While Fronning was still puzzled, Annan showed his hand. "Do you know about cement?"
How could Minister Fronning not know about cement? This building material, made by mixing lime, sand, and water, hardened like rock. Word of it had spread after the Empire used it on the Great Wall.
The Duchy of Keating had just been preparing to obtain the formula when it learned that the Empire had paid Free City for it.
If even the Empire had paid, how could they dare take it by force? That would be more than a slap in Free City's face. It would be a kick in the Empire's backside.
"I promised Count Collins I'd sell you some weapons. Beyond that, I can sell you the cement formula at a 'low price.'" Annan put on the air of someone making a tremendous sacrifice. "I can't defeat the forces of Chaos either, but I can still do what's within my power. For the people."
"For the people."
With that, Fronning's mission was half accomplished. He had never expected Annan Reeves to send troops.
The Duchy of Keating was "poorer" than the Dimon Kingdom—not in wealth, but in resources, because its territory was small.
That had proved a blessing in disguise. Less territory meant less meat, and without meat, the Ratfolk had little interest in it.
Though both suffered from the Rat Plague, the Duchy of Keating had been hit far less severely than the Dimon Kingdom.
Fronning bowed deeply to Annan. "The Duchy of Keating will remember your help."
"Just stop speaking ill of me," Annan teased.
"I think that after this war, they'll no longer feel entitled to look down on anyone." Fronning smiled, relieved. "I'll leave for Free City now to discuss the details of the trade."
Annan had thought Fronning would