Leeroy raised a brow as he took the brick in his hand, sniffing it. Returning it to Valtherion, he nodded in approval as he passed it to Alexander, who also inspected it.
"Here's your drinks, gentlemen!" The bartender came as he placed three large cups, filled with liquor, lemons and a quite big branch of a palm tree. Big enough that it would even be hard to drink.
Valtherion extended a hand as his expression, even through the mask, meant only one thing, and that was confusion.
"What's that?" He asked.
"It's a cocktail? You asked for a cocktail," The bartender replied as he took a puff of his cigarette.
"No. I asked you to bring me a refreshing drink. I wasn't expecting a fucking rain forest. You could fall in love with an orangutan in that. Worst thing is, those gentlemen ordered the same thing as me." Valtherion rebutted; his tone wasn't scolding; he was genuinely curious. He did know what a cocktail was, as an earthling; however, he had never truly been into them as much as he was into a simple beer or wine.
"You want a pint? Go to the bar over there," The bartender replied, a bit irritated as he pointed to the bar in the opposite direction.
"I thought this was a bar?" Valtherion said, flabbergasted.
"It's a Samoan Bar. Princess Juliet introduced it for guests who would like something more tropical." The bartender explained as he turned around and left. The drinks were paid for; whether they drank or not, he did not care. As for nobility? Well, it seems like he did not care. As if any nobles would cause trouble for Princess Juliet anyway.
"Haha...You, you are quite the interesting fellow, Alaric Dane. Worry not, I actually enjoy cocktails, as does my brother!" Tarion spoke, laughing at Valtherion's attitude while chugging on the cocktail. His brother did the same, but he took out the plant first.
Since it was already paid for and he was thirsty, Valtherion just chugged it all in one go, sighing at the overly sweet taste.
"How about this, Mr Dane, why don't you sell the patent to us? We actually work for the military. I even know Severin Halbrecht." Val spoke as he looked towards the brick.
"I would do this; however, I would like to know: would you be able to spread this throughout the Empire? If you are just looking to make profit, I would understand; however, to receive the patent, I would like to receive solid proof, or an oath towards the Goddess herself." Valtherion spoke his conditions immediately, his eyes glowing. He could imagine the golden coins already.
Jackpot!
Tarion snapped his fingers, as a contract appeared. Valtherion took a look at it and saw a very specific name of a person he actually knew. Leeroy Jenkins and his personal seal, causing him to nod in approval. At this point, if he backed away, he would only incur trouble for himself.
"Mr Dane, name your price. We are willing to pay a maximum of 25 million, in gold. As you can see, we work for the government. Money is not an issue, but we would like to avoid spending taxpayers' money if possible." Tarion spoke as a pen had already appeared in his hand.
"I understand. If you promise that you will spread this food among the armies, then it is yours for 20 million; otherwise, 25 million, and the patent is your anyways. However, I would like the payment to go through my dear partner. She is over there, greeting the guests," Valtherion pointed towards Princess Juliet, causing both men to smile.
"Dane, I promise you, you will see the brick soup among soldiers. Let us notify the Princess then" Val stopped a passing lady who was a staff member, and after five minutes, the three men were escorted back inside the main building, in a hall that had plenty of tents set up, albeit empty, most likely spares.
Soon, the princess entered; she nodded at Val, at Tarion, and when she saw Valtharion, her lips twitched, irritated.
"Greetings, gentlemen, how may I be of assistance?" she inquired as she sat opposite them. The two men greeted her properly, while Valtherion only nodded.
"You see, your highness, I sold a patent of one of my inventions for 20 million. The gentlemen here would like to settle the payment; as my partner, I believe you should be present for this matter." Valtherion explained, emphasising the word payment.
He could not use the name Alaric Dane to receive payment, as he had no such bank account in the Royal Bank or any bank. The best way was for the money to go through Princess Juliet.
"Ah, my partner. Would you gentlemen excuse us for a moment? I would like to speak with my partner in private." A small request was made, to which both Val and Tarion agreed, all smiles.
Valtharion and Juliet entered one of the tents, and they began conversing, not knowing that the two men were listening, as nothing in the Empire escaped their ears.
"Mograine...Ah Mograine... What is the meaning of this?" Juliet asked as she looked at him, piercing him with her beautiful green eyes.
"Look, Your Highness, I sold one of my patents under a different name. I need the money; I am willing to pay you fairly, cover for me. We are partners after all." Valtharion shrugged, far more relaxed under the influence of alcohol.
"We are partners? Now? Look at you, dressed like a clown, coming at my event and getting drunk? I want half. If you refuse, then go deal with it yourself. Those men work for my father's right hand. Good luck." Juliet's words snapped something in him, causing his expression to twist.
"Your highness...have you drunk as well? Half? Half?!? You don't even know what I am selling, yet you want half? This is prosperous!" Valtherion snapped, pointing his finger at her.
"Valtherion...let's make a deal. You can't refuse me. I will invest your money, and you will use it when needed, in case of war or a project on which we both agree. You will also have to include me in your other inventions from now on as well. If you disagree...well, the next letter you deliver to my father's palace will be towards the Imperial Council. You will become a property of the Empire, as well as every invention of yours. I will personally oversee it that you are overworked." Juliet said her piece as she looked at his hollow eyes. Nothing was said for a few minutes as Valtherion was considering all of his options. He felt like he was checkmated; in fact, he was.
"Juliet...Juliet Salerios... Deal, but I want my own Mansion in the capital. I also want my Gallery project sped up!" Valtherion said it as he looked at her, bent on not backing away, even if his teeth were going to be crushed from gnashing them.
"You and your own damn Galleries!" It was now time for Juliet to snap...
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"Ooh...My friend, it seems like your daughter and the Page have quite the chemistry...I do wonder, why is this boy off our radars though? Nothing would escape my eyes, unless...unless you wish for it to not be seen. Alexander, what are you keeping away from me?" Leeroy Jenkins spoke as he looked towards his friend. There were no secrets between them; they had grown up together, from the cradle, and most likely they would remain so till the grave.
"Uhm...My friend. I will explain things to you after this event. Just know, this boy is under my protection, and now under your protection as well. If you wish for the full explanation, you will have to give an Oath to the Goddess. Too much is at stake. Trust me." Alexander spoke with graveness in his tone, his words causing shock to his friend, who, in the end, nodded, full of curiosity.
"They are coming, Alexander. Careful, your daughter is clever..." Leeroy warned him before he resumed his role.
"Now, gentlemen, would you like to pay with gold bars or with coins? The Royal Bank will handle things in accordance with your wishes. We won't make our government suffer." Juliet sat as she beckoned Valtherion to sit as well, in quite the bossy manner.