Osborne fell silent for a moment, then forced a faint smile. "Please tell President Xu that we remain very eager and sincere about cooperating with the Xinfei Merchant Guild. As for the Empire's attitude, which concerns him... I believe things will take a turn before too long. There's no need to worry too much."
Naturally, Osborne could not reveal the specifics of the situation within the Candel Empire. But the Candel Empire Navy had dealt with the Xinfei Merchant Guild more than anyone else and experienced the power of its new steel Mana Warships firsthand. That made them the ones most eager to cooperate with the guild.
Were it not for pressure at home, the Candel Empire Navy would probably have thrown itself at the Xinfei Merchant Guild long ago, demanding every Guard Frigate it had.
Having to sneak out to an island more than a hundred kilometers from the Candel Empire's mainland to conduct this transaction was truly a last resort.
Of course, the Imperial Navy could not hide the sudden addition of five Guard Frigates from everyone. Its senior officers had already secured His Majesty the Emperor's tacit approval, however, so they were not worried about anyone criticizing them afterward.
"Very well. If your position changes, we will naturally respond accordingly," Markens said. "Besides that, the President asked me to tell you that our guild will not sell Guard Frigates exclusively to you. Many other buyers are very interested in them as well. Your advantage over them is that you will acquire Guard Frigates earlier, which means you will have more time to master their use. We hope you will make good use of that advantage."
Osborne's expression changed immediately upon hearing this.
Other people besides the Candel Empire Navy were interested in buying the Xinfei Merchant Guild's