Weapon seller in the world of magic

"Does your store have any new types of weapons that are yet to be made public?" Zhu Jianhong put forth his first question, slowly revealing his intentions for this meeting.

Mark didn't expect such a question but he answered with a nod, "Yes, there were a few but the firearms were fairly new in the society. So, it will only confuse everyone if I display everything in the store."

Mark's reply brought a smile to the prince, "Can I see them?" He appeared to be eager.

This time, Mark intended to reject him but before he gave a reply, the King shut him off in a stern tone, "this isn't the time to fool around, Shen Zhi. Just be quiet for a while and let us talk."

As the prince was visibly disappointed, the King looked at Zhu Jianhong and signaled him to continue.

Prime Minister Zhu then asked, "Out of the weapons you sell, which one is the costliest one and which one is the most popular one?"

This question had Mark think for a bit. Somehow, he could guess the other party's intentions. So, he answered truthfully about Chimera SGM and Single-shot pistol.

"I see…" Prime Minister Zhu nodded in understanding. There was a plan going on in his mind.

After that, he asked a few questions, mostly related to the sales of the weapons and the client. He didn't enquire the exact numbers but just asked in general such as which days people buy more and what kind of people buy his weapons. Were they civilians? Spirit Warriors? Wealthy individuals? Nobles? Elite scholars? Etc…

So, Mark answered him without hiding as he guessed that this guy would investigate later, anyway.

Once he was done with his questions almost getting the information on what was required to make the deal, Zhu Jianhong turned his head to look at the King who was calmly observing them in patience, "Your Majesty, I'm done."

Shen Qiu then leaned forward towards the table, placing his hands on it with a serious look on his face, "Mr. Lu, let's get to the real business."

Mark asked, "What is it that you wish to speak to me in person?"

In response, Shen Qiu suddenly brought up another topic out of nowhere, "what do you think about the Kunyu bandits?"

"Hmm?" Mark stared at him in silence while thinking of how to answer now that the cat is out of the bag.

From that simple question, he realized that their real intention is probably to discuss the war that was going to happen soon.

Considering the sour relations between the Western Moon kingdom and the Phoenix Empire, it won't be a surprise if the Western Moon helps Prince Feng Wu.

But then again, Western Moon cannot interfere in the internal matters of Phoenix Matter, atleast, not openly, because it would break the ancient treaty between them, letting the Empire give an opportunity to invade this independent kingdom.

And once Phoenix Empire invades Western Moon, her northern neighbor, the Leon Empire, would be involved and escalate the matter. Who knows… this can start a full-blown war between the two large empires, eventually destroying the tiny independent kingdom.

So, what can be done?

They can either try to improve their relations or create disturbance in the enemy state. If it had been the original king, he would have thought of his people and tried to compromise on the issues but currently, an imposter is sitting on the throne of Lunaris city and he doesn't seem like he wants to bow before Emperor Shang.

Now, the only question remains is that whether his suspicions about them siding with Feng Wu is true or not. After all, they already knew about Feng Wu's 300,000 gold coins of purchase.

Mark knew that he had to answer carefully. After a brief amount of time, he replied, "honestly, I don't care about Western Yan. I'm a businessman and I only see profits. At the moment, the profits lie with the Imperial Palace. So, I was willing to delay the order."

"Your actions and your words don't match, Mr. Lu," responded Shen Qiu, taking Mark by surprise. "According to the information we have got, they have several metal puppets that look like a lesser version of the one used to demolish the Song Clan."

Mark's heart skipped a beat and almost spilled the wine but he managed to calm himself and thought, "It looks like my suspicions are right. These guys are in cahoots with Prince Feng Wu."

*Ahem*

Clearing his throat, Mark then said, "I will reiterate my statement. I made the deal with Emperor Shang and delayed the order to Feng Wu. However, if some stranger comes to my store and pays the amount for a weapon, I will sell them without bothering to investigate their background. They might have bought it in other ways. There's nothing to be done and it doesn't concern me who bought what either."

"I see…" A slight disappointment flashed on Shen Qiu's face but was quickly replaced by calmness.

"Not much for a reaction, huh," thought Mark when he observed the three of them. He took a sip of wine again while thinking about his next move.

Mark didn't fall into the trap set by them and just stuck to the same thing. He was also testing their relationship with Kunyu bandits. Only he and Feng Wu knew a complete truth and if Shen Qiu exposes that truth, then, that would mean he was betrayed by Feng Wu. If not, then there's nothing to be worried about.

Of course, since they are strangers, Mark also knew that Shen Qiu probably will not confess the truth even if he and Feng Wu are close allies. And once he gets replaced by the real king, then, everything will be buried. Either way, Mark will be safe.

Still, he has yet to confirm the real truth. So, Mark wanted to push the matter.

He asked, "What do you think about them, Your Majesty? Do you think Kunyu bandits need to reclaim their homeland?"

Maybe, the Prime Minister was expecting this question.

Before the king gave the reply, he answered right away, "Well, Western Yan is our neighboring region and we have border issues even before their annexation into Phoenix Empire. The matters over there will impact our kingdom. It would be best for us if the region is stable."

"Somehow, it feels like you support their cause, Mr. Zhu, but your problem will not be solved even if they get into power." Mark pushed him again to get clarity while showing off his knowledge from the past world. "Stability can never occur in a region that was occupied by force. Even if Kunyu bandits were wiped out, then, some other rebel group will rise. Whether it is an independent region or whether it is a controlled region, only economic development will help those people.

Unlike nobles or wealthy people, a common man would always be satisfied with his life as long as he has to get fill his stomach three times a day, clothes to wear every day, and a house to sleep in. If they have enough money for other things, they won't bother with who is sitting on the throne.

And if Kunyu bandits will somehow reclaim their kingdom, they would have to worry about food supplies and everything because they would be making enemies of the Phoenix Empire. In such a case, they will turn to you. If you don't provide help, then, Leon Empire will surely take advantage of the situation.

Once that happens, Western Yan will be caught between two huge powers, which will only increase instability at your border. There will be an influx of refugees to your kingdom, increasing the problems.

That means the best thing you can do is to balance the relations between the two Empires like your ancestors did and make sure you have a say in the matters of Western Yan.

In my opinion, this can be considered a peaceful solution. Of course, there's always an option of indiscriminately massacring thousands to instill deep fear into the remaining hundreds of thousands of citizens but that's a cruel thing to do and might have consequences unless you are a Supreme Being no one dares to question."

While the King felt as if he was being lectured by an outsider and got annoyed a little bit, the Prime minister on the other hand nodded in agreement and praised, "Mr. Lu has a good insight."

Meanwhile, a look of shock appeared on the face of Prince Shen Zhi upon hearing the explanation. "How is this possible? Wow…" He exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone because of his strange reaction.

"Hmm?" Mark looked at him.