Chapter 658: PAID

The initial conversation revolved around business matters, not the current issue at hand.

I summarized the events that took place in the Northern Sea, sharing only what I could and leaving out what couldn’t be disclosed. I organized the details and conveyed them to Moyong Hee-ah as clearly as possible.

Of course, this task should have fallen to Yuri, not me.

Rustle.

The sound of paper being handled filled the room as Moyong Hee-ah read through the prepared letter.

For a while, the only noise was the soft brushing of the parchment against her fingertips.

Eventually, Moyong Hee-ah spoke.

“I’ve read the account.”

Her eyes remained fixed on the letter as she continued.

“First, allow me to express my sympathies for what transpired in the Northern Sea.”

“Thank you…”

Yuri responded, though tension was evident in her voice.

It couldn’t be helped.

When dealing with someone like Moyong Hee-ah, few could maintain their composure.

With a light thud, Moyong Hee-ah set the letter down and looked directly at Yuri.

“However, putting that aside, I have many questions for you as the acting representative of the palace. Shall we begin?”

“…Yes.”

Now, the real discussion began.

“Thank you for understanding. To start, let’s address the terms of the agreement made prior to the mission.”

Her voice lowered slightly, but the pressure it carried was anything but mild.

“As per the contract, completing the mission was supposed to secure exclusive trade rights with the Northern Sea. Is that agreement still valid?”

“…It is valid.”

Yuri nodded, and Moyong Hee-ah acknowledged the response with a slight tilt of her head.

“In that case, the promise to commence trade within three months of the mission’s conclusion—does that still hold?”

‘Hmm?’

Her words caught my attention, and I raised an eyebrow.

‘Was that part of the contract?’n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

I knew they had secured exclusive trade rights, but it seemed they had even nailed down a timeline. Moyong Hee-ah’s meticulousness was truly impressive.

Yuri’s expression darkened at the question.

“…Regarding that, it may be difficult to meet the timeline due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Trading within three months—it was clear that this clause, while agreed upon, was no longer feasible given the current state of affairs.

‘Of course.’

It was an obvious outcome. The war wasn’t over yet; it was still ongoing.

From the looks of things, victory and resolution weren’t far off, but even then, three months would be cutting it far too close.

Rebuilding the Ice Palace, recruiting manpower, and stabilizing the region would take at least a year.

Starting trade within three months? It was laughable.

“I see.”

Moyong Hee-ah nodded lightly. She had likely anticipated this answer after reading the letter.

“Then, in your opinion, when do you think trade can realistically commence?”