Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

Bronya jogged up to Chen Lin, bowing deeply with a sincere expression.

"I must apologize… You've probably realized this was all the Supreme Guardian's doing. If it upset you, please allow me to express my sincerest apologies here and now!"

The tense atmosphere earlier, the obviously contrived request, and her mother's momentary lapse in controlling her expression—all of it painted a clear picture. Bronya concluded that Chen Lin had likely deduced their probing intentions and, perhaps, felt angered by their repeated tests.

In truth, Bronya was overthinking it. At that time, Chen Lin had simply been observing the changes in his diplomatic relationship with Belobog through his interface. With the public nature of the administrative hall, and Cocolia present as well, it wasn't the right moment for him to engage with Bronya personally. Thus, he'd chosen to leave directly.

To be offended by such a minor, predictable occurrence? Chen Lin wasn't that petty.

Cocolia, on the other hand, certainly had her issues, but Bronya was a genuine and upright individual.

If Chen Lin wanted a peaceful way to secure Belobog's resources and strengthen their relationship, he knew he needed to guide Bronya's perspective subtly. Winning over her trust would not only ensure smoother cooperation but also help him gain access to the planet's valuable minerals and energy credits.

"Don't worry about it. I understand," Chen Lin said with a warm smile. "Misunderstandings are easily resolved once clarified, after all."

"We're uninvited guests here, and in terms of etiquette, that's not ideal. Being able to help you all, even a little, makes me happy."

Bronya visibly relaxed, her stiff shoulders dropping. "I was so worried this misunderstanding would worsen. It seems I was overthinking. You're quite magnanimous, Chen Lin."

"Oh, this hardly counts as magnanimity. A ruler has their responsibilities, and their people, in turn, have their duties. It's just how things are."

Bronya paused, her lips moving as she repeated his words quietly to herself: "A ruler has their responsibilities…"

Then, her curiosity got the better of her. "Chen Lin, do you have experience in politics?"

"Not exactly. I'm just someone who's curious about history."

Waving off the idea, Chen Lin added, "Take Belobog's system, for example—it leans toward a feudal structure. The Architects, as a faction, are akin to nobles. As for governance, I'd say your system resembles a succession-based appointment model. That's all."

"Feudal? Succession? What do those mean?" Bronya blinked, her confusion plain.

The unfamiliar terms left her feeling a mix of bewilderment and fascination. Is this what alien culture feels like—unending streams of compelling new concepts?

Bronya had read Belobog's histories. She knew that Jarilo-VI had once been a thriving planet, its connection to interstellar civilizations uninterrupted. But with the war against the Antimatter Legion and the onset of the Eternal Freeze, much knowledge had been lost. Her curiosity about how other planets functioned had only grown stronger over time.

And now, a living, breathing expert stood before her—someone she could even call a friend.

Her lips pressed together thoughtfully.

"Um… If you're not too busy, could I ask for some of your time?"

"Oh? Does Miss Bronya want to treat me to a meal?" Chen Lin teased.

"Yes, I'd like to invite you for something to eat," Bronya responded, straightforward for once. "If you're free, could we share a drink? I have some questions I'd like to ask."

Hearing Chen Lin's playful tone, Bronya felt relieved. For the first time since their earlier interaction, she spoke more freely. Previously, her guilt had made her overly cautious.

Here was someone who treated her without fear or deference—something she rarely experienced outside her mother. She wasn't about to let such a rare connection sour.

As for what she wanted to ask, Chen Lin had a pretty good guess. With the message to Dan Heng already sent, he figured the others wouldn't worry too much about him for now.

"Sure," Chen Lin said with a nod. "But I'm broke. If Miss Bronya doesn't cover the bill, I might end up washing dishes to pay it off."

"Pfft… Of course not!" Bronya's composure broke, and she let out an unrestrained laugh.

Normally, no matter how amusing something was, she had to maintain a stoic demeanor—it was an obligation for a proper heir to the leadership of Belobog.

But being with Chen Lin made her feel at ease, as if a weight had been lifted. Even laughing felt effortless and free of burden.

There was no gulf of status between them, no exchange of interests. For the first time, outside of her relationship with her mother, Bronya had found someone who treated her like an equal.

They arrived at a quaint café near the central square. Bronya arranged for a private booth—being Belobog's heir came with certain privileges, and money wasn't an issue.

Once their drinks and light snacks had been served and the server closed the door behind them, Bronya wasted no time.

"What were those systems you mentioned earlier—feudalism and succession?"

"I generally group these under the term 'political science.' Political systems and structures are just one branch of it. But to help you understand better, let me share a bit of history from my homeland."

Chen Lin took a sip of his drink before launching into a story.

"In ancient times, there were three sovereigns and five emperors. Their tribes practiced what we'd call 'succession by recommendation,' where leadership passed to the most capable individual. It's similar to how the Supreme Guardian selects their successor in Belobog, and we call this a 'succession-based system.' During this era, three tribes rose to prominence…"

As the narrative unfolded, Chen Lin moved from the founding of dynasties to the advent of centralized states. He explained how power structures evolved and how conflicts between powerholders gave rise to new systems.

Bronya listened intently, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. When Chen Lin described the cultural flourishing during the Spring and Autumn period, she gasped, astonished by the intricate interplay of political philosophies and ideologies.

She began taking notes, scribbling down his explanations and examples. To her, these were invaluable treasures—knowledge that her homeland, with its fractured history, had long lost.

Thanks to his grounding in Stellaris-inspired theories, Chen Lin elaborated on the advantages and pitfalls of various systems, tailoring his insights to Bronya's questions and presenting forward-thinking solutions.

When he spoke of how the Qin dynasty unified six warring states only to be overthrown by a popular uprising, Bronya's eyes widened in shock.

"Wait… The people overthrew their ruler?"

Smiling, Chen Lin offered a calm explanation.

"The people are like water—they can carry the boat, but they can also capsize it. When a ruler becomes corrupt and leaves the populace with no room to live, rebellion becomes a just cause. And in such cases, so-called 'traitors' and 'rebels' become the rightful liberators."

"That… That's unacceptable!"

"Well," Chen Lin continued, "if a ruler is misled by treacherous advisors, those with the authority to intervene can rally forces to 'purge the court of villains.' If the ruler remains deluded, abdication might be the best and least bloody solution."

"… That makes sense."

From a young age, Bronya had never had a conversation like this about governance and politics. Her mother had focused on teaching her personal virtues—kindness, humility, and fairness.

But as Chen Lin had pointed out, she would one day stand alone as Supreme Guardian, and in that position, she would have to discern right from wrong by herself.

A ruler must have the ability to judge for themselves.

To that end, Bronya resolved to learn as much as she could about governance, culture, and statecraft.

After all, how could she rule Belobog effectively otherwise?

Fortunately, she now had a well-versed friend who could answer all her questions.

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