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"So, you understand now, right?"
Sol patted Topaz on the shoulder again. "I'm telling you this because I don't want you shrinking back all stiff and cautious."
"Whether it's to preserve your personal style, or to keep you from embarrassing me in front of the station master you're about to meet—be confident."
He had never believed that enslaving others demonstrated one's own strength.
Nor had he ever intended to turn Topaz, Jade, or any other beauty into some slave-like toy. In truth, with his current abilities, he could easily activate a sort of "world-modulation mode."
But that would be far too dull. A soulless shell, a beauty stripped of personality, would be no different from a silicone doll.
Sometimes he wondered—after billions of years, would time erode his emotions?
Like clay hardened into a statue, like falling into Nihility… That would be far too terrifying.
He did not wish to become such a thing, and naturally would not force others into it either.
He found himself understanding Aha a little more. With an endless lifespan, one had to find some amusement.
Perhaps carving out the Path of Hope could resolve that issue.
He had already pulled Acheron out from Nihility. When it came to himself, it shouldn't be impossible.
"Understood!"
Topaz nodded solemnly, as though a heavy burden had been lifted.
She blinked playfully at Sol and said, "Boss, I look forward to working with you from now on."
To be honest, the company's decision had left her somewhat dejected.
Thankfully, with Sol's frankness, she no longer had to worry about becoming some kind of black slave, nor fear being traded around as a captive.
Boss Sol was truly a good person!
She had simply been too tense before. Thinking back to how gentle he had been in Penacony, he was clearly a dependable and decent man.
"Mm. Let's just wait here for them to receive us. Stay confident."
Sol nodded lightly, casually surveying the platform.
Previously, Big Herta had even suggested throwing him a grand welcoming ceremony—since a rich lady was footing the bill anyway—and stamping his name onto the space station's property records.
It was clear Big Herta was quite satisfied with the depth of their cooperation.
But he had refused the proposal. He had no interest in superficial gestures, and the thought of having his name engraved on the station felt awkward.
What if they divorced one day? Would he take half the station with him?
He wasn't some delicate pretty boy. That would be far too cringe.
"Roger that!"
Topaz brimmed with energy, regaining the imposing aura she once had when collecting debts.
Even if this time she was here to process corporate compensation…
While waiting, Topaz couldn't help but let her gaze rest on Sol.
Handsome and powerful—practically perfect.
Though he said he admired her talent, was there truly not even a hint of interest in her beauty?
Judging from his reputation, there was probably at least a little.
Outwardly confident, inwardly chaotic.
He's into me… a domineering boss, forced love…
On the platform—
Though merely the outermost shell of Herta Space Station, its strength was already evident.
Matte-black automatons filled her view, fully replacing repetitive manual labor—an embodiment of "science and technology are the primary productive force."
With a glance, Sol could tell that the overall value of Herta Space Station even surpassed that of Penacony.
Given his intimate relationship with Herta, the stronger the station became, the happier he was. After all, it was tied to his path to Aeonhood.
"This is the universe's premier research institution. Its annual bills are astronomical," Topaz explained when she noticed his gaze. "Within the IPC, a high-level dedicated team must be formed to liaise with it. Maintaining this relationship is an important network among upper management."
"Among them, the current station master, Miss Asta, has a special relationship with the company—a fortunate young lady."
"You may not know, but Miss Asta is—"
Long ago, Miss Herta had been extremely short on funds. Her personal wealth had been worth hundreds of planets, but that was negligible compared to trillion-level research expenses—and she refused to accept inexplicable funding.
Later, however, she no longer lacked money. The company's young heiress gained Miss Herta's trust, forming a perfect partnership.
A genius Emanator lacking research funds, and a super-rich heiress troubled by internal family competition. From then on, neither lacked anything.
Herta gained immense research funding. Asta gained independence and freedom. And Asta's family secured the backing of an Emanator of Erudition, elevating their status within the IPC.
Everyone won.
Sol listened to Topaz's explanation, nodding with interest. There were indeed many details he hadn't known.
At that moment, he saw Big Herta approaching alongside Asta.
"Mm, not bad!"
Big Herta completely ignored Topaz and openly praised Sol. "As expected of me—the outfit I picked looks amazing!"
"From now on, I'll handle your wardrobe. A different look every day!"
Without exaggeration, she was already feeling a spark of excitement.
She had chosen the outfit entirely according to her own tastes. Just as men had a weakness for black stockings, she too had a style she simply couldn't resist.
Especially when it was worn by someone even stronger than herself.
"I'll pass." Sol curled his lip. "I prefer simplicity. At most, I'll indulge you occasionally."
"Fine."
Though disappointed, Big Herta did not press the matter.
Sol indulged her preferences; she had to respect his will as well.
"..."
Following behind Big Herta, Asta secretly stole a glance at Sol, astonished.
It was the first time she had ever seen Miss Herta get along with someone so well—so well that Asta felt a faint pang of jealousy.
It had been she who informed Miss Herta about Sol only days ago, yet now she felt like an outsider.
"Come, let me introduce you," Big Herta said, taking Sol's hand and addressing Asta. "Sol Mercer—the savior of Penacony. I don't need to elaborate on his abilities and deeds."
Asta nodded deeply.
Indeed, no elaboration was necessary. He was the hottest figure in the universe recently. Through special channels, she knew every bit of gossip.
Big Herta lifted her chin, revealing a swan-like elegant neck. "Now, he and I have formed the closest of alliances. You may understand it as the mortal concept of marriage."
"Mm."
Asta nodded.
The closest of alliances—unexpected, yet reasonable.
Though intelligence reports painted Sol as terrifyingly strong, Miss Herta was no pushover either.
As expected of Miss Herta—within such a short time, she had gained such a powerful ally and formed a relationship akin to mortal marriage…
Mm?
Marriage?
Marriage!?
Asta's eyes widened in disbelief. "I must be dreaming…"
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