Earl Kazlier looked worried. "Our old neighbor is coveting our mineral resources, and there have already been some clashes along the border."
"You know, ours is only a small place. The last time we fought a foreign war was 107 years ago. At the time, the lord led thirty knights and 350 soldiers to repel the invaders."
"Things are very bad domestically now. No one knows when the flames of war might ignite. We need some help!"
Earl Kazlier's country relied on mineral resources and animal husbandry as the pillars of its economy. Mineral resources in particular accounted for 80 percent of the country's income, while animal husbandry made up a little over ten percent of the remainder.
Then there were handicrafts and tourism.
The mines were basically all owned by the state—in other words, by the nobility. That was what allowed Earl Kazlier to settle in the Federation and spend money on pleasure without restraint.
As for how much truth there was to what he said, Lin Qi had no idea, and he could not be bothered to guess.
"That sounds terrible!" His response was direct. "But I can't help you with this."
Earl Kazlier did not become disappointed or discouraged because of Lin Qi's refusal. "I heard that you have a good personal relationship with Mr. President. Perhaps you could help me arrange a meeting with him."
"I've actually come twice already, but I never managed to see Mr. President. He's too busy!"
Lin Qi lifted his coffee and took a sip. It was delicious—at least much better than the sour coffee served at the Presidential Palace. "I'm afraid I can't help you much with this. You know, he's a very independent person. He isn't influenced by anyone."
"And besides..." Lin Qi set down his coffee cup, clapped