Emperor’s Exclusive Investor
Two days later, Jacques and Will signed the ceremonial contract in Tirana. King Roland stood in the middle and announced the historical deal between the two sovereigns.
The real contract was signed the day before in Will's office in Gadreel.
Jacques finally had a pot of money he could call his own, even those it was heavily restricted.
To Jacque's amazement, King Roland also agreed to loan his empire money based on the contract's APR, but with much fewer restrictions. As Will contracted didn't allow for similar contracts with other investors.
Although Will argued against Fermion signing a separate contract with the emperor, King Roland's political reasons outweighed good economic logic.
King Roland and his advisers saw this announcement as a way to gain more global political notoriety.
This was the reason why Will created his stipulations politicians loved spending on senseless political fame.
After King Roland took his humble victory lap, for supporting a struggling nation hurt by the demon invasion, he released Will back to his duties.
Instead of going to his office in the palace, Will visited Diego.
"Ah, Boss Will returns!" Diego smiled happily.
"Diego, did you hear the king's announcement? Here's your headline: 'Fermion Supports Fallen Empire.' And here is the featured article," Will said handing in the article.
"Ah to think the Rhaziesian Emperor shall be joining our weekly meetings," Diego said in admiration.
"He'll be staying in Tirana with you and Mei. Treat him nicely in the news and be sure to squash any sensationalized gossip. If there's a particularly nasty rumor inform me and I'll handle it," Will instructed.
"There's been one particular rumor that involves him. According to the rumor, Imperial Princess Melody is smitten with him. Do you want me to ignore it like Camille and her suitors?" Diego asked.
"No, print it on page six. I need the emperor to look as appealing as possible," advised Will.
"Yes, sir, Boss Will!" Diego replied.
The next day, news of the emperor and Will's contact spread quickly. The first to hear the news was Earl von Mueller and Emperor Kaiser. It was no secret that Earl von Mueller's business interests were closely tied to Will's.
On the other hand, Emperor Kaiser's spies were embedded across Fermion. Nothing happened in Fermion without the emperor's knowledge.
The same day the Fermion Guardian announced Will's contract with Emperor Jacques-Louis, then did Earl Christoph von Mueller walk into Will's government office.
"Why take such a huge risk?" Earl von Mueller asked sitting down
"I guess our relationship has moved passed the etiquette phase, Earl Christoph von Mueller," Will said finishing up his current report.
"Greetings Earl vont Ballard. Congratulations on your contract with the Rhaziesian Emperor," Earl von Mueller praised.
"It is good to see you as well, Earl von Mueller," Will stood up from his chair and bowed.
"Now that etiquette is out of the way, please answer my question. What did you find?"
"I was simply moved by his emotional appeal," Will facetiously explained.
"Come, be serious. Only Elizabeth has that power over you, and even then, just barely. I even heard you gave his crew backpay. Why would you do something like that? Tell me honestly, what did you find?" Earl von Mueller asked impatiently.
"…"
Will said nothing and just stared blankly into the imperial earl's eyes.
"Fine. Guards summon the Rhaziesian Emperor, by order of Duke von Mueller," Earl Christoph smiled, "two can play your game."
Emperor Jacques-Louis made his way to Will's government office. He hated that he, an emperor, had to oblige the summons of a foreign imperial Duke.
"It's good to see you again Duke von Mull—" Emperor Jacques-Louis's greeting stopped when he saw Earl von Mueller had summoned him and not his ducal father. Still, Jacques knew it was better to play fair with the future duke.
"Your imperial majesty, I have a letter from my father. Our family wishes to be added as a signatory to your contract with Earl vont Ballard. We're willing to match the contract sums, as well as agree to the stipulations and details," Earl von Mueller said handing over Duke von Mueller's letter.
"I'm sorry, but our contract forbids additional signatories," the emperor explained.
Earl von Mueller turned to see a grin on Will's face.
"I'm afraid you cannot copy me this time," Will said smugly.
"Emperor Jacques-Louis de Caernarvon are you aware, that he's planning to take advantage of you? Are you even aware of his hidden plans?" Earl von Muller passionately questioned.
Will's smugness immediately disappeared.
"No, I am not aware. But as long as my empire is rebuilt, I won't investigate his private plan," the emperor declared.
Hearing this Earl Christoph's mouth gaped open. He was surprised by the level of dedication this soon.
