Goblin Reincarnation in Another World (Anime/Manga)

Page 75

Hearing what Niu Zida said, Asuna asked with some confusion:

"Why do you say that? Didn't the other side also come to rescue Kirito?"

"Kirito's attempt to smuggle funds through customs must have been prepared long ago; they wouldn't make such a technical mistake. Yet, Kirito was precisely targeted at customs. The relationship between Hetherink and the Dore Territory is delicate; if they know this, it wouldn't be difficult to make a fuss about it."

At this point, Asuna was a little confused, and Niu Zida didn't want to explain too much, since it was all just his own speculation. But through the conversation just now, Niu Zida could clearly feel that Ningguang was someone who liked to take the initiative. Such a strong woman immediately responded to Kirito's request to come and negotiate after he was captured. Niu Zida felt that her attitude softened too quickly.

"Perhaps we are all pawns in someone's game, and Ningguang might be the one actually playing the game."

After thinking for a while, Niu Zida suddenly said something in a low voice. Asuna was even more confused. Niu Zida turned around and kissed Asuna's fair cheek, pinching her large breasts and laughing as he said:

"Anyway, don't worry. Kirito isn't a pawn for now. He'll be fine. And I promised you I wouldn't let anything happen to him. Just make sure you spread your white-stockinged legs when I need to release my desires."

“I know, Master…”

Since receiving Niu Zida's promise, Asuna has become much more docile in bed, and she will even try different ways to actively twist her waist and lift her hips to please Niu Zida, all in order to please him and win his favor.

"Just listen to me."

Patting Asuna's snow-white face, Niu Zida's interest was rekindled. Naturally, he rolled over and pressed himself against Asuna's fair body, parting her white silk stockings and thrusting hard into her, beginning a series of impacts that left Asuna moaning repeatedly...

The next morning, Ningguang specifically asked her personal secretary, Hyakushi, to invite Niu Zida to have breakfast with her. Niu Zida then went with his maids, Yoru, Misato Shizuku, and Kuroyukihime. Asuna didn't want to go, but under Niu Zida's insistence, she had no choice but to go along. However, her fair face was incredibly embarrassed. After all, when she had met Ningguang before, she was Kirito's girlfriend, but now she was Niu Zida's maid. Anyone with a sense of shame would feel ashamed of such a change.

However, Ningguang did not show any discomfort when she saw Asuna. In fact, she didn't even have any attitude towards Asuna. She treated Asuna as if she didn't exist, or more accurately, she thought it was normal for Asuna to be in Ushio's harem.

Regarding this point, even

Chapter 247

Niu Zida wondered to himself, "Could this also be information gathered from her intelligence network? How is that possible? Asuna's recognition of her master was done behind Kirito's back, and only those close to him knew. He and Ningguang are thousands of miles apart and have never been in contact before. In the Drey territory, no one has any connection with Ningguang. How could she know such information? Could she be clairvoyant?"

If it wasn't something they already knew from intelligence, then Ningguang seemed to be a very calm person who could remain unmoved by any changes she experienced. Regardless of which of the above analyses applies, Niu Zida increasingly felt that Ningguang was not an easy woman to deal with. Not only did she have a beautiful face and a seductive figure, but Ningguang's intelligence and aura were her greatest advantages.

"Ningguang, shall we begin negotiations with Count Polaz today?"

"The first round of negotiations is scheduled to begin at noon, which is why I called you here this morning, Mr. Niu Zida. The meeting place is set in the drawing room of the Grand Duke's residence in Heatherlink."

Ningguang calmly wiped her rosy lips with a napkin, then said to Niu Zida:

"May I speak on today's preliminary agenda, especially regarding the issue of dealing with Kirito-kun?"

"Of course, that's no problem. Joel can carry me in during the negotiations, and the rest of you can wait here at the hotel."

Ningguang and Niu Zida briefly discussed the initial details of the negotiations and decided that they wanted to see what Count Polaz's intentions were today, since their people were still being held by Polaz and they were in a relatively passive position.

At 10 a.m., Hyakushi came to arrange Ningguang's trip. Joel carried Niuzi Tatsuya and got into Ningguang's carriage together. Also traveling with them were the financial secretary Hyakushi and the intelligence secretary Hyakumon.

