"I was just wondering when we were going to meet again next, but I didn't expect you to pay me a visit," Mackney said with a smile. "Pardon me for being frank, but are you not worried that the two of you won't be able to leave this mansion of mine today?"

A hint of killing intent flashed through Mackney's eyes as he spoke.

Erwin faltered slightly upon hearing this, then burst into involuntary laughter, clearly very much amused by Mackney's threat.

"At the end of the day, you're still a businessman, isn't that right?" Erwin asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? And what does that have to do with anything?" Mackney asked as the killing intent in his eyes abated slightly.

"As a businessman, wouldn't you much prefer to settle matters through discussion rather than taking more violent routes?" Erwin asked as he glanced at Mackney with a faint smile.

"But if I trap the two of you in my mansion, Zans would be mine for the taking, would it not? Why would I go to the extra trouble of negotiation?" Mackney countered.

Erwin shook his head in response. "You need to look at the bigger picture. The business that I want to discuss with you today extends far beyond just a city."

"Oh?" Mackney was rather intrigued to hear this. "How big is this deal you want to propose?"

"Let me get straight to the point. I'm sure you've heard about the blessed notes, right?"

"I have," Mackney replied with a nod. "It's quite an innovative idea."

Mackney was full of praise for this new concept.

"Truth be told, if blessed notes only circulate in the city of...