262: Turning Point of Fate 2

As everyone exited the conference hall, the scene before them made them stop in their tracks.

The corridor was eerily “clean.”

There was no blood flowing, no severed limbs or remains, only scattered charred marks on the ground and a few pieces of metal residue melted by high temperatures. A faint smell of burning lingered in the air, yet, strangely, there was no hint of blood.

This… was a battlefield?

Princess Crois’s pupils constricted slightly, and her delicate fingers unconsciously clutched her skirt.

She had seen battlefields, seen death, but she had never witnessed such a “clean” slaughter.

Grand Duke Albert’s brows were tightly furrowed, his gaze sweeping over the charred marks, each one precisely corresponding to a vital point on the human body.

One on each side of the chest, and one on the head.

As for the completely dismembered bodies, analyzing the cause of death was no longer necessary.

This was an execution-style cleanup.

Osborne’s single eye stared intently at the white mech in the center of the corridor, his fingers trembling slightly within his sleeve.

Lechter’s report… was actually true!

This level of combat power was already comparable to a Divine Knight.

How was this possible? How could humans create something comparable to the Steel Treasure!?

President Rocksmith’s face was equally grim; his gaze moved back and forth between the Bai Ze Mech and the marks on the ground, his eyes filled with disbelief.

The Republic’s “Humanoid Weapon” project was still in the laboratory stage, yet Dieter already had a combat-ready sample in his hands?!

No, the appearance of this weapon was clearly specially designed; if it were an experimental product, there would be no need for that.

Could it be that it was already in mass production?!

Dieter stood in front of everyone, his gaze falling on the familiar symbol on the Bai Ze Mech’s shoulder armor, which was exactly the same as the watermark on the contract Aventurine had left.

His pupils constricted slightly, and Aventurine’s words suddenly flashed through his mind:

“You can confidently proceed with your original plan for the trade conference; the company will send someone to ensure no unexpected factors interfere with your declaration of Crossbell’s independence.”

“Well, it’s not exactly a person. To put it in terms you can understand, just consider it a small ‘Divine Machine.’”

So that was it, this was the ‘small Divine Machine’ Aventurine spoke of.

No, I’ve seen the Divine Machines of the Thirteen Workshop; this is even more terrifying than the Society’s ‘Divine Machine.’

The corners of his mouth curved slightly upwards, and a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes.

It seems the company’s “insurance” is indeed very effective; my ideal can be realized.

The Bai Ze Mech stood silently in the center of the corridor, its eerie blue light band sweeping over everyone, finally settling on Dieter.

“Mr. Dieter Crois.”

A mechanized voice spoke: “Threat eliminated.”

“Battlefield cleanup procedure completed.”

“Mission accomplished. As per the agreement, I will handle security until the end of the trade conference.”

Its voice was calm, as if reporting a most ordinary task, without much inhuman characteristic.

Only its metallic body reminded everyone present that it was not human.

Dieter nodded: “Thank you for your hard work.”

His gaze swept over Osborne and President Rocksmith; their expressions were already so gloomy they could drip water.

Princess Crois’s gaze darted back and forth between the Bai Ze Mech and Dieter, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

This mech clearly did not belong to Mayor Dieter; from their conversation, it seemed more like some kind of contractual relationship.

Her fingertips gently rubbed together, and after a moment of hesitation, she finally spoke: “Mayor Dieter, this weapon… or rather, warrior.”

“Did you obtain it from the Thirteen Workshop?” Her voice held a hint of hesitation: “Hmm… no, although the Thirteen Workshop possesses the most advanced technology, it’s absolutely impossible for them to reach such a standard.”

Dieter smiled slightly: “Your Royal Highness is very perceptive.”

His gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on the Bai Ze Mech: “As you can see, the Thirteen Workshop doesn’t have this level yet. This is part of a cooperation between a company and Crossbell.”

A company? Cooperation?

Grand Duke Albert’s brows furrowed slightly: “I have never heard of military technology of this caliber.”

His voice was low and cautious: “May I ask, Mayor Dieter, the origin of this company?”

Dieter’s smile remained unchanged: “Your Grace, out of business integrity, I cannot disclose this, please forgive me.”

“I can only say that this company is in Crossbell.”

His tone was understated, yet it made Osborne and President Rocksmith’s faces even gloomier.