"Mr. Niu Zida, speaking of which, are sandworms really that common in the western region?"

"Hmm, we've hunted quite a few."

On the way from the International Hotel to the negotiation site in the carriage, Ningguang tilted her head and, with her long, slender white hands resting on her chin, suddenly asked Niu Zida a question.

"If possible, I'd be very curious about whether we could develop an industry related to sandworms. After all, sandworm pupae are the larvae of the sand eel, not sandworms. Although they are very rare, my target is sandworms."

"Huh? Isn't it a sandworm?"

"Of course not. As descendants of the Red King, the sandworms have more economic value."

He had painstakingly hunted down numerous sandworms to obtain sand pupae, only to discover that the pupae weren't even descendants of the sandworms. Then why were the sandworms so desperately protecting those pupae? And why was he being hunted if he picked up their scent… Wait a minute, Niu Zida suddenly realized something was wrong. Misaki Shokuhou, it was her! It was all Misaki Shokuhou's doing. That little brat still hadn't told him the truth. His experiences in the desert were definitely not as simple as they seemed. From entering the desert, searching for sandworms, encountering Kuroyukihime, to meeting Kirito, it was all possible that Misaki Shokuhou was orchestrating it all. Back then, only she had that ability in the desert.

"Oh shit……"

Thinking about this, Niu Zida couldn't help but curse inwardly, "Shokuhou Misaki still didn't tell me the truth."

"Mr. Niu Zida?"

"Ah... um... I was just thinking, that area is pure gravel, and sandworms are so dangerous, I think it would be better to prioritize mining for now?"

"Of course, that's no problem. But we need to solve the immediate problem first. Otherwise, we won't be able to get the equipment, funds, and technical personnel in, let alone ship the goods out in the future."

Niu Zida knew that the trouble Ningguang was referring to was the ambitious Earl of Polaz. On the surface, this negotiation was just a routine issue of customs regulations, but in reality, it was a crucial issue affecting the future trade and economic relations of the territory. No wonder Ningguang was willing to give up the initiative to come to the negotiation in person. It seemed that her interest in the western sandworms of her territory was not just empty talk, which was why she was eager to resolve the issue with Heatherlink in order to open up trade routes.

As the group was chatting, the carriage arrived at the Grand Duke's residence in Heatherlink. Count Polaz's choice of the Grand Duke's residence in Heatherlink as the venue for the negotiations, rather than the Duchy's customs hall, city hall, or parliament hall, was surely deliberate. This fellow was also using this opportunity to announce his extraordinary relationship with the Grand Duke of Heatherlink. This guy seems to be too shrewd in his political calculations; he gains something from every step he takes, leaving no room for idleness.

"Hmph, people who are so shrewd with their calculations probably won't have a good future."

Ningguang clearly knew this all along. When she got out of the car and saw Niu Zida's expression, she said in a tone that said, "Looks like you already understand."

"Greetings, Lady Ningguang. I am Captain Cotzelt. Count Polaz has been waiting for you for some time."

Upon arriving at the entrance, the person who came to greet them was Grand Duke Heatherlink's Chief of the Guard, Cotzelt. The fact that the Grand Duke's men were standing guard for him made Niu Zida increasingly aware that Count Pollaz was indeed no ordinary man within the Duchy of Heatherlink…

Chapter 1 Negotiation

Chapter 199.

Kozart bowed to Ningguang, who smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. Joel also carried Niu Zida down from the ground. Kozart was startled to see that Niu Zida was carrying a goblin. He knew that goblins, as demi-humans, were not a legal entity in human countries. In other words, hunting and killing a demi-human would not result in legal consequences.

"Lady Ningguang, this is..."

This is me

Chapter 248

"Regarding our partners, I previously had my secretary, Baiwen, inform the Earl, and the Earl agreed."

Seeing Ningguang's confident and smiling reply, Cotzel didn't dare to interfere further. He could only guide Ningguang, along with his secretary and Joel carrying Niu Zida, into the Duke's residence. It must be said that the Duke's residence was indeed vast. After entering the imposing main gate, there was a long corridor with lawns on both sides, extending out to a cluster of buildings. The five-story row of Western-style buildings in the center was the Duke's residence. It was said that Charlotte was currently living there, but Cotzel said that Princess Charlotte usually did not personally concern herself with politics and got up quite late, so she was probably still sleeping.

