Xingtie, started with a guitar, and made a living by singing

Chapter 39 Cooperation Plan

After bidding farewell to their pioneering partners, Wendy and Perla went to a small shop they used to frequent, ordered two cups of hot tea, and sat down to talk to each other.

Although they hadn't seen each other for a long time, Wendy and Perla actually communicated occasionally on the phone.

However, due to the interstellar journey, there is a certain time difference between the two sides, so the reply may not be timely.

Pera was a thoughtful girl and did not want to appear too "dependent" on Wendy, nor did she want him to worry about Beloberg's situation all the time.

This is the city that the poet once saved, and perhaps he will save more people in the future. Yarilo-VI is also the starting point of his brilliant narrative poem.

But for everyone living here, Beloberg is their eternal hometown, and the duty of protection has been engraved in their history since the birth of the Silver Mane Iron Guard. Being saved once is already a blessing. How could they continue to impose more responsibilities that do not belong to the poet on each other?

So, just bury those stories with him deep in your heart.

But no matter as a bookworm companion or a girl with love, while comforting herself, she always has some spoiled emotions. If the other person can stay in this category, or if she can get on that train with him, will the story be different?

——Somewhat discouraging thoughts like this would occasionally arise.

But all of that, when we met again, was like the beginning of the melting snow in the sun, ushering in the new year after a long winter, and all the sadness disappeared.

Therefore, Pera watched intently, as if she wanted to remember every moment of this in her heart.

Until the poet spoke softly, the girl who was immersed in the time they spent together was awakened.

"—It was the rabbit before, then the deer, and now you."

This is a sentence that makes no sense to others and whose true meaning is difficult to grasp.

But for Pera, the first two sentences held a different meaning. Rabbits and deer were species that once existed on the Yalilo-VI. However, with the arrival of the cold wave, humanity's legacy of fire remained only in Beloberg, and countless creatures perished in the outside world.

Until now, only a few wildlife sightings have reached the intelligence officer's desk.

Therefore, the rabbit mentioned here refers to the desire to see each other again, while the deer represents the hope of new life in desperate situations.

If these three sentences are used together, and combined with this moment of reunion after a long time, they take on another new meaning.

This made Pera blush immediately, and she covered her face completely with the book she carried with her, revealing only her clear eyes that could hardly hide her shyness behind the lenses.

"...After not seeing you for so long, you're still so good at making girls happy."

As if to fight back, or to let out her shyness, the girl spoke softly.

"Is it because he often picks targets outside? And that gray-haired, dashing pioneer shouldn't be someone who's been to Beloberg before, right? How did she get in the car?"

Although the topic inevitably strayed further as time went on, the handsome young man enjoyed this way of getting along with her and gently told her about the time he left Beloberg.

……

the other side.

Ever since Wendy said she wanted to catch up with Miss Pera and left first, the atmosphere in the team has become inexplicably subtle.

Although Xing didn't think there was anything wrong with it, she couldn't stand March Seventh's constant finger-twisting and hesitant look, which was really annoying.

Not only her, but even Dan Heng occasionally seemed lost in thought, which made Xing finally unable to resist asking, "Um, is there something wrong with that Miss Pella just now?"

"Ah, Pera? Of course there's nothing wrong with her. When we came to Beloberg before, it was thanks to her hospitality. She's a very nice girl!"

Although she felt a little embarrassed to talk about this matter, March Seventh was not able to make up stories without any basis. Little Pera had never provoked her, so how could she make up stories about her?

Dan Heng also said, "Intelligence Officer Pella is a very responsible and kind person."

"Then why have you been acting like you have a fishbone stuck in your throat since Wendy and her left..."

Xing tilted her head in confusion.

"Uh...how should I put it...Wow! Forget it, let you, Danheng, do such a cruel thing. I really can't bear it!"

San Yueqi suddenly covered his face and seemed to be in a state of autism.

Dan Heng glanced at her with a "?" and then noticed Xing's thoughtful expression. After a pause, he continued his story.

"It's not a big deal. It's just not suitable for us to talk about it. If you are interested, you can ask Wendy later--"

"Hey, isn't that going to make me even more worried?"

This woman is so troublesome.

Not only Dan Heng, but Xing also felt the same way.

Fortunately, the two decided to skip this topic together for the time being, and it would be useless even if they were entangled with it on March 7th.

Fortunately, before March Seventh could mutter anything else, a blond man dressed as a guard officer came towards the three of them.

"Hmm? Isn't this Miss March, and Mr. Danheng? Welcome back to Beloberg."

