A Counter Offer

"I accept most of the terms, but I feel the Duties should increase only 10% for 10 years and the free use of our ports is unacceptable. I counter with a 15% decrease in our port fees for 30 years instead." You reply to the board.

The board members discuss your terms quickly before the chairman responds, "We can accept these terms but we have another condition..." Looking over at Claudia, she nods at him before he adds, "We desire the Western approaches from you, from there we can ship our grain much easier to our customers across the sea."

"I do not own that, it belongs to a distant relative of mine...." You reply with confusion.

Claudia smiles and says, "Yes but he is old and childless... and your father's claim on it will pass down to your children. We ask that you transfer that claim to one of your children that will be our ward."

"I have no children yet, and I will not agree to transfer one of my future heirs from my court." You reply.

"That is not a problem..." She replies with a suggestive smile., "Because you can leave one here before you depart.... just signing some documents transferring him or her your claim on those approaches and removing all other claims. He or she will be tutored properly to run the lands there and be well taken care of as any noble of their stature.

"But how exactly would I...?" You start to ask before she cuts you off.

"I think you will find our vast selection of candidates to help you with fulfilling that condition quite appealing..." She says with a grin, the crowd laughing before the chairman bands his gavel and says,

"Order gentlemen... order.... So we are agreed then...? Any man or woman who disagrees voice their concerns now..."

You see all the shareholders and board members discussing among themselves before their representatives nod in agreement.

"Prince John... do you agree to the terms?" The chairman asks, all eyes on you as they await your answer.