"You're going to be... Welt?"
Einstein was baffled: "What do you mean?"
"It's one of the Herrscher of Corruption's abilities. As long as I can obtain the data, I can briefly perform a 'Mimicry'."
Lynelle smiled slightly, voicing the explanation she had long prepared for this 'character card' ability: "When I occasionally go out, I often explore ruins from the previous civilization. So, I've managed to acquire some data on the First Herrscher of the previous era."
"Combined with the data on Mr. Welt's own abilities, I can temporarily simulate a 'Corruption' version of Welt. The expression of his powers would be almost identical."
"Mr. Welt is limited by his physical condition and can't utilize his full power. But I'm different. I'm not actually using the Herrscher of Reason's power, but a data-based mimicry via Corruption."
"So, strictly speaking, the 'Corruption' Welt I simulate might even be a bit more powerful than Mr. Welt himself. After all, my side has a few more tricks up its sleeve."
After a long silence, Tesla slammed the table.
"Alright then, let's screw those damn radicals! Honestly, I had the same idea when Bella joined us, but I never found the right opportunity. Since Lynelle has now proposed a more thorough plan, there's no reason not to go through with it."
"Einstein, what's your take?"
Welt didn't agree immediately, instead turning to look at Einstein, who had been lost in thought.
"Huh, me?"
Einstein snapped out of it. "I fully agree with Lynelle and Tesla."
"I think you've misunderstood, Joachim. My silence wasn't hesitation—I was just mentally compiling a list."
As she spoke, Einstein summoned the little floating robot that always hovered near her. After a rapid clatter of keyboard sounds, she produced a long list.
"Let's clean house according to this. Don't worry, every single one is guilty. I've even listed their charges for you."
"Holy cow... Egghead, you were already prepared for this!"
Tesla took the list, clicking her tongue in amazement. After all, a list this complete with evidence and charges couldn't possibly have been whipped up on the spot without prior investigation.
"I've been keeping an eye on their actions. The reason I didn't settle accounts before was simply because bringing it up would have been useless. Cocolia would have found a way to protect them, and exposing this might have even strengthened their 'friendship'."
"But now it's different. If we proceed according to Lynelle's method, even if we let them off this time, they'd defect to Schicksal within a year. Rather than letting Otto benefit later, it's better we handle this internally ourselves right now."
"Very well, since all three of you agree..."
Welt pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Then it's settled. Tonight, the operation on St. Freya's side remains unchanged. We'll proceed with the planned liaison with Theresa and take the opportunity to gauge the strength of Cocolia's clones."
"Once we have a clearer picture tonight, tomorrow we will move directly to dismantle Cocolia's faction. The list for North America will be handled by Siegfried. As for the Far East side... Miss Bella, could I trouble you and Ryoma to take care of it?"
Bella didn't speak, instead turning her gaze towards Lynelle.
Ever since Lynelle brought her back from Siberia, she had been staying in the Far East, diligently pursuing her "maid training" with considerable success.
During this time, she had met Kiana a few times in her capacity as Lynelle's maid.
Although, seeing Kiana trying to get all clingy with Lynelle had nearly made her struggle to contain her sense of "loyalty."
So, she held a fairly favorable opinion of Anti-Entropy. However, as the maid to both Lynelle and Sirin, if they wanted her to take action, they first needed Lynelle's approval.
"Mm, go ahead, Bella."
Lynelle nodded. "That Raiden Ryoma is Raiden Mei's father. She's the girl, besides me, that Kiana is always clinging to."
"I see. Understood. I will carry out the orders flawlessly."
"Good. Since there are no major objections, let's finalize the relevant details..."
Soon, the heated sound of discussion filled the conference room once more.
--+--
A few hours later, in Nagazora.
Cocolia, already geared up and simply waiting for nightfall to execute her plan, curled her lip disdainfully at the sudden appearance of the dark figure before her.
"Gray Serpent, aren't you afraid of being discovered by the others in Anti-Entropy, showing up here now? Don't forget, not everyone in ME Corp is my loyalist."
"Heh, there is certainly such a risk. However, considering the safety of our ally, taking this risk is still worthwhile."
From beneath his mask, Gray Serpent's voice held a meaningful tone.
"If you were to call off your plan now, you might still be able to reduce some of the risk."
"Call it off? Don't be absurd."
Cocolia frowned. "I announced the plan yesterday at the full Anti-Entropy Executor meeting, and I've mobilized a large number of Titan mechs today. Do you really think it's possible to stop at this point?"
"What, has Otto discovered my plan? Is he preparing to send Durandal over to set up a counter-encirclement? I've gathered three clones of Welt and nearly fifty Titan mechs this time. Even if it's just Durandal, a mere S-Rank Valkyrie..."
"Even if another Herrscher showed up, I could handle it easily!"
"Pfft."
Gray Serpent couldn't help it; a strange, muffled snort escaped from under his mask.
"Ms. Cocolia, you truly are... Never mind, I'll be direct. Otto has not discovered your plan. However, some interesting changes have occurred in the location logs for Siegfried at your Anti-Entropy headquarters."
"Additionally, we observed that he seems to have had a rather long communication with someone here in the Far East."
"If my guess is correct, the conservatives are likely planning some countermeasures against your plan."
"No need to worry. With Welt absent, those two scientists alone can't accomplish much."
Cocolia waved a hand dismissively. "Rest assured, I will fulfill our deal. Besides, isn't this entire plan aimed at obtaining the Herrscher core we both need? If anything, it's your side, getting jumpy over a little movement from the conservatives—how do you expect to achieve anything like this?"
"..."
Even the usually silver-tongued Gray Serpent was left speechless for a few seconds.
"Very well," he finally said. "As you say, Ms. Cocolia."
--+--
T/N: Honkai: Star Rail fanfic up!
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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