Make France Great Again-Chapter 872 - 863: Diplomacy Before Force

"Mr. Grandi, I hope you can consider carefully! After all, you are not alone!"

The moment these words were spoken, everyone’s expressions changed drastically. They understood exactly what Rastigne meant.

Captain Grandi’s companions couldn’t help but aim their guns at Rastigne, saying with a stern expression, "Sir, please take back what you just said!

Otherwise, I can’t guarantee my shotgun won’t go off accidentally!"

Staring at the dark muzzle of the shotgun, Rastigne couldn’t help but feel a bit intimidated.

After all, a person’s life is only once, and who knows if the opposite side will really fire.

Although Rastigne was terribly afraid in his heart, he still maintained a calm expression on his face.

Because Rastigne was not only representing himself this time but also the colonial government of Libreville, he firmly believed Captain Grandi would choose to submit.

With a slightly fearful expression on Captain Grandi and his companions, Rastigne stepped forward a few steps, pointed to his own head, and spoke word by word to everyone in the room, "Sir, you can now point a gun at me, and even pull the trigger to kill me.

But you must bear the consequences of doing so. Believe me, the Governor’s Mansion of Libreville will not let anyone present escape.

They will find you and your family and kill you all.

No government in the world can save you."

As soon as Rastigne’s threat ended, Captain Grandi commanded his companions to lower their shotguns.

The companions obeyed Captain Grandi’s command and lowered their guns, Rastigne breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, saying, "That’s a wise choice!"

"Mr. Rastigne, you win!" Captain Grandi said to Rastigne with a slight defeat.

Rastigne merely smiled slightly and said nothing.

"However, I hope I can meet with your governor!" Captain Grandi spoke to Rastigne again.

"Of course!" Rastigne nodded to Captain Grandi, "I came here to invite you to Libreville to meet with our governor!"

"Alright!" Captain Grandi nodded and replied to Rastigne, "Then let’s go!"

Rastigne and Grandi left Pelos Empire on a speedboat heading to Libreville.

About 20 minutes later, Rastigne and Grandi disembarked from the speedboat and proceeded directly to the Governor’s Mansion of Libreville.

Upon entering the office at the Governor’s Mansion, Grandi saw Governor Jerome Patterson, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

Based on Jerome Patterson’s appearance, he seemed too young to be a governor.

Before Grandi could speak, Jerome Patterson first invited Grandi, "Mr. Grandi, please have a seat!"

"Yes!" Captain Grandi saluted Jerome Patterson, then sat opposite him.

Seeing this, Rastigne also walked to Jerome Patterson’s side and stood expressionlessly.

"Mr. Grandi, I believe Rastigne has already explained our purpose to you!" Jerome Patterson calmly said to Grandi, "So I hope you can assist us!"

"Why me?" Captain Grandi questioned, "Pelos Empire has more than just our team, I believe other teams are equally capable!"

"Except for Livingstone’s team, no investigative team is as professional as yours!" Jerome Patterson replied to Captain Grandi, "Before bringing you here, I’ve already reviewed the basic information of all nearby investigative teams!

Then I chose the best and selected your team!"

"So, should I thank you?" Captain Grandi said with a hint of sarcasm to Jerome Patterson.

"No thanks needed!" Jerome Patterson deliberately pretended not to understand Captain Grandi’s sarcasm, waving his hand to respond, "You only need to ensure you complete the task we assign on time!"

Lieutenant Grandi sighed and responded to Jerome Bonaparte, "Alright! I understand what to do!"

"I’m glad you understand!" Jerome Patterson smiled and replied to Lieutenant Grandi.

"However, what is my compensation?" Captain Grandi inquired again to Jerome Patterson.

"Compensation, huh!" Jerome Patterson thought for a moment, then extended three fingers to Grandi, saying, "How about 30,000 francs per year?"

Upon hearing Jerome Patterson’s offer, Grandi’s face showed a surprised expression.

A salary of thirty thousand francs is equivalent to a year’s wages for the upper class; Jerome Patterson’s price is indeed generous.

