Elo took a deep breath, as if trying to suppress the trace of unwillingness deep in his heart.

He consoled himself inwardly: What’s done is done. Dwelling on it won’t change anything.

After calming his emotions slightly, he shifted his focus and spoke,

“Since you’ve already come to understand me, why don’t you share your thoughts?”

The Prime Minister took a moment to gather his words, then looked at Elo candidly and spoke slowly,

“You are an ordinary person, a kind-hearted individual, and someone rich in emotions.”

His voice was low and steady, exuding sincerity without a hint of flattery.

"Throughout your life so far, you have never violated the laws of your country and have fulfilled your responsibilities as a citizen.

While you may harbor some dissatisfaction with your life, you are also well aware:

Your standard of living is already approaching upper-level status among the 8.5 billion people on the planet, and thus it is far from entirely unacceptable."

He paused briefly, his tone softening slightly,

“Everyone hopes for a better life, and you are no exception.

But your personality and abilities have limited your pursuit of a higher standard of living.

As a result, you often remind yourself to be content, convincing yourself that your current situation is enough.”

The Prime Minister paused again, giving Elo time to process his words, then continued,

“Your plans for the future are simple:

Work hard to save enough money to return to your hometown and buy a house.

Then, continue working to ensure your mother can enjoy a comfortable and happy old age.

Once these goals are achieved, you believe your life will feel complete.”

His tone remained calm, but his gaze held a subtle sense of insight:

“As for marriage, you are a firm believer in remaining unmarried unless you meet someone who truly moves your heart.

But in reality, you have never encountered such a woman and are convinced that she simply does not exist.

Similarly, you have no plans for children—at least for now.”

As he continued speaking, the Prime Minister's voice gradually diminished until it vanished entirely.

The information he held extended well beyond this—encompassing profound insights into Elo’s character and the depths of his inner world.

But he knew this much was sufficient. Elo had already heard what he needed to hear, and saying more would risk sounding redundant and wasting both their time.

Elo's gaze was complex, as though a myriad of emotions intertwined, leaving him momentarily speechless.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil within, and turned his eyes back to the Prime Minister, striving to keep his tone calm:

“Since you understand me, then you should know what my attitude toward you is, right?”

The Prime Minister nodded slightly, his tone steady and restrained:

"Yes, we understand.

In fact, I can even guess some of your thoughts at this moment."

He paused briefly before continuing,

"You probably wish to find a suitable place to settle us, terminate the Life Sharing, and have no further ties with us from then on."

Elo nodded, his tone flat and direct:

“Exactly, that’s precisely what I’m thinking right now.”

After a brief pause, Elo deliberately steered the conversation elsewhere:

“You’ve heard of The Internationale, haven’t you?”

The Prime Minister was unsurprised. Over the past five years, he had envisioned this very moment countless times, and in each of them, Elo would inevitably bring up The Internationale.

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He nodded slightly, his tone calm yet firm:

“Yes, I have.”

Elo’s voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable weight:

"There are no supreme saviors

Neither God, nor Caesar, nor tribune.

Producers, let us save ourselves."

At this point, his gaze refocused on the Prime Minister, his voice deepening slightly:

“I don’t know what you think, but I believe in those words. I have never wanted to be anyone’s emperor or savior.

Moreover, my abilities are limited. I can’t be an emperor or a savior. As you said, I’m just an ordinary person.”

He leaned forward slightly, a hint of cold self-mockery in his tone:

“In normal circumstances, I wouldn’t even have the qualification to meet you, and you certainly wouldn’t waste your valuable time on me.”

The Prime Minister was about to respond, but Elo interrupted him coldly.

“Perhaps you think I’m making excuses to shirk responsibility.

But I want to ask: who decided that I must bear the responsibilities you’ve forced upon me?”

His voice rose slightly, carrying a resolute seriousness:

“In my understanding, my responsibility is simple—to take care of my mother and sister. That is enough.

If I have to accept the responsibilities you impose on me, does that mean that in the future, I must also accept any responsibilities anyone else forces upon me?”

He gave a bitter, mocking laugh.

“This kind of life is not the one I want to live.”

The Prime Minister frowned slightly. Although he wanted to respond, he knew full well that Elo wouldn’t give him the chance.

Elo continued coldly:

“Things have escalated to where they stand today not out of any deep respect for me, nor because you hold me in admiration.

