"!!!" The president knew precisely why Clovis asked this. "It looks like you have figured out my real intention."
"Yeah." Clovis nodded. Kanaria, on the other hand, tilted her head, wondering what was actually going on.
"Right now, rebuilding the cities might be a good thing, especially on a large-scale project. However, it won’t truly be a thing until you take care of those high-level danger zones.
"Even someone powerful won’t be doing anything to those places simply because they might end up getting injured. I know, people like them won’t die from that alone, but getting injured is the same as giving an opportunity to your enemy to attack you.
"That’s why I want to be the first nation to start the reconstruction of high-level danger zones. Most of the high-level danger zones in the world are coming from cities that were built not long after the apocalypse. You could say their construction and equipment were rather outdated.
"So, their defense wasn’t that powerful. At the same time, reconquering them would be tricky unless you could overpower them. You would risk the beasts breaking out of those cities and attacking nearby cities.
"However, if we could reconstruct those bases and arm them with current equipment, they should be sufficient to withstand any attacks from those high-level beasts. And if developed properly, you would find them as glorious as other cities with high tier beasts around."
Clovis could understand the idea. By having the Libation Fiesta do the job, they could enjoy the benefit. Of course, this was also a win-win situation for the Libation Fiesta.
"So, you won’t do anything with the corpses?"
"Yes. You are the ones killing them, so of course, you have the right. However, if you choose to sell it, I hope that the government will be prioritized over the Essence Bank. Of course, we are willing to hold an auction or pay the same price as the Essence Bank."
Clovis contemplated for a moment. The condition wasn’t too bad for Clovis. Besides, this would also improve his reputation among the citizens.
"This is only the first request. What about the other two?"
"The other two are pretty simple. I’m much more worried about the first request." The president smiled. "The second request is if you are allowing people there and getting the tax, I hope that you are giving the same rate as the central government."
Clovis glanced at Kanaria.
"It is understandable. If you put the tax too high, the people will consider, why should we live there? Of course, protection is one thing, but most of the time, they will just be living a normal life. Even looking at those high-level cities, they are having the same tax, and basically, this will slightly alter the citizens’ perception."
"Perception?"
"Yes. The government respects the Libation Fiesta, but if the tax is too high and the government is not doing anything, it means the Libation Fiesta has disrespected the government. But if the tax is the same, it will eliminate 90% of the problems."
Clovis nodded in understanding. "Fair enough. What about the third one?"
"The third one..." The president extended his hand. "I’m sure you have known him. This is the chief of the army, Elezar Rekna."
"Hmm? Do you want me to join the military or something?" Clovis frowned. Joining the military was out of the question. He could have helped, but there was no need to do so.
"Not necessarily. Actually, there is a high-ranking conference that will be happening in 6 months. It is a conference that is held every three years for this and 4 neighboring countries.
"In this conference, we are usually discussing high-level topics and even thinking about high-level subjugation.
"It means the subjugation will most likely handle several Tier 8 beasts. Usually, the government will be assisted by a lot of organizations. They will send their high-ranking personnel, and we will then work together with other countries to handle that subjugation.
"This is a perfect opportunity for those organizations to actually have a connection with some big shots from other countries, so a lot of people want to get a piece of the pie.
"This time, it will proceed as usual, but we would like the Libation Fiesta to come as well. Normally, people will only send 1 group, which is mostly 6 people, while the military handles the equipment and other heavy machinery.
"But I know the Libation Fiesta’s size is over that limit, so I will use my power to allow the entire Libation Fiesta to participate."
Clovis frowned. It was just a conference. It might be good to have a connection with other high-ranking people from neighboring countries, but there was no need for this request.
It felt as though the president had other intentions. "What exactly are you aiming for, Mr. President?"
The president paused for a moment before turning to Elezar.
Elezar finally opened his mouth for the first time. "It is a show. A show to let the people know that you have a contract with us, Mr. Clovis.
"While it is true that we signed the contract almost two years ago, there is still no confirmation about it. After all, not long after that, you were leaving with Miss Mara Leverstrike.
"By having you there as a special guest, we can let people know that you are with us."
Now that he thought about it, after all this time, the government hadn’t made it clear about the fact that he would be staying in this country. By showing this, the government could stop others from approaching Clovis.
"I just have one question. Since this is a subjugation that involves other countries, don’t you think showing me will force their hands as well?"
"Maybe. Our military will also do everything we can to ensure your protection." Elezar nodded.
Clovis considered the proposal carefully before deciding, "I don’t think I can make the decision here given the severity of the requests, but I will consider it positively."
The president nodded. "Understood. Also, you can take your time with the reconstruction project. You are still young, so there is no need to rush. This contract is purely for Clovis Hacfield, not the Libation Fiesta."
It was understandable, considering it was the same for Christina’s grandfather. If it were for the entire team, the moment the Tier 9 human passed away, the benefit would be lost.
Clovis nodded. "I will keep it in mind."