Chapter 218 - Chapter 218: The Big Bear Empire's Secret Maneuvers
The man who visited Dr. Bell was an agent of the Big Bear Empire, his code name being "D".
He took the floppy disk entrusted to him by the doctor back to the hideout and immediately checked the data. It contained the completed blueprints for the cannon designed by the doctor, along with part diagrams breaking it down into components.
He printed only the part diagrams from there. Then, he took those printed drawings to Balt.
"The doctor has agreed to come to the Empire with us. Here are the part diagrams the doctor is requesting."
"I see. If the doctor is coming, then our work has yielded sufficient results. We just need to arrange for these parts now."
When Balt received the diagrams, D looked at Balt with unease.
Balt noticed that as well.
"What's wrong?"
"Do you have a source for obtaining them?"
"If that's the case, there is no problem. I'll have the manager of Archibalt Steel handle it. After all, the parts are made of steel. You know what kind of processing the buyer does, don't you?"
"I see."
Hearing Balt's words, D understood.
He knew that Archibalt Steel was the only place to obtain the pipes that would become the cannon barrels, and they had made contact there, but he did not know where to obtain the other parts.
So, they decided to leave it to Samura, who was knowledgeable about those parts.
"However, won't our purpose be revealed by the part diagrams?"
"Don't worry. We will also bring him over to our side. And we just need to ensure he cannot betray us."
Balt smiled broadly. D felt that it was like a snake that had found its prey.
"Then let's get moving right away."
Saying that, Balt ordered D to dispose of the diagrams and left the hideout.
Balt headed to the headquarters of Archibalt Steel. There, Samura was waiting.
"I apologize for the sudden visit."
Balt bowed his head. They had not made any prior appointments.
"No, if you had contacted us, we would have come to you."
They responded to each other in a friendly manner. For Samura, the Big Bear Empire was an opponent he absolutely could not let slip away. Looking at competing companies, there were no manufacturers doing business with the Big Bear Empire. Furthermore, there was no company in the Big Bear Empire that possessed technology comparable to the steel manufacturers of the Kingdom of Cascade.
Therefore, he was eager to take a large share in the Big Bear Empire on this occasion.
Balt had already investigated such matters, which was precisely why he made contact in this way.
Afterward, the conversation moved to the reception room.
"Actually, besides the pipes, there are other necessary parts. However, our country's technological capabilities cannot achieve sufficient performance. We wish to obtain them somehow in the Kingdom of Cascade, but we have no connections for that. That is why I thought to consult with Manager Samura."
"I see. Many of our company's customers are companies with considerable technical prowess."
Saying that, Samura checked Balt's expression.
"Yes, please do not worry. The order will be placed through Archibalt Steel. I will ensure there is a benefit for your company as well."
Balt answered with a smile.
Samura was worried that if he merely introduced a processing manufacturer, he would gain no benefit himself. But if the order went through Archibalt Steel, his sales would increase. It would not be a wasted effort.
"That is a welcome proposal. So, what kind of items are they?"
"Bearings and screws, for instance. I will hand over the diagrams later. However, since there is a risk in carrying them, I would like you to come to our office."
"I understand."
The office mentioned here was a front different from the hideout. It was a rental office near the embassy of the Big Bear Empire, used for conducting ordinary business negotiations.
Samura agreed to go there, and they parted ways for the day.