Chapter 218: Future Markets 『 Part Nine 』
「 "Himeko-jie! It's actually Himeko-jie! It… it is the real you, right? Not a holographic projection or anything else…" Upon seeing Himeko, March 7th was overjoyed and immediately leaned in close.
Himeko smiled faintly. "Haha, rest assured, Little March— Real as they come."
After meeting with Bronya, Himeko truthfully disclosed the real purpose of her visit—she intended to reveal the full picture to Bronya, allowing her to make a more informed decision.
"I happen to know a friend who understands Topaz's background. Indeed, due to the fate of her own homeworld, in her eyes, being acquired by the Corporation is likely the only way to ensure the survival of Belobog's civilization."
"However, there is one thing she intentionally left out: not every world that accepted the Corporation's conditions was saved."
"You mean…"
"Rebuilding a planetary ecosystem… a project of such magnitude inevitably carries risks." Himeko paused, then continued, "I obtained some data from my friend. The number of planets that truly found new life under the Corporation's technology accounts for only 63% of the total projects."
"Of course, this is an average statistic. For the projects Topaz personally handles, the overall success rate is upwards of eighty percent. Her professional capability is undoubtedly in the top tier." 」
「 .....」
〜KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World〜
"Fraud! This is absolute fraud!"
Aqua slammed her hands on the table and stood up, her aqua-blue eyes burning with raging fury.
"That woman named Topaz actually dared to use such despicable methods to deceive Bronya! How is this any different from those cultists who trick people into buying fake holy water?!"
Kazuma rubbed his ears, which were ringing from Aqua's outburst, and curled his lip.
"Oi, oi, can you keep your voice down? The whole tavern is looking at us."
He looked at Bronya's shocked expression on the holographic screen and scratched his head.
"To be honest, for such a massive engineering project, I think a success rate of 60 to 80 percent isn't bad. If Topaz told me the terraforming was 100% successful, I'd actually think there was something fishy going on."
"Kazuma! Why are you siding with the bad woman?"
Aqua leaned into Kazuma's face, crossing her arms in a big 'X' over her chest.
"You're going to get scammed by a bad woman if you go on like this!"
"You're the one who's way easier to scam, you useless goddess!"
Kazuma retorted grumpily.
"But if the reconstruction success rate isn't 100%, but rather eighty percent, then there is certainly an element of gambling involved."
Yunyun looked at Bronya with a face full of worry.
"To bet the future of all citizens on a result with an eighty percent win rate… I'm afraid… It's not worth it."
At this moment, Yunyun, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up again.
"Moreover, I believe Topaz concealed another point… and that is the standard for 'successful reconstruction.' To what extent must Jarilo-VI be rebuilt to be considered a 'successful transformation' in the Corporation's mouth?"
"Does it mean simply stopping the ravages of the blizzard, or restoring it to the scenery of a millennium ago? Or perhaps… helping Belobog become a fully competitive interstellar civilization, bringing prosperity to everyone in both the Overworld and the Underworld?"
"If the standard for success is merely improving the planet's environment, then I think Bronya needs to consider this even more carefully."
—
「 "These numbers, these [probabilities], are what I wanted to convey. I believe that only by making all information open and transparent can it be considered fair to you."
After imparting all the information she wished to convey, the final choice remained in Bronya's hands.
"I see… Thank you, Ms. Himeko. Your information has allowed me to see the essence of this matter." Bronya looked down at the contract sent by Topaz. "No matter how beautiful the other party's promises are, this paper contract represents a gamble. As a leader, I absolutely cannot sign a deed of sale on behalf of all the citizens just because I trust in luck."
Bronya looked up and surveyed her surroundings, meeting the determined gazes of the Architects and ministers, both young and old. She finally confirmed the answer in her heart.
Himeko dropped the act as well, nodding at her. "Since you have made up your mind, I will no longer feign neutrality. I believe your choice is the correct one, Bronya."
With her thoughts settled, Bronya intended to spend some time mobilizing all the residents of the city before meeting Topaz once more.
Before that, she hoped the members of the Astral Express crew could help locate her and stop the Corporation's personnel from continuing to seize Belobog's assets.
Bronya looked sincerely at the members of the Express crew. On her face, weary for so long, a brilliant smile finally emerged. "Belobog will not sell its future. The only ones worth remembering forever are friends like you, who have repeatedly extended a helping hand in times of crisis."
Soon, Gepard sent a message to the group, indicating that Topaz possessed some technology to manipulate the automatons. Currently, she was with Svarog, and their approximate location was in Rivet Town. 」
「 .....」
〜Akame Ga Kill World〜
"Phew… It's a good thing Himeko arrived in time."
Seeing Bronya change her mind, Mine finally let out a long sigh of relief. Besides, with Himeko escorting them this time, the sense of security was maxed out.
"Although Himeko has stepped in, if Topaz is determined to complete this project, things will still be difficult to handle."
Najenda lit a cigarette, speaking with profound meaning.
"What the Astral Express is resisting is not just a single Topaz, but the entire commercial conglomerate standing behind her that spans the galaxy. The Express may be renowned across the stars, but making an enemy of the IPC is by no means a wise move."
"But the Xianzhou Luofu stands behind the Express, right? The Corporation should have some reservations, shouldn't they?"
Najenda spread her hands and slowly exhaled a puff of smoke.
"It's hard to say. Although the Express is on good terms with the Xianzhou Luofu, it doesn't mean the Luofu must intervene when Himeko and the others handle affairs on other planets; that wouldn't be appropriate."
"Furthermore, the Express is backed by the Luofu, not the entire Xianzhou Alliance. Even if the Xianzhou intended to back the Express… I'm afraid the Corporation wouldn't have too many concerns."
"…Eh? Wait! Is that what you guys were focusing on?"
Lubbock, standing to the side, suddenly reacted, casting a confused look at everyone.
"Oh? Then what is your focus?"
Najenda smiled.
"Gepard, of course! He took down that swarm of automatons with just a pair of fists! Does that even count as human?! If he were a Xianzhou native, I wouldn't be surprised at all, but the problem is, the humans of Belobog are pretty much the same as us, right?"
"Stop fooling around. He is a genuine Pathstrider of 『 Preservation 』."
Mine wore a mischievous expression.
"Who knows? Maybe if you start worshipping the Star God of 『 Preservation 』 today, one day you'll be able to step onto the Path of 『 Preservation 』 too? By then, no Imperial Arms user will be able to break your defense, and dealing with Esdeath won't be a problem either. How about it? Want to give it a try?"
—
( Translator-kun: hmm... I wonder who's that 'Friend' Himeko mentions...? )