Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

Of course, with Xiao Yang's methods, these Romans wouldn't find any doubts unless they conducted a thorough investigation.

But the people of the Roman Empire would not do that.

After all, no matter how powerful Boudica is, in their eyes he is nothing more than a nobody.

It's not worth them expending too much energy to investigate.

Therefore, with Ollie's help, their identities are even more confirmed.

John Jonard began to introduce the elderly man sitting at the far end.

The old man had white hair and azure blue hair.

"This is Mr. Finn Jaeger, a representative of the Jaeger family of Bavaria. Of course, the Jaeger family is also one of the twelve great families."

Boudica bowed to him respectfully as always.

After the introductions, Boudica bowed to everyone in the manner of a princess of the British Empire.

Although Boudica was sold into slavery as a child, her mother still taught her aristocratic etiquette from a young age.

"Gentlemen, I'm sure Representative John Jonard has already introduced me, but I'd still like to introduce myself further..."

“My name is Boudica, Targaryen Boudica. Of course, the current Targaryens may not acknowledge my identity. Please just call me Boudica.”

After Boudica finished speaking, she continued speaking to Xiao Ce, who was standing next to her.

"There's another person who's very important to me, Ce! I owe everything I am today to Mr. Ce's help. You could say that without him, I wouldn't be where I am today, I wouldn't have anything! Mr. Ollie, you must know him and have heard of him, right..."

Boudica elevated Xiao Ce to a very high position.

He even deliberately asked Ollie Aurelius, after all, he must have heard the news spread by Xiao Yang.

Ollie nodded: "Indeed, Ms. Boudica, to be honest, there are far more rumors about Mr. Ce in the Roman Empire than about you..."

Xiao Ce was not surprised at all.

After all, he must know Xiao Yang's character very well.

After receiving Ollie's approval, everyone else treated Xiao Ce very politely.

There is no other reason.

Although these individuals are members of the twelve families, they are, after all, merely representatives.

To put it bluntly, they are puppets.

They were self-aware enough to know that, disregarding their background, they were no match for the person in front of them.

Therefore, they have no right to look down on him.

After some getting to know each other and being introduced, they realized that they had all been mentally prepared beforehand.

So, this meeting was relatively harmonious.

After John Jonard was seated, he said to Boudica, "Ms. Boudica, Mr. Ce, the main purpose of our invitation to you and everyone else here is to discuss the auction."

Boudica remained extremely humble, nodding respectfully, and then said, "Agent, your involvement is already a great favor to us. Whatever outcome you reach, we agree to it. And whatever you require of me, I will cooperate..."

Boudica's words pleased John Jonard greatly.

Then, John Jonard glanced at the people around him, as if to say, "See, I was right."

Several representatives glanced at John Jonard and indicated they had no objections.

John Jonard then looked at Boudica and said, “Ms. Boudica, well then, since you’re so straightforward, I won’t beat around the bush either… Let’s get straight to the point… This time, we’ll be making this purchase through a joint venture.”

"So, it's now settled that the investment ratio for each party is finalized, and the castle will ultimately be jointly owned by our various families. On the surface, it will be our chairman who purchased it... Later, among us, those with the highest investment ratio will be eligible for the order of acquisition..."

"Of course, when it's repurchased, the initial investment will need to be repaid, along with the highest interest rate on the market. If no one repurchases it, we can all hold it together; we can share the use of this castle, and then we can discuss that further..."

Xiao Ce listened to their suggestion and thought it was reasonable.

"That's no problem at all. The question is, how much money are you all prepared? After all, while this castle is extremely rare, there's still a price ceiling... We've inquired around, and they predict the highest price will be around five billion soles. That's not an exorbitant price, but it's still far beyond its intrinsic value..."

"Actually, if it's this price, probably no one will need to raise the money... I think any company could afford it."

Xiao Ce spoke very directly.

However, his words stung them.

If it were before, that would really be the case.

However, these two losses have severely damaged their cash flow.

You could say they lost everything, and they really need to raise that 5 billion.

Xiao Ce actually said that on purpose, just to see their expressions.

Judging from their reactions, Xiao Ce's guess was correct.

These unlucky guys are broke.

Before John Jonard could speak, Xiao Ce deliberately said, "Excuse me, everyone... I forgot, you were tricked twice before..."

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, John Jonard couldn't help but cough twice.

"That's right, it's not that we're short of money, but it takes time for all parties to raise the funds, so we came up with this solution."

Xiao Ce nodded repeatedly as he listened: "Yes, yes, special times call for special measures. So, gentlemen, what price are you willing to offer?"

John Jonard said to Xiao Ce, "Our price is around 10 billion... Although it's far above the premium, you've seen that scarcity drives up prices. Besides, we need to prove our strength... Furthermore, I've heard that the British Empire, and even East Asia, have prepared a lot of money."

"This matter is no longer just a battle for a castle; it has become a place to flex our muscles. I heard that the British Empire and the Targaryen family have already sent advance envoys to meet with the East Asia Association's representatives. They can think of the same solutions as we can."

Xiao Ce nodded in agreement, saying, "That's right. If what you say is true, Agent, then this is no longer just a battle for a castle; it's a battle for honor! We must be determined to win!"

