[FMMIKA] Chapter 232: Artorius and Crimson Moon (II)

If there were bystanders present at this moment, with enough courage and wisdom to eavesdrop on the conversation between the Dragon Emperor and the King of the Moon, they would be astonished.

Currently, the one holding the upper hand was not the theoretically superior 'Moon'.

From a Mystery perspective, as the planet closest to Earth, the Moon was always highly favored.

In ages when astronomy was less developed, the Moon was considered the 'Great Yin' equal to the Sun, representing the most potent feminine aspect of the world. It was the other half of the 'Great Yang'.

In the flourishing Mystery and Ether-rich 'Age of Gods', those who possessed the 'Moon' would naturally be among the most important and powerful gods.

However, unfortunately, this was no longer the Age of Gods. What now hung in the heavens was not the 'Great Yin' that represented the other side of the 'Great Yang', but merely a satellite.

From an astronomical perspective, this satellite held no extraordinary significance. It was insignificant in the vast universe, within the Milky Way, and even within the solar system, where there were dozens of similar satellites.

From this angle, for someone like Dragon Emperor who had great ambition of conquering the entire universe, the Moon seemed to have nothing worth admiring.

So, Artorius felt no psychological pressure to deceive or manipulate Crimson Moon, who represented the Moon, in any way.

But, was Crimson Moon or the Moon, important?

Very important.

This importance wasn't from a cosmic perspective but from a human one.

In the universe, there were countless satellites similar to the Moon. But for humanity, the Moon was unique, the closest and easiest planet to reach.

Leaving aside the resources the Moon might hold, purely as a launching pad for venturing into the galaxy, the Moon was an exceptionally suitable platform.

If Artorius wanted to take the first step out of Earth, he had to manage the Moon well.

And to manage the Moon well, he had to secure Crimson Moon. Thinking about it this way, convincing her to cooperate didn't seem like an overly difficult task.

"Humanity needs the Moon."

"At least for hundreds, if not thousands of years, as long as the core of humanity remains on Earth, humanity needs the Moon as a transit station to leave the Earth-Moon system."

Facing Crimson Moon, Artorius's tone was calm, but what he said left her surprised.

"In light of this, you should believe in my sincerity, right?"

Crimson Moon remained silent, her gaze towards Artorius becoming much milder.

Just as Artorius had put it. She was starting to believe that he wanted to collaborate with her.

Artorius had a place for her.

He needed her strength.

That reason was more believable than Artorius lusting after her body.

"So, what can I get?"

Crimson Moon's tone became more relaxed, even a bit self-assured.

Since Artorius showed interest in her, they could negotiate and maximize her benefits.

"If I help you secure the Moon, what can you give me? Earth?"

"Don't joke." Artorius waved his hand. "No matter how valuable the Moon is, it can't compare to Earth. As for what you can get, I told you from the beginning, right?"

"You..."

Crimson Moon fell silent once again.

The term 'peace of mind' could easily be inferred from the context.

She was going to ally with Artorius.

She was going to work for Artorius.

Wholehearted dedication to earn Artorius's trust.

In this way, she could secure a position within the empire, settle down within its boundaries, and find refuge under the empire's protection, without worrying about being wiped out by alien invaders any second.

'Isn't this like a deal with the devil?!'

'So, you're telling me I'll be risking life and limb for you, and in the end, I might get nothing?'

'Asking for my Moon and settling for pennies...'

'But you can't be completely stingy, goddamn it! Can you really consider intangible things like 'peace of mind' as payment? Why don't you just say you want to turn me into a hot weapon? That way, at least I wouldn't have any more worries.'

Crimson Moon's thoughts raced a thousand times over. If it weren't for Artorius's initial remarks that had captured her interest, by now she might have turned against him, even if she received another thrashing.

As Crimson Moon was still busy with her thoughts, Artorius introduced a small twist:

"Although we both know that what you desire and hope for is nothing more than peace of mind—and, of course, protecting you from future harm by alien forces. That, in itself, is a significant investment."

"But I am willing to offer you some additional rewards."

"Power, position, honor—if you genuinely care about these things, my empire can provide them all. You can consider them an investment for your future."

Crimson Moon wanted to mock Artorius, saying that she had seen and experienced plenty on her little moon territory. His so-called power, position, and honor meant nothing to her.

But it seemed like Artorius had already guessed what she was about to say.

Seizing the moment, he stood up and walked behind Crimson Moon, placing his hands on her shoulders, his voice tinged with enticing pleasure:

"My empire is not limited to this."

"The Earth-Moon system is just a starting point."

"Even the entire Milky Way cannot contain my ambitions..."

"You want a proper planet, you want to be an Ultimate One of a strong planet—that's why you desire to be the Ultimate One of Earth, am I right?"

"No problem. Of course, no problem."

"As long as you're willing to put in the effort and work hard, as long as you genuinely become a part of the empire, and as you accumulate enough merits... everything will fall into place, and you can get what you want."

Artorius said earnestly, making Crimson Moon momentarily feel like 'he has a point.' Even his hands on her shoulders started to become wild.

Artorius pressed close, embracing her shoulders, and whatever he was whispering in her ear, Crimson Moon paid no mind to it and made no effort to stop him.

She was genuinely tempted.

"How can I be sure if what you're saying is true? Are all of that even possible?"

"Even if, even if Gaia and I support you—"

If at this moment, one of her subordinates, be it an apostle, a familiar, or a fervent follower, were here, things might not have escalated beyond repair.

"Don't forget, there's also Artoria Species from another world."

Artorius interrupted her words, giving her more reasons to believe in him.

"..."

Crimson Moon fell silent. She appeared hesitant and torn, but Artorius knew she couldn't escape now.

"So, you see..."

"We will work together happily, won't we?"

"..."

As Artorius leaned close to Crimson Moon's ear once more, saying those words in a whisper, she reluctantly nodded.

"Yes..."

It seemed as if she had used up all her strength. The King of the Moon finally nodded in response to the Dragon Emperor's offer.

"I'm in."