After giving a brief introduction to the mansion, Cotzel led Ningguang and Niu Zida's group halfway around the passageway and into a three-story, milky-white Western-style building on the east side. This was where Duke Pollaz was waiting for them. It not only had a reception room, but also a banquet hall and offices. In the past, when Charlotte's father, the old Duke Heatherlink, was in good health, he would handle government affairs here if he didn't go to the duchy's government office.

"Now that the Duke is bedridden, it is only thanks to Earl Polaz that the situation within the duchy has been kept under control and chaos has not yet broken out..."

It was clear that although Cotzelt, as the Duke's personal bodyguard, should be one of the old Duke's men, he seemed to strongly support Count Polaz's autocracy. Niu Zida and Ningguang exchanged glances, their political instincts clearly sensing something amiss. Either Cotzelt was playing dumb, or Count Polaz now had a strong grip on the Duchy, with even the Duke's chief bodyguard siding with him. Worse still, perhaps this chief bodyguard was appointed by the Count while the old Duke was unwell, effectively sidelining Princess Charlotte. Any of these three possibilities would be detrimental to their side, Ningguang and Niu Zida thought to themselves at roughly the same time.

Kotzl quickly led the group into the drawing room. Upon entering, they saw a tall, middle-aged man dressed in a light blue suit adorned with luxurious tassels. The man possessed an extraordinary air, especially his sharp, high-bridged nose, which gave him a handsome yet dangerous appearance. Kotzl introduced him to the group as Count Polaz:

"This is Count Pollaz. Your Excellency, our guest has arrived."

Count Pollaz saw Ningguang and Joel, and an elegant smile appeared on his face:

"Lady Ningguang, I have been waiting for a long time."

"Count Polaz, hello..."

Ningguang responded calmly, while Joel didn't say anything at all, only nodding slightly. Niu Zida, who was in her arms, generously showed his face. As expected, Polaz was not surprised by Niu Zida's appearance. From Cozl to Polaz's attitude, Niu Zida believed that Ningguang's previous statement about them monitoring him was true.

"You must be Niu Zida, the ruler of the Dore territory. You are indeed extraordinary; a goblin can actually control a human territory."

However, to his surprise, these nobles seemed indifferent to the fact that human territory had been occupied by demi-humans, and their acceptance level was far higher than he had expected. Niu Zida wanted to test them, so he said:

"Does Lord Boltz not hate me? A goblin has occupied human territory that is legally inhabited by humans..."

"Hate? Why? It's not my territory that's being occupied. In political games, the capable rise to power, and only strength matters. What right do people without strength have to talk about legal principles? It's laughable..."

I never expected Boltz to be such a blatant socialist, thinking entirely like the jungle. But thinking about it, it's not surprising. These nobles are outwardly noble and elegant, but in reality, the struggles behind the scenes are no different from those of wild wolves in the forest. They are greedy, cunning, and selfish. The difference is that they also have nice words to package themselves and instill ideas to numb the masses.

"Yes, Count Polaz is absolutely right."

Ningguang seemed very interested in what Polaz said and immediately agreed with him. The atmosphere of the two's initial negotiation was quite good, and they were even able to reach some kind of consensus.

After the guests and hosts were seated and exchanged brief greetings and introductions, Ningguang didn't mention Kirito at all, but instead said to Pollaz:

"If possible in the future, establishing more trade and economic ties between Heatherlink Port and Yunlai Port would be beneficial to the development of both of us. Currently, all countries on the continent are preparing for war. In addition to the war between Altay and Fortini in the western region, the powerful Ova Empire in the central region is also expanding in all directions, which has aroused the dissatisfaction of the Podopa Empire. It seems that the central region will also start to fight. Now, the other autonomous territories and autonomous regions in the central region have to choose sides between the two powerful countries. Xingshikou is in a very critical situation."

