March 2, 1867.
Saint Petersburg.
Kross, a negotiation specialist from the Hohenzollern Conglomerate, was haggling with Count Sergei, a confidant of Tsar Alexander II.
"Count Sergei, is the news that your country intends to sell the Alaska region truly reliable?"
Kross cautiously sought confirmation from Count Sergei. After all, this was a major deal, and there was no room for the slightest carelessness.
"With my identity and standing, I have no petty interest in playing tricks on you. In fact, some ministers had previously proposed to His Majesty that Alaska be sold. Some even wanted to contact the American government and let them take over the Alaska Territory," Count Sergei said sternly.
"Alaska has now become a burden on the Empire, and it also faces threats from the British. That is why voices calling for the sale of Alaska have emerged."
Hearing this, Kross knew the news was more or less confirmed, so he asked, "Mr. Sergei, does your country no longer intend to continue expanding into the Americas?"
Kross's question was quite impolite, but Sergei, having already taken the money, did not mind in the least.
He explained, "Since the Crimean War, the Empire has embarked on the road of reform. Reforms cost money! And our focus is now on Central Asia. At present, we have no energy to develop the American colonies. Besides, managing and developing the Alaska colony not only brings no profit, but often incurs losses. The Empire's economic situation has been poor these past two years, and people have long wanted to sell Alaska and turn it into cash."
Kross picked up the thread. "Exactly. Our Hohenzollern Conglomerate is interested in purchasing your country's Alaska colony."
"That is certainly no problem. But if you want me to build the bridge and make the connections, then