Him and their stars.

Chapter 2114 Rulers of the entire universe, unite!
On the communication screen, Amida Berencaster leaned back slightly, seemingly adjusting to a more comfortable position, revealing the scene behind her—Princess Rainbow Rose's private study on the Qingqiu "cruise ship".

The backdrop behind the chair is a large, refreshingly colored poplar wood bookshelf.

Of course, being a pragmatist, Yani didn't see anything creative or productive about placing a wooden bookshelf on a spaceship. The bookshelf was actually made of high-carbon steel that had been treated to be fireproof and acid-resistant, with a layer of wood varnish applied on top.

Instead of ancient paper books, the bookshelves were filled with a row of embedded data storage and computing units.

As a pragmatist, Yani certainly didn't think that paper books could demonstrate her knowledge and taste.

In this era, rows upon rows of paper books are no longer for reading, but rather a kind of increasingly vulgar decorative item. They're almost sitting at the same table as dzi beads and white wax bracelets.

Very good. This simple room, though not quite fitting for a young woman, is indeed the private fortress of this Alliance princess.

Of course, as one of her "best friends," Brunhilde was even invited to enjoy tea and conversation in this study several times. They exchanged frank opinions on how the two extremes could more legitimately and sustainably oppress the rest of the working class and small Third World countries.

King Brunhilde of Suliuka was indeed one of the few imperials to have entered this private room.

However, that was five years ago.

At that time, war had not yet broken out. The Alliance and the Empire were happily engaged in joint development of the New World. At that time, Yani was still the Alliance's non-human trade representative in the Empire, spending a third of each year in the Celestial Realm. At that time, her nemesis from Earth was just an ordinary, unremarkable college student, and neither of them knew him yet.

Brunhilde's pupils contracted slightly, and her gaze quickly drifted over a model next to Princess Rainbow Rose.

It must be a model of an aircraft, but its shape is rather strange. A flower bud-shaped component is attached to the front of its slender body. If an Earthling were here, they would probably mistake it for a large calligraphy brush ornament.

Amida had, of course, noticed Brunhilde's gaze. She reached out and gently fiddled with the mechanism, and the large flower bud immediately opened, revealing its petal-like shape.

Brunhilde knew, of course, that this was the Alliance Colossus weapon known as "Miss Jade Lotus".

"Let's get to know each other. This child is called Yulian No. 1," Ya Ni introduced in a serious tone.

"What about the one from the Glory Mission military exercise?"

“Of course it’s the circular No. 0 machine,” Yani laughed. “Yu Lian gave it that name.”

Brunhilde felt as if the other woman was saying, "This is a little secret between Yu Lian and me, which excludes you," and suddenly felt that this woman's mental structure might not have even graduated from elementary school at times.

Hmph, what are you so smug about? If I were to tell you the secret between me and that guy, I'd scare you to death, you white fox!

Well, considering that she actually felt a bit vulnerable, she obviously has no right to criticize others.

"So that's how it is!" King Suruka sighed. "Back then, the Glory Mission military exercise was indeed a hoax. You all deceived the entire universe for a full three years."

"We'll need evidence to prove that. The fact is, the Colossus Weapon has indeed appeared." Princess Rainbow Rose shrugged nonchalantly. This was one of her favorite gestures, which made Brunhilde on the other side grit her teeth in frustration.

It took her half a minute to compose herself before she said, "Yes, that's true. Dwelling on the past, which is already a fact, will only expose our weakness. Being deceived stemmed from our arrogance, and we deserve to be punished. However, from the Empire's perspective, we can be arrogant, but we must never be weak."

She herself forced a polite apology, but Princess Rainbow Rose on the other side didn't seem to be ready to end the topic, and even began to counterattack: "Look, Pudding, you still think this is a scam. But haven't you ever thought about it? Such a big thing, if it really is a scam, can it really be kept from your Star Viewing Pavilion? And can it really be kept from His Majesty the All-Knowing and All-Powerful Emperor?"

Brunhilde looked at Annie meaningfully.

This time, she remained silent for a full half minute before saying, "In the face of mystical confrontation, the Empire will not be defeated on the front lines."

The implication is that the alliance does indeed have the upper hand in terms of underhanded tactics such as manipulation, false reporting, perception, and prophecy.

