When he heard the words exclusive purchasing rights for the Nether Orchid and Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum, Felton did not look pleased. Instead, he narrowed his eyes slightly in a dangerous manner.
The office fell into complete silence.
After a minute or two, Felton suddenly laughed, his tone teasing.
"Your Highness Ron… you're really putting me in a difficult position."
"What do you mean?" Ron feigned confusion. "Those forces behind the scenes were fighting tooth and nail for this right, and I didn't give it to them. But when it comes to you, Principal, you're not interested?"
Felton couldn't help but laugh, pointing at Ron twice with his finger. "You brat…"
"If the Military Academy were the same as those factions, do you think you'd still be sitting here negotiating with me?"
"I could simply pressure you—just like they did—to hand over control of the flower shop. And I guarantee those forces wouldn't dare compete with the academy."
"As for hot potatoes like the Nether Orchid and Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum, Your Highness should keep them for yourself. If they were brought into the academy, it would be far too easy for things to deteriorate."
Ron sighed helplessly. "How could that be? A man as upright and incorruptible as Principal Felton would surely manage such authority well and lead the academy to even greater prosperity…"
"Stop, stop, stop!" Felton interrupted, cutting off the flattery. "I won't be sitting in this position for many more years. Who can guarantee that my successor won't change?"
"Enough with the fancy talk. Priority purchasing rights for the Nether Orchid and Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum will suffice."
"Beyond that, we have only one additional condition."
"Please, go ahead." Having tested the academy's reaction with the offer of exclusive rights, Ron was considerably more relaxed now, his expression easing.
Felton smiled at him and spoke slowly.
"I would like to invite Your Highness to become an honorary cadet of our Military Academy."
???
A question mark practically appeared over Ron's head.
What did that mean?
An honorary cadet of the Military Academy?
Was that a condition—or a benefit?
How many boys across the Empire dreamed of entering Royal Capital First Military Academy, graduating into the elite divisions of the Ministry of War, and ultimately becoming one of the Empire's three Grand Generals—or even Marshal of the entire army?
Others studied tirelessly for years just to gain admission.
And now?
The principal himself was personally inviting Ron to become an honorary cadet!
"Principal Felton… are you sure you haven't made a mistake?" Ron asked in surprise.
"I'm not senile just yet," Felton replied with a chuckle. "The day before yesterday, when we indefinitely postponed the evaluation of those factions' candidates within the academy, we barely managed to find a passable excuse to cover it up."
"If we take real action next, we can't rely on fabricated reasons."
"But if Your Highness becomes our honorary cadet, all the problems will resolve themselves."
"To put it plainly, we simply lack a legitimate motive."
"As an institution that cultivates talent, Royal Capital First Military Academy must set an example. We cannot stir up conflict without just cause."
Hearing this, Ron fell into thought, rubbing his chin and nodding slowly.
"But what benefit does this bring to you?" Ron asked frankly after some hesitation. "If you don't even want exclusive purchasing rights, why cooperate with me at all?"
"Heh." Felton chuckled softly, tapping his fingers lightly on the sofa's armrest as he spoke unhurriedly.
"To be honest, Your Highness already demonstrated considerable foresight by turning to the Military Academy and Royal Capital Magic Academy to break this deadlock."
"However… you might consider elevating your perspective a bit further."
"This matter is no longer merely about Church of the God of War, and the Church of the God of Life targeting a Chosen of the Harvest Goddess."
"Nor is it simply about the factions led by Duke Christine exploiting the situation to seize the profits of your flower shop."
"It is also a microcosm of the ongoing expansion and rivalry between major factions in recent years—competing for resources, for talent, and for influence within the Empire."
"Did you really think mere profit would be enough to drive the Military Academy and Royal Capital Magic Academy to intervene—and to stand on your side?"
"If we had not first reported to the Ministry of War, and if the Ministry had not in turn reported to His Majesty Emperor André III, then at most we would have issued a small warning like we did the other day. We certainly would not be negotiating cooperation with you now."
Ron pressed his lips together in silence, a faint headache forming.
He had believed that after arriving in the Royal Capital, he had grown considerably.
Yet in the eyes of true heavyweights, his actions still appeared somewhat naive and clumsy.
If not for a fortunate stroke of luck, matters might have developed in a far worse direction.
"Once Your Highness becomes an honorary cadet of the academy, we will have grounds to act on this matter—truly carve a few chunks of flesh from those factions behind the scenes and give them a proper warning."
"In recent years, the Winter Wars have gone smoothly, making it seem as though the Beastmen are hardly a threat."
"The Dwarven Kingdom has remained content within its borders. The southern frontier has seen no war for decades."
"As for the Elves, they maintain an alliance with humanity."
"To the west lies the vast and resource-rich Great West. Development is in full swing, and the Manchester Mountains still await exploration."
"In such comfort, the Empire's internal factions have grown increasingly distinct. They've long forgotten the potential dangers beyond our borders. Each one stares only at the meat on its own plate."
"Your return to the Royal Capital this time is merely a catalyst."
"Though we cannot completely dismantle these bloated powers, we can at least take this opportunity to remove part of the rot."
"The Empire may appear like a magnificent beast, standing at the pinnacle of human history."
"But if its internal ailments are not addressed in time, one day it will inevitably face grave consequences."
Felton explained everything methodically and with great patience, clearly harboring some goodwill toward Ron.
From his perspective, Ron's actions since entering the Royal Capital had indeed been somewhat clumsy.
But from Ron's own position, his responses had already been nearly flawless.
It was simply that, at his current age and experience, he was not yet capable of seeing through the fog to the deeper truths beneath.
For an eighteen-year-old, that would have been an excessive expectation.
"Thank you for your guidance, Principal Felton." Ron took a deep breath and expressed his sincere gratitude.
Felton had not been obligated to explain matters so thoroughly, yet he had dissected the situation for him. That alone was a significant favor.
"No need for thanks," Felton replied with a smile. "Your proposal regarding scholarships and financial aid also gave me some inspiration. Let's call it mutual benefit."
The two exchanged smiles.
With their respective intentions clarified, they finally moved on to discuss the specifics of their cooperation.
The talks continued until noon. Ron joined Principal Felton for lunch at the academy cafeteria before heading next door to Royal Capital Magic Academy to meet with its dean.