Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [248]

Somehow, in the course of collecting a debt, Topaz had ended up being the one in debt instead.

Yet, no matter how much she wanted to argue, she simply couldn’t refute the facts.

Her own pride wouldn’t allow her to ignore objective reality or twist the truth—doing so would make her no different from the very people she despised. If she resorted to underhanded tactics, wouldn’t that make the company just as detestable as the Legion, something universally loathed?

She knew Chen Lin had already shown considerable restraint, giving both her and the company ample face while simultaneously making his stance clear—there was no room to leverage this debt for further pressure.

Pressing her lips together, Topaz fully grasped just how thorny this case was.

And to make matters worse, the higher-ups hadn’t even disclosed their true end goal to her. They had only instructed her to "develop the Jarilo market to its fullest potential" and "report back on its value."

Even the so-called "claims for damages" were predicated on the ancient debt as leverage. Judging by Chen Lin’s tone and approach, if the company dropped this completely unreasonable debt claim, he likely wouldn’t pursue compensation for their own violations either.

While the Belobog government hadn’t extended them top-tier diplomatic courtesies, they had ensured their accommodations, meals, and even approvals for certain business assessments were met without unnecessary obstructions.

This was a clear message of peaceful cooperation.

In contrast, the company seemed more like a greedy villain, fixated on carving up this freshly uncovered treasure trove.

Even understanding all this, Topaz couldn’t back down.

She was a senior executive of the Interastral Peace Corporation, the head of a special debt enforcement task force. Not once had a project under her supervision failed.

Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture.

"I will report this matter to the company," she said firmly. "I trust that our leadership will make an appropriate decision while taking your nation’s circumstances into account.

"Rest assured, Your Excellencies, the company will not act unreasonably."

Then, smoothly shifting the conversation, Topaz moved onto the larger economic picture.

"But I did not come here solely to discuss this debt. I would also like to ask whether your nation has any interest in joining the company’s trade network."

"If you would allow me, I can first outline the benefits of such a trade agreement…"

She launched into an extensive overview of trade expansion, touching on economic growth, product diversification, streamlined information exchange, and increased political transparency.

But the real emphasis lay in political influence.

"The universe is vast. Many civilizations have built thriving trade routes with the company’s assistance."

"Every planet has unique resources and products, and through the exchange of these valuable commodities, civilizations can experience significant development."

"But if your nation remains isolated, transactions will become increasingly complicated, with prohibitive fees. Communication with other civilizations will become difficult, leaving you alone to face threats from the Legion and spacefaring raiders."

"That would be far from a wise decision."

"Moreover, in times of conflict, the company can act as a mediator, preventing disputes from escalating into bloodshed."

"Governor, you must understand—every civilization in the cosmos is striving to uncover the universe’s secrets. The company is no exception. And in the pursuit of such knowledge, danger is inevitable."

"Take, for example, your bodyguard, Miss Phantylia. She may be able to handle minor disputes, but she alone cannot shield you from the consequences of large-scale hostility."

Economic pressure wasn’t working, so now she was pivoting to political intimidation.

Chen Lin sighed inwardly.

Man, why couldn’t things be this complicated when I was just farming in a strategy game…?

With a quick glance, he signaled to Phantylia.

Understanding immediately, Phantylia stepped forward, drawing the full attention of Topaz and her subordinates.

She let out a slow, almost amused sigh, her gaze sweeping over them with the air of someone watching children struggle to grasp a simple truth.

"Miss Topaz, I’m quite pleased that you remember my name," she said with a sly smile. "But I must say, I strongly disagree with your assessment."

With an effortless sway in her step, she began to approach Topaz.

With every step Phantylia took, the surrounding scenery shifted.

One moment, they stood beneath a star-strewn sky.

The next, they were surrounded by towering mountains.

Then, in an instant, it was as if they had all been transported into the palm of Phantylia’s hand.

