"So what brings you to my city, Sir Matteo? I doubt you have come here to merely visit and say hello," Victor playfully said while sitting on his throne. Matteo quickly composed himself and cleared his throat. He was taken aback by the fact that Victor could speak Zandarian. This was due to the Language Mastery Skill book he had used back in Simabr; it gave him the talent to speak all languages.
When Matteo was confident, he began to speak. "Prince Alphonse has entrusted me to ask for aid. The war with Red Viscontes has left Zandar in a state of constant warfare. Neighbour versus neighbour, family versus family. Our home is being wrecked in an unjust war waged by that usurping prick, Prince Lorenzo and his bitch mother."
Matteo had to recompose himself quickly. The insults and the crass language were improper, especially when talking in the presence of a monarch. Victor did not mind it; he was used to being around soldiers and their foul mouths, but still wanted to keep some level of decorum.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. That was quite inappropriate of me. I shall refrain from such behaviour," Matteo apologised. Victor smiled and signalled him to continue speaking. He was curious as to what Prince Alphonse wanted.
"Prince Alphonse wishes to form an alliance with your kingdom. If we had your support, our victory would be assured. Zandar would finally be free from war, and the true ruler of the continent would sit on the throne. Please send your army to help us," Said Matteo.
Victor was unimpressed with what Prince Alphonse was asking and the way Matteo delivered it. There was no mention of what Victor would receive for offering military assistance. It sounded like his military would have to win the war for them. Victor could mobilise his entire Bulgar Army and the Eastern Simbar Army to invade the lands, but then he might as well aim to conquer the continent while he was at it.
"Sir Matteo, may I ask what I will get in return for my assistance? If you wish for me to send my soldiers to help win you this war, you better be offering some valuable in return," Victor asked coldly.
Matteo froze for a second, calming himself in the domineering presence of Victor. "Your Majesty, Prince Alfonse offers both a military and defensive alliance, exclusive trading rights with your kingdom, and a bride for your eldest son."
Victor was not overly impressed with their offer. Firstly, Anton was not short of potential marriage suitors, so it was just another name for Victor to add to the list. She may be a future princess, but the key word was future. Without officially being King, the princess was not necessarily a princess.
Secondly, Victor did not care for any form of alliance; he was arguably one of the two most powerful monarchs in the world, and he needed help from no one. Finally, exclusive trade rights were pointless; there was nothing of value Victor desperately needed from Zandar.
"Sir Matteo, not only have you offered an abysmal deal, but the things you have offered are not even tangible. If were are truly coming to a deal, both sides need to be giving each other things of equal value. More importantly, Prince Alphonse is not a King; he can not guarantee me exclusive trade rights and such an alliance when he is not in a position to do so," Victor stated with cold, hard facts.
Matteo was beginning to fluster; he was well aware that what he had put forward was not enough, but to think the King would openly dismiss it was another level of embarrassment. "I apologise, Your Majesty. It was not my intention to offend. Given our current situation, surely you understand that we can only offer things that we will be able to give once Prince Alphonse takes the throne."
Victor knew this already and was growing progressively irritated with Matteo. Instead of saying they had not much to offer, perhaps he should have asked about what alternatives there were to settle this deal. It was clear that Matteo did not have any real diplomatic experience and was appointed purely due to Prince Alphonse's trust in him.
Before Victor was afforded the opportunity to berate Matteo for his poor ability, a young lady stormed the room to interrupt. Her blonde hair, soft and luminous, was arranged in delicate waves and gathered neatly, adorned with a gold diadem. Her emerald green eyes matched her empire-waist gown of soft white muslin.
"I apologise for the interruption, Your Majesty, but I thought Sir Matteo might require some assistance," said the young-looking woman. She was no more than 14 years old, yet held herself to the dignity and maturity of someone almost a decade older than her.
Amused by this, Victor decided to play along and humour the girl. "Well, if you are going to help Sir Matteo, I would like to know your name, madam." The young girl did not back down and stood confidently as she replied to Victor.
"My name is Isabella Visconte, only daughter of Prince Alphonse Visconte. It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty."
Victor could not help but grin at the young lady. She was definitely remarkable. Victor had not had this much fun with an emissary in years and intended to see that the negotiation be held between him and young Miss Isabella.
"So, Lady Isabella. I assume you will have a better time explaining your father's proposal to me than Sir Matteo," Victor playfully said. Lady Isabella nodded firmly and rested her hand on Sir Matteo's shoulder. He was distressed that Isabella had gotten involved, but she reassured him that she could handle this.
"I certainly can, Your Majesty. But if I may be so bold, I would like to meet your son. Since this deal concerns both of our futures, it is only right that he is present for this meeting as well," Isabella boldly asked.
Victor had to restrain himself from laughing. He was thoroughly impressed with Isabella and decided to grant her request. Fortunately for them, Anton was residing in the palace since his lessons were completed for the day.
Within ten minutes, Anton was brought into the room and was now face-to-face with the lady from Zandar.