My queen is rebelling!

Isabella's words caught Grand Duke Roland off guard.

The matter of secretly supporting forces in the Lost Land was his biggest trump card in this negotiation.

He didn't expect the other party to already know about it.

Furthermore, they had investigated the details of the forces he was fostering, which immediately put him at a disadvantage in the subsequent negotiations.

A long silence fell over the negotiating table.

Finally, His Grace sighed, his tone softening considerably:

"But after all, having a foundation is better than blundering around blindly, isn't it?"

Isabella also softened her tone:

"Of course, we value the forces that Your Grace has painstakingly cultivated, and we can also provide them with resources within our capabilities so that they can expand as much as possible.

But that's not a reason for you to take 50% of the profits right away!

We, the 'Pale Wings,' built this project from scratch. If we don't get at least 70% of the profits, I won't be able to explain it to my family!"

Grand Duke Roland fell into contemplation again. After a few minutes of silence, he slowly said:

"How about this? Since you are confident in recruiting adventure groups to help you conquer the 'Lost Land,' let's each take a step back.

We'll take 30%, you take 50%, and as for the remaining 20%, it will depend on who can gain a foothold in the Lost Land first, and it will belong to them. What do you think?"

Isabella secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The bottom line given by the family elders before she left was 50%. Now that the initial goal had been achieved, she felt relieved.

As for recruiting adventure groups to fight for the remaining 20%, that would have to be discussed after returning.

She didn't want to push Grand Duke Roland too hard. After all, this trade route ultimately had to pass through the Western Regions Empire. Without the support of the local government and nobles, the costs invested by 'Pale Wings' would only be higher!

Isabella pretended to consider it, then reluctantly nodded:

"Since Your Grace is taking the initiative to make concessions, it would be too ignorant of me to insist. Let's settle it like this for now."

Grand Duke Roland also smiled, waving his large hand forcefully:

"Good! It's indeed much more pleasant to talk to the Golden Winged Woman than to deal with those stubborn old fogeys!"

The two then finalized some details and soon began to sign their names and stamp their family crests on the agreement.

With the negotiations settled, the expression on Grand Duke Roland's face relaxed a lot:

"Little Isabella, did you just arrive in Florence today? Then you must enjoy a few more days here. There are many places worth visiting here."

Isabella's eyes flickered slightly as she asked:

"Your Grace seems to be very familiar with Florence?"

Grand Duke Roland said with great interest:

"Of course. Actually, there's a selfish reason why I chose Florence as the negotiation venue this time."

After a pause, a hint of sadness appeared on his face, his tone becoming somewhat heavy:

"The former King of Effie, Victor Corleone, was my old friend.

I heard that the Queen is now in power in Effie. I want to see how the bloodline he and she left behind is doing. Choosing Florence as the negotiation site can be considered both public and private."

Isabella very sensitively caught the "she" in Grand Duke Roland's words.

Grand Duke Roland also noticed his slip of the tongue and immediately smiled casually, sighing:

"I'm getting old, and I'm prone to unnecessary sentimentality."

Seemingly having been holding it in for too long, the Grand Duke expressed his inner desires to a familiar junior:

"Back then, Victor, I, and Violica were very good friends.

We adventured and explored together all over the continent.

This time I came to Florence, on the one hand, to do business with your Pale Wings, and on the other hand, to see the descendants of my two good friends.

I heard that he was cursed. I also brought a few archmages this time to see if they can help him get rid of it."

Isabella's mind stirred slightly as she asked:

"Is Your Grace going to visit the King of Effie in the palace?"

"That's right."

Isabella quickly said:

"I wonder if Your Grace would mind if I go with you?"

Grand Duke Roland looked surprised:

"Are you also interested in that young king?"

Isabella said with a smile:

"That's not the case. I just want to meet his queen.

I've wanted to personally visit the famous 'Strongest Silver' for five years, but I've never had the chance."

Grand Duke Roland nodded thoughtfully:

"Is that the little girl who can handle the legendary rank!"

"Does Your Grace also know about this queen?"

Grand Duke Roland's face showed a look of reminiscence:

"She can be considered Violica's disciple. Actually, among the three of us back then, Violica had the best talent.

I wouldn't be surprised if a student she personally taught had this strength."

Isabella realized: "I didn't expect that there was such a connection between the current queen and the former queen!"

Grand Duke Roland's tone became much heavier:

"If it weren't for this relationship, would Angus have been able to become Prime Minister so smoothly?

I didn't interfere with the political changes in Effie back then because her daughter was a student of Violica.

I thought it wouldn't be unacceptable to have Violica's student as queen after all.

I didn't expect this group of trash to not even be able to protect their own king!"

Isabella's eyes flashed with a strange light, and she couldn't help but become more interested in the Effie royal family.

Having said so much at once, Grand Duke Roland also felt a little sentimental.

After the two sides finalized all the details of the cooperation, Grand Duke Roland agreed:

"Let's meet at the State Guesthouse tomorrow and enter the palace together?"

Isabella nodded in agreement. Watching the Grand Duke and his party prepare to leave, her heart stirred, and she said:

"If Your Grace isn't in a hurry, why not watch a good show before leaving?"

Grand Duke Roland was the brother-in-law of the current Emperor of the Western Regions Empire and had a noble status.

When the great battle starts later, Grand Duke Roland, as a new partner of the 'Pale Wings,' will definitely not stand idly by and watch Isabella being besieged.

He brought "elite-level" guards with him on this trip, whose combat power was equivalent to the legendary rank.

It would be a waste not to use such a good helper.

In fact, the reason why Isabella was able to escape the dragnet of the "Black Tomb" in her previous life was inseparable from Grand Duke Roland's timely assistance.

Grand Duke Roland was puzzled. He saw Isabella smile mysteriously and leave the mountain villa on her own.

Grand Duke Roland hesitated for a moment and also led his men to follow.

As soon as the two groups of people went out, a young man greeted them with a smile on his face.

Grand Duke Roland had also met this person a few times. He was the head of the 'Pale Wings' in Florence, named Vesel.

Vesel bowed from a distance and said loudly:

"Greetings, Your Grace!"

Grand Duke Roland turned his gaze and found that Isabella's expression was calm, as if she was not surprised by Vesel's arrival.

Grand Duke Roland said with a slight surprise:

"I thought you didn't notify the people of Effie."

Isabella said indifferently:

"I indeed did not notify them."

As she spoke, Vesel had already greeted them.

Mr. Modo on the side had a cold expression and said in a cold voice:

"Who told you to come? Didn't I tell you to wait until things are done before bringing you to see Miss!"

Vesel's face showed an awkward smile:

"Uncle, I was just anxious and wanted to see if Miss and Your Grace needed me to arrange anything. After all, I've been here for a long time…"

Mr. Modo's face became even colder:

"How many times have I told you, use your title when working!"