Undercurrents II

The kings seated at the head of the table turned their gaze toward the delegation, watching the purple-eyed young man.

Lainis, Moody, and the other members of the delegation immediately felt the pressure, their expressions tightening.

"Elder Plank's concerns are entirely reasonable. I understand them very well."

Gilan nodded with a smile.

He swept his gaze over the elders and the chief inquisitors across the table before looking at the two kings.

"On that matter, we have another alternative proposal. Perhaps you would all like to hear it..."

"If the Ironblood Royal Court is worried that Bremen might monopolize Whale Oil Batteries and use them as leverage, then we can provide a petroleum purification technology free of charge."

At the words "free of charge," everyone present became interested.

Elder Plank's gaze sharpened.

Then the purple-eyed young man explained:

"After being refined using this technology, petroleum will burn much more efficiently. By adding a few special materials on that basis, Oil Crystals can be produced."

"This can serve as a substitute for Whale Oil Batteries. It can likewise be used in Water Transfer Terminals to keep them operating normally... Though it is less efficient and more costly, the Stuttgart Empire possesses abundant petroleum resources. The Royal Court could produce them independently and would therefore have no need to import them from Bremen."

As he spoke, Gilan produced what appeared to be a confidential document and gently placed it on the table. He tapped it twice with his index finger and smiled.

Yet the members of the delegation beside him all looked astonished.

They exchanged glances without drawing attention to themselves, each seeing the same confusion on the others' faces.

That was because Lainis, Moody, and the others had never heard of any alternative proposal, much less anything called an "Oil Crystal."