"As a small country in the southwest, we naturally hope to maintain peace, develop trade and economy with foreign countries, and not start wars lightly. Although we are allies of the Kingdom of Altaïr and support their war against Fortini to a certain extent, as does the Kingdom of Luz, we ultimately do not want to be involved in the war ourselves."

He doesn't want to get involved in the war, but he covets the Echeberia territory within Baron Dore's domain in the Kingdom of Altaïr. Polaz, who speaks such high-sounding and beautiful words to deceive people, doesn't even flinch. If you don't know the inside story, it's easy to be fooled and believe him.

"It seems that a love of peace is our common hope."

Ningguang accepted the question with an elegant smile. Only then did Niu Zida realize that Ningguang had been setting a trap for Pollaz, intending to get him to establish his persona so that they could discuss Kirito's situation later.

Chapter 249

That should make things a bit easier.

"Of course, I would love to expand our future trade cooperation with Lady Ningguang. For example, we could build a spice factory in Hetherlink Port and then mine sand silkworm pupae from the Dore territory to use as raw materials for the spice factory."

That bastard! So that's what he was planning all along. Now Niu Zida finally understands Count Pollaz's scheme. His real target wasn't Kirito after all; he was after Ningguang's investments and wanted to bring all of Ningguang's factories to Hetherink. That's why he was using these methods to force Ningguang to negotiate with him. Damn it, if he succeeds, won't the Dore Territory become an economic colony of the Duchy of Hetherink? He'll be providing them with raw materials, and they'll be the ones making all the profits from the added value. Moreover, by controlling the procurement of raw materials, he can also influence the Dore Territory through economic means. It's killing two birds with one stone!

Niu Zida cursed Polaz's ancestors for eighteen generations in his heart, but he also knew that the opponent in front of him was not so easy to deal with. At least he had a good eye for developing his territory. Most importantly, the condition he proposed was obviously not without benefit to Ningguang. He had only just met Ningguang, and Niu Zida was worried that Ningguang would be greedy and sell him out at the negotiating table, turning the Dorei territory into a bargaining chip. If that happened, would he refuse to supply raw materials?

If they don't supply raw materials, they won't make any money, and it will also cause dissatisfaction among the other knights in the territory. After all, the Dore territory is really too poor. If they have something to export and make money, and they block it from their way of making money, wouldn't that be cutting off their source of income? They may not care who becomes the lord for the time being, but if their source of income is really blocked, they will really rebel.

Niu Zida's mind was racing. He realized that he was at a disadvantage. Ningguang could really side with Polaz at any time, and then he would just be a dish on the welcome dinner table.

"Lord Pollaz's suggestion is very tempting, but shouldn't we show some sincerity in cooperating? As far as I know, Kirito, the intermediary between me and Mr. Ushikota, is still being held in your country."

“That’s easy, I’ll order them released immediately.”

Count Polaz readily agreed and immediately ordered his men to release Kirito. Shortly after, Kirito was indeed brought here and handed over in front of Ningguang...

Chapter 200 Negotiation 2

Chapter 200.

Kirito was brought in quickly. Ningguang and Niu Zida confirmed that Kirito was alright before the handover was completed. After that, Kirito was taken away. Niu Zida suddenly remembered that Asuna was pregnant. Kirito couldn't see Asuna with her big belly, otherwise everything would be exposed.

"Don't worry, I won't let Asuna and Kirito meet for the time being."

Seeing Niu Zida's unease, Ningguang smiled and said something, which reassured Niu Zida. However, he then felt a chill run down his spine. How could Ningguang know what he was thinking? Did she have some kind of ability, like mind reading? No, Ningguang didn't have that skill in the game.

"See? I've shown my sincerity."

After Count Pollaz saw Kirito off, he spoke to Ningguang and Niu Zida. Ningguang clapped her hands and said:

“Indeed, Count Polaz has kept his promise and shown sincerity in cooperation. I admire him greatly.”

"So, regarding the cooperation..."

“I’m not opposed to cooperative investment, and I’m even very willing to invest in Port Hetherlink. However, Mr. Niu Zida controls the raw materials, right? What’s his opinion?”

Niu Zida sensed a subtle difference here. When he was negotiating with Ningguang alone, Ningguang never really admitted that she controlled the western region. But now, when facing Polaz, she admitted that the western region belonged to her. Was this some kind of implication?

