Honkai Impact 3rd, but I have too many mods.

Page 572

"……Eh?"

"What's the point of him talking to a force like Liyue that can't even come up with the technology to dive into the Sea of ​​Quanta—unless it's about borrowing money."

"The Mandate of Heaven is not what it used to be."

Rita shook her head.

The reason Otto was able to sell a branch back then was largely due to the fact that the Destiny itself had problems at that time.

—Can you believe that during that period, Planck, as a branch representative, also had to report to the parliament?

Now, Parliament? What's Parliament anyway?

Of course, the power of the parliament at that time was also very delicate—at least it was not as powerful as it had been back then, when it could be an enemy of the three major families, the second-in-command of the Mandate of Heaven, and the biggest political enemy of the bishop.

They found themselves in an awkward position where things seemed important, but they were actually doing menial tasks.

In conclusion, the existence of the parliament actually indicates that Mandate of Heaven is still a transitional organization operating in a religious model, and its money-making methods are as awkward as its status.

At that time, the manipulation of Europe was based on legal authority. Whoever was called the "Son of Heaven" had the legitimacy to be the "Son of Heaven." After becoming the "Son of Heaven," they were expected to pay him. Even when organizing an eastern expedition, they would incite the kings of various countries to contribute money and troops, and the Mandate of Heaven would provide high-end combat power, the "knights."

Now?

Sorry, but now that's the biological father, whoever he calls the "Son of Heaven" is the "Son of Heaven." Even though Mondstadt and Fontaine still maintain their independence, they are actually dependent on him.

In particular, ancient states have now been divided into various regions... with no force to oppose destiny.

The speed at which you make money is obviously different between these two models.

"...So it seems they really came for you."

"Yes, I'm not a nobody with skinny arms and legs anymore."

To be fair, if Liu Bai really put his mind to it, his arm might be thicker than Tianming's thigh.

The only problem is still that... it's rather loosely structured.

Even with departmental planning in place, things haven't completely improved...

Or rather, it can't be improved at all.

Nine out of ten departments are either thinking about climbing into bed or urging their subordinates to do so.

They are very close, but it's hard to say they are close in terms of systems...

"So, do we need to agree?"

"..."

Liu Bai rested his chin on his hand and fell into deep thought.

this matter……

Whether you agree or refuse, there are advantages and disadvantages.

If we agree, the advantages are that we can carry out peaceful evolution and we can more directly demonstrate our military power.

If you put yourself in Otto's shoes and see your team's current roster, after thinking about it for a month or two, you might just surrender with your destiny intact.

Fighting this kind of enemy will only increase casualties.

However, the downside is... if Otto wants to do something, the success rate of his schemes will increase.

If you refuse, the aforementioned advantages and disadvantages are reversed.

Otto may not be able to resort to any underhanded tactics, but the opportunities for peaceful evolution will become increasingly scarce.

"...Say yes."

After pondering for a while, Liu Bai sighed.

The opportunity for peaceful evolution is indeed rare.

Even if it cannot actually evolve, it can undoubtedly reduce the number of innocent casualties when conflict breaks out.

As for conspiracies and schemes...

"I object—!"

Liu Bai's door was kicked open.

A girl dressed in a blue aristocratic outfit barged in.

"Absolutely! Never even consider forming an alliance with Otto!"

"...Furina?"

Liu Bai looked at the girl who had barged in, a hint of surprise on his face.

"Do you...do you know me? Cough cough...excuse me."

Panting heavily and looking somewhat disheveled, Funina immediately straightened up and tidied herself up.

"As you can see... I... cough, I am the current acting leader of Fontaine, Funina de Fontaine."

Funina adjusted her little hat as she did so.

“Liu Bai, over here… the unnamed leader of the community.”

Liu Bai reached out his hand to Funina.

The two held hands lightly.

(Ah... thank goodness... thankfully he wasn't one of those really scary middle-aged men... nor was he one of those menacing smiling tigers...)

Funina breathed a sigh of relief.

She didn't have much information about Liu Bai before she arrived.

No, it should be said that her initial purpose was actually to find Ningguang to learn about the powerful figure who killed Chiyou.

When Ningguang told her that "Liyue has a new master," Frynn was startled and instantly imagined a scenario where "the plan completely failed, Ningguang smashed a cup as a signal, and axemen came out to chop them into mincemeat."

...Although it turns out that Furnessa only had a tiny bit of paranoia.

