Chapitre 533: 947
Turning back time, a little earlier.
Eun-ha suggested to Lim Ga-eul.
—Let's serve iced Americano.
—Iced Americano?
—Yes, Italians take pride in their coffee. So if we give them iced Americano, won't they hate it?
—Hmm... Well, Italians do prefer espresso... The method of adding water to drink it could be a culture shock to them. Because that's...
—American culture.
—That's right. That's why it's called Americano. Sounds good? I'm not sure if it will work or not, but it could be an appropriate diplomatic faux pas without any real loss.
—No, it will definitely work.
Although the people present at the time seemed half-skeptical, Eun-ha could be confident.
Because there was a precedent nearby.
'Uncle Bruno and Julieta noona used to hate Americano.'
It's from before Avenier was born, now a very distant childhood memory.
Back then, Bruno and Julieta often visited the cafe run by Jeong Ha-yang's father, Jeong Seok-hoon, as regulars.
As a result, Eun-ha could occasionally see them at the cafe and...
He got to hear their grumbling several times.
—Really... Everything else in Korea is good, but why do they add water to espresso? That damned Americano! America ruined coffee culture... Those devil's spawn... We should put bullet holes in those bastards...
—I agree, Julie. You can't enjoy coffee with such a bland taste. Americano is just water.
—Right, Americano is just water! If you want to drink water, just drink water! But why! Why!?
—Still, I like this place.
—As expected, Bruno, I thought you would. It certainly doesn't lose to Italy. Among the cafes we've been to so far, I think the espresso here is the best.
—And it also fills up with mana. It's an amazing place.
—It's thanks to Eun-ha introducing us. Eun-ha should taste this too, but it's a shame he's still too young.
—The day will come when he can drink it. If he knows the effect of this coffee, he won't be able to not drink it. Especially the double shot...
—That's a good idea. Let's buy Eun-ha espresso then. And protect Eun-ha from getting used to Americano!
Like this, regarding Americano.
Since Bruno and Julieta, who had actually lived in Italy, reacted so sensitively...
Eun-ha thought the Tredici's reaction wouldn't be much different.
For reference...
'I'm not sure when it started, but Uncle Bruno and Julieta noona have now developed a taste for Americano. After all that cursing... They've even reached the level of enjoying spicy food, and they say they sleep-talk in Korean... Really, who would say they're not Korean now? Of course, Avenier, who was born in Korea from the start, is a given.'
Anyway, the result was successful.
The Tredici were greatly shaken.
"H-How could they put water in coffee..."
"They want us to drink this? What nonsense..."
The Tredici, having lost their composure, forgot to speak in Korean and rambled in Italian.
Nadia kept stuttering with a pale face.
Pietro clenched his fist tightly on the table while suppressing his anger.
Lastly, Roberto...
"..."
As if he couldn't believe it at all.
He just stared blankly at the espresso cup placed in front of him.
On the other hand, Lim Ga-eul was very pleased.
"Please drink, everyone. I hope it suits your taste perfectly. Ah, delicious. So refreshing."
"..."
Lim Ga-eul's face was full of joy, and the corners of her mouth seemed like they might reach her ears.
'This person really... She must have a deep grudge against Italy...'
Ahaha, ohoho, uhoho!
Lim Ga-eul makes somewhat loud laughing sounds while covering her mouth with the back of her hand.
Eun-ha, glancing at her, inwardly clicked his tongue.
'I hope Baek-yeon doesn't become like that...'
Please use Lim Ga-eul as a negative example and become a great Fairy!
Eun-ha prayed.
"Phew."
It was then that Roberto reacted.
He exhaled deeply.
Then, as if having made up his mind, he downed the cup in one go.
People couldn't help but be startled by his sudden action.
Meanwhile.
"It seems the Fairy Lady isn't very welcoming to us, so I'll convey our business right away."
"..."
Making a 'tak' sound as he put down the cup.
Roberto brought up the main point.
