Mina watched the man named Lu Tianming before her, the wariness in her eyes gradually intensifying.
His composed demeanor... was absolutely unlike what the family elders had described—merely a puppet propped up by Uzumi.
In fact... it might even be the opposite. Uzumi could simply be the backing providing him with credibility.
After their brief exchange, Mina had gained some insight into Lu Tianming's capabilities. Regardless of his political skills, the caution he displayed in his speech and conduct was far from ordinary.
Her earlier mention of "the actions of the Sahaku family" had been a subtle trap.
On the surface, she appeared "unaware" of Gina's affairs, and Lu Tianming lacked conclusive evidence of the assassination attempt. Had he even hinted at either, she would have had an opportunity to mediate—using rhetoric to gradually paint herself as the victim while framing Lu Tianming as either a murderer or a slanderer.
But Lu Tianming's response was intriguing. He briefly acknowledged it without explicit accusation, defining their actions as treason before directly demanding "sincere amends."
The implication was clear: he sealed the verdict, branding Sahaku as irredeemably guilty to prevent her from manipulating the situation further.
"Including the Orbital Elevator, all of Sahaku's technological and military-industrial assets are at your disposal."
"Additionally, we have compiled a list of councilors with close ties to Blue Cosmos or the Earth Alliance, which we offer as a gesture of sincerity."
"Furthermore, some officials will resign to take responsibility for past mistakes. Their names and positions are also documented in a separate list."
Mina looked at Lu Tianming, forcing a formal smile as she handed him the pre-prepared documents.
Even knowing this man was implicated in her brother's death, she could not show a trace of personal emotion.
After all, the survival of the Sahaku family rested in his hands.
It was a bitter but undeniable truth: Lu Tianming's control over ORB's military industry might run deeper than that of the Sahaku family, despite their dominance in the field.
Aside from the stolen data from the Alliance, ORB's MS technology tree had largely been established under Lu Tianming's direction.
And the Mobile Suit Force... nearly every pilot had been trained by Lu Tianming or his subordinates.
She had no doubt that if those MS pilots and technicians had to choose between following the Sahaku family or Lu Tianming, most would choose the latter.
A living, breathing colleague and founder inspired far more loyalty than cold, distant shareholders.
The true sincerity of the Sahaku family lay in that document.
The list of wavering individuals symbolized a break from past errors, while the resignations cleared the way for Lu Tianming to install his own people.
Lu Tianming opened the document in front of him, briefly reviewed it, then raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at Mina:
"In your opinion, among those who resigned to take responsibility, which ones actually got things done?"
"Not many."
Mina was somewhat puzzled by Lu Tianming's sudden question, but then she chuckled lightly and answered truthfully.
"At the very least, if we want to participate in the war, they won't be of any help. Or perhaps it's just what happens when people stay in their positions for too long - conservative, cautious, unwilling to step out of their comfort zone even one step."
"Such people are useless in this rapidly changing world."
"Then... what if we replaced them with you, or your people?"
Lu Tianming smiled faintly, the corners of his mouth curling upward.
"...What do you mean?"
"Though ORB is a small nation, its political environment is equally complex. Relying solely on the Athha family's influence can only make things appear smooth on the surface... it's hard to tell if anyone might be feigning compliance while secretly working against us behind the scenes."
Lu Tianming modestly waved his hand while passing the resignation list to Mina.
"If I want my political decrees to flow smoothly, if I want ORB to operate according to my methods, ultimately someone needs to clear the channels... and you're an excellent candidate."
"Why me? Is this a revelation from your god?"
Mina chuckled lightly, testing Lu Tianming's attitude through joking.
"I'd prefer you to call it a Newtype's intuition... but it doesn't matter."
Lu Tianming laughed and retorted, waving his hand dismissively.
"Anyway, I can sense it - you're dissatisfied with ORB's current state, aren't you?"
"Dissatisfied with ORB's brilliance being confined to this small island, hoping ORB's radiance can shine wider... even spread throughout the world."
Hearing Lu Tianming's words, Mina was suddenly shocked in her heart... because the ambition he spoke of was something she had genuinely contemplated and strived for.
She examined Lu Tianming with uncertainty and suspicion... she had only met him this once, so how could he have seen through her thoughts?
Pre-investigation? No... aside from Gina knowing about this, no one else could possibly know.
Then... could he really see through someone's heart just from this brief conversation?
Mina's heart filled with doubt and suspicion, her eyebrows slightly raised as she smiled dangerously:
"Then are you confident you can control me? Aren't you afraid my influence might gradually expand... until I end up swallowing you instead?"
"It doesn't matter, because our goals are aligned after all."
Lu Tianming waved his hand, answering with a completely unconcerned smile.
"My goal is simply to establish a unified government in this world, and it just happens that ORB's political environment of Coordinators and Naturals coexisting aligns with my vision for the future."
"To put it plainly, what I want to do is just establish it... as for what happens after establishment?"
"If you have enough capability, you're welcome to try and take it."
At this point, Lu Tianming's eyes met Mina's without any evasion.
Mina only felt that his eyes were filled with confidence and excitement... not only was he completely unconcerned about being overthrown, but he even seemed pleased by her desire to challenge him?
It was like spotting a piece of exquisite jade among a pile of dull, ordinary stones. Rather than feeling threatened by a competitor, it was more an appreciation for encountering a kindred spirit.
"If I lose, it means my abilities are insufficient to realize my ideals. In that case, stepping aside for someone more capable would be no great loss."
"However... challenges always come with a price."
"If you lose... I suppose I won't grant you a second chance."
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