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At this moment, Sol shrugged lightly. "Such a major matter does indeed require consultation with your superiors. Please proceed as you see fit."
"Understood," Jade replied immediately. She then dialed Director Diamond and laid out all the conditions Sol had proposed: "These are the terms Mr. Sol has set. Please decide, Director."
She and Topaz fell silent. There was no need for further explanation—the director had his own ways of judgment. As head of the Strategic Investment Department, his authority and insight were unquestionable.
"The fact that you've made this call suggests you've already prepared," Diamond's voice came over the line, calm and steady, with a clarity that seemed to pierce right through to the heart.
He knew Sol was awaiting a response, so he didn't waste time. "If you agree, Mr. Sol's conditions can be accepted."
"If not, to prevent damaging the IPC's future relationship with Mr. Sol, the first condition can be renegotiated."
As the head of the department, he had to consider multiple perspectives.
The second and third conditions were manageable—simply an allocation of resources. The second condition involved two Erudition Emanators, and the amount of resources Sol requested could be very large. The Interastral Peace Corporation already spent considerable annual resources supporting Genius Herta; adding a little more was not significant.
The third condition—unconditional support for Penacony—wasn't particularly difficult either.
Projects can be assigned to anyone. Unconditional support for Penacony would merely shift profit from one scale to another; there was no true loss involved.
The only tricky part was the first condition: Sol's request to take departments under Jade and Topaz's command for his exclusive use.
From a practical standpoint, Diamond was pleased to see this happen. Though framed as a penalty for defeat, who could say this wasn't an opportunity for deep collaboration with an Emanator of Erudition?
He had always treated his Stonehearts well, valuing their loyalty. If Jade and Topaz performed excellently under Sol, they could attract his favor.
Such an outcome would be highly advantageous for both the Strategic Investment Department and himself.
Conversely, if Jade and Topaz resisted working under Sol, the resulting complications could be far worse than the current situation.
These two were also Stonehearts, personally endorsed by Diamond himself.
While the IPC judged success by results, he still needed to respect the personal wishes of his subordinates.
Indeed, by making the call, they had already signaled readiness. But Diamond still needed to confirm.
"We… are willing," Jade and Topaz said in unison after exchanging a glance, their decision firm.
Given the conditions, they were essentially only changing their workplace—and retaining their full teams.
It was as if their branch of the Interastral Peace Corporation was being handed over directly to Sol. On the surface, it severed ties with the IPC, but in practice, the relationship would become far more intimate than ever.
Put simply, their departments would function as Sol's assets while still participating in the IPC's operations.
The change was significant, yet subtly so.
As for the remaining obligations, those could be handled later. Sol's approach suggested that even if there were informal expectations, they wouldn't be harsh.
"Since you agree, all three conditions are now validated," Diamond said, his gaze seeming to cross space and meet Sol's directly. "Henceforth, the resources and authority under Jade and Topaz's command will be fully transferred to Mr. Sol."
"Their salaries and the cost of mobilizing resources will remain the responsibility of the Strategic Investment Department. You will have maximum authority without obligation."
"The other two conditions will be handled by Jade and Topaz in negotiation with Herta Space Station and Penacony, fully transparent to you."
"If you wish, they will also retain responsibility for collecting the Topaz and Jade loans. As Stonehearts, these resources will serve only you."
"Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience caused. We hope this restitution allows you to forgive any prior improprieties of the Strategic Investment Department."
His tone was steady and measured, the voice of a decisive and experienced investor.
Even though he valued his two subordinates highly, the departments they commanded were substantial within the Strategic Investment Department.
Once their cornerstone power belonged to Sol, the department would feel the impact, and the IPC would take a significant hit.
But as the defeated party who accepted terms, there was no avoiding the consequences. Failing to comply would have resulted in even greater losses.
As a Emanator of Preservation himself, Diamond understood Sol's extraordinary capabilities better than most.
He knew that during the Charmony Festival in Penacony, all Aeons had casted their gaze upon the city—a first in history.
All Aeons, except the fallen and unconscious, watched that day!
No one knew exactly what it meant, not even Diamond.
But Penacony was the place where hope had risen. Perhaps it was destined to be the site of the next unfathomable deity!
Thus, to mitigate the IPC's impact on Penacony, Diamond was willing to accept even a larger price.
"Director Diamond approaches matters with sincerity. I am satisfied with the result," Sol said, a faint smile on his lips. He reached forward. "The cornerstones may remain in their hands; I have no objection."
The two stones returned to Jade and Topaz, back in the hands of their original owners.
Both women were momentarily stunned—having achieved their objective, yet unsure whether to feel relief or gratitude.
Though they maintained their positions within the IPC, they had willingly come under Sol's command.
"Your satisfaction is all that matters. I will not disturb you further, Mr. Sol," Diamond said with a trace of apology. "I regret not being able to meet you personally this time, but next time, it will not occur."
He then hung up.
Only the four remained in the room.
"Is it really done?" Robin asked, still a little dazed.
Just a single call, and such a substantial settlement was concluded in so short a time?
The head of the Strategic Investment Department, a Preservation Emanator, had acceded almost unconditionally to Sol's demands—the only hesitation being to prevent future complications.
Robin felt Sol's hand gently pat her waist. He smiled. "It's done. The remaining two conditions still need negotiation, but I doubt there will be any problem."
"Mm," Robin nodded slightly, regaining her composure.
She understood—they had agreed so readily because of Sol's face.
But that face… was remarkably weighty.
Meanwhile, Jade and Topaz gradually composed themselves, recovering from their initial astonishment.
They had not expected Director Diamond to so easily sanction a decision with such enormous implications.
According to IPC norms, haggling would normally be expected.
Clearly, Sol's status in the eyes of Director Diamond exceeded even their expectations.
This was no ordinary Emanator; one must maintain relations fully.
"Mr. Sol, henceforth Topaz and I will serve under your command," Jade said, holding the cornerstone, standing, bowing deeply to Sol with a smile. "Please continue to guide us."
Topaz, still feeling the ripple of emotions, bent alongside Jade, her expression complex. "Please take care of us from now on."
From now on, things could never be as they were.
Though it was merely additional supervision, like being transferred to a new branch, full loyalty and service to Sol were now required.
Fortunately, their master was an exceptional one—perhaps even the ideal for a maid striving to maintain her dignity.
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