Brunhild glared at her counterpart, nearly choking on her words. "Please don't make it sound as if we're the masterminds behind everything."
"But given the current situation, this is the best way to end things. We join forces and set the universe in order. The Empire and the Alliance work together and continue leading the universe forward." Yami stared intently at the Dragon King on the screen. "Don't deny it. You know this is the best outcome."
Brunhild ignored the question. A hint of eager, almost ferocious anticipation showed on her face. "And what's the worst outcome?"
On the other side of the screen, Yami took another small sip of tea before setting down her cup. She tapped the tabletop lightly with a fingertip. "Bryn, deep down, we're death merchants too. Our fortunes were built on blood and fire. We're not afraid of death."
The Rainbow Rose Princess still looked as though she considered it a point of pride rather than shame, but her meaning was perfectly clear.
Bankers might lose themselves in the dazzling figures on their financial statements, lacking the courage to plunge into blood and fire themselves. Fortunately, the Alliance wasn't run by bankers.
Or rather, whenever bankers tried to take charge, some inexplicable force always seemed to jolt them back to their senses.
Brunhild tilted her head slightly and studied the other woman. "In a way, the Terrans have kept us occupied, but that's also given you a chance to put your domestic policies in order?"
Yami Berenkester replied calmly, "I can't deny it. Even now, the Empire remains a military power to be reckoned with. We had to make some preparations if we wanted you to cool your heads."
"With colossi and titans?"
She looked at her old friend with complete candor. "The history of