Such a good helper would be a waste if not used.

In fact, the reason why Isabella was able to escape from the "Black Tomb" in her previous life was closely related to the timely assistance of Grand Duke Roland.

Grand Duke Roland was puzzled, but saw Isabella smile mysteriously and walk out of the mountain villa.

Grand Duke Roland hesitated for a moment, then followed with his men.

As soon as the two groups of people came out, a young man came up to them with a smile on his face.

Archduke Roland had met this person several times. He was the head of the "Pale Wings" in Florence and his name was Visser.

Wiesel bowed from a distance and said loudly:

"Greetings, His Royal Highness!"

Archduke Roland turned his head and found that Isabella had a calm expression and seemed not surprised by Visser's arrival.

Grand Duke Roland was slightly surprised and said:
"I thought you hadn't informed Effiin's people."

Isabella said calmly:

"I didn't give any notice."

As he spoke, Visser came over.

Mr. Modo's face turned cold and he said in a cold voice:
"Who asked you to come? Didn't I tell you to wait until the matter is done before bringing you to see the lady?"

Visser showed an awkward smile:
"Uncle, I was anxious. I wanted to come and see if the young lady and His Highness the Grand Duke needed any arrangements. After all, I've been here for a long time..."

Mr. Modo's face turned even colder:

"How many times have I told you to use your job title when you are working?"

(End of this chapter)