To be fair, for an arrogant imperial dragon king, it was already quite an achievement to admit this.

However, Amida immediately revealed a subtle, ambiguous smile: "I dare not deny history, and I greatly admire the Empire's past glories. It's just that new history always needs a new present to build upon. The entire galaxy is waiting for the Empire to prove this once again. It is the duty of the galactic overlord."

Brunhilde understood what this guy was trying to say.

If the Empire is invincible in direct combat, what about the War of Independence sixty years ago? And what about being single-handedly driven into the Heavenly Realm now?

Of course, the empire's past prestige was built on solid military achievements. In times of crisis, history has never lacked supreme rulers who personally stepped in to suppress all evil spirits.

During the War of Independence, the emperor could personally lead the campaign to subdue the void behemoth that ravaged the galaxy.

So here's the question: if the threat posed by a certain young Earthling to the Empire shouldn't be the Void Realm Beasts anymore, then where is His Majesty the Emperor?
Just as Princess Rainbow Rose said, being the ruler of the galaxy is very hard work. He needs to prove at all times that he is still the invincible strongest.

Brunhilde pretended not to hear the subtext and said with a straight face, "Or are you going to tell me that the Star Viewing Pavilion has actually been infiltrated by snakes? They had a sense of it, but didn't report it?"

Yani smiled and said, "If that's the case, then what?"

“High Priest Norddos has served as the chief of the Starseeing Pavilion for over thirty years; he is indeed no longer suited to this position,” Brunhilde said with such unwavering authority, like an emperor issuing commands. “His era is numbered.” Annie chuckled, “You said it yourself, Brin, this is an era. The Emperor has worn the Void Crown for over one hundred and eighty years. In the first hundred years of his reign, the heads of the Knights, the Inquisition, and the Starseeing Pavilion held their positions for a maximum of ten years, and personnel changes in the Chancellor’s Office and the Privy Council were quite frequent. But, somehow, an era has suddenly emerged?”

Brunhilde's eyes narrowed slightly.

"High Priest Norddos ruled the Stargazing Pavilion for over thirty years, and before this war broke out, before Duke Sadoulan's fall, he was also the Grand Master of the Knights for nearly half a century. During this period, the average tenure of a Privy Councilor was eighteen years, and that of a Cardinal Inquisitor was twenty-three years. In comparison, Brin, you've only been in the Privy Council for three months, and Lord Valpolis, who has been Chancellor for five years, are already new faces in the Imperial decision-making circle."

"What exactly are you trying to say, Yani? Are you praising my uniqueness?" Brunhilde tilted her head and looked at her "best friend" with a deep scrutinizing gaze.

"Just stating the facts. We're different from others; we like to use facts when we chat." Yani waved her hand, probably indicating that the other person was taking it too seriously.
"Of course, if you want me to talk about topics that are more appropriate for our age, I'm not really against it. For example, in the investment world, there's the real estate of Mingxia Island in the new Shenzhou. The People's Union is even preparing to list a new real estate stock on the Gem Coast Stock Exchange. If you want to buy at the bottom, you'd better get in now. In addition, Gem Coast is also optimistic about the future of Yaochi in the Dawn Star Region. If any new development stocks are listed, remember to buy them. We will be like the capital of the entire universe, and we do not exclude the capital of the Empire."

Seeing her best friend's stern face and disapproving expression, Yani added with a smile, "The Alliance is the leader in the cosmic economy, and we're happy to act as an economic engine and a beacon for industry. We're also better at doing this kind of thing. Of course, Brin, as a conscientious businesswoman who values ​​free trade, this is all I can do to help you. As for investment and management, you're a novice, so just follow my lead."

Brunhilde stood there stunned for a full five seconds before finally blurting out, "This doesn't conform to basic economic principles. Don't try to fool me, Brin. I've studied economics too. I've read all the textbooks that economics students use! And I've read the ones they haven't!"

"So, Brin, can 'The Origin' be considered economics?"

Brunhilde was speechless for a moment.

She disliked showing weakness in front of Amida, but this area was indeed not her specialty.

"That's why I said you're an amateur in this area! Brin, economics is a summative discipline; it can't predict anything. A shrewd businessman will always do things in advance. They're very forward-thinking."