Jeppard, as always, wore armor as heavy as an iceberg. Though his expression was dull, the others could sense the warmth lurking beneath.

"The Great Guardian said that there would be mysterious guests attending the Sunrise Festival—I didn't expect she was referring to the train crew."

"I hope your journey is smooth. There have been many alien visitors to Beloberg recently, and the Iron Guards have been dispersed to various locations to make full preparations. If I had guessed this earlier, I would have led a team to greet you. Please forgive my negligence..."

"No, no, no, don't apologize! We just accepted an invitation to attend the festival. There's no need to make such a big deal. It's embarrassing!"

"I understand. I hope you can enjoy the festive atmosphere."

Although the Iron Guards no longer fight against the monsters of the Rift, the army's serious and capable style has been well preserved.

This was particularly evident in Jeppard, who, after answering, gave a reminder out of goodwill.

"...By the way, although you are quite skilled, many pickpockets prefer to target holiday crowds as they increase. The Iron Guard has received numerous reports of thefts. Please be sure to take good care of your personal belongings. If you lose any, please contact the surrounding Iron Guards as soon as possible. We will promptly assist in the investigation and recovery."

"Okay! Got it. We won't bother you on patrol anymore. We also want to go see Bronya. See you later!"

"See you."

Jeppard nodded.

After they separated, he thought of the people from the Interstellar Peace Company stationed outside the city.

Although the individual strength of that group of people was not strong, their overall equipment was much better than that of the backward Beloberg. Except for the elites in the Iron Guard, if the others started fighting, it would be difficult for them to have any impact on the enemy. He was worried about this a lot.

However, the Grand Guardian had given orders, and the Iron Guards had refrained from any drastic actions. The other party also managed to keep their subordinates in check, and although there had been some minor friction before, things were relatively peaceful now. Not long ago, a woman claiming to be a company executive even met with the Grand Guardian.

I hope this conflict can finally come to an end peacefully.

Jeppard wasn't afraid of challenges, but he didn't want to see meaningless bloodshed. Although he believed any Iron Guard would fight to the death to protect Beloberg, the company that controlled such immense external power was simply not something Beloberg could shake at this point.

This is a helpless reality and one of the reasons why the Iron Guards are still in a state of readiness.

However, when the pioneers returned, Wendy must have returned to Beloberg with them.

In this case, it may not be difficult to guess the reason why the company's attitude suddenly softened.

Although it was a good thing for Beloberg, for the Silver Mane Iron Guards, they felt ashamed and had no face to face the Great Guardian and his people.

-

After saying goodbye to Jeppard, the pioneers had almost finished strolling around and officially set off for Klippeburg.

Although Bronya was planning to build the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius, Beloberg was not built in a day.

It is impossible for such a huge castle to ignore the current shortage of resources and directly build it by squeezing the people's money. That completely goes against Wendy's original intention of liberating Beloberg.

Although objectively speaking, the resources distributed in various places on Yalilo-VI are indeed very rich, mining and transportation take time. In addition, there is a lot of reconstruction work ahead. At present, the upper and lower areas are almost built, and only a few major projects remain to be completed.

Therefore, before these projects that are related to people's livelihood are completed, the establishment of the headquarters of the Knights Templar will naturally have to be put on the back burner.

After arriving at Krippenburg, just scan your face to pass the guard at the door.

Everyone had a smooth journey and arrived at Bronya's meeting hall.

Here, the three of them also saw Topa who had left earlier. Now she seemed to have completed the handover and was talking calmly with Bronya.

"...I fully understand your planet's situation, Miss Grand Guardian. Beloberg's current financial difficulties are not due to your fault—nor to the fault of anyone in this city. We fully understand this."

Topa smiled and spoke softly.

"Even putting myself in their shoes, I can say that the fact that Beloberg was able to successfully establish Beloberg under such difficult circumstances, and to tenaciously fight against the Rift as an independent political entity and persist to this day, is truly impressive."

"For this reason, we have discussed this and believe that this is a legendary case that excels in promoting the concept of preservation and resolutely fighting the Legion of Destruction. It is worthy of the company's increased investment—"

As if he heard footsteps outside, Topa glanced back and when he saw the three familiar figures, the curve of his mouth deepened.

"...Ah, it looks like an important visitor is here."

Seeing that they were discussing the internal affairs of Beloberg, March Seven, who was originally thinking about chatting with Bronya about something delicious, suddenly scratched his head in embarrassment and quickly apologized.

"Ah, Bronya... and Miss Topper are here too. Sorry, sorry! You should have already started discussing the cooperation, right? Sorry to bother you, we'll leave now!"

