As Aditya entered the tent, the Portuguese envoy, Diego, followed shortly after. After exchanging casual greetings and the usual pleasantries, Aditya wasted no time in addressing the pressing matter.

  "Senhor, I'm curious about our first shipment. We've already paid half the amount, but there's been no sign of it yet," Aditya stated in measured tone.

  Diego felt a pang of panic. He hadn't expected Aditya to immediately raise the issue of the deyed shipment, especially given their strategic deys to gain leverage. Seeing the gravity of the situation now, especially after witnessing the formidable weapons like the Pinaka and rocket artillery, Diego knew he was at a disadvantage in the negotiation.

  "I apologize, your highness," Diego replied, wiping his brow nervously. "The shipment is en route, deyed due to terrain challenges. It should reach the capital within the next 10 days."

  Aditya nodded thoughtfully. "That's understandable. Since it's already dispatched, can you tell me what we should expect in the first consignment?" he inquired.

  Diego's pride swelled as he responded confidently, "Fear not, your highness. This time, we're sending all 3000 matchlocks along with hundred 12-pound cannons in the first consignment."

  Aditya's concern was evident. "The consignment is already te, and that's all?" he questioned.

  Diego was caught off guard by Aditya's reaction. He hadn't anticipated this level of dissatisfaction, considering they had been honest with the shipment. Since manufacturing and transporting still take considerable time, they had expedited shipping by using old weapons from their own arsenal, even though with slightly scaled-down advancements. Despite all their efforts, he found Aditya's response somewhat ungrateful.

  Attempting to salvage the situation, Diego maintained his composure. "Your highness, if I may remind you, the port is quite distant, and the preparation and shipping of these items take time. I assure you..."

  Aditya cut him off with a wave of his hand. "Then how do you pn to manage the delivery of the subsequent consignments?" he pressed in firm tone.

  Diego reassured him, "Do not worry, your highness. The rest of the arms will be delivered in the following consignments within the next two months. However, the reconstruction of Chittagong port is progressing slowly. Once completed, our two galleons, four carracks, and ten caravels will dock, equipped with a total of forty 24-pound and hundred 18-pound pre-loaded cannons as per our agreement."

  Aditya pondered this for a moment before speaking again. "What's causing the dey in the port reconstruction?" he queried with evident curiosity.

  Diego sighed with grave expression. "Last time we departed, there were reports of bandits sabotaging the port construction. They even kidnapped some of our men, and their whereabouts remain unknown. However, local authorities are cooperating, and I believe we'll resolve this with time. By seven to eight months, the dock should be ready for these ships and by two years your port should be fully ready."

  Aditya mulled over this information before continuing, "If that's the case, I assume the training for recruits in shipbuilding hasn't begun yet?"

  Diego felt embarrassed; he had come to negotiate arms deals, yet now he found himself having to answer for matters beyond his control. Sensing his predicament, Aditya decided to shift the conversation. "Well, I'll leave those matters to your capable officials. Regarding our deal, tell me, Senhor, what would you like to buy?"

  Diego breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the change in topic."We are interested in the Pinaka," he stated confidently.

  Aditya looked amused. "Just one item? How many units are you looking to procure?"

  Diego responded promptly, "Initially, we would like to order 200 of them. We are also interested in acquiring rocket artillery, with assurances of confidentiality and double payment?"

  Aditya chuckled softly, acknowledging Diego's direct approach. "two hundred of Pinaka is indeed possible. However, our terms are consistent for everyone without exceptions. We can supply only 200 Pinakas at ter date, and full payment must be settled in advance."

  Diego smiled with optimism. "That's unfortunate. Since half of the payment from our previous deal remains outstanding, could we allocate some of it towards purchasing the Pinakas?"

  Aditya's chuckle turned into a wide smile. "Certainly, we can accommodate that request. Would you prefer the delivery after we receive our full consignment?"

  Diego's expression faltered slightly, understanding the implications of deyed payment.

  Sensing his concern, Aditya quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, Senhor. We value our strategic partnership. If cash flow is an issue, you can pay half now to order half, but the payment must be made in advance. I have people to pay under my service."

  Diego cursed Aditya internally, frustrated by his unwillingness to give any advantage in the deal. Still, he tried to bargain, asking for a sample, which Aditya pinly denied, stating it was only for non-siege weapons and not for service-required siege weapons.

