In Ark Simulator, why do I always get a tough start?

Chapter 173 There can be only one sun in the sky, and only one ruler in the country. In my heart, there is only one sun: Heratia!
"Major General Skadi? What a rare guest!"

[In Hera's meditation chamber, she met alone with Skadi, who had come to visit.]

Skadi was unaware that Heratia had been waiting for her arrival ever since the day Heratia promoted her to major general.

[Clearly, Heratia knew perfectly well why Skadi had come to visit her.]

After all, this was all within Hera's expectations.

As the Supreme Consul, wouldn't Heratia know that someone like Skadi, with no qualifications or achievements, would face exclusion and jealousy from everyone after suddenly arriving at the highest decision-making level?

Of course not.

[And that's exactly the effect Heratia wanted.]

When she learned that the person who had broken the 24 power barrier was not her proud daughter, but rather Skadi, the once-unknown Deepsea Hunter, her senses began to shift.

Heratia undoubtedly loved her daughter and firmly believed that her daughter could become as strong as Skadi and Ulpian.

However, Heratia could not ignore these two individuals who, despite their humble origins, possessed power far exceeding Agor's comprehension.

She must keep both of them firmly under her control.

Therefore, Heratia promoted Skadi and Ulpian exceptionally, enabling them to achieve a leap in status.

However, she also allowed the two to face indifference and exclusion from the ruling class.

The purpose was to force them to endure such cold treatment in this environment, leaving them no choice but to seek refuge with him, the supreme ruler.

Therefore, when Heratia learned that Skadi was coming, she greeted her almost immediately.

[And when Heratia saw Skadi carrying bags of desserts to her, her dignified smile widened even further.]

The desserts Skadi chose were by no means cheap, even considering her rank as a major general.

Hera wasn't a big fan of snacks either.

However, from the gifts Skadi brought, Heratia realized how much Skadi valued and treated her.

Gifts may not be accepted, but giving one is acceptable.

This principle remains applicable even in Agor's society.

This further heightened Hera's feelings for Skadi.

However, despite this, Heratia, in her capacity as Supreme Ruler, still reminded Skadi:

"What do you mean by this, Major General Skadi?"

"Do you really think that bribery, such a low-level tactic, is necessary in Agorian society?"

“...You have misunderstood, Archon Heratia.”

Skadi's explanation for this was remarkably calm.

"I'm here today only to resign from my job."

“I’m afraid that after I quit my job, my salary won’t be enough to buy these fancy foods, so I plan to try them before I can afford them.”

[...This child seems a bit slow-witted, but he's actually quite tactful in dealing with people.]

Hearing this, Hera couldn't help but nod inwardly, her admiration for Skadi growing even stronger.

But Heratia was overthinking it.

Everything Skadi said was entirely her own true feeling.

But Skadi's words inadvertently hit the nail on the head—if she truly had the intention of bribery, she would have dared to say it so openly.

By then, even if Heratia values ​​Skadi highly, she will still kick her out of the Meditation Chamber, along with the gifts.

"Resign?"

"Major General Skadi, are you kidding me?"

Although she had anticipated Skadi's words, Heratia still feigned slight surprise.

"You were promoted by me, the commander-in-chief of the First Deep Sea Fleet. You and your legion bear the heavy responsibility of fighting against the Sea Si.

"The expansion of the First Deep Sea Naval Regiment is still underway. Why are you resigning?"

As expected, upon hearing Heratia's words, Skadi, who was plating the desserts one by one, began to complain bitterly.

Soon, Heratia heard from Skadi what she already knew.

That being said, none of the necessary procedures can be omitted.

Heratia has also begun her performance as the Supreme Consul.

"Bang."

"That makes no sense."

Heratia slammed down the teacup she was holding, a feigned anger playing on her lips.

"The reason why Agor's society is so far ahead of terrestrial civilizations is because of our attitude towards civilization."

"We will never let tedious government affairs or power struggles hinder the progress of civilization."

"Unexpectedly, when the Agor civilization is in dire straits, there are traitors among us."

"This is truly unforgivable."

Under Skadi's watchful eye, Heratia paced around for a moment before making a decision and promising her:

"Please rest assured, Major General Skadi, I will personally handle this matter for you."

“I personally give orders to ensure they fully support your work.”

"If they still dare not cooperate with you on the issue of the legion..."

"Then they can forget about staying in their positions as consuls."

Skadi stared blankly at Heratia, who, despite having only met her twice, acted like a boss and was willing to stand up for her. A strange feeling welled up inside her.

Could it be... that Governor Heraia actually likes her quite a bit?

Skadi, though unsure of what it was about her that made Hera feel an instant connection.

[But since my original intention was to improve relations with Governor Heratia... why not give it a try?]

With this in mind, Skadi hesitated for a moment before speaking again tentatively:

"...Thank you for your care, Governor Heratia."

“But even if Your Excellency can help us resolve this matter, it won’t change our situation.”

"With the future expansion, we still have many tasks that require communication and cooperation with other departments."

“We can’t possibly ask the Consul for help every time we encounter trouble.”

"Why not?"

However, Skadi's words received a completely unexpected response from Heratia.

The Supreme Ruler smiled and addressed the stunned Skadi, speaking solemnly, word by word:

"Major General Skadi, everything you have done is for the continuation of the Agor civilization."

"The First Deep Naval Regiment Project is Agor's most important military project today, without exception."

"You bear the future of the entire Agor civilization on your shoulders, Major General Skadi."

"You deserve my full support."

"...But, Major General Skadi, I can't ignore the issue you raised."

Heraia gazed at Skadi with a smile, finally revealing her true intentions.

She approached Skadi, gently patted her shoulder, and said softly:

"How about this, Major General Skadi?"

