"There's an old saying in the Xianzhou Alliance: 'Under a great reputation, there are no false scholars.' I believe in Miss Bronya's capabilities."
Jade shook her head. A sincere look flashed through her gray-blue eyes—it was clear that her words were not false but came from genuine emotion deep within her heart.
"Lady Jade, thank you for your praise, but I..."
Bronya opened her mouth, about to continue, but before she could speak, Lady Jade, seated on the other side of the negotiation table, suddenly waved her hand, interrupting her next words.
"Miss Bronya, you're a smart person. You should also understand that our time is very precious. Since that's the case, let's not beat around the bush anymore."
At this point, Jade paused, then looked toward Topaz seated beside her and gave a slight nod as a signal.
Seeing Jade's gaze fall on her, Topaz understood. With a wave of her jade-like hand, she summoned a semi-transparent electronic screen in front of herself.
Then, the girl's fingers quickly tapped on the panel a few times, and a document titled 'Interastral Peace Corporation Representatives Stationed on Jarilo-VI' appeared before Bronya.
"Political Officer Bronya, this is the information file regarding the Interastral Peace Corporation representatives. Regarding the issue you raised about 'the company's representatives infringing on Jarilo's sovereignty,' we have already verified it."
"Merino, Ezekiel, and the other company representatives did indeed abuse their company authority for personal gain during their assistance to Belobog, committing acts that harmed Jarilo's sovereignty."
Jade crossed her legs, resting her hands under her chin. Her gaze lightly swept over everyone present, then the woman smiled gently, a kind expression appearing on her face.
Jade's words reached Bronya's ears. Upon hearing them, the latter couldn't help but be slightly stunned.
If she remembered correctly, she hadn't yet handed over the collected evidence of their crimes to them. How had they already determined guilt—and even pronounced a final verdict—so quickly?
Looking at Bronya's somewhat puzzled expression, Jade smiled calmly and explained.
"Miss Bronya, as one of the true high-level executives of the Interastral Peace Corporation, we also have our own channels. For matters concerning Ezekiel and the others, a simple investigation is enough to know the truth."
As Jade's words fell, Topaz beside her also nodded and chimed in.
"Mm, that's indeed the case, Miss Bronya. As members of the 'Ten Stonehearts,' we have our own dedicated intelligence network. The reason we asked you to investigate the evidence was simply to show outsiders."
"After all, this intelligence network exclusive to us—though everyone tacitly understands it—cannot be used openly on the surface. So we needed at least a passable cover."
"I see..."
After hearing Topaz's explanation, our Miss Bronya suddenly understood. She had somewhat underestimated the company's capabilities. After all, no matter what, the Interastral Peace Corporation was one of the top forces in the galaxy—there was no reason they couldn't investigate their own employees causing trouble.
"I understand. But Lady Jade..."
Bronya hesitated, then continued, "I believe you've already received the news. Just yesterday, those representatives of your company unfortunately met their demise."
Upon hearing Bronya's words, there was no change in the expression on Jade's face—as if those people's lives and deaths held no significance to her whatsoever.
"I am naturally aware of this, Political Officer Bronya. Please rest assured—the company will not hold Belobog responsible for the company representatives dying at the hands of a Masked Fool."
"Every injustice has its perpetrator, every debt its debtor. Toward that Masked Fool named Sparkle, the company will absolutely not let her off!"
...…
Some time later, at the Political Officer's residence...
"The negotiations with the Interastral Peace Corporation went somewhat... overly smoothly..."
After seeing off Topaz and Jade, Bronya sat back down at the meeting table with Gepard, Seele, and the others to review the just-concluded negotiations with the Interastral Peace Corporation.
In the earlier discussion, the two company executives Topaz and Jade had seemed exceptionally easy to talk to. Not only did they refrain from pressuring Belobog over 'the company representatives perishing on Jarilo,' but they even promised to provide additional resources to Jarilo.
This was truly beyond everyone's expectations.
Before the negotiations began, Bronya had specifically gathered information from the Astral Express about 'Jade' and 'Topaz' to get a rough understanding of what status the so-called 'Ten Stonehearts' held within the Interastral Peace Corporation.
It was no exaggeration to say that any single one of the Ten possessed and could wield wealth and authority far beyond what a small planet like Jarilo could compare to.
Hearing Bronya's words, everyone present fell into a long silence. After quite a while, our little assistant Seele spoke up uncertainly.
"Could it be... that they're being so courteous to us because of the Astral Express?"
This was the most fitting reason Seele could think of at the moment. Hearing it, no one refuted her—because aside from this explanation, they couldn't come up with any other reason.
"Perhaps."
Bronya shook her head. She did not refute everyone's speculation.
In recent days, the Astral Express had risen rapidly in fame across the galaxy—especially after the incident on the Xianzhou, where it had become even more prominent. If it was for their sake, it didn't seem unreasonable for the company to make these concessions.
But...
Recalling her own mother—Lady Cocolia, who was currently in seclusion—Bronya suddenly had a thought flash through her mind.
Perhaps the other party was doing this for the sake of her mother as well?
...…
After leaving the Political Officer's residence, Topaz and Jade got back into the car. As the driver stepped on the accelerator, the luxury vehicle bearing the Interastral Peace Corporation's emblem slowly started and headed toward the company's embassy.
"Little Topaz, if you have any questions, just ask. It looks like you're a bit puzzled."
Jade looked at Topaz seated beside her. Seeing the girl frowning slightly as if confused, our Lady Jade spoke up timely.
"Mm... Jade-jie, I don't quite understand. From the situation just now, it's an undeniable fact that the Interastral Peace Corporation's representatives died on Jarilo."
"Even if we're not pursuing the matter in order to build good relations with them, there shouldn't be any need to promise additional resources, right? Although it's just a drop in the bucket for the company, still..."
At this point, Topaz tightened her arms. Numby, who was being held in the girl's embrace, suddenly felt a tremendous force, the entire 'pig' feeling somewhat suffocated.
"But by doing this, aren't we putting the company's posture a bit too low?"