Yes, Madam Prime Minister

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"We hope you will send troops to Biria." Alger was indeed direct, not using terms like "our country" or "your country," but simply "we" or "you."

Ronan opened his palm, still direct, "Conditions."

“Once this is accomplished, our two countries will jointly establish an Eastern Trading Company,” Alger said.

A person with high emotional intelligence would say that the Kingdom of Phos has little influence in the East; a person with low emotional intelligence would say that the Kingdom of Phos has no influence in the East.

It sounds like Wieland is planning to take the Kingdom of Phos to the East to make a fortune.

But is that really the case?

“I believe you are honest people, but to do business, you need a deposit,” Ronan said.

Is it so easy to make money in the East?

We live in an age of guns and magicians. At sea, the people of the Western Continent can still defeat Seris, but on land, they have no chance at all.

It's not that they can't win. According to Ronan's understanding, the weapons, tactics, and soldier training of the Western Continent are superior to those of Seris. Their mages are also on par with the scholars and warriors of Seris. The problem is that Seris has a much larger population—nearly two hundred million, more than the combined population of the Kingdom of Fas, the entire Empire, and a whole host of other countries like Weyland, Bilia, and Venaya.

Moreover, Seris has a huge gunpowder production capacity. According to those who have been to Seris, the amount of firecrackers set off in the Seris capital during the New Year is enough to sustain a year's war in the Western Continent.

Furthermore, although Seris has numerous private schools and its official schools are in disarray, there are still many people who can receive an education, and naturally, there are also many extraordinary individuals among them.

In summary, Seris has a lot of cannon fodder, a lot of guns and cannons, and a lot of superhumans—three "a lot"s.

If these countries of the Western Continent were to go head-to-head with Seris and win a few more battles, they could wipe out their entire foundation.

Why did Wieland want to do business in the East with the Kingdom of Rafas? Because Wieland had no manpower—just a few million people—and they couldn't afford to lose any more. Their strategy was: I'll provide the trade routes, and you provide the manpower.

Pirates are just that shameless.

Despite the losses, the Kingdom of Fas still had no choice but to go; the Eastern market was something they absolutely had to win over.

"How much is the deposit?" Alger asked.

“Not much, five million, silver dragons from the Kingdom of Fas,” Ronan said.

Indeed, not many. Weyland doesn't have the silver dragon of Phos. He needs to sell goods first, sell five million worth of goods to Phos, and then return the five million he received to the Kingdom of Phos.

That is to say, it's like giving the Kingdom of Fas five million worth of goods for free. Even if the Kingdom of Fas tries to lower the price, it will only be a little over three million at most.

With Villarreal's decline, the profits that Wieland could make from taking over its maritime trade would be far greater than this.

Alger laughed. "Mr. Ronan, you truly deserve to be called the most honest man on the continent."

Ronan raised his hand. "Wait, there's one more condition."

“Please speak,” Alger said.

“Wheland must recognize the Duchy of the Rhine,” Ronan said. Recognizing the Duchy of the Rhine is, in effect, recognizing the Kingdom of Fas’s rule over the Rhine region and supporting the Kingdom of Fas’s hegemony in the western continent.

“This is not something I can decide,” Alger said. “To be frank, Mr. Ronan, it’s really not very useful for a Protestant country like ours to recognize it.”

If the Kingdom of Fas truly wants to bring the Rhine region under its rule, the Empire and Villa must be willing to recognize it, and the Papacy must tacitly approve it. Only then can the continuous internal turmoil in the Rhine region be truly avoided. Otherwise, the Empire and Villa will continue to support the people of the Rhine region in their resistance activities, continuously bleeding the Kingdom of Fas dry.

"Heh, it's just to prevent you pirates from turning your guns on me again."

Ronan said.

Wieland truly took shamelessness to a new level. At the beginning of the war, on the Protestant side, after the Kingdom of Fas conquered the Rhine, he flirted with Villa and targeted the Kingdom of Fas. After the Kingdom of Fas defeated the Empire and suppressed Villa, he became the Protector of Protestantism again and immediately turned his guns on Villa.

Four years, three times in a row, tell me, who else can do that?

"It's all a misunderstanding. As you know, our country is a democracy, and national policies can change at will. It's all the fault of those damned politicians, they're so shameless." Alger jokingly shifted the blame. "As a civil servant, you must understand my predicament."

