Chapter 222: Future Markets 『 Part Eleven 』
「 After Himeko offered a brief self-introduction, Topaz displayed a level of excitement that bordered on effervescent. She even engaged in idle chatter with March 7th and Stelle, the atmosphere entirely void of saber-rattling tension, resembling nothing more than a casual gathering of old friends.
"I am delighted to see such a harmonious exchange between you. However, Miss Topaz, judging by the tone of your greeting, I trust you are fully aware of the current situation?" Himeko's smile gradually faded from her lips.
"Of course~ The deadline has passed, yet Bronya has not signed the contract. One need only use a little common sense to guess the resistance behind this delay." Topaz maintained her relaxed, pleasant tone.
Himeko stated that they had no intention of opposing the IPC's Board of Directors; their intervention was solely because this world held friends they cherished, and friends of those friends. They could not simply stand by and watch them sign an unequal treaty.
Seeing Himeko speak so bluntly, it was clear that events were hurtling toward a violent resolution. March remained deeply worried, but Himeko merely shook her head calmly, speaking in a faint, even tone: "Save your worry, March. She decided exactly what she was going to do ten minutes ago." 」
「 .....」
〜DC Extended Universe〜
Inside the study of Wayne Manor, Alfred placed a cup of steaming black tea before Bruce, the silver tray making a soft clink against the oak desk.
"It appears that even in intergalactic business negotiations, moments of hostility are unavoidable. This Miss Topaz reminds me of Lucius facing the Wayne Enterprises Board—a smile concealing a wealth of calculation."
Bruce rested his knuckles against his chin, letting out a soft sigh.
"The situation is already past the point of no return. From the moment Ms. Himeko uttered the words 'unequal treaty,' combat between the two sides became inevitable."
"That Miss March appears to be an idealist… her initial reaction lacked sufficient vigilance. When Topaz has already steeled her resolve, negotiation only serves to buy her more preparation time. Speaking of which… that Ms. Himeko is truly sharp."
"Listening to your tone, Master Bruce, it seems you are quite eager to see a battle erupt between these two parties?"
Alfred wiped away a tea stain that had accidentally dripped onto the table.
"Naturally. It seems that, to date, we haven't seen the Corporation truly make a move, have we? As the galaxy's largest commercial entity, followers of the Star God of 「Preservation」, don't you wonder what means they possess to deal with the Astral Express crew?"
Nowadays, threats from the cosmos are multiplying. Bruce needed to categorize the Interastral Peace Corporation as a potential threat. The Corporation's philosophy, methods, and military strength were all targets requiring assessment. Most crucially, the martial force the Corporation projected outwardly.
Was it their inconceivable technology, or the power drawn from the Path of 「Preservation」? Of these things, he knew nothing.
"Of course… rather than the mechs of her subordinates, I am more interested in seeing Topaz herself in combat."
The old butler chuckled softly.
"But that Miss Topaz does not appear to be the Combatant type."
"That is merely a facade."
Bruce stood and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, the neon lights of Gotham twisting into blurred spots of light in the rain.
"To bring an entire planet into one's pocket—for a project of such magnitude, I do not believe the IPC would fail to make comprehensive military preparations."
"That Miss Topaz… likely possesses enough martial power to suppress every problem in Belobog. She is the first card the Corporation has played, and also the final trump card of this project."
—
「 Topaz expressed admiration for Himeko's observational skills, laughing softly: "You're quite right~ Often, a difference in stance doesn't mean one side is right and the other wrong—but to ensure the work proceeds and doesn't fall into stagnation, there is usually only one solution…"
Mid-sentence, Topaz suddenly halted her words. The entire venue descended into a strange, deathly silence.
She picked up her phone, nodding with a smile: "…The reply from above. Approval granted."
"Approval? What approval?"
"What's the matter? Curious about my workflow?" Topaz crossed her arms, wearing an expression of absolute confidence: "If you want to know that badly, I'll tell you—"
"—The request for permission to launch a special assault on the members of the Astral Express has been approved!"
As she finished speaking, Topaz waved her right hand. Numby's two ears rose like wings, flying over everyone's heads, whipping up countless tornadoes in its wake. When the gale—strong enough to obscure vision—dissipated, countless fully armed IPC employees stood ready, their gun muzzles and cannon barrels aimed squarely at the trio from the Express.
"The secret to a smooth career path is to always be ready to turn an unfavorable situation around."
"A project under my charge—allows for no errors!" 」
「 .....」
〜Delicious in Dungeon World〜
"Ahhh! That little pig can actually fly! It's so cute!"
Marcille's eyes sparkled as she pointed at the small animal floating above Topaz's head in the light screen.
"I really want to raise one too! It's so convenient! It can even teleport the Corporation's people to the scene! Capable and cute!"
"Hmm… it just looks like a pig, doesn't it?"
Senshi stroked his beard, eyes narrowing slightly.
"The body shape is moderate, limbs are short… the fat distribution should be quite even. If roasted, the skin would likely become crispy…"
Beside him, Laios was observing with equal seriousness.
"No, no. Considering its flight capabilities, the muscle tissue near the ears is likely more developed. It would be better suited for stewing or making into steaks. But considering it can open dimensional passages to escape, the real difficulty lies in how to catch it…"
Marcille, her pointed ears twitching as she heard the conversation behind her, whipped her head around to glare furiously at the two men.
"What are you talking about? Don't tell me you're thinking about—"
"I am merely objectively analyzing the characteristics of the ingredient,"
Senshi replied honestly.
Laios nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. After all, if our world ever connects with the Interastral Peace Corporation, we'll eventually encounter such strange creatures. If we can study its ecology in advance—"
"Study its ecology?! You're clearly just thinking about 'how to make it taste better'!"
"If it's edible, then naturally we must try it."
Watching the cute way Numby huddled on Topaz's shoulder on the screen, and imagining it roasted, stewed, or air-dried… tears… began to flow unconsciously from the corners of Laios's mouth.
—
「 Even Phantylia's star-shattering destruction couldn't kill Stelle, let alone this pile of the Corporation's scrap metal.
When the smoke and dust cleared, and Stelle walked out from the dismantled mechs carrying her flaming lance, Topaz couldn't help but applaud them.
"Everyone, truly worthy of being the aces of the Astral Express! Absolutely magnificent!"
"Let's call that the warm-up, shall we? Now, it is my turn—" 」
「 .....」