"From now on, the First Deep Sea Fleet will have a new responsibility in addition to fighting against the Sea Siege."

"That is, to be fully responsible for the protection of the councilors." "And you are no longer just the commander-in-chief of the First Deep Sea Fleet."

"You will also serve as the head of the Blue Kingdom Parliament's Security Command, reporting directly to the Parliament. What do you say?"

"—Governor Heratia?!"

However, upon hearing Hera's words, even the slow-witted Skadi realized just how important this responsibility was.

[Protecting the personal safety of all the councilors—in Agor, what could be more important?]

For Skadi, who wanted to overthrow Agor's leadership, could there be a better opportunity to gain access to high-ranking officials?

This is like a pillow delivered just when you're about to fall asleep.

However, Heratia naturally noticed the glint in Skadi's eyes, unaware of Skadi's thoughts, and simply smiled and nodded.

All of this was within my expectations.

Only when he, as the Supreme Ruler, becomes Skadi's protector and breaks through all the predicaments that plague her will she feel grateful to him.

Adding icing on the cake doesn't leave a lasting impression.

Offering help in times of need is what truly touches the heart.

Heratia was only using the most basic techniques of controlling people.

And she did all of this for only one purpose.

Heratia wanted to cultivate Skadi and Ulpian, along with the First Abyssal Fleet under their command, into her own and the Council's direct subordinates.

When Heratia learned that Skadi and Ulpian had become Agor's only two strongest warriors, she quickly devised a plan to make the most of them while preventing them from turning against Agor.

That is, to forcibly bind them to oneself.

Skadi and Ulpian are both newcomers from commoner backgrounds with no connections within the upper echelons.

At the higher levels, they find it extremely difficult to move an inch.

However, with Herathia as their protector, their status will also rise accordingly.

At that time, they will understand who they should wholeheartedly support.

After all, without them, they would be abandoned.

[As long as he acts as their protector, he can mobilize and command them at any time.]

[Therefore, the Agor Council not only doesn't need to worry about the backlash from these two powerful individuals, but also has two supreme bodyguards to protect their safety.]

[—Even their terrifying legion, whose members all possess magnetic field power, will be completely placed under the Council's command.]

The parliament's position will be further consolidated in Agor, and will no longer be shaken by any powerful force.

[A perfect plan!]

Thinking this, Heratia looked at Skadi, who was still somewhat stunned by her surprise, and took another precaution.

"Major General Skadi?"

“Ah, yes!”

Skadi quickly got up.

Seeing Skadi's trembling and fearful expression, Heratia felt even more satisfied and smiled faintly:

"I have high hopes for you, Major General Skadi. Your heart is incredibly pure, like a blank sheet of paper that has never been tainted."

“In a sense... I trust your abilities and your loyalty more than my daughter, Grétia.”

"If you're still not entirely comfortable with this... how about this?"

Hera smiled slightly and uttered words that Skadi found incredibly familiar.

"Skadi, would you like to be my goddaughter?"

"...adopted daughter?"

[A word that seemed rather unfamiliar to Agor, but was particularly sensitive to Skadi.]

Just hearing that name reminded Skadi of that imposing figure, a figure she respected more than her own parents.

However, looking at the smiling Heratia before her, Skadi felt a faint sense of disgust rising from the depths of her heart for no apparent reason.

Skadi's intuition told her—

The woman before her wouldn't value her as much as her adoptive father did.

She just wanted to use me.

“In Argonautical society, even the bond between a mother and daughter seems so thin.”

"However, this makes the relationship between teachers and students, godson and godson seem much deeper."

Heratia smiled and said:

"From now on, you can call me Mother, just like Greta."

“I will treat you as my own student and personally teach you how to survive in Agor’s ruling circle.”

"And in return, Major General Skadi, I ask that you be as loyal to me as you would to a real mother, how about that?"

"……I see."

Now that things have been said, even someone as oblivious as Skadi knows what she should do.

She maintained her usual indifferent expression, staring directly into Hera's eyes, and slowly recited the words she had prepared long ago, as if reciting lines from a script.

"There cannot be two suns in the sky, nor two rulers in a country."

"From this day forward, in my heart, there is only one sun: Archbishop Heratia—no, only my godmother, you!"

As she spoke, Skadi seemed to remember something else.

Suddenly, she stood at attention, chest puffed out, head held high, and loudly proclaimed her loyalty to Heratia before her.

"loyalty!"

"—Good boy."

Having received an answer that perfectly satisfied her, Heratia's smile deepened.

She gently patted Skadi's shoulder, gazing at the strongest warrior in Agor whom she had tamed, her heart filled with satisfaction and pride.

Perhaps, what I just said wasn't entirely a joke.

[This adopted daughter of mine might actually be much more reliable than my biological daughter in the future.]

I need to promote her more, to pave the way for my dear daughter's future.

“Go back now, my dear goddaughter. Your appointment letter will arrive before this afternoon.”

"At that time, don't hesitate, go ahead and do what you should do for Agor's future."

"Mom, I will fully support you."

"--yes!"

Skadi responded to Heratia with a military salute in the most formal manner.

However, it wasn't until Skadi stepped out of the meditation room that she managed to calm herself down with a deep breath.

"...Although I don't know why, it seems that I've already established a good relationship with Archon Heratia?"

[Her lack of intelligence has ironically become a major advantage for Skadi at this point.]

Hera, and everyone else, would never believe that Skadi, with her seemingly innocent and naive demeanor, could harbor any hidden cunning.

Because Skadi herself didn't know why she achieved a good ending even though she hadn't done anything.

However, Skadi was certain that becoming the adopted daughter of the Heratian ruler was entirely beneficial to her.

[The action I've been contemplating for so long can finally begin.]

(End of this chapter)