In the Office

"Is this your first time visiting the Supreme Guardian's office in Qlipoth Fort, sir?"

Bronya glanced at Jing Yan's expression and smiled.

"Indeed," Jing Yan admitted.

"To be honest, it's a little different from what I imagined."

Jing Yan gestured to the side.

After entering and following the dark green carpet for about ten meters, the space opened up. This was because the areas extending out on either side were actually lined with towering, enormous bookshelves.

Someone passing by casually might well overlook them. But there were also several desks on either side, piled high with white documents stacked taller than a person, around which several clerks were gathered, discussing their work. In addition, Pela, who had followed Bronya and Jing Yan into the Supreme Guardian's office, was standing silently by the wall, lost in thought. All of this drew the eye and made it clear that the chocolate-brown, walnut-like structures were not merely wall pillars or trim, but bookshelves.

"To be honest, it's still a little different from what I imagined," Jing Yan said with a shrug.

"Heh!" Bronya responded with an elegant smile. There was a hint of calmness in it, along with what seemed like a touch of helplessness.

It was as though she were saying that even if Belobog had entered a new era in the eyes of others, those of them in power still had countless matters to deal with, and life wasn't as comfortable as people imagined.

"Don't worry," Jing Yan said quietly.

"I have no intention of competing with you for leadership, Miss Bronya."

"I understand," Bronya replied at once.

"You mentioned faith earlier."

"There's a difference between faith and governance."

"Yes." Jing Yan agreed.

"What I meant was, what do you think about this matter, sir?"

Jing Yan's words made her pause in surprise.

"I don't oppose it," Bronya replied quickly.

"Of course, it depends on what practical effects the faith you mentioned would have. As long as it doesn't interfere with the people's normal work and daily lives, I have no objection."

"Mm." Jing Yan nodded.

Bronya's response was very smooth. As Supreme Guardian, she had been raised and trained by Cocolia from a young age. Jing Yan knew that even if Cocolia hadn't died and the Stellaron crisis hadn't erupted, Bronya might still not have become Supreme Guardian in the end. The Stellaron's method of control was to choose an obedient, easily brainwashed "traitor" who would cooperate and serve as its tool. Bronya might not have been a suitable candidate. But...

As it happened, by a twist of fate, Cocolia had died, and Bronya had succeeded her. Now she could put the political skills she had once learned to use.

After experiencing it, he had only one thought:

I don't believe you.

In his eyes, the way Belobog's current leader, Bronya, spoke had, in a sense, stopped reflecting her sincere feelings—especially when the topic was Belobog.

If they discussed something smaller, steering clear of this topic, she might answer sincerely. But when it came to political issues, Bronya seemed more like a politician. Her words weren't necessarily something he could take at face value.

She wasn't quite like Cocolia, who could welcome "visitors from beyond the stars" like March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle one moment, then decide to declare them foreign invaders and have them arrested after consulting with the Stellaron the next. Bronya wouldn't go that far, especially now that the Stellaron was no longer manipulating her. But her judgment was being swayed by something else: "interests."

"Bronya, you didn't sound sincere just now. You seem to be on your guard around me," Jing Yan said with a smile.

Before Bronya could admit it, he continued, "You don't have to rush to acknowledge anything. I won't think less of our friendship because of it. But I can discuss this with you from another angle."

"What is Belobog facing right now?"

"A huge upheaval, isn't it?"

"The contact between the Upper District and the Underworld has been a tremendous shock to the people, because the living conditions in the two districts are vastly different. Their price levels are, too."

"Mm." Bronya didn't deny it. Instead, she looked up at Jing Yan with some puzzlement, wondering if he had any useful insight to offer.

"That's true, Mr. Jing Yan. But as Supreme Guardian, I still have to give the people hope. The burden on my shoulders is naturally heavy. Fortunately, I have many people helping me handle these matters and think of better solutions, as well as a way forward for Belobog."

Bronya spread her arms and gestured ahead.

Following her gesture, he saw the staff working around the small mountain of white documents.

"Good," Jing Yan said with a nod.

"You seem confident and full of drive as Supreme Guardian. That's very good. I didn't come here to reminisce, or to use our past friendship to make you compromise, sacrifice some of your interests, or issue policies that are inappropriate or likely to attract criticism."

Bronya was taken aback by Jing Yan's words.

She hadn't expected him to say that. His understanding of the situation surprised her once again.

"Where did you learn such political skills, sir? Were there similar teachers or courses in the Underworld?" Bronya asked in surprise.

Jing Yan smiled without answering.

He hadn't learned it from anywhere in particular. It was just that, as someone who had crossed over from another world, he had experienced and seen more, so he might understand things a little more clearly than most.

"Perhaps I was born with it. Anyway, Supreme Guardian Bronya, you don't need to worry. I won't undermine your authority, because I'll be leaving this planet soon."

"What I've offered is just advice."

"As for revitalizing this planet's economy and finding a better way to develop it, I'd say the answer is to connect with the interstellar community."

"The historical archives of Belobog should mention the 'Corporation'—that is, the Interastral Peace Corporation."

"The device we used to control the Stellaron was provided by the Interastral Peace Corporation."

"The gap between the Upper District and the Underworld can't be resolved in a short time. But when it comes to wealth, obtaining it from outside is far more reasonable than redistributing what's already in people's hands. What do you think?"

"Even though I know some people in the Upper District possess enormous fortunes."

Bronya was taken aback.

She mulled over Jing Yan's words.