Urging for more updates, then turning into a magical girl.

Chapter 75 Collaborators and Physical Examination

Qingluan never expected the other party to pull such a stunt.

Has the country's financial crisis forced these high-ranking officials to the point of making money through mobile games?

"Look, this is a sure-fire way to make money!"

The emerald scepter seemed oblivious to the blue phoenix's shock, and instead began its business plan presentation with great enthusiasm:

"Our country has the most detailed files on magical girls, including their appearances, code names, and everything else! With a little packaging, we can turn it into a gacha game featuring anime-style cute girls..."

The emerald scepter grew increasingly excited: "With the popularity of these magical girls in real life, this game is sure to be a huge hit! I've even thought of a name for it: 'Magical Girl Squad'! Oath dresses, swimsuits, pajamas... we can release all of those!"

"..."

I have to admit, Qingluan was shamelessly tempted.

This is indeed a blue ocean market. Although some people have tried to make magical girl mobile games before, many failed due to a lack of official support.

If a country were to provide a genuine magical girl setting as a backing, this gimmick would definitely cause a sensation in the material world.

"That's indeed a good idea... If that's the case, why doesn't the country develop it itself? What's the point of seeking cooperation with me?"

"hey-hey……"

The emerald scepter tilted its head slightly, looking a little embarrassed.

"Because... game development involves server setup and art outsourcing, all of which cost money... the country doesn't want to provide that initial funding."

"...I don't even know if I should praise you for being honest." Qingluan lowered her eyelids.

"Oh, we're practically family! Since we're long-term partners, why would I go through all that trouble? You guys will fund the research and development, and the government will provide the copyright data for the magical girl series. We'll all contribute!"

Having said that, the emerald scepter waved its hand and presented the profit-sharing plan: "When the game goes live, the profits from the material world will go to the Star Realm, and the profits from the magical kingdom will go to the Royal Court. What do you say?"

"...You've got a good idea, trying to get something for free, huh?" Qingluan sneered repeatedly.

"This isn't a freebie!" the emerald scepter immediately retorted. "Commander, you need to have a broader perspective! Without our nation's distribution channels, the game's release in the material world is illegitimate! Don't you want to put an 'Officially Licensed' logo on the game cover?"

Seeing that Qingluan was still hesitating, the emerald scepter continued, "The research and development can be handled by 'Zhang Menglin'! That's me. This counts as the nation contributing manpower and resources, right?"

"..."

People who are paid by me do the work, and it's counted as your country's contribution?

Although she found the idea of ​​the emerald scepter ridiculous, Qingluan was already considering something else.

That means planning for the future of the organization.

The magical kingdom has been turning a blind eye to the existence of the stars, but what about the future? If one day the material world truly grows stronger as a result and completely breaks free from the kingdom's control, will the kingdom still remain indifferent as it is now?

Definitely not.

The most skillful approach is not to "fight to the death with the other party," but to "make the other party and yourself benefit together."

If the interests of the Star Realm and the Magic Kingdom were to become intertwined under certain circumstances, the situation would be entirely different.

The relationship between the two sides has been further strengthened, allowing the higher-ups in the magical kingdom to also enjoy the "benefits." Even if they might go to war in the future, negotiation will become the first option.

A shared interest is the only reliable protection.

Having figured this out, Qingluan felt a sudden sense of clarity.

"...Okay, I agree."

Qingluan slightly raised her chin and nodded, feigning reluctance.

"That's wonderful!"

Seeing the emerald scepter's excited expression, Qingluan gestured for the other party to calm down.

"I haven't finished speaking yet. Anyway, for the next few days, you should start a new company and focus on the gaming industry."

"Perhaps that's not quite right?" The emerald scepter seemed hesitant. "'Where the Stars Are' also an internet company, right? Couldn't we... just expand our workforce a bit?"

Indeed, in the material world, "Where the Stars Are" has legitimate sources of funding and owns several companies engaged in legitimate business activities. These naturally include a high-tech internet technology company.

"It's not impossible." Qingluan thought for a moment and nodded slightly. "But after all, we haven't been involved in the gaming industry before, so I feel that a new company would be better..."

"No, no, starting another company would be redundant!"

Looking at the emerald green scepter, Qingluan seemed to have a bad feeling.

"Um, Commander, don't get hung up on these details!"

The emerald scepter rose from the chair and slowly walked to the front of the Azure Phoenix.

"We still have a lot to do today, like checking out my lab and meeting with our partner—"

"...Hmm?" Qingluan also became interested. "What partners? Aren't we supposed to be partners?"

"I've already said, this game can't function without the support of the Magic Institute!"

Without another word, the emerald scepter grabbed Qingluan and headed for the door. "The magical girls' files are all sealed away in the Magical Affairs Institute! If you want to access those files for games, you'll have to go talk to the 'Azure Scepter' at the Magical Affairs Institute and get her to join you, won't you?"

"what?"

Qingluan was stunned, but quickly realized something was wrong. "Isn't this a project of the kingdom? Then shouldn't the Supreme Scepter and the others... be fully supporting it? Why are you trying to get her involved?"

Seeing Qingluan's puzzled look, the emerald scepter could only turn back helplessly. "Commander, if this matter is really reported to everyone, the funds will definitely end up being allocated by the Finance Department! If that happens, how can I line my own pockets... ah no, I mean take what is rightfully mine?"

"…Damn it!" Qingluan finally realized, "You weren't trying to increase the nation's treasury, were you?! You wanted to make some extra money for yourself?!"

"There's nothing I can do; the Financial Yuan is being too restrictive with my research funding." The emerald scepter said sadly, "Even for ethical research, the funding is only two-thirds of what it used to be... Since the Financial Yuan won't give it to me, I'll just earn the money myself! Who told me to do research... it's so expensive..."

Despite Qingluan's disdainful expression, the emerald scepter remained unperturbed. Led by her, Qingluan and she walked out of the restaurant's private room together.

"Anyway, don't worry. Once we get to the Azure Scepter, I'll handle the negotiations; you just need to keep an eye on things from the sidelines! But before that, let's go to my lab. I've been waiting for your data for ages!"