...This is actually Funina's worry about failing to fulfill the heavy responsibility she is entrusted with.

(...and even seems quite approachable?)

Hmm... from the perspective of someone who's obsessed with good looks.

A perfect score!

"...Speaking of which, why did you come here?"

Liu Bai was somewhat surprised by Funina's sudden appearance.

"Please... cough cough, I mean, we came here under the pretext of the tour."

Fu Ningna adjusted her posture.

Don't lose your sense of distance just because the other person seems easy to talk to.

...However, in her hundreds of years of "proxy" career, Funinga's skills, besides disguise and acting, also included ingratiation.

"Although part of the reason might be that Otto didn't really care about us either."

"Then why are you looking for me?"

"Ms. Ningguang asked me to come and discuss the alliance with you."

Only then did Fu Ningna realize how powerful Liu Bai's influence had become.

Liyue, Inazuma, Anti-Entropy, Far East Branch...

Therefore, Funina could not understand why Liu Bai wanted to form an alliance.

Let's just go for Otto!

Kill him!

Even though Funina is a very humble and gentle person in private, the thought of being able to rise above her circumstances and sing her own praises made her... cough cough, get a little carried away.

But to be honest, this is really possible.

Although their tragic point is that the Fate Skywarp can attack them at any time.

Conversely, they can also penetrate deep into the heart of Tianming at any time.

Straight to the heavens! Capture Otto alive!

...Of course, this requires outside help.

Otherwise, if they dared to charge through the various defensive facilities and powerful mechs on the sky island, they might all be wiped out without Bianca even having to lift a finger...

But right now, Liu Bai is the perfect foreign aid.

She wanted to see Karen beat up Otto...

As she thought about it, Funina nodded to Rita in return.

She and Rita were so-so best friends—at least they had held tea parties and exchanged contact information.

If she had known Rita was there too, she would have contacted Rita directly...

but……

(You actually have a rebellious streak?)

Good heavens... Although Fryna had a good personal impression of Rita, her overall impression of her was actually a completely negative one: a "smiling tiger," an "Otto lackey," and a "monitor by Bianca's side."

Rita smiled slightly at Furnessa, pretending not to notice Furnessa's inner monologue.

This water god really seems to have let loose after stepping out of that high-pressure situation.

But is this really our true nature?

Rita's impression of Frynn wasn't actually that good either; she described her as "a mediocre god who was flamboyant and ostentatious"—something like that.

As for the so-called agent, Rita already understood—after all, she could see information related to Ergolia.

However, this was kept very well hidden. If this matter hadn't been exposed and discovered by Joyce, probably no one in the world would have known that the previous water god was still alive in the Sea of ​​Quanta.

...Ah, whales and water gods, do they really consider the Quantum Sea to be a "sea"?

If Estelle were there, she would definitely make the same comment, right?

Rita was missing Estella's rants a little—even though she'd only missed them for a day.

"Ahem, although it may be a bit presumptuous of me to say this so soon after arriving, I personally oppose your alliance with Otto."

Funina straightened her chest, making herself appear very imposing.

(Ahhh...no...I shouldn't have been so forceful, right? I...I won't mess this up, will I?)

(Is she actually a timid little girl by nature?) Rita observed Funina's micro-expressions and her opinion of Funina changed somewhat.

Although timid... she is very resilient.

Regardless of whether it was kept from Otto, it was definitely kept from her.

So hardworking...

"...Indeed, saying such nonsensical things on the first meeting is no different from a provocation."

"Ugh... cough, please understand, this is all from the bottom of my heart."

After a brief moment of lamentation, Funinna regained her composure.

"To ally with Otto is tantamount to asking a tiger for its skin."

(Ah...wait a minute, looking at it now, isn't Mr. Liu Bai the one who's the 'tiger'?)

Oh no! She has absolutely no diplomatic experience!

Her negotiation skills are almost entirely focused on pandering to the public and her fans!

Help... Someone please save her...

(As expected... I feel Mr. Liu Bai is even more interested... No, I have to think of a point that can convince Mr. Liu Bai! Just like Vilette, I need to hit the nail on the head!)

...That's easy to say.

Although the other person may seem very mild-mannered, you can't really keep spouting nonsense in front of people!

"—If Otto's influence cannot be eliminated, your plan will absolutely not be able to proceed smoothly!"

...Although I don't know what Liu Bai's plans are, it shouldn't be a problem to say this for now...?