The greeting, like a pebble thrown into a still lake, created invisible ripples in the luxurious lounge.
Jade's professional smile remained unchanged, but a chilling glint flashed in her eyes in an instant, so fast it seemed like an illusion.
Topaz's fingers, resting on his knees, twitched almost imperceptibly, and his heart sank.
The term "Church of Eternity " struck like an invisible lightning bolt, shattering the newly established atmosphere of negotiations and precisely piercing the taboo that Jade had just solemnly warned against.
The key point is that she has never seen this ' Intellitron ' before, and it gives her a completely different feeling.
The Intellitron looked at Old Oti first, and at the same time, a rather thick book appeared in his hand—"The Biography of Oti Averfa".
He turned to the first page and read its contents aloud to the three people present:
"Every Dream Chaser has heard of Oti Iverfa. If Penacony is the Land of the Dreams in the world, then Oti Iverfa is the most diligent cultivator of this land."
He broke through the solid rock, sowed the seeds of wealth, and established a robust financial system that allowed goods and currency to circulate freely.
" Oti Iverfar's story has become a classic case study, included in every edition of the Academy of Wealth's textbooks."
"All students considered it an honor to dine with him, and the conversations during the meal would be recorded by a designated person and compiled into a ' Collected Conversations ' for external research."
"The world is never short of elites, nor is it short of geniuses with ingenious ideas. However, those who are not only outstanding business stars but also able to lead industry trends with their unique vision are few and far between. Oti Iverfar is one of the most outstanding among them."
The Intellitron closed the book and extended its hand to Old Oti:
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Oti. I am Lycurgus —an ordinary deacon loyal to [ Eternity ]."
' Lycurgus ' wore a standard benevolent smile, his gaze sweeping over the three people present before finally settling on Jade.
"Ms. Jade, Miss Topaz." His voice remained steady. "Having learned that the distinguished guests and Mr. Oti were having a friendly exchange in this middle cabin lounge, Chair Blake specially ordered me to come and listen in, in order to enhance understanding."
"To conspire together... the way of harmony." ' Lycurgus ' deliberately emphasized the word 'harmony'.
In Penacony, the word carries a strong imprint of " Harmony "... Now, uttered by the Church, which represents " Eternity," it is brimming with provocation and irony.
May the light of Eternity illuminate our path to consensus.
Old Oti stroked his beard, his cloudy old eyes sweeping meaningfully between the Intellitron who called himself " Lycurgus " and the two company representatives. His smile widened, tinged with amusement.
"Oh? An envoy from the Church of Eternity? This is truly... an honor! Your arrival is perfectly timed." He deliberately drew out his words, "It seems there are more friends concerned about Penacony's future than Old Oti anticipated."
Topaz felt a thin layer of sweat seep down her back. She forced herself to maintain a calm facade, but her mind was racing.
This ' Lycurgus ' is a Intellitron deacon sent by the [ Church of Eternity ]. What are they planning? To test us? To exert pressure?
Or... sabotage on the spot?
She subconsciously glanced at the Jade out of the corner of her eye, seeking a guiding signal.
Jade remained impeccably elegant, as if the appearance of ' Lycurgus ' was merely an insignificant interlude.
She didn't even respond to the Church's greetings immediately. Instead, she gently picked up the steaming bone china teacup that the waiter had just brought and took an elegant sip.
The clinking of cups and saucers produced a crisp, soft sound, which was particularly clear in the suddenly quiet space.
"Greetings from the Church of Eternity are always so... original." Jade put down her teacup, her gaze finally turning to ' Lycurgus '.
"Or should I address you... Screwllum?"
Topaz and Aventurine's lack of understanding of the Church of Eternity stemmed from their limited contact with " Eternity."
But Jade was different; she had once been in contact with a Church prayer pastor.
Taking advantage of the drunken ramblings, Jade easily extracted most of the information about the [ Church of Eternity ] from the other party.
Aside from priests and the Chair, the most important position among the clergy of the Church is that of [deacon].
And this butler's true identity is that of Intellitron from the Planet Screwllum, just like [ Genius Society ] #76 Screwllum.
' Lycurgus ' expression remained unchanged, his standardized smile still on his face. "Oh? It seems you've mistaken me for another member of the Church, but that's alright. After all... identity is merely a vehicle for communication, Lady Jade."
"What's important is that [the] Eternity concern for Penacony and even the future of the world is real and undeniable."
"We are happy to witness any beneficial dialogue and ensure that it... is heading in the right direction."
' Lycurgus ' stopped there, said no more, and stood between the three representatives of the Interastral Peace Corporation and the Family.
"Ah, please don't take my involvement to heart." ' Lycurgus ' bowed apologetically, then changed the subject:
"Otherwise... that [ Weaver of Eternity ] will be unhappy."
"Hehehehe... then I'll get straight to the point."
Old Oti paid no heed to ' Lycurgus's' words, stroked his beard, and went straight to the point:
"The reason for arranging this meeting with the two of you before the formal talks is to persuade the Strategic Investment Department to completely abandon its plans to Penacony."
"By backing down at this stage, you can exit more gracefully... and avoid losing face for the company at the negotiating table."
"A P45 Level executive was attacked and nearly killed in a dream; the company cannot afford to ignore this. Coupled with the riots during the Charmony Festival... Penacony's credibility in the public eye has plummeted to a new low."
"Even if your attitude is firm, the predicament still exists, doesn't it?"
No matter how much Old Oti tries to explain, the fact remains that Aventurine was 'murdered' in the dream, and it even involves two [ Emanator ]...
"Miss Topaz, you just used a phrase—'the predicament of reality.' But don't forget, this is the world of dreams! To succeed here, your ideas need to be big and ambitious!"
"Want to know how I'll handle the crisis? I might as well tell you: through my actions, Penacony will take a giant leap forward and achieve global [self-listing]!"
"... Self-service listing?" Topaz's gaze towards Old Oti changed slightly.
"From what you're saying... you want to bypass the company and directly launch a public offering to the entire universe?"
"Exactly! Rather than sit idly by and watch you devour Penacony step by step, I'd rather open the door to my dreams to the entire universe."