All of this is simply because of the Life Sharing and Alaya’s choice.

To put it bluntly, it’s because of my abilities and my potential for the future.

So, let me ask you this:

If one day I lose those abilities and that potential, becoming utterly useless to you, what would you do to me? What would you do to my family?”

Without giving the Prime Minister a chance to reply, Elo carried on:

"I imagine that when the time comes, our fate would most likely be no better than that of the last Tsar and his family.

At best, out of pity, we’d be condemned to live under your eternal surveillance.

And if my family ever became a threat to your rule, you would most likely have us shot without mercy."

Elo slowly raised his head, his gaze as cold and sharp as a blade locking onto the Prime Minister:

"What does this make me? A tool for your convenience?

When I’m useful, you shower me with sweet words and make me serve your interests and alignments.

When I’m no longer useful, you discard me or destroy me outright."

His voice remained calm and firm, yet carried an undeniable chill that brooked no argument.

"Tell me, am I right?"

The Prime Minister took a deep breath, his gaze steady and piercing, carrying an unyielding determination.

He knew that answering this question poorly could spell disaster for human civilization.

“Your Excellency, you are absolutely correct.

What has led to all this—the root of every issue—lies neither in respect nor in reverence, but in our reliance on your abilities and potential.

I have no excuse for this, because it is the undeniable reality.”

He paused briefly, his tone carrying an undeniable sincerity.

"But I sincerely hope you can understand: you are not merely the foundation of our reliance; you are the embodiment of our hope.

It is not because of your abilities, but because your very existence gives us the belief that there is a future beyond destruction."

His gaze burned with intensity, and his steady voice struck directly at the heart.

"Your Excellency, you may believe that we see you merely as a tool, to be discarded once you lose your value.

Your concerns are entirely valid. If I were in your position, I would harbor the same doubts and suspicions.

But I must solemnly assure you: you are not only the lifeline that binds us, but also the spiritual symbol of humanity’s revival.

We have never, and will never, treat you solely out of utilitarian motives."

He drew another deep breath, his voice low yet resolute.

“To honor this, we have taken the following critical steps:

First, we have established an independent security agency exclusively for you and your family, under Alaya’s direct supervision. Any threats will be swiftly neutralized at their inception.

Second, all decisions concerning you personally must be reviewed by a committee authorized directly by you, ensuring that your fate always remains in your hands.

Third, we have begun planning a transitional framework for the termination of the Life Sharing, guaranteeing that even when that day comes, you and your family will continue to enjoy absolute protection and respect.”

His voice softened slightly, though his resolve remained unshaken.

“Your Excellency, I must admit: we do need you.

This is not only because you bring the possibility of survival, but because your very existence is the cornerstone of our restored conviction.

Over the past five years, we have repeatedly deliberated over a similar question: without you, how could we find a way to continue?

And the answer has always been the same: we cannot.

You are the core of our civilization, and no matter what the future holds, this truth will never change.”

He looked at Elo, his tone growing even more earnest.

"Your Excellency, I sincerely hope you can understand:

The true future is not built on dependence but on cooperation, consensus, trust, and mutual understanding.

You do not need to be a savior, nor bear all the burdens alone.

All we ask is that you stand with us, even if only temporarily, and help us through this most difficult journey."

His voice was low, yet imbued with profound responsibility and unwavering conviction:

"The Internationale says:

'There are no supreme saviors, Neither God, nor Caesar, nor tribune.'

We firmly believe in this:

humanity's happiness must be fought for by ourselves.

Your existence has granted us a rare opportunity to strive for it.

We treasure this opportunity deeply and will spare no effort to seize it."

His gaze was resolute, yet carried a final trace of earnest appeal.

"Your Excellency, I dare not hope for your unconditional trust.

But I do hope you will give us a chance to walk toward this future together.

Not just for us, but for you and your family as well.

If one day you choose to leave, we will respect your decision.

But until that day comes, I implore you to believe this:

Every effort we make is to ensure the continued existence of human civilization.

And you are the very foundation of it all—the indispensable and irreplaceable core."

The window behind Elo reflected the silent nightscape, with the gently swaying curtain seeming to murmur its worries.

The Prime Minister's expression was solemn and steadfast, seemingly bearing the hopes of all human civilization and every survivor.