With a glance at the silent Captain Grandi, Jerome Patterson spoke to Grandi once more: "If you’re not satisfied, then we can continue to discuss!"

"Thirty thousand francs! You truly value me highly!" Grandi’s lips curled into a bitter smile.

"Mr. Grandi, I believe your worth far exceeds thirty thousand francs a year!" Jerome Patterson said seriously to Captain Grandi, "My uncle once told me, any problem that can be solved with money is not a problem!"

"Your uncle is?" Grandi curiously asked Jerome Patterson.

"Jerome Bonaparte, Emperor of the French Empire!" Jerome Patterson replied to Grandi.

"I see!" Grandi showed an understanding expression and murmured softly.

After all this time, this Governor turns out to have connections!

"Alright! Mr. Grandi, do you have anything else to inquire about?" Jerome Patterson asked Grandi once more.

"Your Excellency the Governor! If I find a gold mine during the expedition, how should this gold mine be allocated?" Grandi asked Jerome Patterson.

"If you truly find a non-sovereign gold mine, then I can assure you, thirty percent will be yours.

If it has sovereignty, you can still claim ten percent of the profits." Jerome Patterson said to Grandi, then added, "It’s the same for other mines; as long as the discovered mine has value!"

"Hmm! Seems fair!" Captain Grandi nodded in response to Jerome Patterson.

Jerome Patterson then spoke to Captain Grandi: "As our collaboration is initial, I intend to send a group with you.

However, rest assured! The people we send will not interfere with your operations, and they will protect your safety!"

"Alright!" Captain Grandi did not object.

"Good! Given that we have reached a preliminary consensus, we can now sign the agreement!" Jerome Patterson said as he pulled out a stack of agreements from a confidential drawer.

"What agreement?" Captain Grandi inquired of Jerome Bonaparte.

"Naturally, it’s our collaboration agreement!" Jerome Patterson pushed the agreement in front of Captain Grandi, "Since neither of us is subordinate, this cooperation agreement is necessary.

The cooperation agreement lasts for five years, during which time you are not allowed to accept other employment, while the government will annually allocate thirty thousand francs to your team..."

Captain Grandi leafed through the document page by page, and on reaching the final page, he blandly asked Jerome Patterson, "May I ask where the pen is?"

Jerome Patterson handed a fountain pen to Captain Grandi, who shook his head and said to Jerome Patterson, "I dislike using this pen; is there a quill pen available?"

Jerome Patterson glanced at Rastigne, who promptly replied, "The quill pen is in another room, I will fetch it for you now!"

With that, Rastigne left the room, leaving Captain Grandi and Jerome Patterson alone.

"Your Excellency the Governor, could you tell me how large a territory France intends to claim here?" Captain Grandi earnestly asked Jerome Patterson.

"Mr. Lalandy!" Jerome Patterson said flatly to Captain Grandi, "Don’t you find the question somewhat amusing? What country is satisfied with its own territory? Just take your homeland, Britain! Even though they have already conquered North America (here referencing Canada), India, the Cape of Good Hope, yet they are not satisfied and wish to continue expanding their territory!

A nation of just over twenty million people, ruling an area dozens of times their own land!

We in France naturally should follow suit!"

Lalandy understood Jerome Bonaparte’s intent; they plan to seize this opportunity to claim substantial land!

"If during our exploration period, we encounter other nations seeking to claim a stake here, should we yield?" Lalandy further inquired.

"Hmm? Are others interested in this land?" Jerome Patterson asked curiously.

"Of course!" Lalandy nodded, "From what I know, the Kingdom of Portugal is also quite interested in the land and resources along the Congo River.

They continuously send troops to explore along the Congo River!"

"How odd! We haven’t heard any news of them here?" Jerome Patterson asked Captain Grandi in pursuit.

"Perhaps they dare not let you know; the areas they explore are likely downstream of the Congo River, still a long way from the Libreville base!" Captain Lalandy responded to Jerome Patterson.

"So that’s how it is! These fellows are indeed vigilant, worthy of being a colonial nation with a long history!" Jerome Patterson showed a serious expression, unwilling for Portugal to take the fruit, "However..."