Though Felicity had detected the Stellaron's location, she wasn't in any hurry.
After personally experiencing the Stellaron's power, she immediately realized that with its current strength, it was almost impossible for it to completely destroy her.
But the key word was "almost."
The Stellaron was continuously absorbing the planet's life energy, and Felicity could sense its power steadily growing.
What if it actually succeeded?
The life energy of a single Jarilo-VI wouldn't be enough, but Felicity could feed it herself!
However much the Stellaron consumed, she would replenish it, completely avoiding any impact on Jarilo-VI's ecological environment. Once the Stellaron had absorbed enough power and grown strong enough, she would lure it away and then confront it head-on.
I'm simply a genius!
Now, before that.
Felicity quietly stepped into Qlipoth Fort, watching as several patrolling Silvermane Guards passed by without noticing her presence.
She had recently learned a new ability: mimicking a plant.
To be precise, it involved enveloping herself in life energy, making her appear as nothing more than an ordinary plant to others.
As for what kind of plant she appeared to be, Felicity honestly had no idea—but existence implies reason, doesn't it?
Thus, she happily infiltrated Cocolia's office, wanting to witness the confrontation between Bronya and Cocolia.
Just as she expected, Bronya soon pushed open the door and entered Cocolia's office, followed by the round-faced girl they had seen earlier in the square.
However, to Felicity's surprise, Pela—who had been following Bronya—cast a puzzled glance in her direction upon entering the room.
Although Pela quickly shifted her attention to Cocolia afterward, that brief look startled Felicity.
...Why is there a tree in the Supreme Guardian's office?
Pela's eyes flickered with confusion, but given the tense atmosphere, she couldn't dwell on it and soon focused on Cocolia and Bronya beside her.
Something big is about to happen.
"Mother, I'm back."
Bronya's voice carried a hint of weariness as she gazed at Cocolia's back, a flicker of pain flashing in her eyes.
"Bronya!? I thought... I thought I had lost you. Did those rebels give you any trouble? Are you injured? I'll summon the steward immediately—"
Cocolia paused slightly, turning around. Her eyes, exhausted from working through the night, now shone with overwhelming joy.
"No need, Mother. I'd rather not see Sebastian right now. I'm sorry, Mother..."
Bronya shook her head, hesitating for a moment before taking a deep breath, as if steeling herself with some resolution.
She had lost count of how many times she had made such resolutions, yet whenever she truly stood before her mother, hesitation would creep in again.
But the current situation no longer permitted her to remain stagnant.
"After Lady Felicity kidnapped me to the Underworld, I witnessed the conditions there at her invitation. At the same time... I caught a glimpse of the truth..."
Bronya stared into Cocolia's eyes, hoping to detect even a trace of confusion in those beautiful amethyst orbs.
To her disappointment, Cocolia's gaze instantly turned cold.
"Continue. I'm listening."
Perhaps because Bronya remained silent for too long, Cocolia urged her on, though her tone had lost all the care and concern from moments before.
Bronya's heart sank.
"I... I witnessed that lady's power. I can confirm she truly came for the 'Stellaron' - to resolve the disaster it has brought upon Belobog."
"And Mother... You've always known the truth about the 'Stellaron,' haven't you?"
Bronya's tone almost turned pleading, desperately wishing this once-gentle mother would shake her head and say she didn't know.
But that was impossible.
Cocolia's eyes grew icy, her anger inexplicably rising:
"Enough! Bronya, you disappoint me! You readily believe the words of an outsider, yet you question my orders?"
"No, Guardian. You've concealed far too much from me. I can no longer easily trust your words."
Bronya finally found her courage, meeting Cocolia's gaze directly as she firmly rebutted.
"Bronya..."
Cocolia stared in disbelief, remaining silent for a long moment before lowering her head and murmuring,
"You must be tired... Silvermane Guards, take her away to rest..."
Bronya rarely used such distant terms as "Guardian," and she had never so firmly opposed Cocolia before.
Somehow, Cocolia felt a sense of helplessness growing within her.
She suddenly found herself unable to face her daughter, retreating a step before collapsing into her chair. Waving her hand, she signaled the Silvermane Guards to take Bronya away, but no movement came even after a long wait.
Cocolia lifted her head again, looking toward Bronya.
She saw the guards stationed at the door had indeed moved - but instead of attempting to restrain Bronya, they stood at attention behind her, weapons grounded.
"Mother... Over these years, you've lost too much. Including... trust."
Bronya's voice carried a sigh-like quality.
Ever since Cocolia sealed off the lower districts and deployed all Silvermane Guards to the frontlines, her authority had plummeted dramatically.
In contrast, Bronya, who had led the Silvermane Guards against the Fragmentum creatures for so many years, saw her prestige among the ranks rise sharply.
Between a commander who remained safely in the rear and a leader who had fought alongside them on the battlefield for years, they clearly placed their trust in the latter.
Bronya clenched her fists, gritting her teeth.
Once, she had witnessed a guard officer slumped beside the body of a comrade, weeping uncontrollably.
That image was forever seared into her memory.
She vowed that if given the chance, she would change everything.
Now, with the power bestowed by Felicity and the trust of the Silvermane Guards in her grasp, she had to consider whether this might be her only opportunity in this lifetime.
For the future of Belobog, she had to step forward!
Thus, under the astonished gazes of everyone present, Bronya slowly raised her service weapon toward Cocolia.
"By my command, the Supreme Guardian has been assassinated! Seal off Qlipoth Fort!"
Bronya turned her head and spoke to Pela beside her.
Pela's pupils contracted sharply. After a moment of silence, she nodded, then turned around and swept her hand through the air—her petite frame radiating immense determination.
"The Supreme Guardian has been assassinated! Seal off the Qlipoth Fort!"