Chapter 264

However, considering that the vast majority of the population are outsiders residing on the Dyson Ring, the population of Jarilo, or Belobog, is still less than thirty million.

That is only an increase of about ten times.

It doesn't seem quite so exaggerated after all.

However, maintaining such a high population growth rate without causing chaos poses a tremendous test for resource regulation and management capabilities.

It is hard to imagine that a girl who was only eight years old ten years ago could manage such a vast organization so meticulously.

One can only say...

This is talent.

Of course.

It also cannot be separated from Bronya's efforts.

"Bronya, you have gone to great trouble."

Lin Qi praised, "Jarilo could not have reached today without your contributions."

"Furthermore, even back in Jarilo, you actually never oversaw anything; Bronya, you were the one in charge."

"I actually didn't do much."

A clear look of joy appeared on Bronya's face.

It was obvious.

Lin Qi's praise pleased her greatly.

The fatigue from before instantly vanished.

It felt as if she could work for another three days and three nights without any problem whatsoever.

However, while Bronya could derive satisfaction merely from Lin Qi's praise,

Lin Qi could not simply dismiss her so easily.

"Bronya, to commend your hard work over the past ten years, you may make one request of me. Hmm... no matter what it is, I will fulfill it."

"This is all something Bronya should do."

Bronya hurriedly shook her head.

Indicating that she did not need it.

Lin Qi spoke seriously, "If I do not reward my great hero, I fear I won't be able to sleep well at night; my conscience would be guilty!"

In fact.

This was only for Bronya.

If it were anyone else, Lin Qi would not have made such an absolute promise.

That is, promising to fulfill anything.

Because if it is Bronya, she would never make those completely impossible, unreasonable demands.

She would only consider whether doing so would trouble Lin Qi.

For instance, right now.

After hearing Lin Qi's words, a look of conflict appeared on her small face.

She was still considering whether to speak it out.

Finally.

After taking a deep breath, she seemed to have made up her mind.

Her pretty face was just a bit flushed.

"Commander, my lord, could you..."

"Speak, it's fine. No matter what it is, I will fulfill it." Seeing Bronya pause halfway, Lin Qi repeated himself.

"Could you... pat my head again?" Bronya asked shyly.

Actually, towards the end, her voice was very small.

If not for Lin Qi's extraordinary constitution, which could even hear frequencies normal people cannot, it would truly be difficult to notice.

However, the reward Bronya wanted did indeed surprise Lin Qi.

But fulfilling it brought absolutely no pressure.

"Then squat down?" Lin Qi asked.

"Mm~"

Bronya stepped forward, then slowly squatted down, leaning her head towards Lin Qi.

For a moment.

The atmosphere was somewhat strange.

Even with Lin Qi's experienced face, he felt a bit awkward.

Mainly because Bronya was no longer that little girl from before.

Ten years ago.

She was only eight years old.

Tiny.

Hmm...

In every aspect.

Her hair only reached her shoulders.

And now?

After squatting down, her long silver hair could reach the ground directly.

From "Little Duckling," she had become "Big Duckling."

"Mm..."

Everything is much bigger.

So.

Patting her head now feels somewhat strange.

Especially considering their respective statuses, it appears exceedingly odd.

One is the supreme ruler of Jarilo, while the other is the nominal second-in-command, the Supreme Guardian.

However, once that line was crossed, the strange atmosphere vanished.

Instead, a certain harmony emerged.

Lin Qi stroked Bronya's beautiful hair, no longer feeling so awkward.

Though Bronya's face remained flushed, she had recovered considerably.

At this moment.

She knelt on one knee, resting her head against Lin Qi's thigh, her eyes closed as if savoring this moment.

Just as Lin Qi wondered how long this "head-pat kill" should last.

Bronya's voice rang out.

Though still soft.

It was very clear.

"My lord Commander, do you know? Ten years ago, when Jarilo's heating systems failed and creatures from the Fragmentum launched their assault, I once believed Belobog was finished, that there would be no future."

"But fortunately, you appeared, causing Jarilo's former great enemy, the Antimatter Legion, to drive away the Fragmentum creatures and granting Jarilo a bright future."

"Therefore, from that moment on, I regarded you as Jarilo's sun."

"My lord Commander..."

"Will you continue to shine upon us?"

Bronya asked expectantly.

"Of course."

Lin Qi nodded, "Putting aside other matters, Jarilo is now a faction I personally forged with great effort; how could I possibly abandon it?"

"So, you can rest assured."

"However, is this truly the reward you desired?"

Bronya lifted her head slightly, saying shyly.

"My lord Commander, I just... suddenly felt somewhat emotional."

"The reward I truly desire is actually for my lord Commander to, in the future, still be able to..."

"Be like today again..."