After a long while, a complete map of Jarilo-VI appeared on the tablet in Jade's hand.
The mountains, rivers, trees, and creatures on the surface were all clearly visible.
Including the buildings, terrain, and people of Belobog's Upper and Lower Districts, everything was detected.
This was high technology.
It was most effective in such technologically backward places, as it wouldn't be interfered with by other technologies.
"There's also a weapons depot underground."
"If the data is correct, these are all Company technologies, left to the locals hundreds of years ago to fight against invaders."
"There's even a large machine? This isn't in the data. Is it local technology?"
Jade finished reviewing the planet's surface imaging and found no traces of the Stellaron Hunters.
Nor did she find any powerful individuals.
The most threatening thing was the large machine hidden in the valley.
But for the Company, that large machine was just a matter of a few mechanical incapacitation bombs.
"It seems there are no notable life forms at the moment, so there's no pressure."
Jade put away her equipment and ordered, "One team with me, the rest stay to guard."
She decided to personally investigate.
To be able to resolve the Stellaron disaster here, the ruler wouldn't be too weak, at least.
If they were worth recruiting, she would show some respect.
If there was no strong individual in charge, and they were saved by mere coincidence, then she would directly annex the place.
If they truly didn't cooperate, she would have to resort to some methods.
With her partial abilities as an Emissary of Preservation, her say in this backwater place would certainly be top-notch.
Soon.
Jade entered the city and was stopped by guards.
She said she was there to discuss business with the person in charge, and Cocolia received her.
Supreme Guardian's office.
Cocolia sat at the long desk on the platform, speaking to the outsider from a position of authority.
Below stood Jade alone.
"Ms. Cocolia."
Jade's voice carried a friendly yet irresistible pressure, "Jarilo-VI has stood firm in the harsh winter to this day, a resilience that is admirable. But... with all due respect, mere resilience has limited value in the vast market of the cosmos."
Cocolia sat upright in the Supreme Guardian's seat, a symbol of power, her eyes deep and cold.
Her hands were clasped on the desk, knuckles slightly white, betraying a hint of tension from an invaded territory.
Facing this imposing visitor from a giant intergalactic corporation, she showed no weakness.
"The value of Jarilo-VI does not require outsiders to judge, Ms. Jade."
Cocolia's voice was as steady as a rock, carrying the hardness forged by Belobog's blizzards, "Our people, our history, are priceless treasures. The Company's so-called value, I'm afraid, is far from what we understand."
"Oh?"
Jade let out a light hum, her smile deepening, her eyes glinting with shrewd calculation, "Treasures also require proper custodians and methods of appreciation."
The so-called custodians and methods of appreciation meant: Who is protecting this place? How much power do you have?
When doing business, one naturally wouldn't tear off the facade immediately.
Be polite when necessary, be subtle when necessary.
Her eyes were locked on Cocolia, like the most precise probe, trying to unearth any information about the "Stellaron" or a powerful presence beneath the other's beautiful face.
Cocolia confidently curled her lips: "You can discuss these matters with our Supreme Guardian."
She completely trusted Oliver.
With his powerful strength and allies in the Fallen Land, the Company would have to think twice.
Cocolia wasn't sure if Oliver had any grievances with the Company, so it was best not to mention any information about him.
Letting Oliver speak for himself would also allow him to deal with trouble in a timely manner, such as silencing people...
"You are not the ruler here?"
Jade was slightly puzzled.
Cocolia: "Of course not, I just handle government affairs for him."
Jade: "In that case, please let me meet your true person in charge. You can't handle this matter."
Cocolia: "Not at the moment. Our Supreme Guardian is not here, and I don't know when he will return."
Jade's smile didn't change at all, as if Cocolia's reaction was just a minor, expected interlude.
She elegantly turned around, her high heels making a soft "tap" on the floor.
"Strong-willed, admirable," her words were like poison wrapped in honey, "Then I will wait here for a few days, hoping to meet the true ruler as soon as possible."
Jade nodded slightly and left directly, the sound of her high heels echoing in the empty hall like a ticking clock.
Cocolia gazed at Jade's retreating figure.
She knew this was a viper.
She seemed easy to talk to, elegant and beautiful, but in reality, she judged people and acted accordingly.
0 For fresh flowers
The excuse of wanting to meet the Supreme Guardian was just a test.
If Oliver didn't return in a few days, this high-ranking Company executive would probably take action.
Jade walked out of the office and met up with the Company armed soldiers guarding outside.
"Lady Jade, what should we do?"
"Do nothing. Wait for their so-called Supreme Guardian to appear and see what he's made of."
Jade smiled slightly, a beautiful sight.
She didn't mind waiting patiently and gathering more intelligence.
If it were Aventurine, he would probably be using force to suppress them by now.
Compared to violence, Jade preferred to seize opportunities and strike decisively.
Now she just needed to see if this place truly had a ruler worth noting.
Ring ring ring!
At this moment, Jade's communicator rang.
It was Diamond calling.
Diamond: "Are there any traces of the Stellaron Hunters?"
Jade: "No, the Stellaron hasn't been found either. It's likely the Stellaron Hunters have already taken it."
Diamond: "Hmm, that's expected. Coincidentally, when the department was checking Jarilo-VI, we discovered a bad debt. The specific information has already been sent to you. This falls under Topaz's scope of work, but since you are already there, you can handle it as well. Do you have any objections?"
Jade: "Of course not. The scope of work for P46 is not limited."
After hanging up the phone, Jade immediately checked the documents sent by the department.
It turned out that seven hundred years ago, the City builders of Jarilo-VI borrowed a massive sum from the Corporation for a defensive war.
Later, Jarilo-VI lost contact, and the Corporation assumed the planet had been destroyed, so the debt became a bad debt.
Now that Jarilo-VI is found to still exist, the debt must naturally be repaid.
"After being delayed for centuries, this interest, this bill... tsk tsk."
Jade was certain that this impoverished place could not afford to repay the debt.
"We might as well acquire the planet and sign everyone to the Corporation to mine. The debt would be almost paid off in one or two centuries."
Carrying her new mission, she knocked on the door of the Supreme Guardian's office once more.
"Please come in."
Cocolia's voice came through.
Jade pushed the door open and said with a smile:
"Ms. Cocolia, there is another bill that requires your signature."
As soon as she finished speaking, Jade realized there were a few extra people in the room.
Ms. Herta, Screwllum, Ruan Mei...