Under normal circumstances, as a member of the Strategic Investment Department, even someone as inherently kind as Topaz would still employ standard operating procedures during her missions.
The most basic method was the classic "good cop, bad cop" routine. Her original plan had been to bring her subordinates along, allowing some of them to "think they're acting on their own authority" and execute policies in a way that rubbed the locals the wrong way.
For example—enforcing rules with excessive force, showing no regard for local customs, or lacking basic empathy.
By allowing this behavior to escalate just a little, she could then step in with an iron fist, punishing those employees with pay cuts or performance penalties. This would simultaneously give the locals an outlet for their grievances while also presenting herself as an approachable and understanding figure.
This was a standard strategy within their department. It had nothing to do with whether a person was good or evil—simply put, it worked. But unlike some executives who treated planets as mere resources to be squeezed dry, Topaz genuinely wanted to help struggling worlds recover from crises.
Because of this, she had one of the highest success rates in the Interastral Peace Corporation—80% of the planets she handled stabilized!
By comparison, the company-wide average success rate was only 60%.
For those who understood statistics, the implications were clear. If the top and bottom performers were removed from the equation, the actual median success rate would likely be even lower—probably closer to half.
And Topaz could confidently say that the 20% of planets where she had "failed" were doomed cases to begin with—even if someone more skilled took over, they wouldn't have done any better.
For the Interastral Peace Corporation, signing a contract with these planets wasn't just about money. Everything the corporation did was ultimately in service of Qlipoth, the Amber Lord. Any planet that became part of the company—whether through resources or faith—would, in turn, become part of Qlipoth.
Individual freedom and personal belief systems might be erased in the process, but from a Preservationist perspective, the world's history, civilization, and people would be safeguarded forever, their existence becoming a part of something greater.
Or, in other words... more building materials for the great Amber Lord's domain.
"Looks like... this planet really isn't simple. I've just stepped into a huge mess."
Topaz let out a sigh, but as a professional, she immediately adjusted her approach.
She scrapped the idea of testing Pei Guang, but the formal procedures would remain. However, all the usual corporate strategies would be excluded—instead, she would handle things as if this were one of the struggling planets she had genuinely tried to help in the past.
With that in mind, Topaz drafted a new set of "Jarilo-VI Edition Employee Code of Conduct."
Interastral Peace Corporation – Strategic Investment Department
Employee Code of Conduct: Jarilo-VI Edition
1) All employees must comply with the local laws and regulations as established by the ruling authorities.
2) Employees are prohibited from disrupting the daily lives, work routines, or commutes of the local residents under any circumstances.
3) Employees may not interfere with, obstruct, or influence the duties of local law enforcement teams. If necessary, employees must actively cooperate with local authorities in their investigations and operations.
4) Employees are strictly forbidden from accepting gifts, bribes, or favors from local residents for any reason.
5) Employees must not engage in any activity that damages local ecosystems or public property.
6) Employees are prohibited from conducting unauthorized recruitment or internal referrals without prior approval from the Human Resources Department.
7) Any work that requires negotiations with local authorities or requires their approval must first be reported to the department director for review and authorization.
8) Employees must pay 1.5x the standard local market rate for lodging, meals, and public transportation. This will be classified as a business expense and fully reimbursed by the department.
9) During working hours, all personal weapons and company-issued equipment must be handed over to local law enforcement for safekeeping.
10) Employees must be prepared to provide a clear and transparent explanation of the Strategic Investment Department's goals and projects on Jarilo-VI to local residents when required.
This concludes all content of the "Employee Code of Conduct: Jarilo-VI Edition."
Under normal circumstances, the Employee Code of Conduct for Jarilo-VI should have been released only after negotiations with the planet's authorities had concluded. However, Topaz felt that if she didn't issue them now and one of her employees caused trouble, she'd be the one in deep trouble.
She wasn't afraid of corporate punishment—to the company, this planet was already considered a difficult case. Even if she failed, the worst that could happen was a pay cut or a minor demotion. Not that it mattered—she was already financially free, and a demotion was just a change in title.
What she truly feared was offending the wrong person.
Normally, the Interastral Peace Corporation had little to fear, even if the Xianzhou Alliance showed up—Topaz would still be able to negotiate.
After sending the guidelines to every employee set to land on this planet, Topaz finally felt like she could breathe a little easier.
"Tsk... This is turning into such a mess... Oh well, might as well go through the motions and see what's so special about this planet."
With that, Topaz prepared for action.
She authorized her employees to land on the snow-covered surface of Jarilo-VI and planned to lead them through the front entrance into Belobog.
However, just as Topaz was about to call her team to move, she suddenly heard footsteps and a stern voice—
"Identify yourself!"
Topaz had already received confirmation from all employees that they had read and memorized the Guidelines. So when she heard the voice, she turned her attention to the approaching figures.
It was Gepard and a squad of Silvermane Guards, patrolling the area.
Seeing that she was being surrounded, Topaz smiled confidently and introduced herself:
"Greetings, everyone. I am Topaz, from the Interastral Peace Corporation's Strategic Investment Department. I have come to Jarilo-VI today to settle an account that has been outstanding for seven centuries."
"Interastral Peace Corporation?"
Hearing that name, Gepard's expression grew serious.
To prove her identity, Topaz clapped her hands.
With a small gust of wind, Numby, her Warp Trotter, spun around and activated its dimensional transport ability, bringing some of her employees into the vicinity.
The newly appeared employees looked slightly disoriented at first, but upon recognizing Topaz, their team leader immediately spoke up—
"Director!"
Topaz turned to him. "Did you all memorize the new guidelines?"
"Every word, Director. All employees have fully memorized them."
"Good. Remember to follow them strictly."
Then, she looked back at Gepard—
"I assume this is proof enough of my identity? May I now request an audience with the leader of your city?"
Seeing Topaz and her employees, Gepard maintained his composure and introduced himself.
"Greetings, I am Gepard, Captain of the Silvermane Guards. While I appreciate your patience, I must inform our Supreme Guardian to confirm your identity before I can permit entry into Belobog."
Topaz raised a brow. "That won't be necessary. My identity credentials cannot be forged."
She gestured to the gem embedded in her chestpiece, a symbol only recognized by those familiar with the IPC.
Though Gepard didn't seem to understand its significance, he had at least heard of the Interastral Peace Corporation. He immediately pulled out his phone and contacted Bronya.
At this moment, both Topaz and her team leader's expressions shifted slightly.
As high-ranking IPC members, they immediately recognized the device Gepard was holding: the latest model of the Interastral Peace Corporation's company-issued phone.
But there was a problem…
This model hadn't even been publicly released yet!
Only select personnel within the company could obtain it, and even Topaz's own team leader was still waiting for the official release.
Yet Gepard, a random military officer on an underdeveloped planet, was casually using one?
Something was very wrong.