Two days later.
Hana, accompanied by Vina and Jay, finally got to meet the Health Minister in this country.
They had been briefed about the person. Ramon Naraka. While he didn't have any big achievements, his connections in politics were all over the place, allowing him to remain as a minister for five periods back to back.
"To think that I would have the honor of meeting one of the most influential younger generations in the world, Hana Skylark. It is my honor." Ramon started with a light laugh.
"It is my honor to be able to meet a five-time minister, there are only a few people in the world who can match your achievement." Hana nodded with a smile. "Besides me are Jay Havenson, the vice captain of the Libation Fiesta, and Lavina, one of the three successors of the Dark Moon Mercenary."
"Well, this is certainly an honor. I have known of your relationship with the Libation Fiesta, but this is the first time I have heard about your connection to the Dark Moon Mercenary. That's indeed surprising."
"Thank you."
"It looks like Miss Hana doesn't plan to just talk about your new branch…" Ramon's expression remained calm.
"That is indeed true. However, my main reason is definitely about the new branch." Hana nodded. "So, you don't have to worry about that."
"I see. Well, if it's only about your branch, I would like to have dinner with you, but because this is not all about money, I guess I will have to keep this short."
"I am aware of the situation I put you in. I originally planned to create a branch here, but I have made a slight adjustment."
"Hoh?"
"Instead of a simple branch, how about I create a second headquarters that will oversee the development in the east?" Hana smiled.
"..." Ramon fell silent, not expecting Hana to open with such a huge piece. If it were just another branch, they could only get some beast souls and probably some new products.
However, if she planned to use this branch as a base for the expansion to the east, they could get a lot more. In fact, more branches in the country would definitely help them a lot.
Ramon squinted his eyes before saying, "May I know what you want with that request?"
"I'm merely asking you to set up a meeting with the explorer association's president," stated Hana.
Ramon widened his eyes in surprise. "Only that?"
"Yes. Though, I wish you to keep all the previous agreements intact."
Ramon was speechless. It was a generous condition for them, to the point where it was too good to be true. He thought she would demand a few more things, which he would gladly accept for the sake of this base.
Hana was greedy. Yet, for some reason, she didn't demand anything more. How could anyone not find it suspicious?
"I have heard about your reputation. How should I say this… You are different from the report."
Hana chuckled. "Is that so? Well, I'm merely feeling generous since I'm going to meet my fiance soon. How about treating this as a celebration?"
"!!!" Ramon glanced at Jay. That was right. If it were the Libation Fiesta, Clovis should have come. It seemed that there was another situation going on.
Ramon contemplated for a moment. It was indeed a tempting offer, but Ramon could only lower his head. "I'm sorry. I don't think I can accept that condition."
It was Hana's turn to be surprised. "Pardon?
"It's not that I don't like your offer. It's just… I'm afraid that I'm unable to satisfy your request."
"!!!" Vina didn't expect that even someone like Ramon wouldn't be able to fulfill that request. When did the association president become so hard to meet?
"I'm sorry. I don't understand your words." Hana squinted her eyes, observing his reaction.
"It has been several days, but the association president has turned away all the guests. Even if I ask the president to arrange a meeting, I don't think it's possible."
"What? Even the president can't?" Hana didn't expect this answer.
"Yes." Ramon nodded. "I'm not entirely sure about the situation either. However, I can reveal one thing to you. I have heard about the successor battle. Right now, there's a movement in the shadows. And it's linked to the Dark Moon Mercenary."
"!!!" Hana turned to Vina. Vina only shook her head, not knowing anything.
"I'm assuming it is connected to the Dark Moon Mercenary's leader. As you probably already know, the Dark Moon Mercenary is one of the two strongest mercenary groups in the world.
"While the country isn't scared of them, they don't really want to pick a fight with them as well."
"That's… definitely something that can happen if the leader makes his move." Vina looked down, falling into deep thought.
"So, he's sabotaging you?" Hana frowned.
"I don't think so. The leader doesn't have any favorites or children," denied Vina.
Hana thought for a moment before sighing. "It doesn't look like we can meet the association president."
"That's indeed unfortunate. Still, the investment…" Ramon's expression turned solemn.
Hana sighed. "The investment can proceed as it is. If you feel bad for not being able to get an audience with the association president, how about giving some benefits to me, such as land?"
Ramon nodded. "In that case, how about we discuss it after the meal? It's going to be cold if we don't eat now."
"Indeed." Hana continued to try to find out whether Ramon was lying or not. If he were lying, Ramon would definitely face the wrath of the country because it meant Hana would pull back the investment.
On the other hand, Vina and Jay remained quiet. Jay was there as a figurehead to represent the Libation Fiesta and had no interest in business. Vina observed their conversation, but both Ramon and Hana were very careful with their words.
In the end, they still couldn't figure out a way to meet the association president.
…
Explorer Association.
"Hehe. Looks like you are very popular. I have been hearing a lot of inquiries to meet you, Mr. Association President." An old man sat down, resting his cane next to him.
"You are the one making me do this. If you are not my old friend, I won't do any of this. Even when old, you really love this kind of mischief. Just pick a successor already, Van." President Orto sighed. "So, who do you think can meet me first?"
"It is probably Stefany. Although she's not good with mind games, she has plenty of connections that can trap you into accepting the meeting. Besides, Vina is too reliant on her current backer. I want to make her think that money is not the only way."
"Hana Skylark, huh?"
"Yeah. Besides, I'm curious whether that group has another trump card or not."
"The Libation Fiesta? Well, what if they threaten me to meet them or they will unleash that madman on this country?"
"Ahahaha. I don't think they will do such a thing, but I'm a little curious about this young man, Clovis Hacfield. I wonder how he's going to back Lavina up. And let me see whether they understand the meaning of the successor battle or not."
"Jeez. You and your mischief." President Orto harrumphed. "You're going to pay me after this."
"I know, I know. How do you want me to repay you?"
"Accompany me." He took out a letter.
"That's the invitation from the Ingredient Master?"
"Yeah. Looks like he's in this town, and I'm one of his fated customers in this city. It's boring to eat by myself, so come with me. Let's have a drink like old times."
"Fine."