Chapter 551 (1/2)

“You were right,” Senator Firefly announced. “To think I doubted you. If not for you… I would never have started this city for refugees they now call the Orchard in my honor. I apologize for that. You have my gratitude.”

Randidly shrugged. He hadn’t realized that Neveah had been the one to push for this refugee camp, but it made sense. As he looked through her memories earlier, he had seen many instances of her helping people and building. She had chosen to dedicate her time to helping these people, and that was something that Randidly could appreciate.

Honestly, aside from the marriage proposal, Randidly was impressed by everything he had seen from Neveah. He didn’t quite understand why she would now want him to walk through this role she created, but he was willing to give her a bit more leeway.

Senator Firefly continued calmly to speak. “As you know, my status as a Senator lets me view some of the analytics data that Ghost gathers on different populations in the Zone. Imagine my chagrin when that strange being reported that according to his observations and self-reporting, Skill Leveling in the Orchard is about double as fast as the rest of the Zone. Part of that is the training courses you created but in the words of Ghost…”

The Senator trailed off as he produced a piece of paper from his pocket. He adjusted his glasses and frowned down at it before reading, “...’there seems an intangible difference in outlook that both raises the willingness to work in these humans, and also gives an amorphous but undeniable increase in the rate of Skill growth.’ Now, I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but for them to grow at double the rate of the rest of the Zone… and to feel deeply indebted to you and I… Well, it makes all the money I’ve poured down the throats of these miserable people worth it.”

Randidly’s lips twitched.

Neveah’s voice sounded in my head. He is a foolish man. All things are toy soldiers in his eyes. But he can see the importance of intangibles. Plus, he was desperate when he came to visit me in my castle. He has been useful.

As Randidly regarded Senator Firefly doubtfully, the other man waved his hand in irritation. “Don’t make that face at me. I know how you feel about my… outlooks. But it is due to those outlooks that I’ve made it this far. They are part of my strengths, it is due to this way of mine I have climbed as far as I have. As they say, sometimes it is preferable to have a predictable enemy than a fickle friend. And I have been a predictable enemy to many.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard that before,” Randidly said, but Senator Firefly just chuckled.

“Of course! Because it is one of my own sayings. Do you like it?”

Randidly rolled his eyes, examining the beautifully manicured garden around him. The fireflies continued to however nearby. Without a doubt, Ghost had zeroed in on this role of Randidly as someone worth watching. That, if nothing else, made Randidly realize some of the value of having Neveah working out here, independently of him. It gave Ghost a focus.

“I have no doubt that Ghost is doing this secretly with his watchers,” Senator Firefly said, “But he has inquired your methodology in igniting the textile industry in the Orchard. The cloth they are producing is softer and stronger than should be possible, he claims. What a fool. Heh.”

Randidly looked sharply up at Senator Firefly. He waved his hand airily.

“Oh don’t say it. I’m not sure why you are so sensitive of Ghost, but he is just an AI. An information gathering tool used by the government. He won’t ever become more than that, not anymore. Already President Howard has turned against him. If not for his usefulness, he would be ousted very quickly by the Congress.”

Again, Randidly was taken aback by the senator’s casual treatment of a serious issue. “...Perhaps that is so. But most people do not think that Ghost is such a simple machine to dismantle. And the belief of those people is a dangerous thing for your opinion.”

Senator Firefly gave Randidly a look, then nodded slowly. “Hmm. I’ll keep it in mind. Would you like to return to the party?”

“No,” Randidly said, shaking his head. Neveah was right. If he didn’t want something, he shouldn’t force himself. Besides, he knew that if he didn’t return to the part, Tia would remain the center of attention. Perhaps she would be a little disappointed, but this was a domain where she would feel more at home. Randidly, either of their identities, didn’t belong there.

Instead, Randidly followed his memories and walked toward the Orchard, specifically the newer district where they were still performing construction. To his surprise, immediately after he arrived at the edge of the sprawling city, a group of people turned up in front of him.

“Mr. Ghosthound, did you see my new apple tarts? Here, try one.”

“Mr. Ghosthound, wait until you feel this. My silk has improved a lot. It’s like wearing the wind, is it not?”