I really didn't want to burn it.

“There’s nothing we can’t talk about. After all, you’re still nominally under the control of the Tang Dynasty, aren’t you?”

Her Majesty the Queen casually remarked, "In the end, Afghanistan is a barren land. Such a place can't collect much tax revenue at all; on the contrary, a lot of money has to be invested in its development every year."

Li Ang smiled faintly and said, "So the entire Tang Dynasty has long been dissatisfied with that useless piece of land. Getting rid of this burden this time is a good thing for you."

"Everyone should consider the issue from a practical perspective. After all, isn't the premise of the negotiations that you acknowledge that Afghanistan Province is still nominally part of the Tang Dynasty?"

At this point, Her Majesty the Empress said with a serious expression, "Under no circumstances should we let others see the weakness of the court."

A vast empire like the Tang Dynasty undoubtedly had many internal and external conflicts, so it absolutely could not show any weakness, otherwise it would be a case of everyone kicking it when it was down.

This is very similar to a run on banks. It doesn't matter how strong the Tang Dynasty actually is; what matters is that everyone believes the Tang Dynasty is invincible.

Although Afghanistan is a unique region, if the Tang Dynasty cannot quell the rebellion for a long time, it will shake the foundation of the empire. At least in the eyes of many, it will give them the impression that the Tang Dynasty is not so great after all.

"I hope that the military clashes end here," Her Majesty the Empress said solemnly. "From now on, it would be best if we could conduct negotiations. In any case, after you leave, the Tang Dynasty can still retake Afghanistan Province."

Just then, a piece of music ended, and the two stopped dancing and looked at each other.

"How dare you say that to me, the negotiator for Afghanistan province?" Li Ang curled his lips in disdain.

Her Majesty the Queen coldly replied, "I return those words to you verbatim. You don't care about Afghanistan Province at all, do you?"

"Then, Your Majesty, shouldn't you return to me what I took from the Tang Dynasty?" Li Ang said coldly.

"That..." The Queen glanced at the terrace on the side of the hall, "This kind of thing should be resolved internally by you. I, as an outsider, will not get involved."

After saying this, Her Majesty the Empress released Li Ang's hand, indicating that the dance between the two had ended.

"If Mr. Li Ang doesn't intend to dance a second dance with me, it would be best if you gave up your seat," Her Majesty the Empress chuckled.

"Of course, didn't His Majesty just assign me a task?"

Li Ang bowed to Her Majesty the Empress, then turned and walked towards the terrace.

"Oh, how did your talks with that empress go?"

Halfway there, Ryougi Shiki secretly followed them.

"Hmph, what a woman who talks a lot of nonsense." Li Ang sneered, "She never tells the truth and is trying to get something for nothing."

"??"

Ryougi Shiki, who was not involved in the actual conversation, was somewhat confused by Li Ang's words.

"Forget it, there's no point in talking about this." Li Ang looked at the terrace. "That woman arranged a meeting between me and Group A. I wonder if they'll be able to return DD."

"Um, since this is a private conversation, should I excuse myself for a moment?"

"No need. Since it's him, it's better for you to stay by my side as insurance."

"Hey?"

Li Ang didn't explain his arrangements in much detail. He went straight to the banquet hall's terrace, where people were already waiting for him.

“Leon Falter, I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

With his long golden hair and pristine white Western-style suit, there was no doubt that the other person was Kirshtalia Wodim, the captain of Group A.

"Wodym".

Li Ang crossed his arms and looked at the other person with a serious expression.

Before Leon's time travel, the FGO storyline had already passed the Greek Lostbelt, so Leon was not completely unaware of this mysterious captain.

At least Li Ang had a relatively clear understanding of the other party's personality, strength, and purpose.

That's why Li Ang couldn't understand why this guy had ambushed and captured DD in Qin.

Their own little maid was just an ordinary little maid; she offered absolutely no help to humans in becoming gods.

If that's the case, then why...?

As Li Ang observed Wodym, the other party was also sizing up Li Ang.

"That fox is really something, pushing such a troublesome task onto me. Didn't you ask for that maid yourself?"

Wodim sighed inwardly. Negotiating with bargaining chips that he didn't want at all was pure torture.

In the hall, Her Majesty the Queen was dancing with a lady-in-waiting while secretly observing the situation on the terrace.

Seeing the tense atmosphere between the two men, she smiled with satisfaction.

"Hmph, I wonder what outcome you two will reach? I'm really curious~"

Chapter 296 Li Ang: I swear, my swear is all bullshit.

On the terrace, although there were no outsiders to disturb them, Leon and Wodym remained face to face, looking at each other.

"I originally thought you would wear local clothes when you came to the Tang Dynasty, but I didn't expect you to still maintain your original style?"

After thinking for a while, Li Ang finally decided to use clothing and culture as the starting point for their conversation.

"Hmph, after all, my taste in clothing wasn't influenced by some emperor here."

Kirshtalia Wodim's answer left Leon speechless.

Fortunately, Li Ang had no intention of discussing aesthetics with this man; he was just making a casual remark.

Therefore, instead of continuing to criticize Li Ang's aesthetic sense when he was young, Wodym started a new topic.

"Li Ang, you want that maid, right?"

Li Ang nodded: "Ah, after all, that's one of my people. You human trafficker bastard, hurry up and send him back to me."

As soon as Li Ang finished speaking, Kirshtalia Wodim glared at him fiercely with sharp eyes.

No wonder, the idea of ​​kidnapping people was originally the work of a certain fox, but the captain ended up being blamed for it for no reason.

