Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.
The rubber seeds had been sent straight to the Royal Greenhouse. Once they had been raised into seedlings, they would be shipped to Chenla, where Ambrosius and the Church would promote rubber cultivation.
Rubber trees had a long growth cycle. They took eight years before they could be tapped, and another five years of tapping before they reached peak production.
Franz looked at the check and the wheat seeds before him. He thought Thalia had gone a little too far.
"What's this hundred thousand florins for? We signed a contract! You're a bandit—a Westerner with no respect for contracts."
Thalia shrugged indifferently.
"The contract's gone now. Do we still have to abide by it?"
"Where's the contract?"
"He tore it up himself. It had nothing to do with me."
"How could that be!"
Thalia made a gesture for him to stop, then took a small bag from her skirt pocket.
"This is a gift for you. You'll find it useful one day." Thalia thought for a moment, then added, "Though I hope you never have to use it."
"Costa tore up the contract himself? How could that be?" Franz pressed.
Thalia pointed to the bag on the table.
"The powder inside makes people feel weak and compliant. Costa tampered with my tea."
Franz looked at Thalia and asked curiously,
"Are you all right?"
"Of course I am. He got a taste of his own medicine." Thalia sounded rather proud.
"All right. Looks like he got the punishment he deserved."
Franz glanced at the check on the table. It had already been written out, so he might as well spend it.
"Thalia, you did a good job. Is there any reward you'd like?"
Thalia stared at Franz in surprise. What was this little brat thinking? Did he want