109: Chapter 109 Ripples

"Pardon the intrusion."

"Uh, it's fine. If anything, I'm the one intruding." Li Ming looked at the girl with golden hair... Why were so many girls blonde? Weird...

"No, no, no, you're being too modest." Andelin leaned on the railing. "This matter was our fault. Our management of the staff wasn't strict enough..."

"From a societal perspective, it's normal. It has nothing to do with strictness, Miss Andelin." Li Ming thought for a moment. "Let me be clear, this isn't a lecture, but I think you might not have considered this layer of Logic. Under the general societal consensus, that gentleman didn't think turning me away was wrong. That's normal, even if it's not correct."

Li Ming saw a look of confusion appear on her face. It was clear she was seriously pondering the issue. "What I mean is, if at this very moment, I had yellow clothes and green eyes... well, just like you, he would have respectfully invited me in without fail. But the problem is, I have black eyes and black hair. In the perception of the core generations within the entire Federation, we are seen as the lowest, most filthy existence."

"Hmm... While it's a novel perspective, your line of reasoning does have some... merit." She leaned her body against the railing, completely disregarding how the dust might soil her formal dress. "But I don't think it's right. Just like you, apart from your hair color, I don't see any difference between you and others."

"But others don't see it that way." Li Ming turned around, leaning his back against the railing, feeling the seaside breeze. "This wasn't formed overnight. It's the inertia of the world. It's silent, and the strength of one or two people can hardly stop it."

"Perhaps I could rely on my family's..."

"No, that won't work." Li Ming shook his head. "It's a form of 'correctness,' and it's also tied to interests. If your family wants to maintain its rule, it cannot directly cross this red line."

"Why?" she asked instinctively, then immediately realized she had asked a foolish question. "No... you're right. I was being too hasty."

Yes, tied to interests. Operating such a vast family enterprise requires support and being bound to the interests of the so-called 'correct side.'

Moreover, her family governed this kingdom. In a sense, once you shook people's hearts, your family's rule would crumble along with it.

This prosperous territory was coveted by more than just the Qianhe Empire across the strait and the neighboring 'allies within the Federation' who controlled other parts of the peninsula.

The family had poured countless resources and time into building this city, one of prosperity and, compared to other places in the Federation, absolute stability.

"It's alright." Li Ming shook his head. "If anything, I'm surprised you're still willing to communicate with me."

"As the xia people, who make up forty-five percent of the Federation's total population... half of the eastern population, I don't think they've survived until today just because of their large population base and willingness to swallow their grievances." Andelin reorganized her thoughts. "But... why won't the Federation accept them?"

"I'm not sure either." Li Ming shrugged. "Probably inertia. After all, the customs of both sides are almost completely different."

"But why can people from other regions be accepted, yet only the xia people cannot?"

"Population base."

Li Ming answered her question, but he felt there was another reason in his heart.

Half of the occupied Xia lands were still in the Empire's hands. The mutual propaganda campaigns were enough to give both sides headaches. If the xia people were allowed access to something like the information age or if suppression was relaxed, the ensuing troubles would be more than just a little...

"Population base?" She had a moment of realization, then sank into deep thought.

The Federation's internal and external propaganda about itself and the Empire was known for its diversity and inclusivity.

"Don't think too much about it. The Xia... the xia people have an old saying: 'The boat will straighten itself when it reaches the bridgehead.'" Li Ming thought for a moment and added, "But still, thank you for being willing to talk with me. However, I think it's time to end the conversation. It's not appropriate for me to be away from the family gathering for too long."

He prepared to leave. It wouldn't be good to keep everyone waiting.

"Me too. I never imagined the xia people had so much heritage and wisdom. Let's be friends. Here's my phone number and personal network ID."

"Me?" Li Ming raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure having a Remnant friend won't cause problems for you?"

"Since when has this young lady ever cared about other people's opinions?"

Why did she suddenly become so proud? Was that a good thing...

"Alright then. Here's my personal ID." Li Ming took out his phone and showed his chat app profile. For safety's sake, he had even changed the phone case to a dark one so the brand couldn't be identified, and the interface UI had been modified by Logic to resemble the mainstream version used within the Federation. "My name is Li Ming. It's an... an honor to be your friend."

"No need for formal titles... Well then, I wish you a pleasant conversation with Miss Royal Fortune!"

She left like the wind, then suddenly came running back. "Wait a moment, sir. What is your relationship with Miss Royal Fortune?"

Hadn't he mentioned a family gathering earlier?

"Uh, family." Li Ming was taken aback. Why was she asking this?

"Oh, I see..." Andelin understood.

Though it was a bit strange, a Ship Girl and Commander pairing wasn't that unusual. But to have conquered that pirate lady in such a short time was truly impressive...

She left once more.

"...Weirdo." Li Ming muttered under his breath.

Then he turned around and saw the unmistakably wide skirt that couldn't be hidden.

"Teacher Axiom..."

"Uh... how did you find me?"

She emerged from the shadows, a bit puzzled. She didn't think she had exposed her presence or silhouette.

"The skirt."

Axiom looked down at her ornate dress. "Alright, I'm still not quite used to wearing this sort of... Ah!"

She looked up. "So, you really don't seem angry at all?"

"No, it's just that anger isn't useful." Li Ming shook his head. "If I really wanted to vent my fury, I'd have Alert open fire directly."

"Hmm. You certainly have the capability to do that..." She gave Li Ming a deep look. "I'm glad you told me without holding back."

"It's because I myself have no secrets worth keeping, that's all."

"That's dangerous. If someone gets a hold on you, your Ship Girls will be in a passive position..."

Li Ming, who had been about to find an excuse to leave, froze in place, then turned back.

"Teacher must have already asked Kano about things, right?"

"Hmm... You are special."

"If anyone dares lay a hand on them, even if I have to make a deal with the most evil demon, I'll drag them down to hell with me."

...

...