"Ahem, yes, about my side..."

Niu Zida coughed a few times on purpose, indicating that Polaz should also notice his presence, as dealing with Ningguang alone was not enough.

“I think that although the western region is a demi-human area, and there has long been a law in Altaic for the expansion of noble territories that recognizes that area as Baron Dore’s expansion territory, that is only Altaic domestic law. Our Duchy of Heatherlink is just an ally of the Kingdom of Altaic and has no obligation to recognize the laws of the Kingdom of Altaic.”

Polaz bluntly rejected the internal laws of Altaïr that Niu Zida wanted to cite, catching Niu Zida off guard with this preemptive strike. He immediately said:

“That area was originally a gathering place for sandworms, and I sent people to pacify it. If they don’t acknowledge the land we legally acquired on this issue, then subsequent cooperation cannot proceed.”

Since the other party is so assertive, Niu Zida naturally has to follow suit. If he shows any signs of compromise or hesitation here, Polaz might think he's easy to bully and become even more demanding.

"Now that things have come to this, I think we should each compromise. Hetherink acknowledges the Dorei Territory's control over the western region. In exchange, the Dorei Territory will sign a treaty to provide raw materials, guaranteeing the factory's supply of sandworms. Besides, the western region is a barren wasteland with sandworms. If Hetherink doesn't recognize the Dorei's sovereignty, causing development to be hindered, no one else would dare to cross the Dorei Territory to develop there, right? So, what's the point of Lord Polaz inviting me to invest in the Duchy of Hetherink?"

Ningguang's words made Polaz ponder for a moment. Trading his own recognition for raw materials from the Dorrey Territory and Ningguang's investment would indeed be beneficial to the Heatherlink Kingdom.

Chapter 250

The country doesn't lose money, but for me, it's clearly not the best outcome.

"If possible, I would prefer that the factory be located in the western region. Wouldn't that make it easier to ship processed products out? In that case, the company would also be considered part of Heatherlink, in exchange for using the port."

Niu Zida's proposal was immediately rejected by Polaz, it seems that his bottom line is that he does not want the factory to be set up outside of Heatherlink.

"Lord Pollaz, I think we can set up the factory in the Duchy of Hetherlink, and then divide the factory shares into four parts: one for Duke Hetherlink, one for me, one for Mr. Niu Zida, and one for you. Wouldn't it be better if we all made money together? With everyone's interests tied together, we would cooperate more closely."

Upon hearing this, Polaz's eyes lit up, and his greedy gaze became completely undisguised. Niu Zida then understood the source of this guy's vehement opposition earlier; he was waiting for Ningguang to propose a solution that would benefit him.

"Well, if there is such sincerity, cooperation is certainly an option... After all, as a subject of the Duchy of Hetherink, I wouldn't feel at ease if I weren't allowed to join in overseeing the factory's operations."

As expected, Earl Polaz paused and then nodded in a perfunctory manner. Niu Zida sneered inwardly. If he really had the awareness of a subject of the Grand Duchy of Heatherlink, he wouldn't have left Princess Charlotte out of such an important negotiation. Now that he thought about it, wasn't he just trying to find a way to gain benefits for himself? In Niu Zida's opinion, once Earl Polaz married Princess Charlotte, the entire Grand Duchy of Heatherlink would probably have to change its property deeds.

"Yes, that way it will be easier for everyone to negotiate and cooperate if any problems arise in the future."

It seems Ningguang also agreed with this opinion, and now it was Niu Zida's turn to express his opinion. If he disagreed with the plan here, he would be facing a 1-on-2 situation. However, if he agreed, the factory would be located in Heatherlink, and the shares would be secondary. After thinking it over, Niu Zida decided that it would be better to back down for the time being. He could establish trade relations with Ningguang first and stabilize Heatherlink for the time being. Moreover, this agreement was based on Heatherlink acknowledging his ownership of the western region, and he would also be the supplier of raw materials. This did not mean that he was completely without means to counter Polaz's future betrayal.

I agree with that.

Seeing that Ningguang and Niu Zida had both agreed, Polaz pretended to be the one who had suffered a loss and said: