Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [76]

Upper District.

In the pristine white halls of the palace, Bronya sat gracefully at her desk, her elegant figure outlined by the soft light. She gently flipped through the pages of her notebook, her expression calm but tinged with subtle unease.

The notebook in her hands was filled with neat, refined handwriting, though scattered among the pages were annotations written with bold, firm strokes—a stark contrast that clearly indicated the work of multiple authors.

This was Bronya’s personal study journal, a record of the knowledge and reflections she had accumulated over the years. The earlier sections contained lessons from her mother and court tutors, while the later pages were filled with insights from her mentor, Chen Lin, complete with his precise annotations.

Finally, some peace and quiet…

Since the arrival of Pela and Serval, Bronya had gained a steady stream of updates about the outside world. Learning that her mother had failed to capture Chen Lin brought her a fleeting sense of relief.

Meanwhile, Belobog was in turmoil. Wanted posters featuring Chen Lin and his companions now plastered every street corner. Several businesses had even temporarily shut down due to the chaos, citing concerns for employee and customer safety.

Citizens openly questioned the contents of the wanted notices, prompting Silvermane Guards to flood the streets. Following Cocolia’s orders, they arrested dissenters en masse. Even officers who had called in sick that morning were apprehended under suspicion of collusion.

The Silvermane Guard underwent a drastic reshuffle in just a few hours. Mid-level officers were replaced by those affiliated with the newly appointed Minister of Administration’s faction.

According to Pela, nearly a thousand people had been detained that afternoon alone. Among them were students, teachers, and merchants, which led to several clashes between civilians and the Silvermane Guard.

Belobog’s prisons quickly reached capacity. Those deemed less culpable—ordinary citizens with minor infractions—were released after signing pledges of obedience. But more outspoken individuals, particularly students, educators, and prominent merchants, remained behind bars.

The chaos began when students organized a protest, demanding accountability from the palace. They had grown up hearing their teachers extol the bravery of the outsiders who helped reclaim Belobog’s lost lands. When their teachers stood by their side, both groups were swiftly apprehended by Cocolia’s personal guards.

Merchants, witnessing the students being beaten and arrested, responded by closing their shops and displaying banners that read, “We mourn for the persecuted students. Until the palace’s treachery ends, we will not reopen.” They, too, were taken into custody.

Though the streets of Belobog were now eerily quiet, with no more protests or demonstrations, Bronya felt an ominous undercurrent brewing beneath the surface.

Setting down her notebook, Bronya took out a fresh sheet of paper and began sketching a new model for the city’s grain market, one she and Chen Lin had developed during their recent discussions.

The analysis revealed an inevitable outcome:

Belobog’s aging agricultural system could not sustain its current demand. Grain production would plummet over the next two months, leading to skyrocketing food prices, a devaluation of the Wintershield currency, widespread business closures, and soaring unemployment.

Mother… what on earth are you doing? Bronya thought as she released her pen with a heavy sigh.

Grain production was only the tip of the iceberg. What truly troubled her was the looming threat of the foreign “empire” they had yet to encounter directly.

Based on her understanding of her mother, Bronya knew Cocolia wasn’t one to act so irrationally. While her mother was known for micromanaging the Silvermane Guard—occasionally issuing bizarre commands like shifting the defensive line by exactly three meters—this level of chaos was unprecedented.

“Could it be… Mother has been deceived by a treacherous advisor?” Bronya murmured, her fists clenching tightly.

If that were true, Bronya vowed she would show no mercy to the perpetrator. She would not let anyone jeopardize the fragile future she envisioned for Belobog.

Suddenly, Bronya’s sharp ears caught the faint vibration of her hidden phone beneath the bed.

Her heart raced as she retrieved it, her excitement mounting as she read the message on the screen.

World’s Best Mentor: "I’m safe in the Underworld for now. Are you alright, Bronya?”

Bronya’s fingers trembled as she typed her reply.

Bronya: “I’m fine. Mother has placed me under house arrest, but otherwise, I’m unharmed. Mentor, Belobog is in chaos today!”
World’s Best Mentor: “What happened?”

Feeling a warmth in her chest, Bronya poured her thoughts into the message, explaining everything in painstaking detail. It took her nearly half an hour to type it all out, her lack of familiarity with the device slowing her progress.

After reading her account, Chen Lin’s reply came swiftly.

World’s Best Mentor: “I suspected as much. It’s likely there’s a traitor near the Supreme Guardian, someone intent on destabilizing the city. But you must prioritize your own safety. If needed, come find me—I’ll help however I can.”
Bronya: “I will! Mentor, what about your empire?”
World’s Best Mentor: “I don’t know. I can’t send messages beyond Jarilo-VI right now. I used to check in daily, so I’m sure they’ll notice my absence soon. Don’t worry, though—my empire values reason. Once they understand the situation, they’ll likely extend their understanding to you as well.”

Bronya bit her lip, overwhelmed by gratitude.

Despite being the one most wronged, her mentor bore no resentment toward her. Even now, he spent his precious energy offering her advice.

For a moment, Bronya sat in silent reflection. Then, with a determined expression, she began typing again.

Bronya: “I’m sorry, Mentor. You’ve suffered so much because of us…”
World’s Best Mentor: “It’s not your fault. Just bad luck on my part. Stay in touch, and if you run into trouble, let me know—I’ll do my best to help.”
Bronya: “I will!”

Her resolve hardened.

If her mentor ever needed her, she would be ready. One day, when she became the Supreme Guardian, she would appoint him as her chief advisor. Belobog would forever be his second home.

With her determination renewed, Bronya opened a new chat.

Bronya: “Serval, how many people and weapons would it take to storm the palace?”
Serval: “What?”
Serval: “Bronya, calm down!”

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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!