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"What I'm interested in?"
Sol slightly raised his chin and spoke casually. "I'm interested in the power of Aeons. I'm interested in the IPC's vast collection. But you likely don't have the authority to mobilize those for me."
"I'm also very interested in the two of you—executives of the Interastral Peace Corporation, beautiful and capable, perfectly aligned with my aesthetic tastes. But obtaining you so easily through cornerstones doesn't seem very interesting."
"How about resisting fiercely? That might make it more valuable."
He had already tasted too many delicacies, and many more still sat unfinished in his bowl.
Relying on beauty alone to attract him had become difficult.
But once you added a story to it, that changed everything.
Simply put, after indulging too much physically, it now had to engage both heart and body to provide enough stimulation.
Perhaps this was human nature—once you obtained something, you wanted more. After being full, you wanted better food; after eating well, you wanted even better.
"Hehe." Jade concealed her surprise with laughter, sighing lightly. "Mr. Sol, thank you for your recognition of us. But you've also posed us a difficult problem. We truly don't possess anything worthy of exchange."
"Even we ourselves are not equal in value to cornerstones."
She was surprised that Sol did not hide his desire for them at all—geniuses were always so straightforward.
Yet this candid desire was not particularly strong; otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken so lightly.
Being compared in the same breath as Aeon power and the IPC's treasures—she wasn't sure whether that counted as an honor.
Topaz lightly bit her lower lip and smiled at Sol. "With your excellence, I'd be very willing to become friends with you without involving benefits, and even try to develop the relationship further."
She smiled helplessly, her expression sincere. "But if this is to be used in exchange for cornerstones, I don't consider myself qualified."
She could tell that Sol did have some interest in them, but just as he said, it wasn't particularly strong.
It was probably the kind of casual fondness—like liking a certain side dish.
That level of liking was enough to become friends, to expand one's network.
Usually, she hoped to leave this kind of first impression. Especially with someone at Sol's level, she was happy to make friends, and didn't mind letting it develop naturally.
But not now. When she was asking for something, letting things go this way would only push the conversation into an awkward direction.
If she leaned into it, that wasn't who she was. And even if she did, he might not even like it—just as he said, it wouldn't be interesting.
But if she didn't, what about the cornerstones?
The other two things he was interested in were indeed beyond what they could offer.
This was the helplessness of wanting to ask for help without enough bargaining chips—everything depended on the other party's mood.
"You're both underestimating your own charm." Sol looked at them with interest and smiled. "From my personal perspective, I'd be willing to trade a cornerstone for one person."
"Mm… trading one person for two cornerstones isn't impossible either. After all, both Miss Topaz and Lady Jade are talented beauties who shine brightly in the universe."
What expressions would follow these words?
Anger? Fury? Shyness? Or reluctant acceptance under pressure?
He looked at the two differently styled beautiful faces, feeling a bit expectant.
"..."
Robin maintained her smile to the side, but felt slightly uncomfortable inside.
So, this was the kind of game Mr. Sol liked?
Actually… she could do it too.
"Mr. Sol, you're joking."
Jade gazed at Sol with a slightly seductive look and smiled alluringly. "On a personal level, I'd also be willing to develop further with you. Specifically, for you, both Topaz and I would be willing to exchange ourselves for cornerstones."
Topaz nodded slightly, her cheeks faintly flushed, agreeing with Jade's words.
The person before them was an Emanator of Erudition—perfect in appearance, powerful in strength.
Erudition Emanators were more revered than other Emanators. Their transcendent wisdom guided the universe's progress.
If she were to choose a partner—even at her level—it would be like Cinderella meeting Prince Charming.
Even if she were forced to stay, after a brief struggle, she would accept it.
"But?"
Sol grew even more interested. The noble woman before him seemed to glow.
As expected of a high-ranking executive of the IPC at Level 46—this mature, confident aura was truly different.
Not vulgar, yet that dignified, generous presence was even more captivating, inspiring a strong desire to conquer and a sense of achievement.
Her subtle verbal hints elevated his uniqueness, extremely adept at speaking.
"But this time, it isn't a personal choice."
Jade looked at Sol and smiled. "You represent Penacony and many interests. You are a responsible person and wouldn't casually sacrifice others' benefits simply to satisfy your own preferences."
She glanced toward the Halovian girl beside him. "For example, Miss Robin."
"It's clear that you care far more about her than about the two of us. Naturally, you wouldn't ignore her feelings."
That was why he was such a troublesome man.
Sol supported Robin as Penacony's new leader, protected her brother, and allowed him to continue pursuing his ideals.
When he said he liked her and Topaz, there was indeed a bit of liking—but it was the teasing kind.
Without a doubt, letting Robin attend this negotiation showed that he fully respected her opinion.
Robin froze for a moment, then softly spoke beside Sol. "Mr. Sol, you don't need to worry about me. You've already helped me so much."
"These two cornerstones can be considered your spoils of war."
Penacony's current state was already excellent. She was very satisfied.
There was no need to let Sol consider her further—this was something she could do for him, and she was willing to do it.
"Relax, relax." Sol patted the back of Robin's hand and smiled. "Since I chose to feed this little bird, of course I have to take responsibility."
He had no habit of sacrificing one girl's benefits to please another.
And Robin was so obedient and adorable—of course he had to treat her well.
He silently gave Jade another point of praise. A smart woman really was different—she even knew how to help him build favor.
"Mr. Sol…"
Robin's ears turned red, her heart deeply moved.
He had already helped her to this extent, and still considered her feelings at every turn.
If there weren't outsiders present, she would have wanted to hug him right away.
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