Chapter 479 Strange Fingers

• "Mr. Barrett," he began, his tone measured but earnest, "I realize I wasn't exactly diplomatic before, and I can see how that might have upset you. But we're all in this together, representing the Kingdom of Igneus, and we're here on a mission for our country. Could you possibly give us a bit of a break, for the sake of our national interest?"
• William smiled, a glint of shrewdness in his eyes. "I'm not against lowering the price," he replied smoothly. "But Mr. Foley, you know as well as I do that shipping bauxite back to our country is a logistical headache. Now, your company is state-owned with its own fleet for overseas transport, which cuts your shipping costs significantly. How about this? We'll lower the price, but in return, you handle the transportation of our bauxite and alumina. And we'll agree on a transport fee, calculated strictly at cost."
• Linus' eyes brightened at the suggestion. "Mr. Barrett, that's a deal! So, what's the final price?"