act11mini

Thank you very much.

Listen up, you still have four hours, starting now.

*sigh*...

Look, here's another version of the proposal I prepared earlier. It's a letter of intent for the introduction of a new logistics management model.

Huh?

Hah, would you look at that...

I'll let you in on a bit of good news then. If this job ends up being a success, everyone's getting a bonus.

So do your best out there!

Hello, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you for reaching out to us. It's an honor to have this opportunity to cooperate.

No need to thank me, cooperation is a matter of mutual benefit.

Is this your son?

Haha, I'd like him to get a wide variety of experiences as soon as possible. If he never goes out and sees the world, he won't be able to adapt to the changing climate.

Hello, Mr. Mayor.

Good afternoon.

As a token of our meeting, I'd like to present you with this watch.

Thank you. However, I don't believe it's appropriate for me to accept gifts from MountainDash Logistics at this point, either publicly or privately.

Mr. Eurill, we've previously spoken about our project's needs over the phone. We've invited you to Siesta in the hopes of reaching a final agreement on our contract.

Haha, I see you like to get right to business.

We've already read the documents sent by City Hall. Given the size and scale of MountainDash Logistics, we are more than happy to have the opportunity to work directly with the municipal government.

Naturally, we also hope that this joint endeavor will be a fruitful one.

So what does MountainDash think of the terms of the contract?

You are a man of honor, Mr. Mayor, and MountainDash is more than willing to sign.

However, because cooperation is a two-way street, I would like to renew our discussion about the quote.

This wristwatch—

Can be stopped at any time, Mr. Mayor.

Very well.

MountainDash has quite the appetite.

Hahaha, you misunderstand me!

What I meant to say is that we are willing to provide this service free of charge.

What are your terms?

Take a look at this, sir. This is a 'Letter of Contractual Intent' drafted by MountainDash.

Since we will be working directly with the municipal government, we also hope to take our cooperation to the next level.

What we would like is for MountainDash to be able to start a new subsidiary in Siesta, not restricted by local competitors and Messengers.

I thought as much.

Then I assume you know the weight of what you are asking for, Mr. Eurill.

Herman leans lightly back in his seat.

Ahem.

Mr. Mayor, your scheduled three o'clock meeting is about to begin.

I know.

You have a very sharp secretary.

My criteria for one are not based strictly on ability, but also on whether or not they can understand what I'm thinking. It also depends on the situation.

City Hall has no shortage of candidates.

Mr. Mayor, though you recognize that a distant spring is ill suited to quench an imminent thirst, you still choose to live far away.

As you've just heard, my meeting is about to start, so—

Is there anything else MountainDash would like to show us?

Ahem.

What if I told you that we're capable of meeting both your needs?

We're not here to make money, but to solve problems.

What do you see as the 'problem' then?

Whatever you might need help with.

And what exactly do you think I need?

Restructuring.

After establishing a new logistics company built off of MountainDash, you'll be able to leverage them to facilitate free trade and establish a network of trade agreements not beholden to any political entity—

Imagine a future where Siesta will be able to enter the markets of foreign countries as a neutral entity under those agreements, becoming a commercial hub capable of supporting its local businesses and government.

Well, I can see that MountainDash has a clear vision. Thank you for your time.

The secretary steps forward, ready to receive the documents Herman is handing back.

Eurill then leans forward.

Mr. Mayor, what do you think of Columbia's pioneering business model?

Tkaronto circles the country year-round, bringing continuous economic benefits to Columbia.

Tkaronto?

Tkaronto.

Designed as a pioneer trade city, it will never have a future beyond what Columbia has planned for it.

Pioneer cities have always been different from other nomadic cities. They couldn't have less in common with Siesta.

The only common thread is that its immediate benefit to Columbia far outweighs the potential risks of its somewhat independent status.

So Tkaronto will continue to chug along, extracting things from the wastelands that other nomadic cities cannot.

Do you understand me, Mr. Eurill?

Of course.

Ultimately, you are the mayor of Siesta, and you have the final say.

However, Tkaronto's economic model has been set in stone, and will not change in the future.

By contrast, Siesta is now moving away from this beautiful beach.

Who will have the final say when the water is no longer visible?

Haha! As you know, Mr. Mayor, Great Yan is thousands of miles from here. Quite the journey, even with modern transportation.

MountainDash is but a private company in distant Lungmen, unable to do anything drastic. But since you extended your courtesy to us, we came.

Take a look at this, if you please.

Though we've always conducted business in and around Lungmen, our earnings can hardly be considered insignificant.

From what I hear, that volcano's giving Siesta a hard time limit. This city could be gone before my kid here is old enough to start a family.

Opportunities are scarce, and time waits for no man.

...So that's why you brought a watch.

Herman casts a glance at Bison, who is sitting farther back along the table.

And what does your son think of this proposal?

My son?

Oh, me? Sorry Mr. Mayor, I'm actually not involved in this...

Haha, don't worry, I'm just making small talk.

So to be clear, you want us to finish negotiating this contract by today?

...As the executive manager of MountainDash Logistics, that is my hope.

I know.

Though I may not be personally involved with this project, I do know that as logistics companies develop in the future, they will not be merely transporting goods and materials, but also facilitating the exchange of economies and cultures.

We have both the vision and the capacity, and we will not fall short of your expectations.

So how about it, Mr. Mayor?

Hahaha!

I have a daughter who also thinks a great deal about Siesta.

Before she and my other daughter left the city, I promised her I'd work to create her ideal version of it.

The nomadic city of Siesta. It will be a wonderful place.

Hah, thanks for all your hard work in making this contract possible.

That said, the sun is about to set, and the view around this time is most spectacular. Shall we continue our discussion outside?

That's the last of the batch. Once we finish selling our inventory, we should pack up and head for the new city.

Heh, the nostalgia's really starting to catch up with me. I grew up here since I was a little kid, and can recognize every grain of sand.

I'll have to bring a bottle of it with me when I leave. Who knows if I'll ever get the chance to return.

I won't, will I...?