Marquis Southgate, an important guest, had yet to leave when another equally influential guest arrived in the Stantin Duchy.
This was Russell's third visit to the Stantin Duchy.
Unlike his previous two visits, he had not brought Ambassador Hakane along. Instead, he had taken several subordinates from the Candel Empire Navy and driven all the way from the empire in the jet-black Magic Locomotive he had purchased from the Billier Magic Locomotive Trading House.
Although he had notified Xu Yi in advance using the contact method Xu Yi had previously given him, Xu Yi was still somewhat surprised by the solemn expressions on Russell's face and those of his subordinates.
Judging by their demeanor, they probably had not come merely to continue their inspection.
Sure enough, after exchanging only a few pleasantries with Xu Yi, Russell went straight to the point.
"President Xu, the cooperation arrangement I proposed last time has received approval from naval headquarters. As long as you agree on behalf of the Xinfei Merchant Guild, our first cooperative venture can officially take effect," Russell said solemnly, looking Xu Yi in the eye.
Xu Yi considered this briefly, then smiled and asked, "Lord Russell, exactly how many Guard Frigates do you intend to purchase?"
A trace of embarrassment crossed Russell's face. After hesitating for a while, he reluctantly held up three fingers.
"Thirty? That might be rather difficult. With our guild's current production capacity, building thirty Guard Frigates could take several years."
"No... three..." Once he said it, Russell could not help blushing slightly.
For the glorious Imperial Navy of the mighty Candel Empire, asking a merchant guild from another country to sell them warships was embarrassing enough. What made it even more embarrassing was that they were buying a mere three!
Xu Yi froze for a moment.