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The Martial Unity (Web Novel) - Chapter 4679: Negotiation Tactics
Chapter 4679: Negotiation Tactics
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The rest of the day Rui spent was a bit of a blur. He quickly set up meetings with the aquadites, leaving the dessandrites to the Pluralist Faction as promised to Divine Mother ooo—o-. One of the challenges of selling the method to Transcendent impunity to the other civilizations was to sell it off as quickly as possible without sounding desperate or suspicious.
If he sounded desperate, then the aquadites would realize that they had leverage. And they would use that leverage to squeeze him as much as they possibly could. They could prolong negotiations, gaining an even greater upper hand where Rui would ultimately be forced to make a losing deal.
The key, he realized, was not to offer to sell the method of Transcendent impunity. That was the same as telling them that they had reason to sell Transcendent impunity and somehow the humans benefited if the aquadites got their hands on it.
It wouldn’t take too long for the advanced civilization to realize what had happened and realize the leverage they had.
That was why, rather than offering to sell the method of Transcendent impunity, Rui instead approached them with an outrageous request.
"You want to buy all of our proprietary high technology?" The projection of the S’rrigin stared at the Emperor of Water seated opposite him with well-hidden incredulity.
Rui leaned forward, resting his elbows on his table and his fingers in a steeple. "That’s right. We urgently require high technology as we seek to become an even more advanced civilization. In particular, I have a personal interest in your advanced hydro-fluid technologies, as one who is known as the Emperor of Water. I believe it can help me in advancements as a Martial Artist."
The hologram projection of the S’rrigin grew a measure more thoughtful at those words. Rui had framed his offer well, for it was at least partly true. He would be lying if he said he didn’t have an interest in their technology. Water anything was always interesting, and their mastery of water-derived technology, including hyperdimensional water, was something that he found to be extremely appealing.
The S’rrigin made a couple of ultrasonic sounds that were captured and relayed across a thousand light-years in the blink of an eye, passing through wormholes. It was instantly translated by central artificial intelligence. The two civilizations had exchanged linguistic script keys that would allow the other to translate their languages, and both civilizations had immediately managed to grow proficient at the other’s language.
"...we appreciate your recognition of the value of our technology, but that doesn’t change the fact that your demands are excessive," the S’rrigin replied with a measure of skepticism. "One of the reasons our civilization is as powerful as it is is precisely because of our proprietary technology, among other things. Even though no other civilization can utilize our technology as well as we do, they can still deal massive blows to us if they successfully get their hands on our civilization and identify its weaknesses. That is why we do not sell our core proprietary technologies easily."
"I understand your caution..." Rui began uttering long formal sentences that were meant to offer some token reassurance while still maintaining his desire to purchase their technology. The goal was to keep pushing until the S’rrigin set some conditions.
"Stop." The S’rrigin raised a webbed hand. A gesture that appeared to mean the same among the aquadites as it did among humans. "Frankly, there is only one thing that human civilization possesses that we may ever consider selling our technology for."
The S’rrigin’s large fish-like eyes sharpened. "If you are willing to sell the method for Transcendent impunity, then we would be willing to sell our core proprietary technologies to you."
This was where Rui needed to exercise some restraint. Jumping at the offer would immediately give him away. The S’rrigin would pause the negotiations to conduct some ’circumstantial research,’ which basically meant to understand why the hell the humans were so eager to sell off such a priceless treasure. Were they trying to scam them?
Rather than agreeing, Rui acted offended. "My! Selling our most valued treasure?! We could never!"
The S’rrigin took the opportunity to put on a stone-cold, unmoved expression. "That is the price you would have to pay for what you seek, Emperor Rui."
Rui’s expression grew grave, all part of the plan, as he acted like he was faced with the ultimatum of a lifetime.
"This..." He spoke with a gravelly tone, as if the aquadites had asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage.
Though he would probably declare war on the aquadites if they ever declared a desire for his precious baby angel. As far as he was concerned, nobody was worthy of his daughter’s hand.
"I’m afraid I can’t make such a big decision on my own." That was a lie. He could; he just needed to make it sound even more important than himself. "I will speak to my advisors and get back to you."
The meeting ended there, as Rui leaned back in his chair, choosing to spin about it in place. "Now we wait. What’s for lunch?"
"Perhaps it would be more prudent to get the deal done as soon as possible, considering the stakes involved, Your Majesty," Secretary Claris said in a disapproving tone. "And lunch is whatever you want it to be, not that you would know, since you rarely eat these days."
It was true; he had long since gone beyond the need for sustenance. He could convert matter into energy with the efficiency that came with the Sage Realm. Still, he did eat. Food was a simple pleasure, after all. But it was most delicious when shared with a family. He used to eat every day when Ria was still here, if only to spend time with her. But when she wasn’t, the chefs in the royal kitchen were essentially on paid leave.
"Tell Ria to come home for lunch; we can have our first family lunch with everybody gathered for the first time in a while," Rui remarked with a smile.
When Ria did return home, however, she came with a surprise.