While verbally fanning the flames, Xiao Ce inwardly rolled his eyes: "Isn't this a case of whoever buys it being an idiot? A hundred billion could build a wall of gold bricks. Is that castle made of gold bricks?"

Xiao Ce's words were met with unanimous agreement from them.

"So, do you agree with our approach?" John Jonard asked.

Xiao Ce nodded: "I agree...of course I agree...however, I have a small opinion..."

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, John Jonard and his group looked at Xiao Ce with some surprise.

Xiao Ce said to John Jonard, "Actually, at first, I did want this castle. But after learning more, we realized it's not something we deserve..."

"After all, those present are among the top figures of the entire Western powers. It is already an honor for us to be here with you and listen to this matter... We dare not even dream of taking a share of this castle..."

Xiao Ce spoke slowly and deliberately, which left them somewhat puzzled.

Fortunately, these people were all of some status, and they did not rush to interrupt Xiao Ce.

Xiao Ce continued, "Actually, all of you family representatives, including the agent, are very capable... It's just that you've been tricked and swindled out of all your money... Otherwise, any one of you could have paid this amount... It has nothing to do with me."

"Since that's the case, we absolutely cannot take advantage of your misfortune... What I mean is, I can lend you all the money you need, but I absolutely dare not take these shares. I can't afford to take advantage of you like that... So, I will lend you whatever amount you need, and I guarantee that I will not charge a single penny of interest."

“Previously, the conflict between William Cam and us, though not my intention, dragged you all into it. You gentlemen, disregarding past grievances, were still willing to involve me... I can't be unreasonable... Therefore, I will only provide the funds, and I won't take any other share! After all, the scarcity of such castles means that once this castle is auctioned off, its price will become the benchmark for the future, and other castles will follow suit. You treat me as a friend, so I can't take advantage of you.”

Xiao Ce spoke very eloquently, and sounded as if he were completely selfless.

But ultimately, he didn't want to be taken advantage of.

Boudica understood, as did Big Ray and Night Owl who were with her.

However, the representatives of these twelve noble families felt that Xiao Ce's words made sense.

And he showed a satisfied expression.

To be honest, their purpose in discussing this was to ensure that when Boudica and the others acquired shares, they would contribute the same amount of money, but her share would only be half.

Their thinking was that without them, Boudica and the others wouldn't even be qualified to sit at the table.

Although the castle was a fixed asset in their eyes, they had also thought of what Xiao Ce had said.

They might be worth more than the castle, but the city of Lingas has laws that strictly limit the number of castles a city can have. This means that as long as the Sunlight shines, there will only be one of these castles in Lingas...

Once they drive up the price, other castles will follow suit and rise in price as well.

These people all own castles, so by paying this money, they can increase the value of their castles in the future. In the short term, it may seem like a high premium, but in the long term, they believe it's a profitable deal.

They didn't want Boudica and her group to get away with it, but they were short of money.

This really stumped them. After much discussion, they decided that if they put in the same amount of money, they could only get half the shares.

To get their share, you have to pay double.

Although, when they came to this conclusion, they still felt that it was somewhat inappropriate.

These people are prepared to reason with them and appeal to their emotions.

As a result, Xiao Ce's actions completely surprised them.

These people were all surprised by what Xiao Ce said.

They couldn't help but look at each other, and after a while...

John Jonard said to Xiao Ce, "Mr. Ce, isn't this inappropriate..."

Looking at their expressions, Xiao Ce scoffed inwardly, thinking to himself, "What's wrong with them?"

Their expressions were absolutely wonderful.

However, Xiao Ce still delivered a textbook performance.

At this moment, Xiao Ce's performance was very emotional and earnest.

“Agent, this is Ms. Boudica's wish, and it's also our wish. We remember what you said to us yesterday; we were deeply moved. Agent, you think highly of us, you treat us as friends... as one of your own... If we were to take advantage of you again, we wouldn't be human…”

"Now, with such an opportunity, let's show some sincerity. We'll lend you funds free of charge. And the funds you mentioned aren't even secure. I'll prepare 20 billion soles for you, interest-free! We won't discuss anything else; let's just talk about friendship!"

As Xiao Ce spoke, he once again triggered his talent for public speaking.

His passionate words, though seemingly unremarkable, were actually quite simple.

However, Xiao Ce paid great attention to arousing his emotions when he spoke.

They were all drawn into Xiao Ce's emotions...

Seeing this, the representatives quickly said to John Jonard, "Your Excellency, now that Mr. Ce has said so, it would be impolite of us to disagree."

"Yes, yes... Agent, Mr. Ce has already said all that. He helped us, and we will remember his kindness... He won't lose out by being friends with us."

The representatives spoke one after another.

They were terrified that Xiao Ce might suddenly change his mind...

John Jonard was indeed somewhat moved, but unlike the other delegates, he was...

He knew very well that Mr. Ce was just being nice.

This person seems to be someone who won't do anything without personal gain.

“Mr. Ce, to be honest, you don’t owe us anything. As I told you before, that matter had nothing to do with you. It was the William family who owed us… We can’t accept your favor for nothing… Do you have some other intentions?”

Xiao Ce's smile widened as he continued, "Acting Lord, you really can't hide anything from you."