"The best part?" Rui's tone was excited. "The Hlakaschken Trade Empire is one of the most secure neutral powerhouses in the world. It has forged treaties with virtually every single pureblood civilization in the world that guarantee independence. Including…"
He directed a knowing look at her.
"The Evolutionary Army and the Imperial Tekvorian Federation. It is said that even the giants don't attack the Hlakaschken Trade Empire."
Her eyes widened. "How did they possibly manage to get these bloodthirsty civilizations to broker peace with them?!"
"It's because no civilization is absolutely independent and self-sufficient," Rui replied knowingly. "Not even the Evolutionary Army. Armies have needs. They need energy, they need infrastructure, they need resources, and supplies of goods and services that they possess no skill to make. It doesn't matter how powerful they are as long as they have needs that they themselves cannot fulfill."
