From Mark's response, it was clear to everyone that he won't even apologize to the Ji Clan for formality no matter who asked him to.
Ji Cheng felt that Lu Zhen was so arrogant that he won't even put Emperor in his eyes.
On the other hand, Shang Fu felt like Lu Zhen was completely reasonable in his actions.
In his view, Lu Zhen, who is a hater of noble clans, who not only possessed a flying puppet but also a rank-8 beast and newly born beast Emperor; such person usually would have killed the kid for trying to threaten him. No one should be surprised if that happens. That's why Ji Clan should be thankful that their heir came back in one piece.
But, since he should be a neutral party without taking any side, the Emperor refrained from making any personal comment about the issue and changed the topic, "Lu Zhen, there's something else I want to talk to you. It is regarding the Kunyu bandits."
Mark anticipated this topic and was fully prepared with the answer. Before the Emperor asked him the exact question, Mark explained, "Your Majesty, I informed these three before and I will tell you the same. I and those bandits have no personal relations.
I thought they will be interested in this kid. So, I left the fate of this kid in their hands. In the end, I guess that left a good impression on them to order a huge number of weapons in advance. There's nothing more and nothing less, Your Majesty."
"And it is those weapons that are the issue here, Owner Lu," said the Arch Bishop with a serious expression. As Mark glanced at him, the latter continued, "Kunyu Bandits are the enemies of the Empire. Helping them is the same as going against the Imperial Palace. And if they use your weapons against the people of Western Yan, you will be responsible for every death caused by your weapon."
"I'm not a blacksmith, Mister." Mark's gaze turned cold. He isn't against these scheming types but he doesn't like to be on the receiving end.
Looking at the Arch Bishop, he further snarled, "I'm a weapon seller. My job is to take the money and sell the weapons, irrespective of their identities. Everyone who enters our store is a customer.
Whether the person is a noble or commoner, a man or a woman, a human or a beast, a friend or a foe, all are equal in our eyes. None will be discriminated against in my store. So, leave your nonsense elsewhere."
"And if I say the same thing? If I order as the Emperor to not sell the weapons to Kunyu bandits, then, will you stick to the same principle?" The Emperor gave a surprise to Ji Cheng with a sharp question.
They didn't expect the Emperor to suddenly change the side. Ji Cheng thought that Shang Fu was probably annoyed by Lu Zhen's behavior.
However, the truth is that Shang Fu was only trying to probe into Lu Zhen's thoughts to see whether he was truly indifferent to politics or not. It was so that he may decide his way of dealing with this firearms seller.
Shang Fu's words didn't cause any impact on Mark even on the outside as the latter already hid his hatred deeply in the heart.
Turning his head to look at his father, Mark replied, "For several millennia, there was a rule that has never been changed until now. It is that a King or an Emperor, who rules a certain land, has absolute authority over any individual living there. Any subject who wishes to reject an Emperor's order only has two options if they don't want to rot in jail.
One is to sacrifice their homeland and leave the Empire and the other is to turn into a rebel.
Now, whether I need to leave the Imperial city and set up my store at the northern Empires or whether I use the force the Emperor to take back his decision, it will depend on the actions of Imperial Palace. If no hostility, then, I'll go away in peace. And if shown hostility in any form, then…"
Mark didn't finish the sentence but the Emperor understood his thoughts. But, he wasn't mad at it.
He calmly nodded, "alright, you are clear on your stand. Then, listen to my words carefully. I don't beat around the bush. Whatever I have in my mind, I'll say directly to your face."
Ji Cheng and Ji Guanli looked hopefully at the Emperor. They finally felt like they did well on listening to the princess and waiting.
But, in the next second, their facial expressions changed as the Emperor gave a twist.
Looking straight at Mark with a serious expression, Shang Fu then said, "Stall it for at least six-eight weeks. Speak your price."
While the teenager and the Arch Bishop looked a bit okay, Ji Cheng looked very devastated as his little hope that he was holding onto, has dashed away.
He finally realized that his friend had abandoned him because of a stranger and his powerful summons.
However, the Emperor isn't even paying attention to Ji Cheng. His focus is completely on the weapon seller. This is his last try. If the latter still displays stubbornness, he would have no choice but to declare war on Kunyu Bandits right away and mobilize his troops.
If this was before his visit to the store, the Emperor wouldn't care about the weapons because Genesis store is only known to provide guns and bullets, which can harm civilians and 1-circle & 2-circle Spirit Warriors.
But, now, upon personally testing the weapons he bought during the previous evening, Shang Fu cannot afford to let those explosives and Chimera SMG fall into the hands of enemies.
This is why he asked for some time so that he can send Elite scouts to find those rats and eliminate them before they declare war.
Upon hearing his father's request, Mark couldn't help but laugh inwardly as he understood his thoughts in an instant, "This man probably didn't know about the order that Feng Wu placed in advance. Only Panzers are worth something. But, even those aren't a match for 5-circle or higher realm Spirit Warriors. I guess he might be thinking about other weapons.
Unfortunately, Feng Wu doesn't have any idea about those. I need to make use of this opportunity to turn it into my favor. Think Mark, think…"
The Emperor was waiting patiently for Mark's answer while ignoring everything else.
After a while, Mark opened his mouth, "Three conditions. One, the Imperial Palace will officially declare Firearms as a weapon of the masses just like the traditional weapons.
Two, the ministry of revenue will not try to obstruct the Second Prince over the purchases of firearms from my store.
Three, I want the empty land, which is located before our store. Of course, I won't ask for it for free. I'll pay the amount according to the market price.
You see… I can't demonstrate the prowess of advanced weapons in my store. So, I wish to build weapon testing grounds there. After all, I can't go all the way to Kunyu mountain range to test them. It's too inconvenient.
Fulfill these three conditions and I will not sell them a single weapon they ordered for the next eight weeks."
