Bronya: I'll Do Even Better!
Cocolia gazed at the Lin Hai, her eyes calm yet carrying a hint of relief.
"Whatever your final verdict on my wrongdoing, I am willing to accept it."
Lin Hai did not directly respond to the handling method, but instead steered the conversation in a more profound direction:
"I'd much rather you cooperate—for the sake of Belobog's future—than be punished."
These words touched Cocolia's deepest emotions.
Her lifelong obsession was with this snow-covered land.
Cocolia's voice trembled slightly:
"Thank you for everything you've done for Belobog... you did it even better than me."
"I need you back in the governance," Lin Hai said, looking her straight in the eye. "Use your experience and influence."
"How can I participate?" Cocolia's eyes lit up again.
"To promote genuine integration between the Upper District and Underworld."
Bronya pressed further, "How exactly will this fusion be achieved?"
"Relocation," Lin Hai said succinctly. "Relocate residents from the Underworld out of the underground, while guiding residents from the Upper District to newly built mixed communities. Only by breaking down physical barriers and allowing people to live under the same sky can we truly integrate."
These words made the two intelligent women instantly understand.
A look of understanding flashed in Bronya's eyes, Cocolia nodded thoughtfully.
Cocolia said, "The isolation of the residential area is indeed the biggest obstacle. So, how do I need to cooperate?"
"You'll lead the migration," Lin Hai smiled. "As the former Supreme Guardian, your example speaks louder than a thousand words."
"I'm fine with it," Cocolia without hesitation. "I'll be the first to move into the new area."
Lin Hai nodded in satisfaction. "That's the key. As long as you take the lead, those who try to oppose change in the name of tradition will lose their foothold."
Bronya listened to the conversation, and a feeling of admiration for Lin Hai welled up within her.
He avoided the lengthy and ineffective process of cultural integration, opting instead for the most direct approach.
To allow people from different social classes to live on the same land.
We share the same river, and we'll weather this storm together.
This pragmatic and efficient strategy is indeed the wisest choice.
"Cocolia," Lin Hai said solemnly at the end, "There will be a formal Judgment process later, but most importantly, you must fully support this relocation plan in front of the entire public."
"I definitely will."
At this moment, in this basement, the three people who will decide the future of Belobog have reached a consensus that will completely change the city.
Inside the central council chamber of Kliperburg, the crackling of charcoal in the fireplace illuminated the somber faces on either side of the long table.
Lin Hai sat in the main seat.
On the left are senior generals of the Silvermane Guards and representatives of the hereditary nobles from the Upper District.
On the right are the core members of the Underworld Wildfire Organization.
This meeting brought together the true power core of Belobog.
Lin Hai's upcoming plan will inevitably change the future of this city.
Lin Hai stood up and walked to the wooden frame behind him.
He stretched out his hand and unfolded a hand-drawn relocation plan.
"Thank you all for coming. The Stellaron crisis has been resolved. Next, we will face the task of planning the future of this city..."
"Many have suggested repairing and consolidating the original city-state, but my suggestion is to undertake a complete relocation..."
This statement immediately piqued everyone's curiosity.
What is complete migration?
Where did they migrate to?
Who participated?
Who won't participate?
Bronya and Seele already knew about Lin Hai's plan, so they remained very calm.
They were well aware that this matter would inevitably encounter resistance.
Lin Hai faced the crowd and continued:
"Residents of both the upper Underworld will be relocated to the newly planned city in the south."
He pointed to the newly marked settlements on the map.
The area is adjacent to a geothermal resource zone, and once the permafrost thaws, the soil becomes fertile, making it ideal for crop growth.
A suppressed commotion suddenly arose in the Upper District noble quarters.
An elderly Earl with white hair couldn't help but slam his fist on the table and stand up:
"Our ancestral home, Kliperburg, is impregnable. Now that the ice and snow are melting and the environment is improving, why should we abandon our century-old heritage?"
Another noblewoman wearing the Family crest chimed in:
"The Underworld may need to be relocated, but the Upper District possess a well-developed defense system and cultural heritage; relocating them would be tantamount to destroying our own Great Wall!"
"That's right, why move? There are already good things readily available, why start from scratch? It's not wise at all!"
In contrast, the representatives from the Underworld had hope shining in their eyes.
Oleg of the Wildfire Organization whispered to his companion:
"The new city's development plan is a huge benefit for us. Living underground is never as good as living in the sunlight."
Natasha said, "The Underworld are very supportive of this plan, and the entire relocation process shouldn't encounter any resistance."
Oleg chimed in, "We have no objection! We fully support Mr. Lin Hai's plan!"
Lin Hai's gaze swept across the entire room, already anticipating the disagreement.
"If we only relocate the Underworld," he emphasized, "We will build two isolated islands: one for the Upper Districts that retain their old privileges, and another for the new city that carries the hopes of the lower districts. Physical separation will only exacerbate the rift."
History has shown that divided cities eventually evolve into opposing camps.
Lin Hai lived in an era that witnessed similar events.
Even people who are not distinguished by ethnicity can diverge in later development simply because of the different ethnicities noted on their names.
If geographical separation occurs, the division will intensify further, and may even lead to confrontation and conflict!
Only by putting everyone on the same starting line and sharing the same infrastructure and governance rules can the century-old divide between the upper and lower classes in the Belobog be fundamentally resolved.
Bronya added, "Current exploration data is supported by the Herta, and the new city's location has a natural geothermal barrier, which will facilitate future development."
Are Remembrance and tradition completely worthless?
The representative of the cultural family waved his arms excitedly.
"Our ancestors built this fortress with their blood, and now we want to abandon it!"
Another person sharply questioned, "Relocation is extremely costly. How can we ensure fair resource allocation? Who can prevent the new town from becoming another Underworld?"
Just as the meeting reached a stalemate, the side door quietly opened.
Cocolia entered the venue in a plain-colored long dress, and the entire room fell silent instantly.
Although this former Supreme Guardian lost his authority due to the Stellaron Incident, his influence still remains.
"I support the relocation plan." Her voice was clear and calm. "In the past, my insistence on Preservation the old Order almost led to Belobog's utter ruin."
"True Preservation is not about clinging to ruins, but about having the courage to embrace new life." Cocolia looked directly at the noble seating area. "Why are you all so trapped by your obsessions?"
Bronya then announced a crucial decision, "Those who voluntarily relocate will have priority access to housing, jobs, and educational opportunities for their children in the new town; those who choose to stay will no longer receive infrastructure maintenance or supplies."
She paused deliberately, allowing the weight of her words to settle. "Resources will be focused on the future, not the past."
Lin Hai remained silent, but everyone understood.
Bronya's declaration is an extension of his will.
The nobles realized that this was an either-or choice.
Either integrate into the new Order or be abandoned by the times.
Representatives from the Underworld saw unprecedented opportunities in this game.
Migration is not merely a change of geographical location, but a reshaping of social structures.
The meeting ended amidst undercurrents of tension.
As the crowd dispersed, Lin Hai stood alone by the window. In the distance, the wind and snow gradually subsided, and a ray of dawn pierced through the clouds.
Bronya and Seele stood beside him.
Lin Hai turned around; the main hall was already quiet.
He hugged Bronya tightly and said with a smile, "You did a fantastic job today."
"It's getting dark, wait... I'll perform even better later."
"Hmm? In which aspect did you perform better?"
Bronya boldly met Lin Hai's gaze, "In that area! In the area where you want to enjoy yourself!"