"—It's alright. The Star Train is a distinguished guest invited by Beloberg, and it helped us through a difficult time. If you'd like to sit in on the lecture, feel free to stay."

Bronya, who was in a high position, remained expressionless, while Topa glanced at both sides with interest before continuing to persuade.

"Miss Grand Guardian is right. We have almost finished our discussion and are at the final stage. It would be a rare honor to ask all of you anonymous guests to be witnesses."

"Uh...then, we won't be polite?"

Sanyueqi didn't understand anything too profound, but he felt it was his duty to stand up for his friend, so he openly pulled Xing to stand aside.

If this happened before, Dan Heng would have considered not getting the train too deeply involved. After all, they didn't know the full picture of the matter, and it would not be a good thing to rashly take sides.

However, he had received help from Wendy before. Helping him look after the place here was also a friend's duty.

For this reason, after several people stood still, Topa continued.

"Well then, Miss Great Guardian, let's get back to the point. I'd appreciate your consideration of the plan I mentioned earlier. After all, if Yalilo-VI wants to quickly connect with the outside world and rebuild market trade relations in the future, the company can provide significant assistance."

"Of course. If you can convince that gentleman to take a small role in the company, no... if you just mention it, the company will wipe out the debt. If all goes well, the company also has many preferential policies and will provide multi-faceted support for Beloberg's infrastructure."

"—I understand, Miss Toppa. However, please give me some time to consider before doing so."

Bronya's eyes were blazing, and her tone was neither humble nor arrogant.

"At the same time, I must clarify a point you may have misunderstood. Lord Barbatos and I are merely friends. I have no right to make decisions for him, nor will I interfere with his judgment for the sake of Beloberg's unilateral interests. Please understand this."

"Of course. In this universe, no one can make decisions for the Envoy, except the Star Gods—Well, it's been a pleasure speaking with you, Miss Great Guardian. Next, for future cooperation, we will also need to conduct some investigations in Beloberg, and I hope you will cooperate with my colleagues."

"Of course. The Iron Guard will not do anything that violates the Guardian Code. Please also, Miss Toppa, keep your subordinates in check. After all, the previous misunderstanding has caused the city's residents to have some misunderstandings about the company. We hope that such incidents will not happen again."

With this, the negotiation work officially came to an end.

And Topa said goodbye and left with a relaxed look on his face, and waved playfully and whispered something to the pioneers as he passed by.

"I'm so sorry to interrupt your reunion! Now that the official business is over, you should go chat with her~"

Chapter 40: The Voice of Freedom

“Huwa…”

After Topa left, March 7 also breathed a sigh of relief.

Although the atmosphere on both sides during the negotiation was not particularly tense, she always felt that Miss Toppa, who seemed easy to talk to, was the more powerful one.

Bronya on the stage also lowered her concerned gaze in time: "What's wrong, March? Did you encounter any problems here? If you need any help from the Iron Guards, please feel free to ask--"

"Ah, no, no. I'm just a little confused by what happened just now...should I say it's the atmosphere, or the negotiations?"

March 7th tapped his head lightly and smiled embarrassedly.

"I see. I can't blame you for thinking that. After all, even I was momentarily distracted. The difference between that woman claiming to be a 'company' envoy and the previous group seems to be not only in her position, but also in her sophisticated methods."

Bronya frowned slightly and sighed.

"To be honest, Beloberg isn't afraid of unilateral pressure from the other side. The people of this city possess the tenacity and perseverance to face challenges head-on. But under the combined force of their tactics..."

"Are you worried that someone in the city might turn against the company?"

Xing asked this seemingly foolishly, which made Bronya purse her lips awkwardly for a moment. Then March Seven realized it later and quickly covered her mouth, apologizing repeatedly.

"Wow! What are you talking about, you idiot? Stop meddling in other people's internal affairs! Apologize to Bronya now—"

"It's okay, March. This... is the pioneer you mentioned earlier, the newcomer to the train, right?"

Bronya waved her hand nonchalantly, looked at the other person with gentle eyes, and introduced herself.

"Although March should have mentioned me to you, out of courtesy, please let me reintroduce myself——"

"I am Bronya Rand. I will temporarily serve as the Grand Guardian and Leader of the Knights of Beloberg."

"Hello, I'm Xing. Just an unknown guest!"

The meeting between the two people was simply achieved in this way.

However, Dan Heng could feel that Bronya seemed to have a special enthusiasm for Xing, which was different from when friends brought people to visit home, and the host needed to try not to neglect the courtesy of others.