Her smile was captivating, almost intoxicatingly so, yet beneath it lay a chilling undercurrent of cruelty.

Even Bronya was visibly taken aback.

The sheer intensity of Phantylia’s aura—her energy fluctuations alone—were on par with that of a top-tier psyker operating at full power.

If measured in psionic terms, Bronya was certain she wouldn’t stand a chance against her.

Panic-stricken, the two corporate employees instinctively moved to shield Topaz, but she waved them down.

Phantylia had no intention of harming her.

When she finally closed the distance, the shifting illusions vanished, returning them all to the grand hall of Qlipoth Fort.

Leaning in close, Phantylia whispered into Topaz’s ear.

"I may not compare to my lord or the other high-ranking figures of the Empire, but if you truly believe I lack the strength to lighten His Majesty’s burdens…"

She let the words linger before continuing, her tone now dripping with menace.

"Then allow me to correct that notion."

"How many civilizations once stood in the Empire’s path—only to fall at my hands?"

"I hear your company has the funds to acquire quite a few planet-killers."

"I, too, have walked this cosmos for tens of thousands of years, shedding body after body."

"I must admit, I find the technology of this ‘new’ galaxy quite… fascinating."

"I wonder how long those little toys of yours would last against me… say, half a minute?"

She turned slightly, glancing past Topaz.

"Oh dear, why has one of your assistants fainted?"

"Allow me to wake them up."

With a mere flick of her wrist, an unseen force rippled through the air.

Then, for good measure, she leaned in and gently exhaled against Topaz’s ear.

A violent shiver ran through Topaz’s entire body.

From behind them, Chen Lin’s voice rang out.

"Enough. That’s out of line—return, and prepare to accept your punishment later."

Phantylia giggled.

"As you command, my lord~"

She obediently retreated to stand behind Chen Lin.

Of course, anyone with a shred of intelligence could see she absolutely wouldn’t be punished for this.

In fact, there was a good chance Chen Lin had orchestrated the entire act.

The two corporate employees who had collapsed now groggily stirred awake, scrambling to their feet.

Seeing Topaz’s cold sweat and the way her pupils had shrunk, they hurried to check on her.

No one else understood what had just happened.

Not even Chen Lin.

He had merely told Phantylia to prove that threats wouldn’t work on them.

That was all.

And yet, Topaz knew.

She knew exactly what had just happened.

Why had this seemingly ordinary—albeit beautiful—fox-woman shattered the pseudo-relic in her pocket?

A relic designed to detect any being at the Herald level or above?

Is… every single one of the Governor’s personal guards at the level of a Herald?

Struggling to suppress the terror clawing at her chest, Topaz barely managed to regain her composure.

Then, Chen Lin’s concerned voice cut through the silence.

"Miss Topaz, are you alright? You look rather unwell—heatstroke, perhaps?"

"N-No, I’m fine…"

She pressed a hand to her forehead, willing herself to stay composed.

"Are you sure? Perhaps we should adjourn the meeting for now."

Adjourn? Absolutely not!

Just securing this single audience had taken over two months.

This wasn’t some backwater planet with primitive infrastructure. She knew how rare and difficult this opportunity was.

There was no way she would let it slip away.

Shaking her head, she forced a smile.

"I’m fine. Just… a little fatigued from work. Nothing serious."

"Ah, that’s good to hear."

Chen Lin slowly rose, pacing around the table as he spoke.

"The interstellar trade market owes much of its success to a certain entity… Qlipoth. I’m sure you’re familiar with that name, Miss Topaz."

"After all, if not for His indirect influence, your company might never have formed in the first place."

"He built His walls. Your company made its money."

"If one thing is clear, it’s that simple equations don’t always yield simple answers."

He smiled faintly.

"Sometimes, one plus one doesn’t equal—or even exceed—two, don’t you agree?"

One of Topaz’s assistants, still rattled, muttered, "Sometimes… it might even be a negative number…"

Topaz snapped out of her haze.

"You absolute idiot!"

With that, her focus returned—just in time for Chen Lin to halt his pacing.

And then—

He raised a single finger.

The room fell completely silent.

Everyone instinctively held their breath, eyes locked onto him.

Then, after a long pause, he finally spoke.

"But military power is merely a tool to ensure our own security. We have no interest in taking what belongs to others by force," Chen Lin said with a warm smile. "Rest assured, Miss Topaz—the Empire is, in principle, always peaceful and eager to cooperate."

Of course, in his mind, he quietly added:

Generally, we just offer an exchange first. If they refuse, we ask if they’d like to gift it instead. If they refuse both… well, that’s an insult. And we can’t just let an insult slide, now can we? So, we deploy the fleet, discipline them a little, and ask again after the dust settles.

Topaz’s head was still pounding, but she chose to believe Chen Lin’s words.

If direct pressure wouldn’t work on them, she’d just have to take a softer approach.

"Your Excellencies, how about this?"

She adjusted her tone and began anew.

"Since your nation values mutual prosperity and harmonious trade, I can negotiate with the company to allow the Winter City Shield to remain your primary local trade currency."

"This will not only stimulate commercial activity within the Jarilo sector but also establish your world as a thriving regional trade hub."

"We genuinely respect your monetary system, recognize your immense future potential, and deeply admire your commitment to peace."

"In fact, your nation is a rare example of a model interstellar ally."

Chen Lin took a sip of his tea and nodded.

"Mm. Not a bad offer. Go on."

Encouraged, Topaz continued outlining her vision.

"Within the trade zones jointly established by your government and the company, all of these conditions will apply."

"For external transactions, however, as well as settlements between your nation and the company, credit points would be used instead."

"Additionally, we will ensure secure foreign exchange mechanisms to facilitate the free flow of trade goods—reducing friction and unnecessary barriers."

She spoke for a good while, ensuring every detail was properly laid out.

Finally, she concluded with:

"With this approach, when credit points inevitably become the standardized currency of the interstellar economy, your nation will be forever enshrined in history as a key contributor to the unification of the galactic monetary system!"

Chen Lin blinked.

"…?"

Why does this sound suspiciously like the whole Bretton Woods financial trap?

‘Currency liberalization, capital mobility, free trade’… yeah, I know where this is going.

He sighed dramatically.

"Ah, what a difficult matter this is. You see, Miss Topaz, I fear that the citizens of the Empire may struggle to accept such an… unstable monetary policy."

"The Winter City Shield—both in digital and physical form—is uniquely imprinted with psionic markers, making it impossible to counterfeit or tamper with."

"Credit points, on the other hand, aside from being… well, printed paper, what guarantees do they have against forgery or cyber intrusion?"

Shrugging, he gestured toward his phone.

"Now, I do use credit points when I travel."

"But if I recall correctly, the Stellaron Hunters’ hacker has successfully breached the company’s credit system multiple times, yes?"

"Didn’t she once hack into your systems and distribute 200,000 credits to every single credit account in the entire galaxy?"

Topaz fell silent.

Chen Lin narrowed his eyes slightly.

Ah. Gotcha.

This was a critical weakness of the company’s monetary system.

If she couldn’t even refute it, then there was no point continuing the discussion.

"Leaving aside its inherent instability," he continued, "you, more than anyone, should understand the true cost of credit issuance."

"The company has never considered how excessive money printing affects the economies of civilizations within your trade network."

"Every large-scale issuance—especially those surpassing crisis thresholds—forces other civilizations to absorb the consequences on your behalf."

"And now… you expect the Empire to stake its entire future on a currency that could one day collapse under its own weight?"

His voice sharpened.

"Are you suggesting that this peace-loving Empire should bear the risks of the company’s potential monetary crises?"

Topaz felt her breath hitch.

His tone had shifted—not friendly anymore.

