บท 42: The future of the lower class does not need you to bear the responsibility
" I've already dealt with the wanderers who clashed with the mining team, Natasha," Himeko said as she walked into Natasha's clinic, carrying two boxes of medical supplies she had just found in the rift.
"The conflict between the wanderers and the mining team is getting worse. We need to do more than just intervene when they start fighting. These conflicts stem from the situation in the lower district. One day, this tension will become unmanageable. The lower district cannot afford this kind of chaos."
Himeko placed the medical supplies in the corner of the clinic, her tone filled with confidence and a sense of control. Compared to her last simulation, she now lacked only that deep-seated coldness. In reality, she couldn't be as cold-blooded as she was in the simulation, but that didn't mean the simulation hadn't changed her.
After ruling the First Empire of Jarilo for so long, Himeko had gained a wealth of administrative experience. Previously, as the leader of Geoflame, she could barely manage the lower district's conflicts. But with the memories from her last simulation, she now had a higher perspective, able to find solutions to many problems in the lower district at a glance.
Though her methods were somewhat aggressive due to her personality, they were undoubtedly effective.
"We should consider consolidating power in the lower district and developing it to ease their conflicts. For example, we could get the wealthy merchants to 'donate' money to reinforce the depleted mining areas and develop a new district to house the wanderers. We could also allocate a portion of the mining area to the wanderers and use the money from the merchants to incentivize the mining team to develop new areas. This would provide a temporary buffer to their conflicts."
Natasha, holding a new medical book, gently set it aside as she listened to Himeko's passionate discourse about transforming the lower district. With a slight sigh, she said,
"Himeko, we need to talk."
Her magenta eyes gazed warmly at Himeko, and she beckoned her to sit beside her. Himeko instinctively closed her mouth and sat down obediently. This was a habit she couldn't shake, even with the memories of being the Emperor of the Empire in the last simulation.
When Himeko was a child, Natasha would pull her aside for long talks whenever she did something wrong. Himeko, known as the troublemaker in the orphanage, was often called to Natasha's side every week, listening to her gentle admonishments while she sewed teddy bears or mixed medicines.
In the past year or two, as Himeko grew up, becoming a proactive member of Geoflame, Natasha hadn't had such heart-to-heart talks with her. This was the first such conversation in years.
"Actually, Natasha, I don't think we have much to talk about. I haven't done anything wrong, and I'm grown up now. You can't keep nagging me like when I was a kid..."
Before Himeko could finish, Natasha placed a finger on her lips, silencing her.
"I'm not saying you did anything wrong, Himeko."
Seeing Himeko calm down, Natasha withdrew her hand, smiling gently.
"Your suggestions are valid. The lower district indeed needs change, and your methods are feasible. I also know you're not a child anymore and understand a lot more now. I'm not here to reprimand you. But, Himeko, don't you think you're moving too fast?"
Natasha cupped Himeko's face, looking her in the eye. Himeko had changed a lot recently, trying her best to participate in Geoflame's core decisions and contribute to the lower district's transformation. There was nothing wrong with this, and Natasha hoped Himeko would grow.
However, Himeko's rapid growth was concerning. Natasha didn't know what drove her—was it hatred, desire, or some unspoken resentment? She could only see that Himeko was pushing herself too hard, transforming from a somewhat naive girl into a weary traveler burdened by heavy responsibilities, determined to reach her destination despite the obstacles.
This would only leave her battered and bruised.
"It's not that fast..."
Himeko instinctively wanted to look away, but Natasha firmly held her head, not letting her leave.
Seeing the fatigue in Himeko's eyes, Natasha could sense the heavy gloom buried in her heart.
With a trace of worry in her magenta eyes, Natasha said seriously,
"You don't need to grow up so quickly... The burden of the lower district isn't yours to bear yet, Himeko."
She lowered her hands, opened her arms, and gently hugged Himeko, patting her head.
"With me here, you don't have to carry so much. If you're tired, just take a break."
A break...?
Feeling Natasha's warm embrace, Himeko's thoughts drifted back to her childhood. Natasha would hold the children in the orphanage and gently tell them stories from her books during peaceful afternoons. For a moment, Himeko felt like she was back in those carefree days, wanting to abandon all her worries and bask in this warmth.
But she couldn't.
She couldn't forget the cries of the people, the darkened skies, the corporation's high-handed aid, and the confusion in the steel jungle...
Most of all, she couldn't forget Ruan's figure as he sacrificed himself for salvation, like a moth to a flame.
She couldn't stop. If she did, who would save this world? Bronya?
She couldn't let everyone's hope for the future turn into despair. She couldn't accept such an outcome.
Natasha was too soft... She didn't realize what the world was facing!
With this mindset, there was no way to save the world!
"You don't understand anything, Natasha."
Himeko, feeling resentful, pushed Natasha away and walked out of the clinic. No one could stop her, not even Natasha, who was like a mother to her.
The next simulation would determine Ruan's allegiance. To achieve a better outcome, Himeko needed to strategize based on her memories from the simulations. She wouldn't waste time on meaningless conversations.
As Himeko's figure vanished like a fading butterfly, Natasha shook her head and sighed.
But soon, the helplessness in her eyes faded, replaced by resolute determination.
"The future of the lower district doesn't need to rest on your shoulders, Himeko..."
She murmured, turning to open a light screen:
[Life Simulation Game Logged In]
[Welcome, Player Natasha]
"With me, it's enough."
Her resolve was unwavering.
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