Of course, Li Ang was unaware of these inside details. However, given his shamelessness, even if he had known, he would probably have demanded the man from Wodym.

"What, you seem to be quite dissatisfied with me?" Li Ang gave the other person a provocative look.

“No,” Kirshtalia Wodim replied, stroking his chin, “I just didn’t expect you to be so shameless as to insult me ​​to my face.”

[Haha, the host actually said it!]

In response to Wodym's direct sarcasm, Li Ang smiled and replied, "It's probably because your face is so delicate. If you don't look closely, you'd think you're an easy girl to bully."

Leon wasn't joking; Kirshtalia's face was indeed a bit too effeminate.

No wonder that before Li Ang transmigrated, this captain had all sorts of anthropomorphic illustrations and BL (Boys' Love) stories.

Li Ang's words left Kirshtalia Wodim speechless; he truly hadn't expected this man to dare say such a thing to his face.

Wodem was not unaware of his own appearance, but no one, whether in the Clock Tower or Chaldea, would dare to make such a joke about him.

His dazzling resume and the title of child prodigy make it impossible for anyone to joke about his appearance.

Kirshtalia Wodim's aura changed, startling Ryougi Shiki, who was standing at the edge of the terrace, so much so that she instinctively gripped the dagger in her hand.

After staring at each other for a few seconds, Wodim gave a disdainful snort, took a swig of wine, and suppressed his anger.

Then he said in a clearly disdainful tone, "With such a lack of manners, I'm really curious how any woman could be attracted to you?"

"Because Lao Tzu is exceptionally talented."

Li Ang's crude words almost caused Wodym to throw his drink in the other man's face.

"Look there."

Kirshtalia Wodim, having decided to ignore Leon's nonsensical nonsense, pointed into the distance.

Li Ang looked in the direction the other person was pointing and saw several men gathered together discussing something. Judging from their clothes, these men must be of high status.

“Let me guess…” Li Ang swirled his wine glass and grinned, “Are these guys planning a coup?”

“Yes, that’s right.” Kirshtalia Wodim acknowledged Leon’s statement, “and they have already contacted a portion of the army and obtained their approval.”

Li Ang rolled his eyes at the other party: "What, do you want us to help quell the rebellion? Don't forget, we are still officially classified as rebels."

“Our Group A represents the Luoyang government,” Kirshtalia Wodim said, glancing at Li Ang. “So there are some things we can’t get involved in.”

"what do you want to do?"

Leon smiled slightly at Kirshtalia Wodim, swirling the wine glass in his hand, and said, "Ah, don't tell me, let me guess... you're planning to give up on Her Majesty the Empress?"

"Don't tell me you're trying to be chivalrous."

Kirshtalia Wodim did not deny Leon's speculation.

"And what will the final result be? What will I get?"

"Take your maid and get back to another singularity."

Hearing this, Li Ang frowned slightly. He realized that Wodym seemed to be planning to take the singularity for himself.

Considering this person's true purpose in the original FGO story, Li Ang vaguely guessed the other party's plan.

This may not be the opinion of all members of Group A, but given that Kirshtalia Wodim currently holds absolute dominance, his will basically represents the will of Group A.

"Mr. Wodem, you really went too far. The Queen clearly considered your Group A as her closest comrades, and this is how you repay her?"

Kirshtalia Wodim watched Li Ang blink, then finally shrugged.

"I am, after all, the Master of Chaldea."

"But you're not repairing the singularity."

“You’re right, but I have my reasons.” Kirshtalia Wodim took another sip of his drink and looked at the moonlight as he replied, “While it’s not about repairing the singularity, I am indeed saving everyone by doing this.”

"Then good luck, my savior."

Li Ang responded in a joking tone.

Kirshtalia Wodim smiled faintly.

Li Ang smiled and gave a thumbs up. He suddenly realized that the captain in front of him was actually quite interesting; if it weren't for their different stances, they might have been good friends.

After laughing, Kirshtalia Wodim said to Leon, "Although I don't know where your maid is being held, she is not in any danger and has not been mistreated. It seems that the Queen only wants her."

These words signified that the negotiations between the two sides had entered their final stage. Kirshtalia Wodim's aura shifted instantly, and his previous friendly demeanor vanished in a flash.

"To put it bluntly, I hope that your Qin army will attack the palace after the rebels attack it."

"Do you need me to kill all those guys?"

"If you can do that."

"And then you bring people to kill me?"

“No, you can just return to Qin’s singularity after you’ve finished dealing with this. I’ll handle the rest,” Kirshtalia Wodim said, bringing his face close to Li Ang’s.

The two of them stared at each other with shrewd eyes.

"When will my maid be handed over?"

"After you have fulfilled my request."

Kirshtalia Wodim replied.

“Then you have to let me see her, otherwise I won’t do anything,” Li Ang said readily without hesitation.

“Sure.” Kirshtalia Wodim agreed without hesitation. “I will bring her with me when the agreement is officially signed, and those guys will make their move then.”

"Deal. I swear I will keep our agreement."

Li Ang readily agreed and shook the hand that Kirshtalia Wodim extended.

“Then it’s a pleasure to cooperate.” Wodim nodded.

However, out of each other's sight, the two simultaneously placed their other hand behind their backs and made a gesture of interlacing their fingers.

M78 Nebula 756365104

P.S.: Putting your hands behind your back and interlacing your fingers when making an oath is an excuse for not keeping your oath in the future.

That means you were prepared to abide by it from the beginning. ╮(╯▽╰)╭

Chapter 297 The Story of Miss Liangyi Being "Deceived"