"Assistants for me?"
Dressed in his white researcher's coat, Dr. Stylish set down the documents in his hands and bowed respectfully to Selene.
"Recruited from the newly conquered otherworld... Your Majesty, are they alchemists like Dorothea? Or technical researchers like Sumire Muroto (Black Bullet) or Akihiro Kanou (Tokyo Ghoul)?"
Then, taking the personal recruitment dossier Selene handed him, Dr. Stylish slowly began reading aloud, curiosity evident in his tone.
"From the Second Astartes Legion Retributors—Conquered World No. 37. Pure technical research personnel?"
"Nina Einstein, former student of Ashford Academy High School, Area 11 (formerly Japan) of the Britannian Empire. Second-year student... a student?"
At this point, Dr. Stylish frowned slightly in surprise. His gaze lifted briefly to Selene, who continued signing documents with an unchanged expression, before he continued reading.
"Major in nuclear physics. Proficient in physics-related disciplines. Former research intern in the High-Energy Explosives Division and Energy Transmission Division of Area 11, Britannian Empire."
A mere student—only seventeen—and already with such achievements. Certainly impressive. But to directly admit her into the Imperial Science Bureau... was that not too much? Was Her Majesty placing such importance on her because she saw exceptional potential?
From the résumé alone, Dr. Stylish could not discern anything particularly extraordinary. Yes, she was outstanding among her peers—but only among her peers. Perhaps Her Majesty valued her potential, but at present, her 'combat power' was low and would require time to cultivate.
His gaze moved further down.
"Lloyd Asplund, former Earl of the Britannian Empire. Knightmare unit designer. Chief of the Special Dispatch Guidance Technology Department and head of the Knight of the Round exclusive unit development division."
"Rakshata Chawla, formerly in the Britannian Empire's research division alongside Lloyd. Also skilled in Knightmare design and development. Particularly proficient in radiation-wave research, renowned for her work in that field."
"Wow, wow..." Dr. Stylish exclaimed excitedly. These two were treasure troves.
Overcome with enthusiasm, his fingers tightened unconsciously. "And their names aren't Japanese-style—excellent. Finally, some new additions."
Among the worlds conquered by the Astartes Legions, Japan might not make up the largest proportion, but it appeared with the greatest frequency. Either it was the primary center of technological production, or it was always the source of some new upheaval.
Each year, among the scientific personnel recruited by the Imperial Science Bureau from conquered worlds, Japan—this place that somehow always came up again and again—occupied a considerable share.
It was truly a case of 'no matter where you go, there you are.'
Aside from war itself, the fastest driver of military technological advancement was the collision of diverse ideas. Yet aside from researchers of imperial origin, the second-largest group within the Bureau was Japanese—people found across multiple worlds.
Yes, they were polite and compliant—pleasant enough. But seeing the same faces over and over again was beginning to irritate Dr. Stylish. What he wanted was diversity—not polarization.
Simply put, Dr. Stylish was fickle. He craved novelty.
Hearing his remarks, Selene gave a small nod. Fickle tastes—she understood that far too well.
Such minor emotions were understandable. Though, realistically speaking, the future recruitment results of the Imperial Science Bureau would likely remain unchanged—Japan would still occupy a significant share. (It had to be admitted: Japanese anime culture dominated half of ACG.)
Speaking objectively, the national character of the Japanese suited a supreme authoritarian ruler like Selene.
Hardworking and enduring, so long as the ruler maintained overwhelming military strength and possessed superior bloodline status, their tolerance for pressure was astonishing—and Selene possessed every one of those conditions.
Though Selene had never claimed to be a god, nor hinted as such, those beneath her—whether imperial natives or subjects from conquered worlds—had already rationalized every reason to accept her rule.
They had no choice. After the Astartes Legions conquered other worlds, aside from barbaric realms, any world with civilization would see the Imperial Ministry of Internal Affairs destroy all 'ignorant' faiths and religions.
Stripping them of the most fundamental and accessible source of cohesion.
