Villainess X Villain: They are obsessed with each other!

Chapter 209 -: 208 Proposition.

The First Prince stared at Crypian quietly without the slightest change in his expression. The same calm smile still rested on Sebastian’s face as he listened carefully.

After all, his chances of obtaining the throne depended heavily on the Thorne family.

And more importantly...

If he truly wished to weaken the Church’s influence over the empire, then he needed the Thornes even more.

Otherwise, Sebastian would never have willingly tied himself to such a dangerous family in the first place.

So right now, no matter what Crypian said, the prince could only continue smiling calmly.

"Please continue," Sebastian said gently.

Crypian nodded slowly. "Then let us discuss the three main conditions."

As he spoke, he slowly lifted three fingers above the table, instantly pulling everyone’s attention toward him.

The crystal lights above reflected faintly against the polished black surface of the table while the room fell completely silent.

Only after making sure everyone was listening did Crypian continue.

"Our first condition..." He lowered one finger calmly. "The Holy Empire will allow the Thorne family access to a free trade route zone inside imperial territory."

The moment those words fell, several nobles exchanged glances quietly.

Then Crypian slowly turned toward Sebastian.

The First Prince remained calm. A few seconds later, Sebastian gave a faint nod.

"That condition is acceptable." His answer came smoothly without hesitation.

"Allowing the Thornes access to trade routes is not a major problem." Several nobles relaxed slightly after hearing that.

Crypian’s eyes brightened faintly. He was just about to continue toward the second condition when....

"However..." Sebastian suddenly spoke again.

The prince slowly folded his hands together beneath his chin while leaning back slightly in his chair.

His blue eyes remained gentle, but there was now a sharper glint hidden within them.

"If the Thorne family wishes to trade freely within the Holy Empire...then it is only fair that the empire receives the same opportunity within Thorne territory."

His gaze locked onto Crypian’s calmly. "Am I wrong?"

The room became quiet again. Several nobles immediately looked toward Crypian, waiting for his response.

Crypian stared at Sebastian for a few seconds before slowly smiling. "No. Your Highness makes a fair point."

Sebastian’s smile deepened slightly. "Good, then let us move to the second condition."

Crypian let out a slow breath before continuing. "The second agreement is that the Holy Empire will provide aid to the Thorne family in the event of an unforeseen crisis."

Sebastian listened carefully without interrupting this time. But inside his mind, he immediately began analyzing the meaning behind those words.

Aid.

It sounded simple on the surface. But in reality, that single word could mean many things. Sending food supplies was considered aid. Providing money was aid.

Even dispatching an army could also be called aid.

The condition itself was intentionally vague. Sebastian slowly raised an eyebrow.

"What kind of aid is Lord Crypian referring to?" His tone remained polite and calm.

"Military aid?"

"Economic aid?"

"A bit of both," Crypian replied smoothly.

"As allies, it is natural for us to support one another during difficult times, no one can predict what kind of disaster may fall upon them in the future."

As he spoke, a faint smile appeared on his face, almost perfectly mirroring Sebastian’s own expression.

The First Prince quietly narrowed his eyes.

His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his chair as he thought deeply.

Military support during emergencies...

Economic assistance during disasters...

In truth, the condition did not seem too excessive.

Compared to the value of obtaining the Thorne family’s support, it was still acceptable.

After several moments of silence, Sebastian slowly nodded. "That condition is also doable."

Crypian immediately bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Before the atmosphere could settle, a deep voice suddenly spoke from the side.

"Then let us hear the third condition." It was Duke Ryane.

The old duke sat quietly beside Sebastian with a neutral expression, his sharp eyes fixed directly on Crypian.

Crypian nodded slowly. "Of course."

Then he calmly continued. "The third and final agreement is..." For a brief second, the entire room seemed unusually still. "The Holy Empire will allow TCL to officially enter the empire."

"....."

Silence.....complete silence filled the room instantly. Even Sebastian’s smile froze slightly for the first time since the meeting began.

Several nobles stared at Crypian as if they had just heard something unbelievable.

Because TCL was not some ordinary company.

It was Transnational Conglomerate Limited. The single largest organization within Thorne territory. Every major industry was controlled by TCL.

Agriculture, mining, transportation, medicine, heavy industry, and food production. Even simple daily items like salt, paper, candles, and kitchen tools were under their control.

And the true owner behind TCL... Was the Thorne family patriarch himself.

Granting TCL permission to enter the Holy Empire was no different from allowing the Thornes to place their hands directly onto the empire’s economy.

The pressure inside the room instantly became heavy.

Then suddenly...."Are you insane?!"

Count Kalan slammed his hand against the table as he stood up abruptly. His face had completely darkened with anger.

He immediately turned toward Sebastian.

"Your Highness, you absolutely cannot agree to this!"

His voice echoed loudly through the massive chamber. "If TCL enters the Holy Empire, our local industries will collapse!"

"People will lose their businesses! Merchants will go bankrupt! Entire noble territories will fall into chaos!" The count pointed toward Crypian sharply.

"TCL controls every industry within Thorne territory! And their production costs are unbelievably low! They can sell goods cheaper than anyone else! If we allow them into the empire, our own markets will be destroyed!"

His breathing became heavier as he continued.

"People will lose jobs, factories will shut down, even food prices will become unstable!" Count Kalan looked directly at Sebastian with serious eyes.

"Your Highness...Please think carefully before making such a decision."

The atmosphere inside the room became even heavier after Count Kalan’s outburst.

No one interrupted him.

Even the servants standing near the walls lowered their heads silently while avoiding eye contact with the nobles.