A shadow fell over Osborne’s heart.

He was the only one present, besides Dieter, who knew the origin of this mech, but he dared not speak at this moment.

It was simple: he dared not gamble. As of now, he knew absolutely nothing about the company.

Aside from the information Lechter reported, there was only his meeting with the company director named Topaz.

The unknown brought fear; he could only passively go with the flow now.

President Rocksmith’s face was equally grim; his gaze lingered on the Bai Ze Mech for a moment before finally moving away.

At this moment, he had an even more urgent need to expand the ‘Smith Agency.’ The Republic’s intelligence department was completely unaware of such a company with top-tier military technology…

This was too dangerous.

Princess Crois seemed to sense the subtle atmosphere; she did not press further, merely nodding slightly: “I see.”

Her voice was gentle and polite: “It seems Crossbell’s future will be very interesting.”

Dieter nodded slightly: “I hope so.”

His gaze swept over Osborne and President Rocksmith: “Everyone, since the crisis has been resolved…”

“Should we resume our meeting?” His voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable firmness: “After all, my proposal has not yet received a response.”

Osborne’s fist clenched in his sleeve, but on the surface, his expression remained calm: “Mayor Dieter seems very eager?”

His voice was low and dangerous: “Having just experienced an attack, shouldn’t we investigate thoroughly first?”

Dieter chuckled: “Prime Minister is right.”

“However….” His gaze swept towards the Bai Ze Mech: “I think if we really need to investigate, the investigation work should proceed very smoothly.”

“Don’t you agree?”

Osborne’s pupils contracted slightly.

‘He’s threatening me! He knows the mastermind behind this attack!’

President Rocksmith suddenly spoke: “Mayor Dieter, regarding your previous proposal…”

His voice carried a hint of suppressed anger: “We need more time to consider.”

Dieter shook his head: “Mr. President, time waits for no one.”

“Crossbell’s future needs to be decided as soon as possible.”

“Moreover,” his tone suddenly became forceful: “Today’s ‘incident’ has already proven one thing—

“Crossbell is capable of ensuring the safety of this land.”

The Bai Ze Mech’s head turned slightly, its eerie blue light band sweeping over Osborne and President Rocksmith.

The silent threat was self-evident.

A hint of coldness flashed in Osborne’s single eye, but he ultimately just snorted coldly, offering no rebuttal.

Now was not the time to show his hand. He had to first figure out the true nature of this company.

President Rocksmith’s face was constantly changing, but he also understood that the current situation had completely slipped out of his control.

‘Damn it… this mech is enough to change the entire war. These Black Moon guys are completely unreliable!’

Princess Crois’s gaze swept back and forth among everyone, finally letting out a soft sigh: “Mayor Dieter is right.”

Her voice was gentle but firm: “Since the crisis has been resolved, we should indeed continue the meeting.”

“After all…” Her gaze swept over Osborne and President Rocksmith: “Crossbell’s future concerns the stability of the entire continent.”

Grand Duke Albert nodded: “Your Royal Highness is right.”

“Further delay benefits no one.”

Prince Olivert stood in the corner, a hint of playfulness flashing in his golden pupils.

It seemed the situation had reversed. His father, the Prime Minister, and Rocksmith, had all collectively miscalculated this time.

“I just don’t know where the future will lead,” Prince Olivert muttered, stroking his chin.

Dieter smiled slightly: “Then, everyone, please return to the conference hall.”

His gaze swept over the Bai Ze Mech: “The security work will be left to the company.”

The Bai Ze Mech’s head nodded slightly: “Understood.”

“Mission protocol updated.”

“Any attempt to interfere with the meeting will be considered hostile action.”

Its voice remained meticulous, carrying the lingering scent of blood.

Osborne and President Rocksmith’s faces grew even grimmer, but they did not object, merely turning silently and walking towards the conference hall.

Princess Crois and Grand Duke Albert followed closely, while Prince Olivert walked at the very end, his gaze thoughtfully sweeping over the Bai Ze Mech.

If this technology could be used by the Empire… No, it’s too early to think about that now. He must first figure out the true purpose of this company.

Dieter stood in place, watching everyone enter the conference hall, a slight smile on his lips.

‘The plan is going smoothly. Next is the most crucial step.’

He took a deep breath, straightened his suit, and strode towards the conference hall.