After their meeting with Saud, Poul, and Amelia were promptly escorted to their respective guest quarters. The corridors of the palace were adorned with intricate tapestries and richly patterned carpets, showcasing the opulence that permeated the surroundings. Servants in traditional attire guided them through the labyrinthine halls, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors.
As they reached the end of the corridor, a set of elaborately carved double doors stood before them. The doors opened soundlessly, revealing a spacious guest chamber bathed in a warm, golden glow. The room exuded an air of tranquility, a sanctuary from the outside world.
Poul's eyes scanned the room, taking in the luxurious furnishings and intricate details. A plush bed adorned with embroidered pillows stood against one wall, while a comfortable seating area invited guests to relax and unwind. The room was adorned with traditional Arabian artwork, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom.
Amelia's quarters mirrored the elegance and comfort of Poul's, as she was shown to a room adjacent to his. The servants ensured that every detail was taken care of, from fresh flowers on the bedside table to a selection of local delicacies arranged on a tray.
"Thank you," Poul said sincerely to the servant who had accompanied him. "We appreciate the hospitality and attention to detail."
The servants, though unable to understand Poul's words, recognized the sincerity in his tone and offered warm smiles in response.
As the servants left the room, Poul took out his pocketbook from his breast pocket and opened it. He flipped through the pages until he got to the page of the checklist.
"Proposing to the Saud…done," Poul muttered to himself, checking off the task with a sense of accomplishment. Recalling back his interactions with the Saud, he was confident that they would find common ground and move forward with the negotiations.
Just as he settled into a plush chair, a gentle knock on the door interrupted Poul's thoughts. He looked up, and Amelia's voice followed, asking from the other side.
"Poul, may I come in?"
A smile formed on Poul's face as he recognized Amelia's voice. "Of course, Amelia," he replied warmly, rising from his seat. He walked towards the door and opened it, revealing Amelia standing there.
"This is supposed to be our break but how can I help you?" Poul asked, still staring down at Amelia.
"Can I stay in your room for a moment? I'm not used to staying alone in a room in a country I just visited," Amelia explained.
Poul tilted his head to the side and hummed aloud. Poul considered Amelia's request, realizing that her unfamiliarity with the surroundings might make her feel uneasy. Understanding her need for companionship, he smiled warmly and stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter his room.
"Of course, Amelia," Poul replied, his voice gentle and reassuring. "You're more than welcome to stay here for a while. Besides, it's getting boring."
Amelia's face lit up with gratitude as she stepped into Poul's room.
"I know that we are only staying here for three days but I can't wait to go home," Amelia said as she looked around his room.
"Me too, there's a lot of preparations I need to take care of in the United States. My elections, my weddings, and the demonstration of the aircraft to the public," Poul paused, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, there's much to attend to back home," he replied. "But our trip here is just as important as our work at home. So you just have to bear with it, suck it up."
Amelia chuckled at Poul's blunt honesty. "You always know how to lighten the mood, Poul," she said with a playful grin. "But you are right. Once we secured a partnership with the Saud, our oil mining enterprise would be greatly enhanced. Though I still doubt if they are going to agree to our terms."
"What do you mean?" Poul asked, raising a brow.
"The Sauds allow us to mine their oil reserves in exchange for thirty percent of the profits that we generate," Amelia explained. "Do you think they would find it unfair?"
"Well, it is our equipment, our technical know-how, and not to mention, we are the ones paying for the construction of the facilities. I don't think they would find it unfair," Poul replied. "We bring expertise, advanced technologies, and a commitment to responsible resource extraction. Our proposal is a fair and mutually beneficial arrangement. Still, the agreement is not yet signed so it is still open for negotiations."
"What if they ask us to raise the percentage? Like, make it forty or half?" Amelia asked.
"We can't go higher than thirty percent," Poul replied firmly. "We have carefully calculated the costs, risks, and investments involved in this venture. Going beyond thirty percent would compromise our profitability and undermine the sustainability of the project. "Well, we will find that out tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or the day after the day after tomorrow."
***
Two days later. In the throne room. Poul and Amelia stood in front of Saud who was sitting on his throne.
"We have reviewed the documents and learned your terms," Saud said. "After a comprehensive evaluation, we determined that the terms laid out in the proposal are not acceptable to us."
Poul and Amelia exchanged concerned glances, their anticipation turning into apprehension. Poul stepped forward, his voice calm yet determined. "Your Highness, we believe our proposal reflects a fair and balanced arrangement. The terms we have presented have been carefully considered and are in line with industry standards."
Saud leaned forward, his expression serious. "While we appreciate your expertise and technical know-how, we must also consider the value of our resources and the economic impact on our kingdom. We believe that a profit-sharing arrangement of forty percent is more equitable."
Poul's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he mulled over Saud's proposition. Forty percent was beyond their initial calculations, and it is what he and Amelia were concerned about two days ago.
"I apologize, Your Highness, but we can't go higher than thirty percent."
"If you are not going to agree to our terms then we might as well look to other Western powers. Particularly the British."
"Respectfully, Your Highness, even if the British approach you, I don't think they'll give you forty percent. Even thirty percent is already a generous offer considering the industry standards…"
Poul knew that the Saud was playing the negotiation game, trying to leverage their valuable oil reserves to secure a more favorable deal. But that won't work in a nation that is desperate.
"Your Highness, it would be wise to accept our offer, as it might not come again. You wanted to modernize and industrialize your nation right? This is the first step for it. Are you going to waste that opportunity to stand among the Western powers for 10 percent?"
Saud's face hardened as he listened to Poul's persuasive words. He leaned back on his throne, contemplating the consequences of his decision. Poul's argument had struck a chord within him, reminding him of the long-term vision he held for his kingdom's development.
"Fine…" Saud said. "We will sign the partnership."
Poul and Amelia smiled at his decision. "Thank you, Your Highness."
