It is said that when two countrymen meet on foreign soil, they grow close no matter their personalities. The situation was similar here. Even though they were not from the same country or culture in this world, Rozia and Liser spoke freely. Anyone who didn't know better would think they were long acquaintances.
"So, that's how it is. You are the fourth prince. A noble. And look at me. I'm just a commoner. How can there be such a difference?" Rozia said, her face full of envy. She knew how hard she had struggled just to survive, while this boy from the same world sat inside a palace enjoying tea.
Liser laughed lightly. "You think it's easy? I've been assassinated four times. My mother's archenemy is now the Queen. I'm being watched every moment. I could be killed at any time."
Rozia scoffed. "That's still better than surviving winter without a blanket or walking through streets filled with human waste."
Liser was stunned. She wasn't wrong. If he had to walk through human filth every morning, he would rather die.
The scene fell into a brief silence. After some time, Liser,
Sipping his tea, asked, "How old were you when you were reborn?"
Rozia paused mid-air with her cup. "High school. You?"
"Twenty-eight. Entrepreneur."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. He was 10 years older than her. She was flustered for a moment.
After a short silence, Liser sighed. He broke the silance "This world is messed up. The discrimination. The nobility system. It's even worse than parts of Earth."
Rozia nodded emotionally. "Life here is generally hard. Adjusting without the internet alone was painful."
Liser walked toward the window overlooking the garden. The bright sunlight fell across his face, casting a golden glow. Rozia felt momentarily stunned. He looked like someone capable of changing the world.
Liser clasped his hands behind his back. "Rozia, I want to build a country where everyone can smile. A modern nation. I believe there are more reincarnated people like us. They would need a haven. A second Rome."
Rozia snapped back to reality. Pure nonsense, she thought. How could he change the world? She didn't believe him, but she didn't openly refute him either. He held power. Even if they were from the same Earth, he was the one who broke the barrier between them.
Seeing her disbelief, Liser sighed inwardly.
"I know it sounds impossible. But I have no choice but to move forward. Everything requires money. I need money for my plans. I'm constantly watched, so I can only trust you."
Rozia frowned. "Why trust me? I could betray you."
Liser chuckled and returned to his seat. "You won't. I saved your life. You're stubborn, but you're good. I don't believe you'd backstab your benefactor. Am I wrong?"
Rozia felt pressured. Was he overestimating her?
Liser could read people well. It was a skill from the business world. Watching her expression shift from seriousness to doubt to determination, he knew he had positioned himself correctly.
He leaned forward. "Let's discuss cooperation. I'll invest 100 gold yun initially. I'll also provide business guidance and support."
Rozia froze. One hundred gold yun was enough to support an entire neighborhood for a year.
"What's the condition?" she asked cautiously.
"I take 80 percent of the profit."
Rozia stared at him blankly.
"Why don't you just rob me?" she said coldly. "I have to create the products, manage labor, build channels, and sell them. And you take 80 percent? That's robbery."
Liser calmly sipped his tea.
"Fine. Sixty percent," she offered quickly.
Liser scoffed internally. Still a high schooler. Too reactive.
"Not just investment," he said. "Advice. Protection. After one month, I'll give direct public support. Considering we're from the same Earth, I'll lower it to 75 percent."
She understood that meant negotiation was possible.
"Why one month?" she pressed. "I still handle operations. The profit margin is too low."
"I haven't begun my plans yet. With your involvement, I will. I need one month to stabilize my position. After that, this partnership can be made public."
His cold gaze made her feel exposed.
"Seventy percent. That's my bottom line." She raised her hand.
Liser knew it was her limit. He didn't push further. He took a magic brush and quickly drafted a contract. After reviewing it, Rozia found no issues. They signed.
"Do not tell anyone about this contract for one month," Liser said.
He handed her a pouch. "Ten gold yun. For safety reasons, I won't give more now. After one month, you'll receive the remaining amount. This should be enough for now."
Rozia nodded. "No problem. I won't disappoint you."
Liser extended his hand. "Happy cooperation."
They shook hands.
They decided to begin in the low-end market to avoid attention. Fine salt and simple embroideries were cheap to produce and would sell well among commoners. Rozia also mentioned she had other product ideas.
After final discussions, she left.
Looking at the closed door, Liser exhaled slowly. Even if there was the smallest chance Jianwan existed in this world, he would find her. But for that, he needed power.
He called his butler.
"Zanbe. I'm going to the study. Bring me the account books."