Black Swan successfully joined the demolition crew.
After all, the person she was most concerned about had already joined their ranks. As for the memories elsewhere, she could find time to deal with those later.
"First, we need to devise a plan to get the people from the various major families on our side. We must create a new, more powerful organizational structure that transcends the families so we can secure a favorable ruling position in the Penacony that comes after."
Noldrei already had it all planned out, with Stelle cast as the new leader.
Stelle's face was serious. "I propose we establish a new Order of Harmony Party! We will adhere to collective leadership, discard the Family's clan-like management style, and allow those who can truly get things done to step up and contribute their strength to Penacony."
"We will return the dreamscape to its proper role as a supplement to reality, rather than letting it become a twisted tool to rule over real people. Therefore, we must constantly harmonize the real-world order to better serve the interests of more Penacony citizens, allowing every one of them to experience the same happiness in both reality and the dream!"
"Now, let's welcome our leader, Lady Robin, to say a few words."
Stelle gave Robin a gentle push. She didn't care who ended up in the top spot; she had little interest in that sort of thing herself. In fact, Stelle was already thinking about dropping everything and continuing her journey through the stars. I'm already such a happy Nameless, why would I want to burden myself with more hard labor?
Firefly was flabbergasted. Damn, the tone this woman sets is on another level! Even she was tempted to join and become a member of their organization.
Robin felt that things were developing in a strange direction. She quickly waved her hands. "Is this really okay? What will happen to my brother?"
Stelle waved a dismissive hand. "Harmony, Harmony, of course it means a harmonious consensus. That includes a harmonious consensus on everyone's power! Robin, think about it. Is there a version of Harmony that says, 'Do unto others what you would not have them do unto you'?"
"Of course not, right? You can understand Harmony simply as this: What I can do, others can also do. What I cannot do, others also cannot do. For things that cannot be done due to real-world conditions, everyone must discuss and work together."
"The moment someone thinks, 'I can do this, but you can't,' what kind of Harmony is that? That's just plain old ruling!"
"If we can do this, then your brother can certainly do it too. If your brother isn't convinced, he can go rally his own group, form an organization just like ours, and compete with us!"
Stelle's words were like a flash of lightning, instantly illuminating Robin's mind. With that line of reasoning, she couldn't be accused of betraying her brother. Robin's expression was complicated; she didn't know what to say.
"Robin, don't tell me you still think the current Penacony is good for its people? Ask Acheron what she's seen. Ask Firefly what she's seen. And ask Black Swan what she's seen!"
"Robin, oh, Robin, Penacony has become what it is today. Why are you still hesitating? Are you unwilling to sacrifice yourself for Penacony?"
Stelle's question put Robin on the spot.
"No, that's not what I mean," Robin quickly explained. "I'm a singer. Why are you trying to push me into the Dewlight Pavilion?" [T/N: The Dewlight Pavilion, located in "The Moment of Dewlight," is the office where high-ranking Family members discuss important matters—essentially, Penacony's political center.]
Stelle retorted just as quickly, "The world today is full of mediocrity! This top position naturally belongs to you! There was once a diva named Lacus Clyne who entered politics and resolved humanity's conflicts. Why can't you, Robin, do the same? You're even a Pathstrider of the Harmony. What's stopping you from taking that seat?"
Robin was startled, her two little wings fluttering up in surprise. "There was such a heroic woman?!" she asked, amazed. She never thought that after so many years as a diva, she would one day face a political transition.
"That's right!" Stelle encouraged her. "I can see that you, Robin, are a diva no less impressive than Lacus Clyne. So of course, being a national leader should be a piece of cake for you!"
Stelle put a hand on Robin's shoulder and smiled. "I could tell at a glance that you're a greedy woman. What you're really thinking is... 'I want it all'!"
Stelle extended her other hand, making a fist.
Her words struck a chord deep within Robin's heart. It was true; she had indeed thought that.
'The me who is protected, the me who wants to protect others. The me who is accepted, the me who wants to accept others. The me who wants to fulfill her own wishes, the me who wants to fulfill wishes for others. Every version of herself, every wish—she didn't want to give up on any of them.'
Stelle was right. Robin was just that greedy.
'Brother, I see the desire in her eyes! It's really something. She's definitely cut out for politics. Most people aren't this greedy.'
[See? I was right. All you need to do is give her a little nudge, offer her a position where she can fulfill that greed, and she'll figure out how to walk right into it herself. Look, didn't it work?]
'I finally get it. The Pathstriders of the Harmony here are all fakes. We're the only real ones!'
[What are you thinking? Is that something you should be thinking? We'll do this for now, and when Penacony is completely overturned, we'll grab the Clockmaker's Legacy and get out of here. To hell with Harmony or no Harmony. Let this bunch fight it out among themselves!]
'You don't care at all? This is Penacony! If you wanted, you could be the new leader. I don't even think this Robin is up to the task. If you were in charge, you'd definitely do a better job.'
[What's the point of being the leader of some backwater star system? Especially one with such a backward electoral system. Aren't we supposed to be trailblazing a new society? We're just trying our hand at it in Penacony as a side project.]
Look at that! Just look at that! That was true moral integrity!
Stelle felt that the people here were so dirty, so utilitarian. Her brother was the best. He could toss aside these things without a second thought. He was truly worthy of being the future Star of Trailblazing!
Robin went through a complex internal struggle. She could now genuinely see the possibility of her ideas being realized. She could even set term limits for the leadership, and in the end, maybe she could go back to being a diva.
At that thought, Robin was suddenly filled with determination.
"You're right! How can I abandon the chance to seek happiness for the people of Penacony just because of my own personal fortunes?! I agree to join you!"
And just like that, in a corner of the Dreamscape Frontier, a small organization aiming for the highest seat of power in Penacony was born.
A group of people who couldn't care less about Penacony's future had just pushed one of its own onto a new stage.
Nearby, a Dreamweaver was just waking up from his daze.
He hadn't yet grasped the situation. He just held his head, confused, and muttered, "What's going on? What happened?"