Chapter 658: The Tsar's Gravitas

The bone serpent drifted up into the sky, and golden netherflames lit up in the orifices where its eyes were, “Oh? Where were they headed?”

Silence.

“Do you still think he represents one of the Eight Great Clans?”

“This time, I’m certain that he’s back for evidential proof of the Forbidden Arts as earlier alleged. You’re right. He would never do something like that if he’s from one of the Eight Great Clans. After all, the Eight Great Clans’ dealings with us would only extend to matters of commerce and profit, and it matters not to them whether we believe his claims about the Russian Underworld’s foray into Forbidden Arts or not. There’s simply no impetus for them to head back into Hell to obtain any proof of such allegations. Instead, the only one who has a vested interest in doing so is someone from within Hell’s governmental system - especially one entrusted with a tall responsibility.”

Black Mamba responded placidly, “Because this wasn’t a big deal for Hell to begin with.”

“What they desire is international influence. For instance… over Usonia.”

Black Mamba smiled, and his eyes flickered softly, “And that was precisely why I didn’t outrightly reject him back then.”

“Babulu, do you now know why I didn’t give Prefect Qin an affirmative response even though I didn’t think he was lying back then?

“If we’re going to act on these claims of his, then we’ll need to be able to trigger the Coalition of Alkebulan Underworlds to act together. Given the gravity and potential implications of the situation, we cannot afford to make any move without compelling evidence and further information on hand. After all… this matter is likely going to escalate into something to be discussed at the Federation of Underworlds. It would be imprudent to act on an impulse, to say the least.”

Babulu bowed, “Secondly, leverage.”

He paused and smiled wryly, “We can’t be acting in your interests for free either. The commercial opportunities you’ve presented to us… isn’t sufficient.”

His voice deepened, “We’re going to ask for the sky.”

Babulu’s eyes gleamed brightly.

“That’s right.” Black Mamba responded softly, “Do you know what to do?”

Moments later, Babulu vanished from the grand hall. If Qin Ye were here, he would most certainly have applauded the Mythic Spirit for his astuteness.

A little deviation was only to be expected of any person that couldn’t quite be described as omniscient. Unfortunately, this deviation would prove to be fatal.

Just like the Russian Underworld, nobody had anticipated that Hell was currently in hot soup! Hell’s current attitude towards the situation wasn’t one of indifference and apathy. In fact, it was quite the converse - Hell viewed the situation as one of grave importance to them, so much so that it justified the personal attention of the King Yanluo of Hell himself!

Qin Ye remained in the room, carefully drafting up the documents that he required. Time passed quickly, and a day passed in the blink of an eye.

It’s done!

He had managed to document everything during this short period of time, from why he first visited Daehan, to the entire incident that transpired, to his considerations of the masterminds pulling the strings from the shadows, until the final conversation with Marquis Rumyantsev. From there, he even documented the proposed compensation and the terms of cooperation. Everything was written in formal prose and in third-person language. Furthermore, all traces of emotions had been masterfully omitted from the records.

Hardly. At the very least, Qin Ye knew that he couldn’t possibly have done this without the aid of Fate.

That said, Qin Ye was now completely worn out. With a soft sigh, he slumped back onto the sofa weakly. Using Fate like that resulted in a huge drain on his Yin energy reserves. Over the last day or so, all he’d done was to draft up a series of documents, and yet he couldn't help but feel weak in both legs.

It was a scroll with a golden background embroidered with patterns of rolling clouds, and tied together with a double-stranded rope - just like the official diplomatic scrolls recorded in Hell’s legacy. The only difference was that it wasn’t stamped with a seal.

There were a total of three puzzle pieces that he needed, and he’d finally secured himself one piece. Now, all he had to do was to wait for Ryu Changmin and Kwon Kyung-ho’s return and pray that they might have the other two puzzle pieces for him.

Success might mean the best possible eventuality in certain circumstances, but the knowledge that one had put his best foot forward would allow him to move forward with a clear conscience.

“Sir.” He held a copy of the newspaper in his hands, “These are the latest newspapers.”

And if that was the case, then someone must have wanted him to see the contents of the papers.

That said, there was clearly no need to look too far, because everything was clearly written all over the headlines - “Duchess of Rus, Catherine the Great, has just announced the grand opening of five international-class energy deposits in Eastern Rus.”

“Sigh…” Qin Ye sighed softly. He’d already guessed that the Russian Underworld’s Parasitic Inkstone Mine tender was nothing more than an appetizer for the main dish that followed. But, even then, he couldn’t help but sigh in exclamation at the extent to which they were willing to go in order to secure what they needed.

Is he not afraid of the possibility that they wouldn’t have the resources to actually develop the Forbidden Arts?

𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

This was the classic case of placing all of their eggs in one basket and going all out in pursuit of a certain goal of theirs. Regardless of the result, it was far more important that they’d tried their best than to regret not having done so later on.

“But… if you’re doing so much to put your best foot forward, how can I not do the same?” Qin Ye turned his attention to the papers and began to read carefully, “At the very least, none of you pampered Tsars and Dukes have to personally lobby for change like I do.”

That said, Hell would never make light of the situation!

The details were all summarized in the first few paragraphs of the news article, followed by an in depth, blow-by-blow description of exactly what transpired. Qin Ye was content with skimming through the summary of the press conference, before promptly turning to the commentaries section below the article.

Nobody questioned their motives.

Qin Ye counted about a dozen underworlds who had already registered their interest for the tendering process, including several large Alkebulan tribes.

His eyes narrowed, “If you’re not willing to give up on these benefits, then you’ll have to compromise in some way or other. To think that they’re already padding the pot and softening their landing before their negotiations with Hell. Does this mean that they’re absolutely certain that they would be able to get their hands on the rights to the Resentment Crystals Mine? So much so that they’re even willing to burn bridges with Hell?”

Unfortunately, this was also bad news for Hell.

“I wonder what the Black Mamba Underworld thinks of all these developments?” He ran his finger gently across the papers, “Is this a show of might? Or is this all part of their negotiation tactics?”

With that, Qin Ye shelved his thoughts and glanced blankly at the ceiling. No matter what, he would have to wait until Ryu Changmin and Kwon Kyung-ho returned before he could reassess Hell’s position on this matter!

Would they outweigh the profits to be had?

At the very least, he would have to test their mettle if he were to learn of their bottom line for real!