"The Southern European Alliance including Italy and the United States are considering conquering the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> at the end of this year. To this end, the Italian government requests the export of white silver equipment engraved with <White Silver> from the Korean government. Also, the Italian government formally requests the participation of <Monarch> Noh Eun-ha player."
Separately.
According to the secret agreement with the Korean government at the previous summit, the Italian government permits Korean players to participate in the conquest of the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>.
* * *
Eun-ha's achievements became widely known to the world through the <Dungeon of the Abyss> conquest log.
Among them, governments of various countries focused on the part where he used the power of the gift <White Silver> dwelling in the Dawn Sword to deliver the finishing blow to the master of the <Dungeon of the Abyss>.
More precisely.
'They focused on the technology that allowed <White Silver> to dwell in the Dawn Sword.'
Before the <Dungeon of the Abyss> was conquered, up until the most recent time.
The act of imbuing equipment with the gift of <White Silver> and creating white silver equipment belonged to the realm of impossibility.
But Korea overcame the impossible and managed to devise it brilliantly...
The governments of various countries and the International Mana Management Organization were amazed at Korea's technological prowess and strongly hoped for information sharing.
To this, the Fairy government, Lim Ga-eul...
—Really now, before they demanded we disclose all information related to the <Dungeon of the Abyss> conquest for the sake of humanity, and now they want us to spill the technology for making white silver equipment? Sigh... I'm not too pleased, but there's nothing we can't give them. Even if we don't tell them, countries will obtain the technology as time passes... It's better to sell it at a high price while showing goodwill and creating debt.
Knowing there was a possibility of facing disadvantages by falling out of favor with the international community, and that it was information they couldn't monopolize from the start anyway.
They agreed to the requests of various countries in exchange for certain benefits.
'Our clan also got what we needed in this process. Especially Hae-su hyung and Hyeon-yul, who invented the manufacturing technology...'
On the other hand, despite this.
Even after obtaining the desired information, various countries inevitably struggled with the production of white silver equipment.
This was because several factors had to be considered to produce white silver equipment.
Typically...
'We need an excellent Maestro like Hae-su hyung, a sensational Crester like Hyeon-yul, materials with sufficient rank to contain the gift of <White Silver>, a furnace with mysterious power like the Hephaestus furnace in our clan, and a holder of the <White Silver> gift.'
In the end, it would still take time for the manufacturing technology environments of various countries to get on track to some extent.
So Eun-ha's group was firmly prepared for Italy to demand white silver equipment in preparation for the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> conquest, thinking they would sell it at the highest price possible if that happened, but...
'They're even demanding my participation?'
It's something he hadn't considered.
Eun-ha was perplexed.
He responded with a sour expression.
"Why my participation..."
"Because you're the person who contributed the most to the <Dungeon of the Abyss> conquest. If someone like you joins, it will surely be a great help in conquering the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>. That's what we judged."
As if he had been expecting it, Roberto answered straightforwardly.
He interlaced his fingers.
"Of course, we're not asking you to participate in the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> conquest without any compensation. We're not that shameless. We will definitely provide compensation. Naturally, this is separate from the byproducts obtained from the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>."
"..."
"Hmm... Shall we hear what that compensation might be?"
Lim Ga-eul asked on behalf of Eun-ha, as if quite interested.
Then the corners of Roberto's eyes curved gently.
His green eyes shone distinctively.
"If Noh Eun-ha player agrees to our request."
"..."
"The Italian government..."
The words Roberto uttered next were enough to surprise Eun-ha's group.
"Promises to provide <Monarch> Noh Eun-ha player with two national treasures of the highest grade. By Korean national treasure evaluation standards... It would be equivalent to Taeguk grade."
"..."
Including Eun-ha.
Lim Ga-eul, Song Yun-seo, and Ha Baek-yeon, who had been taking arrogant attitudes, swallowed their breath for a moment.
Their eyes widened.
'Italy's national treasures... And they'll give two national treasures equivalent to Taeguk grade...'
Unlike Korea, which boasts a five-thousand-year history but has lost much of its history and culture due to frequent invasions by foreign powers.
