The Billionaire CEO Becomes the Youngest Emperor-Chapter 10 - : Tsundere

That lunatic! What does he think he's trying to pull? I'm already taking a huge risk by agreeing to this outrageous sum.

Thought Zand, the envoy of the 10th Empire.

"I... I don't understand what you're trying to say," he stammered, clearly unsettled.

Lucian let out an exaggerated sigh, shrugging his shoulders with an expression of obvious disappointment. He stared at Zand as if he'd just lost all respect for him.

"Honestly, I expected better from you, Mr. Zand Boris..."

Lucian's gaze turned ice-cold, and the atmosphere shifted into a palpable tension.

Ugh...

Any trace of friendliness vanished in an instant.

"Do you really think the 13th Empire is that naive?"

A heavy silence fell over the room.

"Giving away a tenth of my territory isn't just a simple formality. It's practically an annexation, you understand? I need to reassure my people... And as for the gold and diamonds... How much do you think you can actually make from them?"

"I...!"

The fact that he knew about the diamonds sent a sudden chill down Zand's spine.

"Probably thirty times more than the amount you're offering. So don't take me for a fool."

Boris Zand was stunned. He knew this tactic well — a masterful blend of truth and lies. But the real question was: Which part was the truth, and which part was the bluff?

Zand realized that if he didn't make concessions soon, the child — no, the emperor — in front of him would call off the negotiations immediately. And that would be a catastrophic loss for the 10th Empire.

He took a deep breath and asked cautiously:

"How much are you...?"

Before he could finish, Lucian cut him off with a sharp voice:

Foll𝑜w current novℯls on ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm.

"Five trillion."

"You...!"

It was so absurd that he nearly insulted the emperor right then and there.

"Mr. Lucian, this is utterly excessive! It's impossible. Even if, as you claim, the potential profits are considerable, the resources still need to be extracted. I'm not even factoring in operational costs. And our budget... Please, understand our position, Mr. Lucian."

Lucian smiled, but it was a cold, calculating smile.

"Understand me. I'm also taking an enormous risk by selling off a tenth of my empire. This could spark a revolt among my people, terrified by the idea that they've been sold out..."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, then continued with a dramatic flair:

"But as a kind and generous emperor with a big heart, I'm willing to lower the price by two trillion. That leaves us with a very reasonable three trillion. If you try to push it down any further, this negotiation ends here."

Zand felt his throat tighten. What could he possibly do against such a ruthless negotiator?

"Given the gravity of this decision, allow me to consult His Majesty. I will return with an answer within a week."

Lucian extended a small, elegant hand toward Zand, who reluctantly shook it.

"It's been a pleasure doing business with you," Lucian said with mock cordiality.

"The pleasure is mine," Zand replied, though he knew this deal would cost far more than he'd ever anticipated.

Ah... I couldn't win this round, but it doesn't change the profits ahead. Boris Zand sighed, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Still, I must admit... it's been a long time since I was outplayed like this.

His eyes gleamed with amusement. Lucian, huh... Things are about to get very interesting.

After a few more formal exchanges, Boris Zand climbed into his carriage. For reasons of his own, he refused to stay the night. The urgency in his departure was evident.

---

A twitch pulled at the corner of Lucian's lips, and despite himself, a smirk threatened to appear. He held it back all day... until he finally collapsed onto the couch.

What a tedious day, he thought, closing his eyes briefly. But at least I got rid of one major thorn in my side.

He stayed like that for a while, lost in thought, until an idea crossed his mind.

Hmmm... I wonder if little Adeline's still sulking...

Silence. Then a mocking grin.

As if I have time to worry about someone else. Besides, if it's her... she'll manage.

His gaze drifted toward the ceiling, but his mind wandered toward the 10th Empire.

As for Gaius... he'll agree. I'm almost certain.

A cold, knowing smile stretched across his lips.

His pride won't let him refuse. He'll think he can take my empire eventually anyway.

What an idiot.

But that worked in Lucian's favor. With this astronomical sum, he finally had the means to launch the greatest tech company this supernatural world had ever seen.

And this world was in desperate need of modernization. There were three things Lucian hated the most since his arrival here:

1. No electricity. Seriously, how did these people even live like this?

2. Archaic, slow, and ridiculously expensive communication tools. Even a carrier pigeon would've been faster.

3. No printers. Instead, they needed four rank-2 mages constantly infusing magic into some weird triangular artifact... and the paper quality was atrocious.

These three things would be the first to change.

And with new technology comes curiosity. With curiosity comes demand. And with demand... well, that's a whole lot of money.

An absurd amount of money.

Knock knock.

"Who is it?" he called without moving.

"It's me, Chris."

"Come in."

The door opened slowly, and Chris stepped in, his face serious.

"Good news?" Lucian asked without even looking up.

"Yes, Your Majesty. They're ready."

A satisfied smile played at Lucian's lips.

"Perfect. Start tomorrow. Don't worry — tomorrow's meeting will be chaotic... but not as much as today's."

Chris nodded respectfully.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

Lucian stood up, stretching his sore muscles lazily, then walked toward the door without a backward glance.

"I'm going to bed."

"Good night, Your Majesty."

---

A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he strolled through the silent palace corridors.

Haha... That really was amusing.

The servants he passed carefully avoided his gaze, their fear almost tangible. He could practically smell it.

A show of strength always works, huh?

Back in his chamber, he shed his ceremonial clothes and slipped into simple nightwear before heading to his desk.

He opened a drawer, pulled out his notes, and skimmed through them, ensuring everything was in place.

Good... everything's going according to—

His eyes froze.

Something faintly glimmered on the table.

What's this?

He knew. Deep down, he already knew what it was. But still, he reached out and picked it up.

It was a card. Turning it over, he saw strange inscriptions in an unfamiliar alphabet... and yet he understood them perfectly, thanks to the former Lucian's memories.

[Special Entry Pass to the Holy Kingdom of the 5th Empire]

A slow, wicked grin spread across his face as his eyes flicked to his severed hand.

And in a low, mocking whisper, he murmured:

"So, Lucian's big sister... you really are a true tsundere."

__

Who do you guys think Chris is?