Chapter 376 - Different From His Own Relationship

After Kathedal was reorganized with the goal of global conquest, the frequency of meetings became significantly shorter.

Compared to before, when they were held sporadically about once every three months, now it felt like they happened almost weekly.

Of course, unlike before, it wasn't mandatory to attend every meeting, but since they shared support-related content and all kinds of high-level information, most people tended to attend unless they had a good reason not to.

And when the world was buzzing about Stardust's power, I participated in the meeting as always.

Naturally, while receiving the pouring gazes.

"....."

...Honestly, I thought no one would care much about a hero from another country no matter how strong they were, but I was wrong?

Well, other villains would know Castrum better. The European branch of Kathedal had also put pressure on him. Especially the European villains were looking at me with suspicious eyes.

All of this must be because they're only now realizing what it means that I've been dealing with Stardust alone all this time.

...Actually, it's not that I'm strong, but rather that I've been able to face her for so long because I never properly fought her and just quickly ran away. Well. Didn't they say that the survivor is the strong one? So I am strong.

I wonder how they would react if they knew that Stardust likes me.

"....."

While I was thinking about that.

"Everyone's here."

Celeste, who arrived a bit late today, opened her mouth with a mysterious voice that sounded like singing.

With that, the buzzing atmosphere of the meeting hall quieted down, and the meeting officially began.

"...Today we will check on your activities so far and determine the direction moving forward."

Led by Celeste saying those words.

The concept of this meeting was for everyone to say a word about what they've done so far and how they plan to move forward.

...Since it was written in the invitation, everyone would have prepared.

The meeting started this way.

"I'll speak first. Etheria, led by me, Celeste, currently occupies over 90 percent of the American leadership..."

It was officially a place to explain one's achievements.

...Villains who had accomplished a lot spoke with confident and proud voices, while even those who hadn't done much yet boldly stated that they would move more aggressively in the future.

Especially villains like Katana, who had already conquered countries, didn't say much. They just said they would continue to support Kathedal.

And then, it was my turn.

The gazes fixed on me.

...Especially regarding Stardust, probably what they're most worried about.

I smiled and opened my mouth.

"...I'm buying off everyone around the hero, eating away at the association and government from the inside. While gaining public support, the plan is progressing smoothly."

Starting with a crisp lie, I prepared to talk about Stardust.

...Actually, others wouldn't need to worry about Stardust. She's busy enough protecting Korea.

However, the problem is that they don't know that.

...They probably see Stardust as a potential threat, imagining her coming to their countries and causing trouble.

Therefore, to alleviate their anxiety, I continued:

"Especially since my country's hero, Stardust, seems to be a hot topic these days... I'm keeping her occupied dealing with us so she doesn't leave the Republic of Korea. Separately, I'm also implementing methods to draw her to our side, so you don't need to worry too much."

At my words, most people passed with an "Hmm..." expression, but some showed noticeable relief.

Those who sighed in relief were mostly European villains. They probably knew more about Castrum's strength, so they would better understand how much Stardust, who took down Castrum in one blow, exceeded common sense in terms of strength. Especially since Castrum, unlike the villains gathered here who focused only on their own countries, was someone who roamed all over Europe.

...Particularly among them, a villain with a red mohawk was making an almost moved expression. No, is it that serious?

Anyway, my turn ended like that.

...Afterwards, while quietly smiling and observing the expressions of others, I nodded quietly to myself.

Actually, I already had quite an influential position in Kathedal, but now with increased attention due to Stardust... I could intervene more actively now.

By using Celeste.

"...Then today's meeting is adjourned."

While I was thinking about that, Kathedal had already ended.

"Those who wish to continue the conversation can stay and talk comfortably here."

As soon as the meeting ended.

Celeste, still with her eyes closed, sat back in her chair.

Very naturally, without even looking at me, she opened her mouth.

"And Egostic, you follow me."

She said to me.

...Recently, she's been calling me first like this more often.

Most of the time it was about Kathedal's strategies and tactics, but anyway, the fact that she consulted with me about it meant I had gained her trust. ...She called me more often than I expected, but anyway.

"Yes, understood."

So I answered with a smile.

Then, following Celeste who stood up first, with my cape fluttering, I quietly thought to myself.

'...Yes. It seems we've become quite close.'

It's time to move on to the next step.

...The ruins where the Relic of the Sun God is hidden. It was time to go there once more.

And while at it, to gaslight... no, persuade her about the Sun God.

I thought about that inwardly, hiding my smile as I followed her in.

...But she seemed a bit upset today, must be my imagination...?

***

I was annoyed.

"Hmm... Should I look at this information?"

"Yes."

In Celeste's office, connected to the cathedral where the meeting was held.

In her simple yet elegant room filled with luxurious white decorations.

Celeste looked at Egostic with a somewhat sulky mood.

Egostic... Da-in.

Since thinking that he also believed in the Sun God like herself, she had recently felt comfortable when he was beside her. There weren't many people she could trust... and who could understand her.

...No. In fact, excluding the god, Egostic was the only one.

So like now, she often called Egostic to her room. To discuss how to plan Kathedal's attack operations. Well, he was the one who proposed expanding Kathedal like this, so he wouldn't complain.

His intelligence was also useful.

Anyway, the reason Celeste had been in a bad mood recently was only one.

'...Stardust.'

It was because of that woman.

The woman also known as Egostic's archenemy.

Actually, she wasn't very interested in Stardust at first. It wasn't her business who Egostic played with. And Stardust was an unremarkably weak hero.

However.

"......"

Recently, after she showed her hidden power and became a topic of conversation.

Celeste's mood became more unpleasant.

After that, articles re-examining the relationship between Egostic and Stardust poured out. There were even dating rumors.

Actually, such insignificant articles weren't something she should care about... but Celeste knew something others didn't.

That is.

Stardust was a person who received the power of the Star God, just like Egostic.

"...."

As she fiddled with the paper, she slightly opened her eyes to look at Egostic.

Still smiling, holding the map and drawing something.

'...No way.'

When she saw him like that, Celeste couldn't help but doubt.

Actually, Stardust's strength wasn't something Celeste needed to worry about. No matter how strong Stardust was, she was much stronger.

However...

Could there be some kind of connection between Egostic and Stardust? After all, Egostic also knows that Stardust has the power of the stars. That's why he's been obsessively following Stardust for five years.

"....."

For some reason, imagining Egostic following Stardust made her feel even worse.

...Egostic is clearly a member of Kathedal, and a person who believes in the Sun God with her... but why does she feel so uneasy?

While continuing such worries alone, Celeste.

Eventually, decided she needed to clarify this point.

What kind of relationship Egostic had with Stardust.

So, Celeste opened her mouth.

"Egostic."

"Yes?"

At her call, he looked up and answered with a smile.

Looking into his eyes.

After swallowing a small sigh and carefully choosing her words...

She opened her eyes. And facing Egostic with her golden eyes, she asked.

"You. What exactly is your relationship with that woman called Stardust?"