Ronan raised his hand to interrupt Alger's performance, "Stop with the nonsense. The money's in, the statement's been issued, and we're sending troops."

“Okay,” Alger agreed, then got up and left.

This was just a private conversation, and regardless of whether the deal goes through or not, neither side will acknowledge that the conversation or the transaction took place.

After saying goodbye to Alger, it was already noon. He prepared to call Zhao Yingqi to go out for lunch together.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yingqi was deep in thought, plucking rose petals alone in the room. It was the fourth day; their week-long vacation had only one day left before they had to head back. She had been mentally prepared before coming, but Ronan hadn't shown any interest in that area yet.

Chapter 595 Mischievousness, the story continues, teaching you how to eat noodles

After lunch, the sun came out bright and sunny.

In the afternoon, Ronan and Zhao Yingqi didn't go anywhere. On the balcony of their seaside villa, which overlooked the sea, they set up two deck chairs, a small table, a plate of cashews that had been introduced from the New World to the Southern Continent and then transported over, a plate of hazelnuts imported from Suleiman, a pot of black tea, and some soup.

Drinking tea, eating nuts, chatting—it's that simple.

Although it was supposed to be a chat, Ronan did most of the talking, starting from when he helped Ambrina ascend the throne.

The focus is on adventure and battles, as well as some interesting anecdotes about life. As for politics, Ronan hardly talks about it because it's really quite boring.

But Zhao Yingqi happens to like asking about politics, and when Ronan talks about how he fights, compromises, and makes deals with various interest groups, especially when Ronan tells a story in a humorous way about how the two of them competed and cooperated seamlessly in the office after Diniya became prime minister, she laughs and has an expression of admiration.

“You two have such a good relationship,” Zhao Yingqi said. “And I originally thought Ms. Dinia was a very mature, serious, and even a little scary person. I didn’t expect that she is actually, well, how should I put it, she actually has a rather funny side.”

“Didi is just not very good at or like to communicate with people,” Ronan said, then added, “So, you don’t need to worry about her.”

Zhao Yingqi nodded slightly, then suddenly asked a question, "Ronan, do you like His Majesty the King more, or Ms. Dinya more?"

"Heh, you're a bit mischievous." Ronan pinched a hazelnut and threw it at Zhao Yingqi's face with a little force. Zhao Yingqi didn't have time to react and was hit on the forehead, showing a slightly unhappy expression. Ronan continued, "There's no way to compare. My relationship with Anli is like that of a husband and wife, playmates. My relationship with Dinia is like lovers, comrades-in-arms. Both are complicated and hard to describe."

"And what about me?" Zhao Yingqi asked directly and boldly. The previous question was just a prelude.

Ronan's eyes darted around, and after thinking for a moment, he gave a metaphor: "Homegrown bok choy."

Zhao Yingqi didn't quite understand at first and felt a little resentful. "So, you're still treating me like a child?"

"Huh?" Ronan looked slightly surprised. "How could that be? You've grown up. Seventeen, the best age."

"Then why?" Zhao Yingqi hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"Why what?" Ronan asked, though he had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on.

Before leaving, Zhao Yingqi had prepared herself mentally, but she was still very nervous. After a few days of nervousness, and with Ronan not taking any action, she began to feel anxious again.

"I'm not saying anything more," Zhao Yingqi said, throwing a little tantrum.

"Fine, I won't say then." Ronan said nonchalantly, pouring himself a cup of tea without adding sugar.

Ronan's silence only fueled Zhao Yingqi's anger. "Sigh, you..."

Ronan didn't answer, but poured her a cup of tea, added some sugar, and handed it to her. Zhao Yingqi grabbed the cup and drank the tea in one gulp. Just as she put the cup down, she looked up and saw Ronan holding a peeled hazelnut in his hand, which was already being offered to her lips. Zhao Yingqi opened her mouth wide and bit down, and at the same time, she scraped Ronan's finger hard with her teeth.

Ronan withdrew his hand and said, "You're special, there's no need to compare yourself to others. Elena, Alice, and Grandan were also raised by me, but they're all different from you. Elena is someone who likes to wander the streets and alleys, seemingly reckless, but actually very thoughtful. She's a sister who's both troublesome and easy to manage. Alice remembers every little kindness you've shown her, but she doesn't like to express it. She's a very interesting person. When she was little, I treated her like an adopted daughter, but she didn't accept it. As for Grandan, she's very precocious. Everyone sees her as a good girl, but she's not at all. She's very cunning and has a bad temper. I didn't want a daughter like that, but she insisted on being my daughter, and then my filial piety turned sour."

