Chapter 376: Relationships other than your own

Since the reorganization of Cathedral to take over the world, the frequency of conferences has seriously shortened.

It feels like almost every week now, compared to every three months or so before.

Of course, unlike before, it wasn’t mandatory to attend every meeting, but with all the support-related content and advanced information being shared, everyone tended to attend anyway.

And then, as usual, at the open meeting, when the world was buzzing about Stardus’ power.

Naturally, I participated, as usual.

“…..”

…I honestly thought that no matter how powerful she was, no one would pay much attention to her because she was a hero from another country, didn’t they?

I guess not. The same villains would have known Castrum better since they were in the same country. The European branch of Cathedral also pressured me, and the way the European villains are looking at me is especially strange.

I’m sure it’s because they’re finally realizing the implications of me taking on Stardus alone.

…Actually, it’s not that I’m strong, it’s that I was able to deal with her for a long time because I never really engaged with her and just bounced around quickly. What? Didn’t they say that the person who survived was the strong one? So, it is true that I am also strong.

But I wonder how they’ll react when they find out Stardus likes me.

“…..”

Just as I was thinking that.

“Hey, everybody’s here.”

Celeste, who had arrived a little late today, spoke up in a mysterious voice that sounded like she was singing.

The atmosphere in the room quieted down a bit, and the meeting began in earnest.

“…Today, we will review your activities so far, and decide on the way forward.”

Celeste led the meeting with these words.

The concept of this meeting was that everyone would say a few words about what they had done so far and how they would move forward.

…Actually, the invitation said so, so everyone should have been prepared.

The meeting started like this.

“I’ll start with me: I, Celeste, am the leader of Aetheria, and we now have over 90% of the leadership of the United States…”

She went on to explain her accomplishments.

…The villains who had accomplished a lot so far spoke in proud and confident voices, while those who hadn’t yet done so also spoke up and said that they would be more aggressive in the future.

Villains like Katana, who had already conquered the country, didn’t say much, just that they would continue to support Cathedral.

And then, as my turn came, there were stares from everywhere.

…I sensed something about Stardus in particular, something that probably worried them the most.

I smiled and opened my mouth.

“…I’m buying up heroes all around, eating the Association and the government from the inside out. I have the support of public opinion, and my plans are going smoothly.”

I started with a refreshing lie, then prepared to talk about Stardus.

…In truth, Stardus shouldn’t be anyone’s concern. She’s too busy defending Korea but the problem is, they don’t know that.

…They just see Stardus as a potential threat because they can imagine her coming to their country’s aid and wreaking havoc.

So, in an effort to allay their fears, I said the following.

“Especially since Stardus, my country’s hero, seems to be the talk of the town…She hasn’t left the country and is being held to deal only with me. I’m also working on ways to lure her over to our side, so don’t worry too much.”

Most of them gave me a “hmmm…” look, but a few were visibly relieved.

The sighs of relief were mostly from the European villains. Perhaps they knew more about Castrum strength, and how Stardus’ ability to defeat him in one fell swoop was beyond the top, especially since Castrum had traveled all over Europe, unlike the villains here, who were more focused on their own countries.

…Especially the one with the red Mohican hair, who looked almost impressed. No, he’s not that neat, is he?

Anyway, that was the end of my turn.

…I smiled quietly afterward, studying the expressions on the others’ faces, and nodded silently to myself.

I was already quite influential in Cathedral, but now that Stardus has gotten more attention…I could be even more involved with Celeste.

“…And that concludes our meeting for today.”

Even as I thought that, Cathedral was finished.

“If anyone wants to talk further, feel free to do so here.”

And just like that, the meeting was over.

Celeste sits back in her chair, her eyes still closed.

Very casually, without even looking in my direction, she opened her mouth.

“And you, Egostic, follow me.”

…Lately, it’s become more common for her to call me first.

Most of the time, it’s something to do with Cathedral’s strategic tactics, but I can tell she’s gained my trust by consulting me about it….More often than I’d like, but still.

“Yes.”

I replied with a smile.

I followed Celeste, who stood up first, her cloak fluttering behind her, thinking quietly to myself.

‘…I see. I think we’ve gotten along well enough.’

Time to take the next step.

…The ruins where the Sun God’s holy relic is hidden. It was time to go there once more.

I had to convince Celeste, not gaslight her…but persuade her.

I thought to myself, hiding a smile as I followed her.

…She seemed a little off today, but I could be mistaken…

***

I was annoyed.

“Hmm… Do you mind if I take a look at this information?”

“Sure.”

Celeste’s office, connected to Cathedral where the meeting was being held.

Her room was simple, but luxuriously decorated in all white.

Celeste stared at Egostic, feeling a little uneasy.

Egostic…Da-in.

Ever since she realized that he believed in the Sun God as much as she did, she had found herself comfortable around him lately. There weren’t many people she could trust…or who understood her.

…No. Aside from God, in fact, he was the only one.

And so, like now, she often called him to her chambers. Well, it was her idea to augment Cathedral like this, so no complaints there.

His brain was good, too…but there was only one reason Celeste had been in a bad mood lately.

‘…Stardus.’

It was because of her.

The woman who was also known as the Arch Enemy of Egostic.

In truth, she hadn’t paid much attention to Stardus at first. It was none of her business who he was with in the first place, and Stardus was a very unremarkable and weak hero.

“……”

But lately, after she’d been in the news for showing off her hidden powers, Celeste’s feelings had grown even more unpleasant.

Since then, there have been a number of articles rekindling the relationship between Egostic and Stardus. There were even rumors of a love affair.

Not that such incendiary articles were any of her concern, really… Celeste knew something they didn’t.

Stardus, like Egostic, was empowered by Star God.

“….”

She tapped the paper, her eyes flicking up to look at Egostic.

He was still smiling, clutching the map and drawing something.

‘…No way.’

Looking at him like that, Celeste couldn’t help but doubt.

In truth, Stardus’ strength was not her concern. No matter how strong Stardus is, she is much stronger.

Except…

I think there’s some kind of connection between him and Stardus, and she knows he has the power of the stars. That’s why he’s been obsessively following her for five years.

“…..”

For some reason, the thought of him following Stardus makes her feel even worse.

…Even though Egostic is clearly a member of Cathedral and believes in the Sun God along with her…Why does she feel so conflicted?

Celeste continued to ponder these things alone.

Soon, she asked to clarify this point and move on.

What kind of relationship Egostic had with Stardus?

So, Celeste opened her mouth.

“Egostic.”

“What?”

At her call, he looked up, smiled, and answered.

Looking into his eyes and swallowing a small sigh to herself, she chose her words carefully…

She opened her eyes, her golden pupils locked with his, and asked.

“You. What the hell is your connection to that Stardus woman?”