Italy possessed a diverse history as the birthplace of Latin culture and the core of ancient European culture.
As such, in Italy.
'There must be many national treasures with various abilities that can't be found in Korea.'
Perhaps they could use Italian national treasures as materials to create a sword comparable to the Dawn Sword.
Eun-ha couldn't help but be tempted.
Lim Ga-eul also showed interest.
"To give the highest grade national treasures to a foreigner who isn't even their citizen, you have quite a big heart. I'm seeing you in a new light."
"Please consider it as an expression of our sincere will to devote ourselves to the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> conquest, and our desire to be friendly with Korea."
"While we're at it, how about giving something to the other Korean players who will participate in the dungeon conquest? Then not only me, but our citizens might feel a little grateful to Italy... Who knows, the relationship between Korea and Italy might change somewhat positively in the future."
"It's still under discussion... but we are willing to provide rewards according to the contribution to the conquest."
"That's good. If Italy is willing to treat us like that, we should reciprocate equally. You wanted white silver equipment, right? Alright, we'll supply it. However, I'm not sure if we can supply the quantity you want. As you know, producing white silver equipment inevitably requires enormous effort. I hope you understand."
"Yes, we understand well, so please match our request as much as possible. For reference, we've brought the materials needed for production. Please take that into account in the later calculations..."
"Yes, of course we should consider that. So about the compensation..."
"With high-purity mana alloy mined from the deep Mediterranean..."
"Alright, then let's leave the detailed discussions to the working-level officials."
Lim Ga-eul was satisfied.
The corners of her mouth rose.
Afterwards.
"Ah, I forgot to mention. In case Noh Eun-ha player dies during the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> conquest process, Italy plans to compensate the bereaved family with three national treasures equivalent to Eulji grade. Additionally."
"..."
The summit continued in a friendly atmosphere.
'They didn't need to say that...'
* * *
"It was nice to meet you today. And Noh Eun-ha player, please think it over carefully. You probably won't get an opportunity like this again. We'll be looking forward to it."
"Let's conquer the dungeon together!"
"We'll be waiting for your answer."
Deciding to determine Eun-ha's participation in the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> conquest later.
The summit ended.
The people who stood up from their seats exchanged farewells.
At that moment, Roberto spoke up.
"And Nadia? That thing."
"Ah, yes."
Nadia nodded.
She held out a box she had been holding to Eun-ha's group.
"..."
Inside the box were car keys.
With the emblems of famous car companies based in Italy decorated on the handles.
"This is..."
"It's a gift from Big Mama to the Fairy Lady and all of you as a gesture of friendship."
"..."
Eun-ha's group was dumbfounded by the unexpected gift.
But as time passed, their faces gradually lit up.
"Wow... Did I just get a car?"
Even Ha Baek-yeon, who hadn't even obtained a driver's license, was no exception.
She exclaimed in admiration.
Meanwhile.
"...Thank you. We'll accept them gratefully. Please convey our thanks to Big Mama as well."
"Yes, I will."
Lim Ga-eul didn't forget to express gratitude.
She quickly composed herself and responded to Roberto.
Just as the gathering seemed to be breaking up in a friendly atmosphere...
"I knew you'd like it. At the last summit, you demanded cars as part of the secret agreement... Big Mama really understood the Fairy Lady's taste..."
"Pietro, shut your mouth!"
"..."
Due to Pietro's sudden slip of the tongue, Lim Ga-eul, whose dark history was unexpectedly revealed, had to endure sharp glares from Eun-ha, Song Yun-seo, and Ha Baek-yeon.
"My goodness, to think the Fairy would..."
Eun-ha clicked his tongue.
"Ahem!"
Lim Ga-eul, embarrassed and ashamed, turned her head with a fake cough.
Then she made excuses in a small voice.
"No... I just wanted to get as much as possible since we were getting something anyway..."
"Baek-yeon, you shouldn't do that."
"Yes, Oppa. Of course not."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone