Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [114]

Bronya had been following Chen Lin since he arrived on Jarilo-VI. Admittedly, back then, he had entertained some less-than-kind thoughts about manipulating the young girl into becoming his puppet. Yet, as time passed, he watched her gradually absorb the advanced ideologies he introduced, master countless methods to discern right from wrong, and display the courage to ask questions despite her lofty status as an heir.

During their earlier days in the Underworld, Chen Lin had found himself oddly unsettled when no one came to him late at night with armfuls of questions.

From that point on, he realized he had grown accustomed to having someone shadow him as a "little follower." Or more precisely, he had grown used to Bronya’s earnest curiosity and her unrelenting pursuit of knowledge.

As for why he held March 7th in such high regard? Well, that was because she was the best bro!

Enough said—good bros share chips.

Sighing inwardly, Chen Lin lightly returned Bronya’s embrace, gently comforting the self-reproaching girl.

“You still have much to learn. You can’t afford to slack off. Keeping up with the times and evolving your mindset is the only way to become a wise ruler.”

“Are you… leaving?” Bronya asked, her voice trembling.

“Yes, but I’ll come back often.”

“…Oh.”

Bronya gave a soft hum and fell silent.

Despite her tall stature, likely around 165 centimeters, Chen Lin couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of déjà vu, as if he were back in his university days cuddling with his girlfriend in a secluded grove. The situation was oddly intimate.

But awkward feelings aside, there was work to do.

Looking at the quiet girl in his arms, Chen Lin pondered for a moment.

“Bronya…”
"Mentor..."

“Uh…”
"Uh..."

Their movements, even their voices, mirrored each other perfectly. They both stopped and looked at one another in synchronized confusion.

Patting her back, Chen Lin released her and cleared his throat. “You go first.”

Bronya, momentarily flustered by the interruption, gathered her thoughts. Without looking up, she cautiously asked, “Mentor, I was wondering… what would it take for Belobog to join the ‘Empire’ you serve?”

“Huh?”

Chen Lin froze, momentarily thrown off. Is this girl trying to outmaneuver me with mutual understanding tactics?

Seeing his silence, Bronya became even more convinced that her idea was unrealistic.

The Empire, powerful and prosperous, commanded vast armies and endless resources. How could a struggling Belobog, barely scraping by, ever hope to measure up?

Having matured significantly, Bronya realized her words might put Chen Lin in a difficult position. Panicked, she waved her hands. “If it’s inconvenient, please forget I said anything…”

“There’s no condition,” Chen Lin replied breezily. “The Empire loves peace. We never initiate wars and have abundant resources. At the same time, we welcome those who can integrate with our culture. So, Belobog wants to join the Empire, right?”

Despite the excitement bubbling in his chest, Chen Lin maintained an impeccable poker face. This was, after all, the composure befitting a competent adult.

Bronya nodded, guilt written across her face.

“You named our planet Jarilo-VI, and now that the Stellaron crisis has been resolved, it’s only a matter of time before the ice and snow melt. When that happens, life should return to normal."

"But I’ve never left Belobog for more than two kilometers in my entire life. I can’t even imagine how vast this planet truly is or how many unexplored regions remain. More importantly, Belobog… is severely lacking in manpower."

"It’s not just a lack of people. I’ve seen the machines and weapons you helped improve, and you’ve said before that technology is the primary productive force. Right now, Belobog has almost nothing. We’re lost when it comes to exploring our surroundings, so we’re willing to join your Empire in exchange for support."

"Even if… even if I have to step down as Belobog’s leader and the Empire sends someone to take over, as long as Belobog can improve, I’d gladly live as an ordinary citizen without regret.”

This… is vision.

Even though Bronya no longer had the youthful gleam of a naive university student, her thoughts were still entirely focused on Belobog’s people. She was willing to leap from her position of privilege to the bottom rungs of society if it meant ensuring Belobog’s brighter future.

Just as Chen Lin had predicted, Bronya had summoned the courage to offer this proposal, fully prepared for him to counter with harsh conditions. As long as her limits weren’t crossed, she would likely accept.

“Don’t worry. The Empire isn’t that unreasonable. There’s no need to be nervous,” Chen Lin reassured her with a smile.

Obviously! The whole Empire listens to me. Whether or not it’s unreasonable is entirely up to me.

Initially, Chen Lin had been trying to figure out how to suggest this merger without hurting Bronya’s pride. But now that the opportunity had presented itself on a silver platter, there was no reason for him to mistreat her or Belobog.

“I have some standing within the Empire, enough to negotiate this deal on my own authority.”

“Some standing…”

Wait a minute!

Bronya suddenly recalled something. When the fleet first arrived above Belobog, the commander had issued a warning to the populace, mentioning that her mentor was the Empire’s heir.

That’s more than just “some standing”—that’s straight-up ascension material!

Having served as an heir herself, Bronya fully understood what such a status entailed. The Empire’s future would rest entirely in Chen Lin’s hands.

An Empire ruled by an Emperor… that’s what makes it an Empire.

Overwhelmed by this realization, Bronya had almost forgotten how busy she’d been.

“Mentor… do you really agree?” Bronya’s voice trembled.

Chen Lin nodded without hesitation. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I? If I didn’t care about Belobog, would I have stayed here this long? Isn’t that proof enough?”

Seeing Bronya finally relax and break into a joyful smile, Chen Lin couldn’t resist leaning in close to her ear.

“There’s also… a bit of a reason related to you…”

“Eh?!”

Her face flushed bright red, her silver eyes wide in shock.

“For quite a few reasons related to you…”

What did Mentor mean by that?!

Bronya’s face turned crimson. How could she possibly not harbor feelings for this mentor who had cared for her so attentively, inside and out?

The first time they met, she had marveled at how someone so perfect in appearance could exist. Add to that his vast knowledge, humble demeanor, and polite manners—her impression of him had skyrocketed far past perfection. Who wouldn’t have some innocent fantasies about such a person?

She had her fair share of such thoughts, though they remained hidden deep in her heart, never spoken aloud.

But her shyness quickly gave way to harsh reality.

Her mentor wasn’t just an ordinary individual—he was the future ruler of an immensely powerful empire, commanding countless troops and territories far beyond imagination. And she? Just the leader of a backward planet, potentially stripped of even that title in the near future.

A nation could not have two leaders. Even if her mentor could promise Belobog’s integration into the Empire, how Belobog would be managed was likely beyond even his control.

Reality isn’t some fantasy novel where emperors marry commoners. Bronya knew that all too well.

It wasn’t unlike the ridiculous idea of a trillionaire tycoon marrying a stage performer— who would believe that?

The higher one’s status, the less freedom one had in matters like marriage. It wasn’t just about matching titles but about the internal dynamics of powerful interest groups.

Belobog was no exception, and neither, she imagined, was the Empire.

With that sobering thought, Bronya spiraled into an emo state.

Merging two nations was no trivial matter, and Chen Lin suggested they find a quiet place to discuss it thoroughly.

“Let’s go to my quarters. No one will disturb us there,” Bronya offered.

“Alright,” Chen Lin agreed, though he found it strange how Bronya’s mood had plummeted so drastically. She had been ecstatic moments ago—had he said something wrong?

Guided by Bronya, Chen Lin stepped into her private chambers for the first time.

The room was nothing like the opulent quarters of Cocolia. Instead, it was minimalistic. Beyond the essentials, there were almost no decorations save for a potted flower on the bedside table.

Its stem stood tall, leaves spread wide, and its pristine white bloom exuded simplicity and elegance—a perfect reflection of Bronya herself.

If there was any flaw in the room, it was the sheer size. The sparse furnishings left it feeling a bit too empty.

Whoosh.

Click.

Bronya closed the windows and lit several lamps, filling the space with a warm, gentle glow.

Among the lamps, only the ones near her desk and bed seemed worn, indicating those were the ones she used most often.

She’s quite frugal.

“What’s wrong? You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s unsettling.”

Chen Lin patted the couch beside him, inviting Bronya to sit next to him instead of across the room. Conversations like these shouldn’t have so much distance between them.

“It’s nothing… Mentor, let’s discuss the merger…”

“No rush. Let me ask you a question first: If the Fragmentum and the eternal snow disappeared, and you didn’t have my help or any external support, how would you plan Belobog’s future?”

Chen Lin deliberately changed the topic. The merger was not as pressing to him as Bronya’s emotional state. Negotiations were flexible, but he didn’t want to damage their personal bond due to oversight.

Bronya, seated beside him, fell into deep thought. His question hit home.

“The first step would be revitalizing the agricultural sector. We must ensure Belobog has sufficient food. I’d assign agricultural experts to identify suitable land and monitor the climate as the snow recedes, ensuring everyone is well-fed with surplus to spare,” she explained earnestly.

Chen Lin nodded, gesturing for her to continue.

“The second step would be encouraging population growth. Depending on our economic and material conditions, I’d propose financial support for newborns, including subsidies and state-funded education, to reduce the burden on citizens.”

“Third, I’d focus on rebuilding universities, particularly in fields like engineering and critical sciences. I’ve already drafted a preliminary plan for talent cultivation—I’ll show it to you…”

“And the fourth…”

Chen Lin listened intently as Bronya outlined her vision. Her strategy was practical and detailed, addressing economic, agricultural, and social issues. It was a solid ten-year development plan.

Chen Lin, with his sharp mind, quickly determined that the plan was feasible. If executed properly, Belobog would thrive.

It was clear Bronya had fully embraced the analytical thinking he had instilled in her. She had truly become an outstanding student.

Satisfied, Chen Lin shifted his focus. “Your plan is excellent. So, what’s bothering you?”

Bronya hesitated. “Nothing…”

Chen Lin wasn’t fooled. Her downward glance and subdued demeanor made it obvious. He realized he had overlooked one key factor: his own influence on Bronya.

Let’s just ask outright.

“Do you like me?” he asked suddenly.

“M-Mentor, I…”

“Do you?”

“…Yes.”

“I don’t dislike you either,” Chen Lin admitted, spreading his hands casually.

Bronya’s worry deepened. “But I’m just someone who might end up as a commoner… I’m not worthy of you…”

“Who says you’re going to be a commoner?” Chen Lin lightly flicked her forehead. “Why are you giving up before we’ve even started talking?”

Bronya winced, rubbing her forehead. “I just… I don’t want to make things difficult for you. And something this significant would require extensive discussions…”

“Discussions, my foot!”

If not for his sharp observational skills, their relationship might have grown strained. Chen Lin straightened up, his tone serious.

“Bronya, you still have much to learn. The Empire spans countless planets and territories, constantly seeking new habitable worlds and peaceful expansion. You might think incorporating a planet like Belobog requires lengthy deliberation, but do you believe that while we’re talking, the Empire hasn’t already added several new planets?"

"If the leadership micromanaged every little detail, the cabinet and the Emperor would be worked to death!”

Bronya’s mouth fell open in disbelief. “It’s… that simple?”

“Exactly. So, what are you worried about?”

Bronya averted her gaze, lips pursed. “Nothing…”

Chen Lin didn’t press further. With her trust restored, they moved on to discussing the merger.

Bronya had come prepared, presenting a stack of documents outlining the Empire’s proposed privileges on Jarilo-VI, including the dissolution of Qlipoth Fort’s government and the delegation of authority to imperial officials.

Chen Lin, however, had no intention of dissolving the current government. After all, who would run things for him if Qlipoth Fort were gone?

Instead, he firmly insisted on retaining the Landau family’s leadership. The Builders’ families would also retain their roles, though their authority would be more centralized. He proposed making Bronya the sole decision-maker, with others offering advice but lacking executive power.

He also modified the succession system, establishing a Governor role to oversee Qlipoth Fort’s affairs.

The negotiations stretched into the early hours, with Bronya immersing herself in the terms of the merger. From technological support to resource aid, military assistance, and development projects, the Empire’s offers seemed boundless.

Though Belobog appeared to be losing its sovereignty on paper, Bronya felt like it had gained far more than it had given up.

Finally, the two settled on a public referendum to decide the merger—a democratic vote to legitimize the process.

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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!