Luo Nan spoke in Chinese, and Zhao Yingqi immediately understood the phrase "filial piety has deteriorated."

“You’re different. I really treat you like a daughter. Although you’re quiet but a little rebellious, you’re still better than Ina and Lily. One of them is a troublemaker, and the other treats her father like a brother.”

"Could it be?" A hint of fear appeared on Zhao Yingqi's face.

“Don’t get me wrong, that was true before, but not anymore,” Ronan said. “But how should I put it, I’m actually quite nervous too. Don’t let my age fool you; I’ve had those kinds of relationships with quite a few women, but I really don’t know how to handle them.”

Zhao Yingqi suddenly laughed, completely losing her nervousness. Ronan, who always seemed so confident and in control, was now acting like a clumsy little boy. For some reason, at this moment, her love for Ronan intensified.

A young-looking man, a man with a story, and a man with a youthful spirit—these elements combine to form Ronan.

"Let's continue with the story; we still need to complete the process." Ronan had an awkward expression that was half joking and half about completing a task.

Zhao Yingqi couldn't help but cover his mouth and chuckle, finding Ronan exceptionally adorable.

Ronan then recounted his guerrilla warfare experience that year.

In another timeline, during World War II, after France surrendered, guerrillas fought the Nazis in southwestern France. Ronan was also in the same area, fighting a guerrilla war against the Villars. The difference was that the French guerrillas at that time could only wage guerrilla warfare because the Nazis had taken control of the area, while the Villars did not dare to really incite public anger and could only collect supplies in small amounts and frequently. Moreover, they were no match for Ronan's guerrillas.

By the time the story was finished, it was already dusk.

Ronan stood up. "You can cook dinner."

"Huh?" Zhao Yingqi was startled, then shook her head. "I, I don't know how." Since coming to the Kingdom of Fas, her life has been no different from that of a princess. She doesn't know anything about housework.

"You can always make noodles," Ronan said.

Zhao Yingqi lowered her head in shame. "No." She was seven years old before she came here, and she was sensible enough. Although she was abroad, she knew that a good girl from Seris should know these things.

Ronan laughed and said, "It's alright, I'll teach you. Making tomato and egg noodles is very easy."

"Mm," Zhao Yingqi replied.

The two went to the kitchen and started by peeling the tomatoes. Ronan taught them a simple and straightforward method: fry them over a flame a few times, then peel off the skin, cut them into chunks, pour oil into the pan, stir-fry the tomatoes until they turn mushy and fragrant, then scoop them out and set them aside. Then wash the pan, pour in more oil, add a little salt to the egg mixture, stir-fry it slightly, and the topping is half done.

Add a pinch of salt, a tiny pinch of pepper, and a crushed, soaked scallop to the bowl beforehand. Once the water boils, scoop a ladleful of the mixture into the bowl.

I cooked the noodles, which I bought. I just put them in the pot and cooked them directly. When they seemed almost done, I tasted them, and when they were just cooked through, I took them out.

Add the noodles, then return the tomatoes and eggs to the pan. Cooking the eggs a little longer will make them more flavorful. Add a touch of sugar to enhance the flavor, then add garlic sprouts and scallions for extra aroma. Finally, top the noodles with the tomato and egg noodles. A simple bowl of tomato and egg noodles is ready!

"I think I'm quite talented."

Chapter 596 Seaside, Fireworks, First Night

After finishing a bowl of tomato and egg noodles that Zhao Yingqi had made himself under Luo Nan's guidance, he felt that this was the most delicious meal he had had in the past few days.

After finishing their noodles, Zhao Yingqi and Luo Nan cleaned up the dishes together. For her, washing dishes was a novel experience.

After cleaning up the dishes, the two left the villa and took a walk along the seaside road.

Before they knew it, their hands were clasped together. The sea breeze was a bit chilly and damp on the night. Zhao Yingqi was a little nervous at first, but the warm, large hand quickly eased her tension and made her feel at ease.

After walking for a while, Ronan suddenly stopped. "We're here." At this moment, the two were on the edge of a seawall.

Zhao Yingqi glanced around and indeed found nothing; there wasn't a single person there.

