After looking into Finne's eyes and sensing that she was far from an ordinary noblewoman, Yulia decided to press the discussion forward. It was an important business discussion for her. If they could come to some sort of agreement, even a slightly disadvantageous one, that alone would make the meeting worth her time. She'd all but given up on her company's branch in the capital; the meeting's outcome could lead to its revival.
"Lynphia, I'd like you to discuss the details. Would you mind taking over from here?"
"Oh, right. What we need most is capital. Running for the throne requires considerable funding. We need as much as we can possibly get if we're going to steal our opponents' influential supporters. Can we count on your support financially?"
"You've got it. What else?"
"We want you to launch attacks on certain merchants and companies that have strong ties with the other candidates for the throne."
"You want us to beat them down from the business side of things? Sure, I'd love to. Is that all?"
"That's all for now."
"All right, then let me tell you what we need from you. We will accept all of your conditions. In exchange, we'd like you to let us use Finne Von Kleinert's name, and if possible, her face."
That request was exactly what Lynphia had expected. In fact, it was so close to her expectations that she was momentarily taken aback. Yulia's request was what every merchant within the capital wanted.
For instance, if a merchant were selling vegetables, being able to say that Finne recommended their vegetables would have products flying off the shelves. That's just how overwhelmingly popular Finne was within the capital.
The reason no one was currently using such tactics was because doing so without permission would invoke the wrath of the emperor.
But if one did have Finne's permission, they could use that influence. Add in the privilege to use images of her face or illusions of her created with magical tools and the effect would be even greater. From a merchant's point of view, Finne was worth more than a mine filled with silver and gold.
"Do you have any other requests?"
"No. I thought I might be able to wheedle some more favorable conditions out of you, but I changed my mind. Adrasia's emperor has a keen eye. You are a remarkable woman, Finne. You're pretty and also courageous. In fact, I wouldn't mind having you as my lover."
"I appreciate the offer, but I cannot accept. Tying myself to someone else like that would dilute my worth."
"Ooh, very interesting. So the conflict for the throne means that much to you, hm? I'm so curious what's got you so hooked."
Finne had trouble deciding how to answer Yulia's question, as she didn't know which answer would be most persuasive. So, she decided to share two.
"I am the daughter of a duke. That gives me enough status to intervene in the conflict over the throne. That's why I feel it is my duty to support an emperor that all of the empire's citizens can be proud of. On the other hand, ignoring my status, if I were to answer based on my personal feelings... Isn't it natural to want to support someone you love?"
That response was not what Yulia expected.
The first half of Finne's answer had been entirely unremarkable, but the second half had been most interesting. It was just the kind of answer Yulia liked best.
"Supporting someone because you love them, hm? How simple. If I recall, you're working with the two twin princes. Which of them do you love?"
"That's a secret," Finne answered with a wink and touched her finger to her nose. The sweet gesture made Yulia break into a smile. Such sweetness, when combined with her elegance, gave Finne an allure that made you inexplicably want to support her. That was why she was Blau Mowe.
Yulia knew then that the emperor singling her out hadn't been merely a stunt.
"I've met a lot of people in my life, Finne, and I can say without a doubt that you're very special. Take good care of yourself. You can't treat others with real kindness if you don't treat yourself with kindness first."
"...I'll remember that. Thank you," Finne replied with a bow of her head.
Yulia then turned and addressed Lynphia. "You need to support her, too. This kind of girl needs an entire village around her."
"You don't have to tell me that. I have a word of advice for you, too. Make sure to remember that, even if you're not part of that village, you're dealing with one of its members now."
"What are you trying to say?"
"I'm hoping that you'll refrain from any disloyal behavior, such as reaching out to the other candidates for the throne?"
"Yes, of course," Yulia solemnly nodded to Lynphia's warning.
As a businessperson, having connections with all of the candidates would normally be best, but the conflict around the emperor's throne was a unique case. All those who involved themselves with candidates that lost would face some degree of penalty. Once Yulia placed herself as an ally of Leo's faction, the other candidates would never let her forget it. Even if the winner continued to act cordially on the surface, once the battle for the throne was over, she would undoubtedly be expelled from the capital.
Given that fact, the best tactic would be to throw all her support into making sure Leo became the emperor.
"That's good to know. We will contact you if anything comes up. Until then, please refrain from reaching out to us."
"Sure thing. I think this will be a beneficial arrangement for both of us."
"I sure hope so. Farewell for now, Yulia."
"Farewell," Yulia answered back then watched as Lynphia and Finne left.