The Negotiator’s Sweet Deal

Confronted with such delicate pastries and the sight of a beautiful young woman, even the most solemn and professionally unyielding finance official would recognize that while there was no malice intended, the inherent conflict of their positions made accepting the gift a difficult proposition.

‘Ah, Miss Antolia, we deeply appreciate your thoughtful gesture,’ the finance official began, his voice laced with a polite refusal. ‘However, we are currently immersed in pressing work, and regardless of the circumstances, our duty calls us to focus on our tasks rather than indulge in refreshments. Therefore…’ Even as he carefully weighed his words, his colleagues had already begun to help themselves.

‘Were these cookies made by hand? Oh, the little cat patterns are so cute! May I have one?’

‘Please, help yourself. They’re even better with tea.’

‘Then, if you wouldn’t mind, I too…’

‘Thank you, thank you! I didn’t even have time for breakfast, and these taste truly wonderful—’ While he was still mulling over a polite refusal, his idiotic subordinates had already advanced, leaving the finance official utterly helpless. Eventually, he found himself unable to utter another word. Noticing that it was precisely the midday break, he had no legitimate grounds or means to compel them back to their posts. With a resigned sigh, he could only follow suit.

‘I sincerely hope this won’t become a recurring habit, Sister Antolia.’

‘Rest assured, I apologize for the imposition,’ the nun replied with a gracious smile. Gazing down at the cat-patterned cookie clutched in his hand, the finance official let out a sigh. He took a bite, washing it down with tea, and felt the delicate crumbs dissolve on his tongue. The cookies were perfectly baked, yet he could discern a subtle earthiness, a hint that they were crafted from a blend of ingredients, not solely fine flour and wheat. A dry sensation lingered, but the overall flavor was quite pleasant.

‘The taste isn’t bad,’ someone remarked. ‘It’s just… not very sweet.’

‘My apologies,’ Antolia said, her smile soft as she offered an explanation. ‘Sugar is a rather scarce commodity. The cookies we typically distribute to the common folk are of this very kind. While they may not boast the same delectable flavor as ordinary biscuits, they at least offer a modicum of sustenance.’

‘…Is the orphanage now also providing relief to the destitute?’ someone inquired at that moment. Sister Antolia nodded gravely. ‘Due to the unrest in the north, a great many residents from former border villages and towns are fleeing south. The capital’s newly displaced, homeless populace has converged in the lower districts. They lack shelter and essential supplies. In such dire times, the only place they can turn for aid is the relief agency.’ As she spoke, the finance official abruptly pulled a colleague aside, speaking in hushed tones.

‘…Does our city hall not have its own system for managing disaster victims?’

‘Because the Foreign Minister had previously negotiated with Bishop Rhys, agreeing that the relief of disaster victims and the impoverished refugees would be entrusted to the relief agencies, with us providing certain supplies.’

‘Right, and then what?’

‘And then it seems we cut off that batch of material aid to force them into compliance.’

‘Damn it,’ the finance official muttered under his breath. Sister Antolia then approached, her gaze settling on the officials before her. ‘The refugees who have sought solace at the relief agency wish for me to inquire: When will the Kingdom finally attend to its citizens, rather than abandoning them to endure the harsh winter in this frozen wasteland? We understand, of course, that everyone faces their own challenges. After all, we stand united as comrades against the Demon King’s army. Yet… those who suffer from hunger will inevitably harbor resentment. Already, a considerable number of people are contemplating gathering before City Hall, and with the city gates continuously admitting more people…’

‘Ah, we will certainly address this matter,’ the finance official hastily assured her, a tremor of apprehension in his voice. The truth of her words struck him with an undeniable force. He now understood precisely why that ‘violent nun’ had been so infuriated yesterday. Indeed, he had been withholding aid under orders from higher-ups, yet he had failed to grasp that the Church wasn’t merely accepting these provisions gratuitously; it was shouldering the fundamental social responsibilities of the Kingdom. Should the Church cease its operations, the city’s current relief infrastructure was woefully inadequate. Establishing new relief points swiftly, with sufficient experience and preparation, was beyond their immediate capacity. In such circumstances, delaying this aid would not be perceived by outsiders as a mere dispute with the Church, but rather as a deliberate act of condemning the most vulnerable to death. This would inevitably ignite not resentment towards the Church, but profound dissatisfaction with the Kingdom itself. Sister Antolia had articulated all of this without explicit accusation. Halting the Church’s vital work at this critical juncture would undoubtedly spark a popular rebellion within a city already overflowing with disaster victims. The hungry would not blame those who, despite their own scarcity, still offered what little they had; their wrath would fall upon those who possessed abundance yet refused to share.

‘Come to think of it… perhaps we could, in fact, reallocate some resources?’ the finance official suddenly mused, a new idea dawning upon him. ‘Indeed, the Kingdom has always been a staunch supporter of the Church, a fact which I trust you, Sister, are well aware of. While disagreements may occasionally arise between us, such differences are, in fact, beneficial. They are always amenable to understanding and resolution. Is this not a testament to the virtues inherent in our collective humanity?’

‘Indeed, sir, you are a gentleman of profound insight.’

‘Yes, yes, let me see…’ The official paused, scanning a mental inventory. ‘Ah, perhaps, in terms of foodstuffs, we can still manage to distribute some. We can certainly reallocate a certain quantity of sugar, salt, and other daily necessities. As for other provisions… hmm, we could likely offer this much.’ He then extended a slip of paper. Antolia glanced at it, then offered a concise nod. ‘I am profoundly grateful for your generosity, sir. These provisions represent a crucial lifeline for those awaiting relief. My sincerest thanks.’

‘Therefore, before the commoners—I mean, those unfortunate souls compelled to abandon their homes—I trust the Church will offer appropriate guidance, ensuring that everyone remains united in spirit during this exceptional period, and continues to support the government’s efforts.’

‘Indeed, that is our shared aspiration: to uphold the peaceful and stable functioning of our city.’ Sister Anto responded, her smile radiant as she shook his hand. With the farewells of the assembled officials, she then departed City Hall. Outside, Sister Lu Mei awaited her arrival. Sister Anto emerged, humming a cheerful tune, and promptly presented a ledger.

‘We can now proceed to the warehouse for collection!’

‘Little Anto… you truly are the savior of our Church!’ Lu Mei exclaimed, her face a mask of astonishment. ‘It actually worked? How did you manage to sway that utterly pompous finance deputy?’

‘Oh, a little bit of communication was all it took,’ Anto replied, casually waving a hand. ‘There’s still a slight discrepancy between what was given and the amount we initially requested, but securing everything in one go was never a realistic expectation. This particular batch of supplies should suffice for our operations for… two months, wouldn’t you say?’

‘With careful budgeting and a little frugality, we could extend it for another half-month!’ Lu Mei declared, then, unable to contain her excitement, she embraced Anto, who was momentarily taken aback.

‘What are you doing, Sister Lu Mei…?’

‘Don’t be shy, little Anto! Sister Antolia, come here, let me give you a rub!’ Lu Mei purred, her actions mimicking a playful cat.

‘I’m merely expressing my gratitude! You’re truly wonderful, Sister Anto, in every conceivable way!’