>>24624692>>24670547"However, do not worry. Our Goddess' generosity extends beyond the borders of the Underworld. We have plenty of diamonds mines in the North of the island that will produce diamonds suitable for your purposes. If anything, they are even purer, since they have fewer chuubanite impurities."
A droplet of sweat was working its way down Albus' smooth scalp. W-was it going to be okay?
The Risuners looked puzzled for a moment and discussed in their squirrelly language for some time. Cahya seemed to point at the priestess' Death Mask, encrusted in Mont Mori diamonds, to explain their religious significance, and Reza came to an understanding. "Okay, I think that should be fine! I'll have to confirm, but, it's probably okay." Yama shone a bright smile at the table. "Superb, I'm glad we could figure something out!" Albus calmed down somewhat. "Crisis averted, I guess.", he thought.
***
The rest of the meeting proceeded more smoothly, to Albus' eye. The agreement was written out, and witnessed by the participants. Reza, Albus, and the guildmen were walking down the deck of Albus' frigate, where the negociation had been conducted. Cahya and the priestess had stayed back to discuss his mission in Ossex, allegedly. Albus decided to try out some small talk with the Risuner diplomat. "So, Reza, before we part ways, is there anything else that interests you here? Working with Risuners is always a pleasure." Reza's eyes displayed a glint of mischieviousness, but Albus seemed to miss it. "Ah, well, Sir Captain, I am *very* interested by those big Deadbeat cannons, especially those you dashing Naval soldiers swing about." As she was explaining this, she gestured towards one of the massive 50-pounders found on the ship's top deck. Albus' mind ran wild with the implications "Well, of course! A brand new fleet, constructing all those ships, but they have no metalworking expertise, no way to arm their boats! They need armament to be able to stand up to the dangers of the oceans!" was his thought process. "Why Reza, this is a valid point! Your beautiful Pinisi should be armed with fine weapons, and there are none finer than the cannons of /morig/. Clavicus, do you think something can be arranged?"
The steelworker crossed his thin but surprisingly muscled arms and spoke through a smirk. "The /morig/ factories are already working at full capacity to supply your Black Fleet with cannons. But, I could put together a team of engineers to send over to Risu and help build a cannon-casting center."
Albus nodded happily "Yes, yes, give a man a cannon, and let him arm one ship. Teach a squirrel to cast a cannon, and let him arm a fleet! This could be done Reza. The engineers would need to stay in contact with /morig/, so naturally we'd need to build a messenger bird office in /risu/, to maintain a line of communication. We should also build a resupply warehouse, to ensure the engineers have everything they need. Should there be a need, this also means the Black Fleet will be able to defend your shores more easily. What do you think, Reza?"
Reza seemed a bit taken aback by this development. "Err, well, yes that seems good, I guess. I'll have to get back to you on this." Albus did not concern himself with her hesitation and thanked her profusely, before rushing off to write a bird to the Black Fleet HQ, to hopefully confirm the allocation of the resources needed for this new development.
Rear Admiral Albus, Commander of the Black Fleet's /risu/ resupply center. He loved the sound of it.
***
Trade Agreement:
/morig/ receives: bog iron, teak wood, ironwood
/risu/ receives: North /morig/ diamonds, cashews, rapeseed oil
Followup proposal:
/morig/ receives: Resupply warehouse and post office somewhere in /risu/
/risu/ receives: Artillery engineering and manufacturing experts to build a cannon-casting facility in /risu/