"Fine, let us join and will loan double his amount, buy twice as many bonds, and invest twofold," Earl von Mueller negotiated.
Will raised his eyes hearing that remark.
"It's a good deal and having such a prominent family join the contract shall only build people's faith in you. Moreover, their involvement shall encourage others to invest in you as well," Will explained.
"If you think it's wise. I agree," Emperor Jacques-Louis agreed.
"If it's settled show me the contract!" Earl von Mueller said impatiently.
"Here, takes a look!" Will said summoning out the contract from his spatial ring.
Earl von Mueller sat down and read the contract thoroughly.
"My gods! Emperor, why did you agree to such a restrictive contract?" Earl Christoph wondered.
"No one would loan me funds. This is the only way to rebuild my empire," Emperor Jacques-Louis answered.
"Also, these amounts are a little staggering, no?" Earl von Mueller asked beginning to sweat.
"I was surprised by your boldness as well. It's also okay if you match my amounts," Will laughed jokingly.
"Thank you," said Earl von Mueller graciously accepting Will's understanding.
If Will and Emperor Jacques-Louis held Earl vont Mueller to his double, twice, and twofold comment, then the von Mueller family's business would rest upon whether the Rhaziesian Emperor was rebuilt or not. That would equate to putting all their eggs in one basket. That was a gamble too great for any family.
"Before I sign the contract, there is one point I'd like to address," Earl von Mueller discussed.
"Hmm," Emperor Jacques-Louis wondered.
"Here, where it states Will has sole authority to supersede the emperor in budget expenditures. I request Duke von Mueller, or his representative be added to that clause as well," the imperial earl demanded.
"Rejected," Will replied quickly.
"Shall this point hinder the negotiations?" Earl Christoph asked.
"It shall. I'd rather scrape the contract than capitulate on that clause," Will retorted forcefully.
"Is there no recompense?" Earl vont Mueller questioned.
"If the emperor agrees, I'm fine with your family appointing one ex officio imperial advisers to his administration," negotiated Will.
The men turned to the young emperor, who looked lost in the details.
"I agree?" replied Emperor Jacques-Louis unsure of what he was supposed to say.
"Then it's a deal!" Earl Christoph von Mueller said cheerfully.
We, Will, revised the contract based on the new terms, and all three signed the contract.
"Let's celebrate!" Earl von Mueller said taking out three wine flutes and a bottle of expensive wine.
"Cheers," said Emperor Jacques-Louis.
He couldn't believe what just happened. Within 24 hours he had gained a staggering amount of loans, bonds, and investment pledges. He also gained more help to re-establish his fallen kingdom.
It wasn't long before Earl von Mueller left, no doubt to report the news to his family.
Only the young emperor and Will remained in his government office.
"Thank you for your support!" Jacques said.
"You understand no, the von Muller's shall appoint an adviser, which advise you in their best interest," Will informed him.
"I know, but at present our interests align. I know that won't always be the case," Jacques acknowledged.
"Now that the von Mueller family's a signatory, do you have any questions for me?" Will wondered.
"I have two? First, what perks come with an additional signatory? Second, do you have a hidden plan? I know I said I won't investigate, but I want to know if it's true?" Jacques inquired.
"Contracting with two of the largest merchant houses gives you exclusive access to our vast trade business, priority support, and the absolute lowest discounted price.
Your government officials will learn from our expert clerks, and your empire shall benefit from our leading-edge technology.
You gain what other kingdoms envy, industry insights, and new products.
Also, consider this, if humankind wins, your empire is likely to recover faster than other fallen kingdoms," said Will listing a few perks.
"Those certainly sound positive. And the answer to my second question?" Jacques followed up.
"Yes," Will replied nonchalantly.
"Do you plan to tell me your plans in the future?" Jacques asked curiously.
"If it turns out I'm correct, then yes, I'll let you know my plans," Will explained.
The next day, in the newspaper, buried somewhere on page three, a blurb that announced Duke von Mueller was added to the contract with Rhaziesian Emperor. The blurb also announced people could buy Rhaziesian Imperial bonds at any Great Eastern or Fermion bank.
The news sent shockwaves through the Birmingham Sea port cities. If two of the wealthiest houses were supporting a fallen emperor, that could only mean there was great wealth to be found on the Rhaziesian peninsula.