Meanwhile, Topaz boarded a luxury airship Penacony, awaiting the start of an important meeting.
On the airship [ The Radiant Feldspar ], Emerald, a senior executive of the " Strategic Investment Department " of the Interastral Peace Corporation and one of Jade " Ten Stonehearts ", also arrived.
She looked at Topaz behind her, her voice carrying a hint of approval.
"In my opinion, you handled that project quite well."
"A small ice hockey puck in exchange for a favor from the Astral Express, and the conflict with the [ Church of Eternity ] has also been resolved—for the department, it's a win-win situation."
"It's been a long time, Little Elena."
Jade approached, her fingertips gently brushing against Topaz's cheek, her tone soft, revealing an undisguised joy on Toppa's face.
"I've been looking forward to working with you, I didn't expect this day to come so soon," Jade said softly, handing over Jade [ Cornerstone ], a symbol of her status.
"Are you having any trouble? You can tell me anything, just like before."
Topaz accepted the Cornerstone, his tone respectful. "Ms. Jade, it's been a long time. I'm very honored to have the opportunity to work with you."
Jade smiled slightly, "Still so reserved."
"Forget about hierarchical relationships; just treat me as your peer. You can omit unnecessary titles—like 'Madam' or 'you'."
Upon hearing this, Topaz quickly composed himself and corrected his wording. "I'm sorry, I'm still finding it difficult to adapt right away. After all, you... you're my senior."
"But now, we are all members of the [ Ten Stonehearts ]. Topaz, I just need you to be at your best, because the upcoming negotiations cannot afford to fail."
"With your keen insight, you must have already figured it out, right? The true purpose of this meeting."
"It must have been that Old Oti who acted on his own initiative, wanting to probe the situation before the company's formal meeting with Penacony."
Topaz quickly analyzed the current situation, Jade further guided the discussion, saying:
"Yes, but it's better this way. Do you know why?"
"If we can reach some kind of consensus with Old Oti beforehand and find out more about his background, future negotiations will go much more smoothly. That's the obvious aspect," Topaz explained.
"That's right, but the unspeakable layer is... through the actions of the Alfalfa family head, we can glean a signal: the Five Families may not be as united as the [ Charmony Ode ] suggests."
"As long as the influence of [ Harmony ] hasn't penetrated to the bone marrow, personal desires will always have a place. We're lucky; at least in Penacony, no big shot has reached a level where they've completely lost their personal desires."
"Just like the power struggles within a company, the so-called 'unity of purpose' among the Five Families... is now nothing but a slogan in the face of the Dream Master's loss of power."
A cold sneer appeared on Jade's lips as Topaz further analyzed:
"After the Oak Family fell, Old Oti's faction became the most powerful in Penacony. Even if we only consider the order of succession, he is the longest-serving and most senior of all the current family heads."
"Yes, so we must proceed with the upcoming talks according to the agreed-upon strategy," Jade emphasized. "Like playing a game of chess, every move requires careful consideration of the situation."
"Of course." Topaz nodded. "The three-step negotiation process: first listen; then probe; finally, reveal your strength—that's what you taught me."
"Very clear—but in the case of Jarilo, you seem to have reversed the order."
"Haha..." Topaz chuckled, a hint of helplessness in his voice, "I didn't expect the [ Church of Eternity ] to get involved; it was my mistake."
Jade's expression turned serious. "Since we've brought up the [ Church of Eternity ], remember: do not mention anything related to it in the upcoming negotiations."
"Using [ Eternity ] as a form of pressure is an extremely foolish act."
If the Church of Eternity is involved, the company's plan to reclaim Penacony will be shattered.
Having had contact with the Church of Eternity, Topaz knew all too well that she still didn't know how to turn the tables on them.
They're a faction that can definitely summon the Aeon. If they use that as a bargaining chip, what's the point of playing? We might as well just flip the table.
Topaz had a vague feeling that the Penacony [ the Dream Master ] was probably related to the [ Church of Eternity ]...
"It's time to get to work. Cheer up and go meet that high-ranking [supporting actor]."
"Remember our goal: to create opportunities for the company to enter Penacony. Aventurine has already made a cut, and you and I... must tear it open completely."
The middle cabin lounge is where Old Oti, the head of the Alfalfa family, has closed many deals. It's also one of the few spaces on this airship suitable for discussing serious matters.
Now, two special guests have arrived here.
"Hehehe! Welcome, ladies, aboard! It's my fault for not taking better care of you; I'm sorry to have kept you waiting outside."
Old Oti stroked his long, snow-white beard, sitting upright on a round sofa, his loud laughter barely concealing his shrewdness.
"Hehe~ Not at all, Mr. Oti." Jade gracefully crossed her legs, rested her hands on her knees, and displayed a perfectly professional smile.
"It's an honor to meet you. You may not know this, but 'The Biography of Oti Iverfa' is required reading for all employees in the Strategic Investment Department upon joining the company."
Topaz straightened his posture and echoed, "After all, in many people's eyes, you are a legendary figure who single-handedly supported the Penacony economic system."
"Hehehe! As expected of the ' Ten Stonehearts ' from the Strategic Investment Department, you two are indeed masters of conversation."
" Old Oti prefers chatting with intelligent people; it saves him from pretense and superficiality. Unlike the guy I was just talking to, who wouldn't even show his true self..."
He paused meaningfully, while Topaz and Jade maintained their polite smiles, awaiting what was to come.
"Haha~ Let's get straight to the point! Since we've invited company representatives aboard, you two probably already know what I want to discuss, right?"
"[The Future of Penacony ] -- If I'm not mistaken, this is what you want to talk about." Jade precisely hits the nail on the head.
"Hehehe, that's right, spot on! Just a few simple words, but the stakes involved are incredibly complex and intertwined!"
Old Oti's eyes gleamed. "Take that Aventurine duster who didn't come, for example. He spent so much time and almost lost his life. What was it all for?"
"In the end, isn't it all just to create an opportunity for the company, giving you a reason to take back the lucrative Asdana deal? Hehehe..."
Jade calmly replied, "The experience and wisdom accumulated over ten Amber Era in the business world truly live up to its reputation."
"Assuming your earlier guess is correct, Mr. Oti —how do you intend to respond to the company's move?"
"I admire your composure, Ms. Jade! You must have seen a lot of the world. But your understanding of Penacony is still insufficient... Hehehe... Faced with a greedy wolf with a mouthful of desire, I, Old Oti, have no intention of sitting idly by and waiting to be killed."
"Cough cough..."
A sudden, clear cough interrupted the conversation.
Topaz and Jade turned around at the sound and saw an Intellitron dressed in magnificent robes, with dignified bearing, bowing slightly, its voice deliberately kept steady:
On behalf of myself, I extend my Eternity respect and greetings to you all.