"It seems this system sprite is quite useful after all," came the laughter of 'D' from the other side.
Since Shiki was still waiting on the other side, Jean Stardust briefly explained the situation to 'D'.
"Hmm, first of all, your bargaining chip is that creation sword. A creation sword is generally very significant to the world it appears in, but once taken out, it's just an ordinary space-cutting tool and isn't rare. So, given the discrepancy in value, since the other party has made a request, this deal must be made."
'D' looked unusually serious as she began to explain to Jean Stardust:
"As for things like customs, they are actually just interfaces that can be opened anywhere. So, you must ensure that the one handed over to you is at least the only interface for a certain period of time, and at the same time, you must write the condition that that world will not be pruned. As for aspects like taxes, they also need to be specified in detail."
"Taxes?"
"Of course there will be tariffs if there are customs; isn't that a matter of course? In fact, many worlds rely on this to steadily earn resources. The Reincarnation World certainly does as well."
"I understand." The fact that there was tax revenue was simply an unexpected delight.
"Another most important thing is the guarantee of the treaty's execution, which means you need to have enough power to ensure the treaty takes effect. However, you can have the Underworld provide manpower for this, but in that case, according to convention, a percentage of the tariffs will be taken as a commission."
When it came to agreements, 'D' became exceptionally professional. She was, after all, an evil god who spent her days toying with 'evil god contract's.
However, these things were really not within Jean Stardust's area of expertise. As a corporate slave in a technical role, he could only say he understood contracts slightly; business negotiations were a blind spot. Usually, when his boss discussed business, he was only consulted about how many days XXX would take, what model XX needed, what the dosage was, and how much the loss allowance should be.
Therefore, Jean Stardust simply handed the entire negotiation over to 'D', while he focused only on ensuring two points: that this world-line would not be pruned and that he would maintain control over the Fuyuki area. For the rest, he would just try to secure as many benefits as possible.
'D', or rather, Lady Underworld, was extremely efficient. Just one minute after Jean Stardust asked Shiki to wait, Lady Underworld appeared with a wolf-girl wearing Scottish folk-style clothing.
"I am Holo, Holo the Wisewolf, the Chief Negotiator of the United Underworld. Hmm, negotiating with the consciousness generated by the origin of this world, are we? Leave it to me, rest assured."
Although Holo's words seemed to be directed at Jean Stardust, she was facing Shiki the entire time, and she specifically emphasized the phrase 'consciousness generated by the origin of this world'. It seemed the so-called negotiation had already begun the moment she appeared.
Shiki just smiled and watched them. When she sensed Jean Stardust's connection to the outside of the world, she felt that it probably wouldn't be so easy to resolve.
'Is this also an inevitable process?' Shiki thought to herself. She already understood that 'isolation' could no longer guarantee that the Type-Moon World system could continue to operate for a long time. 'Communication' was absolutely necessary, and now was exactly the opportunity for it.
So, she pulled a Japanese sword with a red scabbard from the void and handed it to Jean Stardust as a gift.
"kuji kanesada?" Jean Stardust said, looking at the nine-character inscription on the blade with surprise.
"This is a sword she no longer needs. It possesses the ability to resist mystery. Let it merge into your sword to present a brand-new story."
After thanking Shiki, the formal negotiation began, and Holo began to dance on her stage.
Only then did Jean Stardust realize that Ea was just a part of his conditions. The implicit conditions also included the connection with his own world, the screening of personnel entering the Type-Moon World, the protection of his territory, the Fuyuki area, and so on and so forth.
At the same time, the Type-Moon World side would only allow personnel from Jean Stardust's side to enter this world-line, and the entire world-line would serve as a second gateway; only those who were acknowledged could enter the outer side of the Earth or other world-lines.
And with so much information, Shiki had only mentioned one sentence at the beginning. If Jean Stardust had agreed directly at that time, wouldn't he have been easily manipulated by the other side?
As the Root of the 'Cause' of all things, she was indeed not to be underestimated. Just as Jean Stardust was looking at Shiki with wariness, Shiki instead cast a smile at him.
'AWSL, Shiki-nee smiled at me.' Among all Type-Moon World works, the one Jean Stardust liked the most was Kara no Kyoukai, and his first time spending money in FGO was also for 215. This smile made Jean Stardust feel completely satisfied.
Moreover, judging by Holo's demeanor, the conditions Shiki offered seemed very generous. So, Jean Stardust didn't dwell on the vague initial conditions.
By the time all the terms were negotiated, Holo had already listed a stack of contracts. This was just a foundation for cooperation, intended to see the results; matters of deeper development hadn't even been discussed yet.
With Jean Stardust representing himself, Lady Underworld representing the United Underworld, and Shiki representing the Type-Moon World, after the three parties signed the contract, the Type-Moon World was no longer an isolated system from this moment on.
After successfully adding a knowledge point for students of extra-world history (if such a subject existed), Lady Underworld and a relieved-looking Holo left.
Just as Jean Stardust also proposed to leave, Shiki spoke up: "Thank you. I have waited a long time for this opportunity."
"It's nothing. I've also gained a lot." Imagining that he would be able to sit back and count money from taxes in the future, Jean Stardust was actually very grateful to Shiki.
"Then, see you later. I presume we will have many opportunities to meet again. Oh, right, if you see another version of me in the outside world, please take care of her when you have the time."
Before Jean Stardust could ask for clarification, the cherry-pink space faded away, and Jean Stardust returned to his previous position.
And all this seemed to have happened in an instant; the others did not notice anything unusual about Jean Stardust.
Only Ai-chan asked in surprise: "Where did you go?"
So, Jean Stardust began to tell them what had just happened.
---
Inside the Temple of Time, the Demon God King Goetia was gazing into the distance.
"Is that world-line completely unobservable now? Although that woman's defeat is worth celebrating, the entire world has entered a more dangerous situation. Perhaps the Incineration of Humanity is no longer enough... Master, what should I do?"
Although very paranoid, the king who exhausted his efforts for the world was feeling even more anxious at this moment.
---
In the control room of the Chaldea Security Organization, a group of people was arguing.
"Doctor, we should go and save Mash immediately," Gudako said, looking indignant. To think someone dared to snatch her little eggplant; at this moment, she wished she could tear the other party apart with her bare hands.
"We can't, Ritsuka. Right now, our strength is completely unable to contend with the other party, and we don't even know where they are. We need to establish connections with more Heroic Spirits to retrieve Mash."
Although the Doctor also wanted to save the ill-fated girl immediately, he was truly powerless to do so. Holding a seemingly very ancient ring in his hand, he didn't know what he was thinking.
---
On the plaza of the Final Fantasy City of Camelot, a group of heavily wounded knights were forcing themselves to stand as they genuflected before Lia on the throne.
"My deepest apologies, King. We have disappointed you," Gawain said, taking the lead.
The other knights also looked guilty; they had been too shameful in this battle.
"Become stronger; that is what you should be doing, not kneeling here." With one arm around Irisviel and the other patting Illya's head, Lia did not seem to care that much about the victory.
The knights breathed a sigh of relief. Kay was the first to excuse himself, and the others also retreated. Mordred was also dragged away by Gawain after casting a jealous glance at Illya.
At this moment, clutching her chest where she had been punched by Jean Stardust, Lia whispered in a voice no one could hear: "Jean Stardust, I really look forward to meeting you next time. When that happens, I will definitely..."
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