Ronan put one arm around Zhao Yingqi's waist and pointed to the sky with the other, "Look up."

Zhao Yingqi looked up, but still saw nothing. In the blink of an eye, a flash of light appeared, followed by a loud bang. Looking again, fireworks were blooming in the night sky, one after another, dazzling and brilliant. These were not ordinary fireworks; they had been imbued with magic. The fireworks dispersed, briefly forming a line of Chinese characters: "Yingqi, for my Ying."

Zhao Yingqi stared blankly as Ronan lowered his head, turned to the side, and kissed her cheek.

As a typical straight man, Ronan couldn't come up with anything fancy; this was all he had.

As the fireworks faded, Zhao Yingqi turned to face Ronan and closed her eyes. However, Ronan gently touched her lips with his finger and said, "Let's go back."

Zhao Yingqi opened his eyes. "Okay."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Yingqi was swept up in a princess carry by Ronan. "Let's go."

There was no one here, but there were people on the way here. Zhao Yingqi struggled a few times, but couldn't break free at all. He simply buried his head and pretended that he couldn't see them and that no one else could see him either.

Ronan carried Zhao Yingqi and ran all the way back to the villa.

Upon entering the villa, Luo Nan did not put Zhao Yingqi down. He opened the doors with his feet all the way until he carried her into the bedroom and then placed her on the bed.

Zhao Yingqi was wearing a camel-colored cashmere coat, a cream-colored cotton-wool blend turtleneck sweater underneath, a dark gray wool midi skirt, slightly sheer matte thick black pantyhose, and black tassel shoes.

Ronan quickly took off his leather trench coat, vest, and shirt, leaving his upper body bare. He kicked off his shoes, removed his belt, and climbed into bed wearing only his pants.

As soon as they got into bed, Ronan ripped off Zhao Yingqi's shoes and threw them aside, then took off her coat.

Supporting himself with his hands, Ronan leaned over, almost face to face with her, his breathing rapid.

The Seresian, his daughter's best friend, whose body hadn't completely shed its youthful innocence—just thinking about it made Ronan's penis hard as if it had bones inside.

Zhao Yingqi was also breathing rapidly, her ears were red, she was both expectant and afraid.

After gazing at each other for a moment, and just as Zhao Yingqi's eyes darted away, Ronan released his hands and kissed him.

At first, Zhao Yingqi was somewhat resistant and at a loss, but soon she embraced Ronan and awkwardly kissed him.

Sensing Zhao Yingqi's softening, Ronan slipped one hand under her skirt, rubbing and gently tapping there through the thick stockings and underwear.

For a moment, Zhao Yingqi was caught in a dilemma: neither could he close his legs nor open them. He grabbed Luo Nan's wrist, which was currently being used roughly, and tried to pull it away, but without actually using any force.

A moment later, Ronan withdrew his hand, and just as Zhao Yingqi felt a little relieved, Ronan's hand slipped inside again. This time, it went straight into her underwear and touched the soft flesh of her lower body. Zhao Yingqi squeezed her legs together as if she had been electrocuted and let out a soft moan.

Ronan was also surprised. Zhao Yingqi's skin was smooth and soft, without a single hair. She was a white tiger.

Ronan placed his ring finger against the entrance of her vagina and gently teased it, arousing her desire little by little.

Only when he felt a slight trickle of fluid seeping out did Ronan stand up again. He looked at Zhao Yingqi, then grabbed her skirt with both hands. Zhao Yingqi covered her chest with her hands, her eyes flickering, but she made no move. Ronan slowly pulled her skirt down and placed it aside.

Inside the thick black stockings were white underwear.

Ronan pulled Zhao Yingqi's stockings down to her knees, then ripped off her underwear and threw it aside. He then bent down and pressed his mouth and nose against her lower body.

Zhao Yingqi was terrified for a moment, and the next moment, Ronan stuck out his tongue.

With a soft moan, Zhao Yingqi immediately gritted her teeth, unwilling to make another sound. She subconsciously tried to squeeze her legs together, but she managed to control herself, even spreading her legs slightly apart, afraid of hurting Ronan. The crotch of her thick black stockings was being pulled, making them almost completely transparent.

After licking for a while, Ronan couldn't control himself any longer. He looked up at Zhao Yingqi and asked, "Yingqi?"

Zhao Yingqi did not respond, but simply nodded slightly.