The cohesive power of religion could not be underestimated.
Compared to ethnic customs, culture, or bloodline-based identity—which required long evolution and high maintenance—religious identity had a far lower threshold.
The former demanded time and immense cost. The latter was simple.
At its most basic, one did not need shared culture or ethnicity. You might be a heretic today—but listen to a story, accept a god, embrace a doctrine, and tomorrow you would stand together under the same divine radiance.
Cohesion achieved.
Under imperial high-pressure rule, such large-scale, low-threshold cohesion could easily ferment unrest. Yes, entire worlds could be purged—but what about labor? What about tithe revenues?
Violent one-size-fits-all solutions could not become the norm.
Most importantly—Selene resembled a god more than a human.
People deprived of faith desperately sought substitutes. And at precisely that moment, Empress Selene entered their field of vision.
There was no need for myth-making. The deeper their understanding of the Empire became, the more they observed Selene's actions and experiences, the more they concluded:
Oh my God-Empress above—
She was indistinguishable from the gods they once believed in.
Selene might simply consider herself somewhat destructive and fond of grand, extravagant aesthetics. But they did not see it that way.
Ordinary humans could not destroy planets. Nor command such magnificent armies. Only gods could.
Therefore, our Empress is a god. Q.E.D. No rebuttals accepted.
If you look like a god, act like a god, people will believe you are a god.
And then... well, since the Empire prohibits us from worshipping 'ignorant' religions, believing in the Empress should be acceptable, right?
All in all, the worlds under Selene's rule were relatively stable. Occasionally a few planets were burned. As for the Decimation? Hardly worth mentioning.
Growing increasingly heated with excitement, Dr. Stylish could not help but feel envious watching the benefits reaped by legion commanders as they conquered new territories.
If only he could go too—rather than merely feasting on leftovers.
"Your Majesty, may I personally lead the conquest of a world? My Team Stylish has already—"
"What do you think?"
Selene glanced casually at the eager Dr. Stylish, her sharp gaze piercing straight through him.
"Dr. Stylish. Team Stylish. I trust you understand... their very existence damages the Empire's military image."
Her brows furrowed slightly, crimson eyes filled with disdain as an unpleasant memory surfaced.
A grotesque mutant in garish lingerie stockings... ugh. What in the world was that? The Empire's image could not afford such disgrace.
"Ah..." Dr. Stylish froze, yet still refused to abandon his dream of a frontline scientist. "Your Majesty, just let me fight one battle. Just one..."
"No."
"Your Majesty..."
He fell silent. Selene had cut him off too decisively—there was no room for debate.
"Drop the idea entirely."
You're a researcher—why are you obsessed with charging into melee combat? What, still clinging to your dream of being a close-quarters combat scientist?
"These personnel will report to the Imperial Science Bureau after completing their investiture at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Make good use of their talents. The Empire's large-scale expansion of its aerospace fleet is only one step away."
"The Britannian Empire's captured aerospace warships will also be delivered to your headquarters. I'll have Budo send over sample units."
As she spoke, Selene smiled faintly. Her diamond-shaped pupils gleamed with meaning.
"If we replace their energy supply with Honkai energy... will performance improve? I look forward to your research, Dr. Stylish."
"I will complete the task without fail."
Though Selene was smiling, Dr. Stylish did not dare raise further objections. He immediately knelt on one knee and responded solemnly.
"Oh, and if they require anything for research, accommodate them where appropriate," Selene added.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave."
"Mm. Go."
Cradling the documents Selene had given him, Dr. Stylish retreated respectfully to the palace entrance before cautiously turning and stepping out.
After his white-coated figure disappeared from sight, Selene narrowed her eyes and turned her attention to the military order awaiting only her signature.
"So they're requesting support operations... In that case, let's test the performance of the newly equipped units."
Selene spoke softly, anticipation coloring her tone.
"Order Budo to transfer two-thirds of the Knightmare Frame units refitted with Honkai energy power sources to the Astartes Third Legion..."