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===BREAK===
Penacony Grand Theater.
Septimus has already dissipated, and all living beings have awakened from their dreams.
It seems that all problems have been resolved, and it should be time for a joyful family reunion.
However, no one makes a move. Everyone remains in the grand theater, waiting for a certain moment.
"What's going on?"
March 7th shivers, unable to quite bear this strange atmosphere.
"I don't know either."
Stelle shakes her head blankly, just as confused.
"More often than not, victory in war does not mean the end of war." Kafka crosses her arms and softly explains beside Stelle. "The trials of war criminals, compensation for the victims, and the division of interests by ambitious figures—all of that happens here."
"Of course, none of this has anything to do with 'us.' The Stellaron Hunters have no intention of interfering in Penacony's internal affairs."
Aside from the Stellaron and the remnants of the Path of Order, there is nothing in Penacony worth the Stellaron Hunters lingering over.
And now that both of those have been more or less resolved, all they need to do is watch the show.
"Just hearing it sounds dull, tedious, and miserable." March 7th gets goosebumps all over. "It reminds me of Slott—he'd probably fit into any one of these situations, right?"
Kafka raises an eyebrow slightly. "That despicable, shameless company employee who's as greedy as a wild dog?"
She keeps a close eye on Stelle's growth, even making sure to investigate everyone aboard the Astral Express.
Naturally, she also noticed the peak example of shamelessness that Stelle encountered on the Xianzhou.
March 7th looks a little surprised. "That's right. You actually know about that guy too?"
Kafka arches her brow again and says with mild surprise, "I didn't expect your description to be so unexpectedly accurate at a time like this. Postwar affairs really are just as filthy as that company employee."
March 7th lifts her chin proudly. "Hehe, don't always think I'm stupid—I'm smart, you know!"
"..."
Welt Yang and Himeko both reveal helpless smiles.
Saying that out loud isn't exactly appropriate—there really are high-ranking company executives present.
Aventurine tosses a gemstone lightly in his hand, his eyes narrowing into a dangerous curve as he smiles wryly. "Hey, hey, hey. Publicly mocking company employees—I can't just pretend I didn't hear that."
It really feels like someone is beating around the bush, as if every word is a stereotype aimed at the company.
"Mm!"
March 7th hastily covers her mouth and shakes her head again and again.
She truly didn't mean to mock Aventurine—she just made the association subconsciously.
"But one thing you said is correct. Victory in war does not mean the war is over." Aventurine steps forward slowly and smiles directly at Sol as he speaks.
"Mr. Mercer, as the greatest contributor to this battle's victory, I hope to invite you to jointly preside over Penacony's case together with the company."
"The Harmony-aligned families of Penacony abused the power of the Stellaron in an attempt to revive the Path of Order, threatening the lives and property of countless people."
"In accordance with the Interastral Peace Accord, the Interastral Peace Corporation requests that Penacony's families provide a proper explanation. We will carry out judgment on behalf of justice."
In the end, he still chooses to act—he has no choice but to act. He has placed far too much on the line.
The shattered Aventurine stone, as well as the Topaz Stone and Jade Stone he brought into Penacony.
A massive bet involving three Cornerstones, coupled with the baseless crimes pinned on him here, and all of his meticulous planning.
It is an unimaginably heavy gamble. If he were a member of the Market Development Department, he would probably already be half-dead by now.
And even as a relatively moderate member of the Strategic Investment Department, he must secure sufficient results to offset the cost of this gamble.
If he doesn't make a move, he will truly lose everything.
Sol pats Robin on the shoulder and says softly, "You talk with him first. I'll support you."
Penacony holds extraordinary significance for him—it cannot be seized by the company as property like in the original course of events.
This is the land where hope was born, the place where the light of Tiga first began to shine.
The light of hope condensed here faintly resonates with this universe, producing subtle, wondrous changes. A brand-new Path is evolving, and a philosophical embryo is being nurtured.
Yes—the Harmony-aligned families sought to welcome back an Aeon here, and indeed, there truly is an Aeon slowly taking shape.
The meaning of hope to this world is even greater than he imagined.
"..."
Robin nods heavily, her expression grave.
So, it's finally come.
Paying the price for one's actions—this is a truth she has long understood.
It's just that judgment should never come from the Interastral Peace Corporation.
They are a pack of ravenous wolves and tigers, greedy enough to swallow Penacony whole, bones and flesh alike.
She cannot foresee what her brother would face if he fell into the hands of the Interastral Peace Corporation. She cannot foresee what Penacony would become in their grasp.
Judging by the corporation's usual conduct, this place would turn into a riverbed for frenzied gold mining—even if they had to dig it full of holes, they would not hesitate.
They might even set their sights on the source of Memoria in the Asdana Star System—the massive cavity that endlessly gushes Memoria—an extremely dangerous direction for exploration.
Fortunately, today she is not standing alone.
She has Sol Mercer as her backing.
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