Brunhilde was stunned for a few seconds before slamming his fist on the table and standing up: "What a disgrace! You bunch of unscrupulous merchants are already thinking about how to divide the spoils after the war?"

"I've already said this is free trade, there's no question of humiliation. Ultimately, it's because you all overthink things, you're too calculating, you want too much, and you always feel like the whole universe wants to harm you. Is this a problem of the times, or a problem of the empire?" Yani continued to spread her hands with her familiar expression and gestures, making Brunhilde grit his teeth in anger.

"Anyway, let's get back to the main point and go back to where we started. She has left Zantar and is heading towards Lotak."

This "she" refers, of course, to "Miss Yulian No. 1".

The exceptionally intelligent Princess Rainbow Rose is a very abrupt talker, often jumping from one topic to another abruptly. Fortunately, Brunhilde is practically her best friend, so she can always keep up with the conversation.

"It'll take two weeks to reach Canchuan, and another two weeks to enter Feimo. Is that what you wanted to tell me?" Brunhilde crossed her arms. Her piercing golden eyes stared directly at her "best friend" on the other end of the screen, as if trying to see into her heart.

However, when her gaze fell into those sapphire blue pupils, it was like the bright yet sharp sunlight falling into the azure sea, and she could no longer feel the warmth.

"Don't overthink it. Your Emperor's Staff hasn't returned to Wanwang Pass since bombarding the Serpent's Lair. According to passing merchant ships, you're building a large shipyard in one of Femor's star systems. Clearly, it's for the maintenance and upkeep of the Colossus weapons, right? In that case, the Alliance can certainly navigate its own Colossus. Brin, until now, all of Femor's shipping routes and star systems have been in international waters. The most important aspect of the Free Star Alliance's 'freedom' is freedom of navigation?"

“Don’t we also have tariff freedom and financial freedom?” Brunhilde sneered.

Yani pretended not to hear and continued, "As the president of the Standard Shipping Association, I have an obligation to uphold this."

"Alright, alright, dear Miss Fox, let's skip the useless introductions. Free Galaxy Alliance, what exactly are your banker relatives up to? A bunch of mere unscrupulous merchants, are they really prepared for a full-scale war with us?"

Her tone was, of course, joking, but Yani seemed to have been hurt, and solemnly retorted, "A shady businessman is one thing, but a banker is just too humiliating."

"what?"

"That guy hates bankers the most. He always says that capitalists who get involved in manufacturing, energy, military industry, or even real estate and security companies can still be saved, but bankers are the ones whose souls even the spirit of the universe can't save."

"...You're quite obedient. What a charming and clever little woman!"

"In his presence, I have always been a dutiful wife and loving mother. At least on the surface, that's how it seems." Princess Rainbow Rose looked quite proud.

"..." What are you so smug about? When we were "spending our lives together," we were a perfect couple.

Brunhilde wanted to say that, but when she thought about how that virtual timeline ended with the couple turning against each other with swords, she suddenly lost her confidence.

“Of course, if it weren’t for this war, you probably would be too,” Yani added coldly.

Just before King Sue's red-hot temperature was about to explode, Yani suddenly changed her tune, saying, "I was just joking. But let me reiterate, we are indeed unscrupulous merchants, and we do want to run a bank, but that shouldn't be our main business. If someone tries to manipulate national policy for the sake of impressive bank financial reports, someone will naturally set things right, just like how your empire has people dealing with people like the High Priest of Norddos."

Brunhilde had a feeling that the other person was saying something quite significant in a very calm tone. Considering that many important departments of the Alliance, such as the Standard Shipping Association, the Rainbow Rose Foundation, and the Bracer Guild, had changed personnel after the new Grand Commander took office, he naturally understood.

On the other hand, the key institutions of the alliance are always non-governmental organizations, so there is no political instability when personnel are changed. In a sense, wouldn't this be considered a systemic advantage?
So, where does the empire's institutional advantage lie?
Brunhilde was well aware of this. And that was precisely what she was now preparing to do.

Of course, this might also be the expression on Amida's face as she waited.

She looked at him intently, her azure eyes filled with anticipation: "So, will our actions in Femor, which are holding back the Empire's largest strategic force in Wanwang Pass and Femor, help you sort out the situation later? By joining forces, we can get the universe back on track."