The atmosphere between the two sides was extremely tense, while Furina, conversely, was holding a cup of coffee and slowly savoring it in small sips.
It was as if nothing had anything to do with her.
Liego: Mr. Fan Shang, we express our sincere gratitude for all the goodwill your side has shown in Gray River recently, but this cannot become a reason to lower our bottom line nor a bargaining chip to blackmail us.
Although Fire Land was to make relative concessions in the negotiations, they would not budge an inch on matters involving principles.
Fan Shang: Mr. Liego, since you've put it that way, we will take the initiative to step back. Our side will grant Fire Land 100% autonomy in Gray River, provide 100 million mora for Fire Land to dispose of at its own discretion and give aid worth over 1 billion mora to help Gray River build infrastructure and improve the people's living conditions. But at the same time, our side requires Fire Land to disband all armed forces and The Court of Fontaine will dispatch 1-2 consultants to join Fire Land.
Upon hearing this condition, Liego rejected it immediately without even thinking.
Liego: I'm sorry, but we cannot accept the condition of disbanding all armed forces.
The conditions offered by The Court of Fontaine were indeed very tempting; it's estimated that under the lure of 100 million Mora in cash, the vast majority of people would have accepted.
However, neither Liego nor Yadou were the type of people to bow down for immediate interests.
They were people who had lived through the period of blood and fire in Gray River, people who truly wanted to change the status quo of Gray River.
Can autonomy without armed forces be called true autonomy?
Fan Shang: 100 million mora— are you really not going to reconsider? Our side has already shown the utmost sincerity; one could say this is our bottom line. Being too greedy is not good, right, Mr. Liego? After all, the gap in strength between the two sides is right here.
Fan Shang's meaningful words were followed by a cold laugh, which sent a chill down Liego's spine.
Hearing this, Liego closed his eyes, his brow furrowed as he considered whether he should speak his mind. Finally, he gritted his teeth and after exchanging a look with Yadou in the distance, made up his mind.
Liego: Our side will not accept the condition of disbanding all armed forces. If you cannot compromise on this, then please leave.
Fan Shang: Is that so... It seems Mr. Liego has made up his mind. Then... for the last ten minutes, one last chance. Our side will double the amount of Mora offered, while the other conditions remain the same. Please make your final decision.
After saying this, Fan Shang took out a Hydro Hourglass. Once he inverted it to start the timer, he fell into silence. Oleg also had a serious expression and didn't say a word.
[T/L: The format returns to normal.]
Ten minutes passed.
As the last drop of Hydro fell, Liego still hadn't agreed to the conditions given by Fan Shang.
During these ten minutes, Liego had already prepared for the worst-case scenario of a conflict. He secretly signaled Yadou to prepare for battle and had his team withdraw from the area to increase their chances of survival.
"The Court of Fontaine... is truly an opponent that can never be defeated. Oh well, today let this old man enjoy the last bit of warmth." Just as Liego was bracing himself to sacrifice his life once more, Fan Shang suddenly took a step back and immediately after, Furina stood up.
"Hahahahahahaha—Very good, very good! My citizen, you possess such a steadfast will. Congratulations, you have passed my trial!"
Furina began to laugh almost frantically; it seemed she was very satisfied with Liego's performance.
Liego: "Huh?"
Yadou, secretly observing from a distance. "Huh?"
Yes, this negotiation was not just a probe by Fire Land against The Court of Fontaine, but also an assessment by Furina of Fire Land to see if they truly had the heart, ability, and responsibility to lead Gray River toward prosperity.
Of course, the idea of conducting an assessment through negotiations was given to Furina by Rina before she went to sleep. Furina later refined the plan herself and communicated with Fan Shang and Cecily to put on this show.
"Then... let's take a temporary break from the talks. I'm sure you need time to process this information. We'll continue in ten minutes." Furina said to Liego.
Liego went to find Yadou with his head spinning.
Ten minutes passed.
Liego walked back to the negotiation table with a tall woman dressed in black and gray.
The woman bowed deeply to Furina and spoke with some apology. "Greetings, Lady Furina. I apologize for not appearing before you sooner. I am the true leader and primary founder of Fire Land— Yadou. You may also call me Shatana."
"Hmm? Ah? Wait, how is there a fake leader too!" Furina was shocked internally; she really hadn't expected Fire Land to have a hidden card up their sleeve.
But she certainly couldn't let such emotions show on her face. Furina cleared her throat and said. "Ahem, it's fine. I, the god, Focalors, am magnanimous and won't hold it against you. Let's get straight to the point.
Gray River returns to Fontaine. Within six months, the exchange channels between the two places will be gradually opened. Nominally under the jurisdiction of the Palais Mermonia, the Gray River will actually be co-managed by the Palais Mermonia and Fire Land. Fire Land will hold all decision-making and management powers. Fontaine officials will only act as liaisons between The Court of Fontaine and Gray River. Tax exemptions for Gray River for 20 years. Fire Land will retain all armed forces. The Palais Mermonia will provide over 2 billion mora in aid in batches over ten years. Fire Land will receive one seat in the parliament, with a rank equivalent to the President of the High Court."
Furina rattled off all the terms in one go. One could say these conditions were entirely a welfare package for Fire Land.
She added. "However, Fire Land must adhere to the One Fontaine principle. In the event of national emergencies, you must follow the arrangements and unified management of the Palais Mermonia. In non-emergency situations, Fire Land implements autonomy over the Gray River Area."
Yadou and Liego carefully considered the contents of the treaty. Finding no ambiguities, they made their decision.
Yadou said. "Lady Furina, we fully agree with this agreement. However, there is one part that could be modified."
"Oh? What is it?" Hearing this, Furina became interested.
"I believe today will surely be the most important day in the history of Gray River.
And the 'Fire Land' has fulfilled its mission. It is time for it to have a new name.
And that is—
Wildfire."
It was indeed a good name.
Furina, Fan Shang, Yadou, and Liego solemnly signed their names on the contract. The gears of the Gray River's fate would begin to turn from this moment.
Nearly half of the team members who had come down chose to stay in the Gray River temporarily to help them build their home. Furina and the fully recharged Rina also played down there for a few days.
When the contract was first signed, over half of the local Gray River residents expressed strong opposition. But as they spent time with the team members who stayed behind and saw their sincerity, coupled with the tangible improvements in Gray River and their living conditions, most people's estrangement faded significantly.
The deep trauma left in the hearts of the remaining few would surely be slowly repaired by time.
A month passed quietly and the first pathway from Gray River to The Court of Fontaine was opened.
After long-term publicity by Fontaine officials and speeches by Furina, the people from The Court of Fontaine gradually let go of their arrogance and prejudice toward Gray River.
The exit opened and the first batch of people to leave rushed upward impatiently.
Suddenly, something dazzling hit their eyes, making it impossible for them to keep them open.
Sunlight... something they hadn't seen for so long.
It was so brilliant, sprinkling evenly over everyone.
Look, the sky is bright…