Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 504: A Stalemate

At a certain modest yet pricey hotel, Hugo Hagen was stunned to know the government staff was looking for him.

After a brief explanation, Hugo excitedly asked, "What?! Is it true?"

He'd steeled himself for a lengthy wait, prepared for weeks, perhaps even months, of bureaucratic delays.

He never expected the reply to come to his doorstep so soon.

On the opposite side, the staff replied. "Usually, it wouldn't be this fast, but it does happen from time to time. It's up to the royal secretary to evaluate your importance."

The staff handed over a piece of paper to Hugo.

"All details are in here. It serves as proof of your invitation so don't forget to bring it with you or you aren't allowed to meet the king."

Hugo examined the document carefully.

The meeting was set for the day after tomorrow. It's enough time for him to prepare.

"I understand. Thank you very much for your assistance."

The staff gave a polite bow before leaving.

Although Hugo was an influential figure in Blande, his authority counted for little in this foreign kingdom.

He doesn't mind acting humble in front of a mere staff because he doesn't want to take the risk of angering another party.

After all, one misstep can cost him more than he could imagine.

....

On the morning of the meeting, Hugo woke up before dawn to dress up.

He needs to present himself impeccably. Every detail counted in a place where reputation and decorum were as critical as any word he might speak.

After he fastened the last button on his waistcoat, Hugo paused to examine his reflection, ensuring not a hair or thread was out of place.

Satisfied, he gathered his documents and went down to the lobby.

There's a carriage he booked waiting for him.

Initially, he thought he might walk as before, but he changed his mind. Hugo couldn't risk any delays or accidents.

Fortunately, this hotel provided this convenient service.

After settling himself down inside the carriage, the wheels began to turn.

With a flat road, the journey was almost soothing but it was shorter than he expected.

The carriage came to an abrupt stop.

"Sir, we are already here."

"Already?" Hugo peered out of the window.

His frown deepened when he noticed there was some distance from the front gate.

"I thought you would take me right up to the gate."

The driver pointed at the scene ahead.

"I could, sir, but it'd take a while. Look for yourself. There's a sea of people trying to pass through. We'd be stuck here for a while. If you're okay with waiting..."

It wasn't just pedestrians filling the street but a seemingly endless line of carriages. Their drivers shouted over one another, trying to inch closer to the plaza.

The driver's explanation was reasonable.

Hugo sighed. He didn't have the luxury of time to wait. "Fine. I'll walk from here."

After paying the money, he stepped out of the carriage and walked.

Hugo kept a firm grip on his documents, worrying someone might steal them.

However, his worry proved unnecessary. He entered the building pretty quickly and easily.

The clerks didn't ask him anything once he presented the paper. The golden insignia stamped by the royal secretary worked wonders.

Before Hugo realized it, he found himself standing outside a pair of large doors. It is the king's office.

Hugo glanced around.

The floor was quiet compared to the floors below. A few cushioned seats lined the wall, prepared in case someone had to wait for hours.

According to the staff who guided him this far, the king hadn't arrived yet.

He was too early and was told to wait.

Hugo sat on the chairs and placed his documents on his lap.

Tick- Tock-

The rhythmic sound of the pendulum clock became Hugo's companion as he waited.

Had the clock not been there, he might have completely lost track of time.

Speaking of the pendulum clock, it had become a sensation in Blande and other nations.

They were seen as marvels of craftsmanship, and their novelty was coveted by many people in the upper class.

Owning one of them had become a symbol of status and wealth.

In fact, Hugo had one in his estate.

The craftsmanship was similar to the one in front of him, though Hugo silently admitted this particular clock's artistry seemed even more refined.

His thoughts were interrupted by the staff informing him to go inside the office.

The words jolted Hugo from his self-absorption.

Hugo forced himself to calm down. He stood up, smoothing his coat and holding his documents.

The staff pushed the doors open.

The interior was magnificent but Hugo's eyes didn't have time to wander around.

He immediately greets the king. "Your Majesty, thank you for granting me this audience."

Riz nodded, while at the same time appraising Hugo from head to toe.

His scrutiny wasn't hostile but was a mere probing.

Both men exchanged simple pleasantries. Neither seemed inclined toward unnecessary talk.

Sensing Riz's attitude, Hugo decides to go straight to the point.

But he was decisively rejected.

"Mr Hagen, the terms we gave are not arbitrary. They were decided after my advisors considered many things. If you can't pay..."

Hugo silently curses the king in front of him. He knows the king was talking nonsense.

However, he quickly recovered.

"With all due respect, your terms are excessive. If you're willing to lower the amount, I assure you, Blande will pay. Also, your demand implies we lost the war while in reality, the conflict ended in a stalemate."

Riz's lips curled as if he was mocking Hugo.

"A stalemate, you say? Are you sure about that?"

Hugo becomes cautious under the weight of the king's gaze.

"If not a stalemate, then what is it? Surely, Your Majesty is not suggesting resuming the war, right?"

"That depends on Blande's payment status. Mr Hagen, you're too rigid in your thinking. If coins weren't enough, land should be fine too."