Chapter 20 #3
I gave him an indulgent smile. “Based on human folklore, it would be a fair comparison as they share many similarities with them. His name is Straef Dharam. He’s a fantastic young male.
Charismatic, ambitious, innovative, and extremely smart.
Straef is also a prodigy. He got his degree three years earlier than the average person in his discipline.
He’s also given me a serious lesson in humility by systematically defeating me at Five Kings. ”
“I love Five Kings!” Shaya exclaimed, perking up. “No one can beat me at this game.”
I chuckled. “Are you sure? Straef remains undefeated. I believe you may have found your match… in more ways than one.”
“Absolutely not. He has found his match. I’ll gladly teach him how it’s done,” she said, lifting her chin with the most adorable air of defiance.
“Assuming you ever meet him,” her father countered in a stern voice before glaring at me. “You shouldn’t put such wild thoughts in her mind. A Daigan and a Stornian together makes absolutely no sense.”
“Actually, it makes all the sense in the world,” I said smugly. “Your species are very much compatible.”
He recoiled and stared at me as if my brain wasn’t functioning properly.
“Whatever would make you think such an insane thing?” he asked, the look in both brothers’ eyes echoing his sentiment.
“You weren’t there when I informed our friends here of the fact that I have a masters in xenobiology.
And I assure you that your species are totally compatible.
And now, you just made me realize that this pairing is the greatest thing that could happen to you, your business, your people, and Straef. ”
“My business?” Kateros echoed, this time, curiosity dampening some of the aggression in his voice. “How would a union with a Daigan benefit my business in any way? As far as I know, their people do not deal in metals and minerals. They mainly trade in wood products, farming, and animal breeding.”
“Correct, but like I mentioned, Straef is a visionary and always pushing the boundaries of innovation,” I said enthusiastically.
“Last year, he graduated with a thesis on an insect native to his world and that can be bred under very precise conditions to extend their otherwise very short lifespan. It turns out that the lumoth can safely eat radioactive and toxic waste and turn them into energy.”
“What?! I’ve never heard of such a thing,” Kateros exclaimed, unsure whether to be excited by that prospect or angry at the possibility that I was playing him for a fool.
“Because he’s in the final stages of developing sustainable breeding farms as well as the conversion technology to turn it into a massive industry.
He owns the patent to his discoveries. And his goal is to use these creatures on a large scale to sanitize disaster zones.
A discussion between you two could solve or massively reduce the problems you’re currently facing. ”
“That… that would definitely be food for thought,” Kateros said before exchanging a look with his daughter.
She, too, was bubbling with excitement. Although Shaya didn’t seem particularly keen on meeting Straef on a romantic level, she was very eager to discuss ways to save her family business, and definitely to face off against a worthy opponent in a game of Five Kings.
She had no reason to think I could effectively know when two people were soulmates. But that would only be the added bonus.
However, it was the thrilled emotions emanating from my mate that reclaimed my attention.
“I wasn’t aware of these lumoths,” Linsea said pensively. “But if you do enter into such a collaboration, the UPO has many support programs catering to any effort towards environmental protection and especially toxic waste reduction.”
“Really?” Kateros said, perking up even as the two brothers tensed. “Such as what?”
“There is potential financial support if the project is deemed beneficial and sustainable,” Linsea said.
“But there are also other forms of assistance that can be offered, such as logistics, some equipment, and even the services of highly qualified experts for a short period of time at absolutely no cost to you. The UPO is devoted to environmental protection for both developing and member planets. As it sounds like this project is entering the early stages of deployment, anyone participating in the trial run could benefit from greater support than usual. I highly recommend that you look into it. And feel free to reach out to me for guidance or assistance during the process.”
“I’m definitely interested in investigating the matter,” Kateros said eagerly. “I guess I will get to talk to your Daigan once he begins his courtship of my daughter.”
I repressed the urge to laugh, further compounded by the dismay from the two brothers. Once this project took off the ground, Kateros and Straef stood to make insane profits. Having partnered with Kateros first would have granted the brothers access to the wealth that might flow from this.
“I will promptly make the introductions,” I said with a smile. “Do not fret, my dear Shaya. Once you meet him, you will thank me. When it comes to matching soulmates, I’m never wrong.”
“We’ll find out soon enough,” she replied politely, although with a sliver of hope.
“We will look into this Straef and his innovative venture as well,” Taylor interjected. “If this information is accurate, then maybe we should revisit potential collaborations.”
“Maybe,” Kateros replied politely.
But I already knew that once he got the confirmation that all my statements were true, Kateros would no longer want anything to do with Taylor. You didn’t do business with people like him unless you were desperate.
This moment marked a radical shift in my understanding of my role and the impact I could have.
Granted, such beneficial matches would likely be few and far between.
But every single one would be a massive victory.
And if only for the pride and joy emanating from my mate right this instant, it would all be worthwhile.