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At this moment.
Sol swept his gaze across the room and first smiled at Robin. "Mm, good afternoon, Robin."
Haven't seen her for two days and she's still this beautiful. As expected of my little bird.
But there are quite a lot of documents on the table. Looks like she's been working really hard.
I'll let Sunday handle it later. After all, Brother Sunday might be called Sunday, but he's actually a workaholic king. Helping his sister share the burden is only right.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Sol!"
Robin revealed a sweet smile and immediately stepped closer to Sol.
She caught an unusually pleasant scent—and it wasn't Miss Sparkle's or Miss Silver Wolf's.
Ah… is it, Lady Herta?
Even Lady Herta couldn't withstand Mr. Sol's offensive.
She's only been here a few days, yet their relationship has already reached the point of mingled auras.
And I met him so early, even secretly made a vow to devote myself to him… yet someone else got there first.
And it's not even Miss Acheron or Stelle… sigh, I need to work harder.
Her expression remained unchanged as she smiled and introduced them. "These two are distinguished guests from the Interastral Peace Corporation—Miss Topaz and Lady Jade of the Ten Stonehearts."
"I know."
Sol nodded slightly, then looked toward the two women of differing styles.
One was mature and poised, generously displaying her charm like a bewitching purple rose.
The other was brimming with vitality, her full figure radiating youthful energy. Red and white truly were the classic colors of vibrancy.
"Interastral Peace Corporation, Ten Stonehearts—Jade."
"Interastral Peace Corporation, Ten Stonehearts—Topaz."
"Greetings, Lord Sol."
Topaz and Jade rose simultaneously, their expressions sincere and forthright as they bowed deeply.
Different outfits, yet the same overwhelming presence.
The collision of vitality and maturity left a strong impression.
"I just finished seeing Herta off. Sorry to have kept you waiting."
Sol nodded slightly and casually took the main seat.
He gestured to Robin, signaling her to sit beside him.
Robin did not sit. Instead, she stood at Sol's side. Though she governed Penacony, she carried herself with the humility of an ordinary secretary.
Being close in private was fine, but at moments like this, Sol's status needed to be emphasized.
"..."
Topaz noticed Robin's small gesture and immediately understood.
So Penacony was now led by Sol. He provided the force, while Robin handled the actual administration.
How wonderful… If my homeland had someone like this protecting it, it wouldn't be what it is now.
Jade's gaze shifted slightly as she smiled and said, "Lady Herta is an outstanding genius. I didn't expect your relationship with her to be so close as well."
She had remained in Penacony these past days, constantly tracking Sol's movements.
She knew about Herta's meeting with Sol, though she had no idea what was discussed. Still, it must have been extremely important—otherwise two geniuses wouldn't 'hit it off at first sight' and enter such deep cooperation.
Perhaps today's negotiation would become much easier thanks to that collaboration.
Genius-level research consumed enormous funds, and projects jointly undertaken by two geniuses even more so.
And the IPC lacked nothing more than credits.
Herta Space Station itself had been invested in by one of the IPC's executive branches, with a noble family member serving as the station head.
"It's nothing. You could say we appreciate each other." Sol waved his hand indifferently. "Now then, let's hear what you came to see me for."
"Or rather, what kind of price you're willing to pay to obtain the two cornerstones in my possession."
He placed the two cornerstones on the table—one golden and translucent, the other emerald-green and clear.
They were the Topaz Stone and the Jade Stone, each containing one-tenth of an Emanator's power—status symbols coveted by countless IPC members.
He had attempted to analyze and replicate them, but only managed to copy their form, not their essence.
Even the replicas could transform like Aventurine's, yet they lacked a crucial divine intent.
Much like hope was to Glitter Tiga, that divine intent was likely the core of the Path of Preservation.
Perhaps he could crack it by exhausting all his efforts, but since Qlipoth was still alive, there was little meaning in doing so. He simply left it alone.
"..."
Both women stared at the cornerstones that belonged to them, sensing the call emanating from within. Their hearts jolted.
These were genuine—containing one-tenth of an Emanator's power.
They were surprised by Sol's straightforwardness. There were no roundabout tactics—he had simply placed the stones directly on the table.
"Lord Sol truly gets straight to the point." Jade quickly recovered and spoke sincerely. "We are here precisely for this reason, and we are willing to pay a price that will satisfy you."
"You may state your demands." Topaz's expression was solemn as her beautiful blue eyes met Sol's gaze. "Within our authority, we will fully comply. Beyond it, we will negotiate with all our strength."
"Sounds quite sincere." Sol stroked his chin and pointed at the two cornerstones.
"These are bombs the IPC left behind in Penacony. Although they failed to detonate because of me, the danger they posed to Penacony cannot be ignored."
"The price you offer should be equal in value to what you seek to achieve. Otherwise, you'll need to give me something that interests me even more."
His appetite could be big or small—it depended on how the IPC performed.
He was already quite satisfied with these two's attitude and could even give them a fifteen-percent discount.
To be honest, these two stones weren't that precious to him. The Sparklence he gifted to the Astral Express was worth more than ten cornerstones combined.
Even excluding the energy to transform into Glitter Tiga, it still represented a complete share of Emanator-level power.
And such power wasn't difficult for him to replicate.
"This…"
Jade's expression shifted slightly before she let out a bitter smile. "Mr. Sol, to be frank, the IPC has always advocated high risk for high returns. With three cornerstones as the wager, the benefits we sought were beyond what we can bear."
"Your logic is not wrong, but we truly cannot afford it. I would like to know your interests so we can offer an appropriate price."
She was lying. The IPC didn't advocate high risk for high returns—it only advocated high returns.
The real gambler was her subordinate, Aventurine.
But now wasn't the time to make Aventurine take another fall. That child had already reached his limit.
She had heard that upper management was even considering sending Aventurine off for a political marriage—with a strong man from one of the families of Harmony.
If he were forced to shoulder another failure, he might lose even this rare opportunity.
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