Several days later, another private meeting took place in the Royal Palace's greenhouse.
Lush greenery and fragrant flowers made it even more secluded than the banquet hall. Chris and Prince Hohenlohe were alone, strolling slowly along a pebble-covered path.
Without much small talk, Chris told the prince everything about Makon Alliance Ambassador Alvarez's request to purchase weapons and hire mercenaries, along with his assessment of the ambassador's true intentions.
Prince Hohenlohe's initial reaction was utter astonishment. He even stopped walking and stared at Chris in disbelief.
"They... they actually dared to make such a request? Buying weapons from you to use against us?"
The prince's voice was full of shock, but his expression quickly gave way to a mixture of incredulity and sheer delight.
He could not help chuckling under his breath and shaking his head.
"What... what exquisite irony. The Makon people actually came up with a scheme like this. Fighting the Snake-Men as a pretext, when they really want to replace the firepower and troops they lost at the front. They might even be hoping to copy your weapons?"
Once his laughter subsided, a shrewd gleam appeared in the prince's eyes.
He immediately picked up on the proposal implicit in Chris's words.
"Your Majesty, the fact that you're telling me this..."
The prince drew out his words, giving Chris a meaningful look.
"Surely it isn't merely out of friendship and candor?
Have you already thought of a... well... way for both of us to benefit?"
Chris smiled faintly, appreciating the prince's directness and perceptiveness.
"Your Highness certainly has a keen nose for wealth.
I don't believe it would be wise to turn down an enormous sum of gold delivered right to our door. Since the Makon Alliance is willing to pay dearly, we seem to have no reason