The random tap landed on a message titled Cradle of Death, and almost immediately, an image of a familiar person appeared on the screen:

"Caesar?!" Robin's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a mixture of astonishment and concern crossing his face.

<...I intend and I firmly believe I have both the needed power, to decisively eliminate their influence within the Still Pulse Starfield and, if necessary, launch a strike against their own home base. However, before I do anything, I need your blessing. In addition, I will require a substantial advance to purchase ancient protection arrays and to reinforce and arm the fleet's cannons. I estimate the minimum cost to be at least 20 billion Pearls.>

"....." Robin's expression gradually softened, tension leaving his features as if the weight of everything that had happened before this message had vanished. He rested his head on the back of his hand, lost in thought.

On the surface, Caesar seemed to be offering two options-but in reality, he was presenting an established reality and he knows the reply already.

Withdrawal from all those distant planets would signal weakness, likely encouraging enemies to apply even greater pressure. On the other hand, continuing with a purely defensive, non-aggressive strategy, merely holding onto what remained, would only provoke the Millennial Empire to intensify their attacks, assuming that they were making tangible progress and that their adversaries were incapable of standing against them.

And if Caesar decided to demonstrate the full might of the Golden Army and the Note Gen-4 armada, achieving an overwhelming and decisive victory, the Millennial Empire would strike with maximum force regardless-rendering all previous efforts, preparations, and sacrifices a mere waste of time, resources, and lives.

Indeed, no one truly understood Caesar as well as he understood himself... When placed in a situation similar to Aro's, he had not let recklessness dictate his actions. He did not attack first and request support afterward, appearing impulsive and thereby becoming a burden to those who funded him with weapons, money, and intelligence, as Aro might have. Instead, he sought permission first and requested full, comprehensive support before engaging. This approach placed the responsibility squarely in Robin's hands while avoiding future complaints or conflicts.

Robin allowed a small smile to form, a mixture of amusement and grudging respect. "...That little shit- rather than raising the banner himself, acting like a true king, and taking full responsibility for his own decisions, he seeks direct orders from me on major actions while remaining merely a general in appearance. I cannot tell yet if this is a promising sign of strategic prudence or a dangerous indicator of hesitancy."

"It's unwise to judge his thought process from this single instance alone," Neri interjected calmly, offering her perspective. "Perhaps he simply wishes for reassurance that full support is indeed available before launching a war. Otherwise, proceeding without such certainty would be nothing more than a losing battle with no gain or purpose."

"....." Robin nodded slowly. "Unfortunately, the support truly isn't there," he said, then shook his head with a faint sigh. "All I have right now are the three billion that Lord Saher sent... hmm, I suppose they'll be enough to hold things together for a few years, at least until he receives a decent payout from the Academy. I highly doubt the Shadow Swords will hand over any funds to the Cradle Empire after the specific orders I gave them."

"Hm, is the Cradle Empire and everything happening to it- really that important?" Neri asked thoughtfully. "Won't the Grave Empire be the one hosting in the end? If you want my honest opinion, I think you should transfer all of them to Medium Sector 99 to secure your footing there more firmly and decisively. What real benefit do they bring you by remaining in Middle Sector 100?"

"That's precisely why I didn't want your opinion," Robin laughed lightly. "The Cradle Empire does have a role to play, an actual purpose-but its time simply hasn't come yet. Still, judging by how intensely the threads of fate have been entangling lately... it doesn't seem like that role will be delayed for much longer."

"... You're starting to talk in a rather suspicious way," Neri crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes slightly.

"Heh- maybe," Robin let out a small, amused laugh. He then raised his hand to respond, informing him that he would send three billion for the time being, at least enough to help stabilize their defenses.

"Wait!" Neri placed her hand firmly on his shoulder. "Why don't you read the rest of the messages first? Maybe someone else sent you another gift, or perhaps you've received a major job offer that could help you fund the Cradle Empire far more effectively!"

"..." Robin slowly lowered his hand, paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "That's not bad advice at all." He exited Caesar's message and randomly selected another-one bearing the name of the Great Horned King. Perhaps that king would bring him some much-needed funds:

"Aro?!" Robin was genuinely taken aback. "What exactly is happening today?!"

Aro spoke with his head held high and a wide, confident smile,