The Queen of Scrolls never admits defeat

[Tracy: Ariana, it's because of you that I prioritized the Elves. To be honest, the Dragons have also shown great interest, and we're currently in contact with them. Exchanging a permanent invitation for a spot seems fair to me. After all, joining this program guarantees at least the relief benefits of one world and a stable share of the profits, which is far more valuable than a permanent friend invitation.]

Ariana's reply was much faster this time.

[Ariana: Tracy, my old friend, you're testing my resolve... The Dragon Clan's world invitation token production efficiency isn't much higher than ours. And as far as I know, they've sent far more outstanding juniors to the Thran world over the years than we have. They're probably even more strapped for cash in terms of invitation tokens to trade than we are. We can't produce them, and they certainly can't!]

Seeing this, Moran knew the time was right. She said to Tracy, "Senior, tell her that if a permanent invitation is really difficult, then, to show our sincerity and to strengthen the friendship between our two races, let's compromise. If they are willing to buy two spots at once, we can offer a discount, allowing them to exchange one spot for a limited-time Friend Invitation valid for 450 years, and the remaining spot must be a permanent Friend Invitation! If that doesn't work, the spot will either be reserved for the Dragon Race or for other races that can afford the vacation."

Tracy sent the message in her own voice.

[Ariana: Alright, for the sake of our long-standing friendship, and for this crucial collaboration! The Elves agree to exchange one permanent invitation to the Thran world, and the longest-lasting limited-time invitation we currently possess, for three participation slots.]

There were some minor conflicts between the ancestors of the elves and the dragons, but in any case, the elves would have to exchange more than the dragons.

“Moran, this should be the highest price Ariana can offer.” Tracy’s tone was tinged with emotion. “The higher the level of the world, the lower the efficiency of its invitation tokens in producing permanent friend invitations, and the longer the cycle. After the Elven civil war ended, many newborns with superior bloodlines were born. Ariana probably doesn’t have many more friend invitations to trade.”

"No rush!" Moran shook her head, her eyes calm. "Agreeing too quickly will make her doubt whether my price was too high, which could easily cause complications. Ask her again how long those two limited-time friend invitations are valid for."

Tracy asked as instructed.

[Ariana: One is valid for 450 years, and the other for 350 years. These are the two with the longest validity periods among the limited-time invitations kept in the clan!]

The message arrived with a hint of barely perceptible urgency.

"Can we agree now?" Tracy asked Moran. In her opinion, this condition had exceeded their expectations.

“Wait a little longer, senior,” Moran said. “Please tell her that you need to discuss it with the other witches before making a final decision. After all, trading three spots for only one permanent friend invitation is somewhat different from our initial expectations.”

And, just to casually mention, Anita is about to embark on a journey to Dragon Island to visit Ms. Meredith.

Tracy instantly understood Moran's intention.

This is not only applying final pressure, but also cleverly setting up a competitive environment so that the elves will be more determined to keep their current offer in order to ensure their own advantage, and may even squeeze out a little more sincerity at the last moment.

Following Moran's instructions, Tracy replied to Ariana in a tactful but clear manner.

This time, it took several minutes for Ariana to reply.

[Ariana: We're willing to trade two permanent Best Friend invitations and one limited-time Best Friend invitation with 350 years remaining for three participation slots! The condition is that the contract is signed immediately!]

The prospect of acquiring three coveted spots at once, allowing the Elven race's high-level combat power to leap forward in the future—especially with benefits surpassing those of the Dragon race—was enough to tempt her to use her precious reserves of permanent invitations. The witches watching were surprised by this unexpected turn of events, their eyes filled with reverence as they looked at Moran.

"Will they agree this time?" Anita asked curiously. "Or should we wait and see if the dragons can offer a higher price?"

Moran shook his head: "Agree! Queen Ariana also possesses the wonderful qualities of elves, so she shouldn't lie. The dragons probably can't afford a higher price, and besides, the dragons aren't as united as the elves, so they might not be able to reach an agreement."

"I'm going to the Elf Forest!"

Tracy was quickly teleported away.

Anita tugged at Moran's sleeve: "Moran, please teach me how to negotiate the price with Meredith after I've finished fighting her and told her about the deal."

Her tone was a little troubled, "I'm good at fighting, but I can negotiate prices... What if I get tricked by that guy? She's lived longer than me, she's more cunning than me, and she's an absolute miser. She only ever scours the dragon's nest for treasures and never takes anything out!"

"Now that we have the invitation from our close friends in the Elven race, we're not in a rush with the Dragon race anymore, and our strategy needs to change."

We have complete control over this transaction.

Just tell her then that there are two more spots available, and she can just exchange them for a permanent best friend invitation.

If they don't agree, just say you won't trade. You can mention how decisive the elves are in their trades, and that it's not a big deal to leave a few slots untraded.

These two spots should be exchanged for at least one permanent Best Friend Invitation and one limited-time Best Friend Invitation with a validity period of over 400 years. Otherwise, I'd rather not exchange them at all than let my elven allies feel that the trade wasn't worthwhile.

Moran patiently taught her what to do.

It wasn't until just before dawn that Tracy returned, covered in the chilly morning dew, and solemnly handed Moran three contracts for conquering the Celestial Realm and three invitations to befriend the world of Seran.

Anita had been waiting impatiently, and as soon as she saw Tracy return, she jumped up excitedly:

"Great! I'm going to Dragon Island right now to catch up with that guy Meredith!"

She brandished the powerful-looking firework wand, her eyes gleaming with eager anticipation.
"Let's try to fire a shot before she fully realizes what's happening as a unique greeting gift!"

"After the fight, we'll negotiate the deal with Meredith, and I guarantee we'll do it exactly as you said, Moran!" (End of Chapter)