Negotiations Suspended

It was good that Marcin could earn Frederick's favor, but more importantly, he had to complete Casimir's mission.

"I've come to discuss something," Marcin said, getting down to business.

"In recent years, the climate has been unusually cold. The winter from last year into this one has lasted longer than usual."

"This year, the poor weather has caused wheat and other grain harvests across the various countries to plummet. They are all facing a severe test."

Frederick understood the situation as soon as he heard this.

Grain harvests had fallen across the north. The south was faring better, but thanks to its canals and convenient railways, the Duchy of Weissen had become a vital artery for bulk trade between north and south.

South of the Piaster Kingdom lay the region of Bohemia, and farther south was its old enemy, the Osmagar Empire. Opening a land trade route to the south was nothing short of a pipe dream.

If they wanted to buy grain from the south, they could not do without the Duchy of Weissen's transport routes.

To avoid being held at someone else's mercy, Casimir had sent Marcin to negotiate with Frederick, so Frederick could make a profit from the deal.

After finishing, Marcin sighed inwardly.

When the old harvest ran out before the new one came in next spring, a grain shortage in the Piaster Kingdom was inevitable. Once famine struck, grain prices would inevitably soar. No one knew how many people would starve to death by then.

Frederick suddenly sat up straight. His face was instantly filled with shock and disbelief, even a hint of alarm.

Seeing his expression change, Marcin's heart sank. This negotiation probably wasn't going to end well.

Sure enough, Frederick's voice came out slightly sharper than before.

"Count Marcin," he said, a trace