"This… this is not what I meant," she hurriedly said. "Please don’t misunderstand—"

"But how many executives has your company sent to discuss business with us?"

Chen Lin’s voice cut through the air.

"I… I came alone…"

Topaz’s throat went dry.

The countless counterarguments she had prepared were useless.

She had no idea how she had lost the initiative so completely.

Then, as quickly as it had come, Chen Lin’s cold demeanor vanished.

He laughed cheerfully.

"Haha! You’re a debt-collection executive, and you’re just doing your job—it makes sense to take this approach."

"I’m not blaming you."

"But tell me, Miss Topaz—why do you think Jarilo is so wealthy?"

Topaz frowned.

Why was he shifting the topic to this?

From an economic standpoint, this model was unsustainable.

Not even the company would dare burn through resources at the rate the Empire was.

She suspected he was preparing to introduce some other factor to intimidate her.

Regardless, she had to answer.

"Massive financial injections, combined with generous resource and technological aid from the Empire."

"However, I personally view this model with pessimism—"

"No, no, no. Look outside."

Chen Lin chuckled and snapped his fingers.

A moment later, Topaz and her employees’ jaws dropped.

Their eyes widened in disbelief.

Outside the towering windows of Qlipoth Fort…

A literal rain of minerals was falling from the sky.

Vast veins of raw materials shimmered beneath the planet’s surface, seemingly infinite in supply.

This… This isn’t possible…!

The sheer abundance was beyond comprehension.

They weren’t looking at an economy that relied on money injections.

They were looking at an economy that rendered traditional financial models completely obsolete.

Chen Lin’s voice remained lighthearted, yet firm.

"This… is but a fraction of what we have."

"Why rush to conclusions?"

"We can cooperate with the company."

"But we do not need the company to survive—or even thrive."

He smiled faintly.

"Perhaps you should go back and rethink whether this negotiation is truly worth continuing in its current form."

"Oh, and one more thing—"

He leaned back.

"The Empire provides certain benefits to its citizens simply because we choose to do so."

"Nothing more, nothing less."

Topaz was completely stunned.

Chen Lin gave Pela a glance.

"Pela, grant Miss Topaz limited access to our mining stations’ survey data and basic operational reports."

"After all…"

He chuckled.

"I wouldn’t want to accidentally make a poor decision due to lack of information."

"Principles, after all, must be upheld."

He clapped Topaz on the shoulder and casually strolled out, his entourage following behind him.

Topaz and her two subordinates remained frozen in place, still staring at the raining minerals outside.

Phantylia, who had been quietly observing, finally understood.

The company had been completely outmaneuvered.

This outcome was inevitable.

And when she thought back to how Chen Lin had orchestrated the conversation…

She finally saw it.

From the very beginning:

• He greeted the company’s representatives with warmth and hospitality.

• He deflected most questions.

• He thanked Topaz for her financial expertise, expressing gratitude for the company’s generosity—

• But when it came to actual commitments, his answer was simply, ‘No.’

Then, just as the company’s aggressive stance started losing steam—

• He subtly shifted the conversation toward politics.

• He avoided making direct economic arguments, instead leading Topaz to think in terms of sovereignty and control.

• He never outright attacked—he merely pointed out contradictions.

And when it came time to counterattack—

• He didn’t argue the grand points.

• He started small.

• He expanded gradually.

• He let Topaz realize, piece by piece, that she was losing ground.

By the time she noticed, it was already too late.

Phantylia’s gaze toward Chen Lin completely changed.

Everyone assumed he was just some warlord—a man who clashed blades with generals, exchanged words with oracles, and caused chaos wherever he went.

But he was none of those things.

At his core, Chen Lin was one thing.

A politician.

One who never stopped accumulating leverage.

And one who, at every turn, worked tirelessly to expand his hand.

---

T/N: goddamn politician!

This is a fan translation of 在星穹铁道点群星科技树真的没问题吗? by 杏雨诗韵 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!