  Reluctantly, Diego maintained his facade, and the two discussed the terms of delivery, crew, and maintenance. Aditya also added that he would visit Bengal in the next three months with the first consignment to see the progress for himself, draining the color from Diego's face, but he agreed with little choice.

  Seeing the deal contracted, Diego decided to take a chance. "Your Highness, if you wouldn't mind, may I ask you something?"

  Aditya nodded, curious. "Go ahead, Senhor."

  Diego hesitated before asking, "I've been quite intrigued by your innovations, particurly the ntern shield and the formations that bear a striking resembnce to practices prevalent in our nds. Are you in contact with other European powers? I must express my concern regarding mutual trust."

  Amused by Diego's interest, Aditya decided to entertain him. "In our nds, there is a proverb: 'Do not count the seeds when there are apples to chew.' If there were any issues with trust, we wouldn't be discussing trade."

  Sensing Diego's still-foul mood, Aditya continued, "Senhor, I have great respect for you and your contributions to reinforcing the fort. Just as it wouldn't make sense for me to ask for your cannon technology, do you think it would be fair for me to reveal my sources of innovation?"

  Realization dawned on Diego that he had overstepped. He apologized, bowing his head slightly as per the local norms. "I apologize, Your Highness. I spoke out of turn."

  Aditya smiled warmly. "No harm done, Senhor. Our partnership is built on mutual respect and benefit."

  With that, Diego departed, receiving a 10 percent discount on his next order, leaving Aditya satisfied with the outcome of their negotiation.

  After that everything else went smoothly for Aditya. Almost everyone showed keen interest in all weapons, regardless of whether they were members of the empire or not. Many tried to coax him with double or triple payments, bribes of granting nds, or even offering daughters for marriage to gain favor in deals, but Aditya remained strict to terms.

  However, there was one exception. Aditya provided Pratap with his weapons at a promised discount of 50 percent due to his war contributions. He even exempted him from any fees for crossbow bolts to maintain their friendship.

  In return, Pratap pced a substantial order, and Aditya's sales with him crossed over more than 10,000 crossbows, 5,000 ntern shields, and 500 Pinakas to be delivered in parts within six to eight months. Pratap also promised to persuade his father to grant nd for Hindshakti company for mercenary's military branch.

  Notably, Aditya also received a request from Bundelkhand to merge with the empire as Uma Devi proposed. She sought Aditya's help to secure the throne, given that only within the empire could a ruler be female and maintain their legacy rights. Eagerly agreeing, Aditya made a significant deal of 10,000 crossbows to strengthen her influence in her kingdom and promised intelligence and mercenary support if needed.

  Tejpal Singh of Amber then requested the purchase of 50 rocket artillery, 200 Pinakas, 5,000 crossbows, and 1,000 ntern shields. However, Aditya could only promise less than half due to ck of avaibility and assured the rest would be sent within a month. He also promised immediate mercenary support once the exhibition was over.

  Following that, the kingdoms of Punjab, Rewari, Gwalior, and Malwa made simir deals, ordering between 3,000 to 5,000 crossbows, 1,000 to 2,000 shields, 20 to 50 rockets, and 100 to 200 Pinakas according to their budgets, with consignments to be delivered in parts at ter dates. Bengal refrained from ordering any items, citing the need for permission from former queen Sayantika Sen despite showing interest.

  Among non-member kingdoms, the Gajapati Kingdom showed interest in 2,000 ntern shields and 5,000 crossbows to be delivered within four to five months, skeptical about crew maintenance of siege units. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Garwhal ordered a minimal 1,000 crossbows, 200 shields, and 10 Pinakas. They even demanded samples of crossbows and shields, which Aditya had to agree to as per the stated terms.

  The most exhausting negotiation came from the Ahmednagar Sultanate, more concerned about Aditya's arrival and their war preparation against the Dutch than ordering weapons. Aditya had to promise to send his officials to their sultanate within a month and to visit himself within four to five months.

  Only after this assurance did their envoy, Aziz Rehman, order 10,000 crossbows and 300 Pinakas, promising the first hand delivery. He also sought permission to stay in the capital as an extra ambassador of the Ahmednagar Sultanate, with further interest in purchasing more weapons, to which Aditya readily agreed.

  With all these deals settled, only the Vijayanagar representative was left. As Aditya waited for her arrival, exhaustion took its toll, and he fell asleep with his head resting on his crossed arms. He was jolted awake by a familiar touch, feeling a gentle hand on his shoulder.