["If you're concerned, we could have someone keep watch," Dan Heng suggested.]
["K-keep watch? How antiquated! Isn't that something only adventure parties in fantasy novels do?" March 7th widened her eyes in surprise before immediately slipping into theatrical mode, feigning a yawn: "Haa...ahhh, suddenly feeling so sleepy..."]
["March, you seem quite energetic to me. How about—" Stelle remarked meaningfully, stroking her chin as she gazed at March 7th.]
["N-no way!" March 7th adopted a pitiful tone, practically whining: "I've never pulled an all-nighter before! Do you know how much staying up late damages your skin...?"]
["I'll keep watch," Bronya suddenly appeared behind the group. "...If you trust me, that is."]
[She had just finished a lengthy discussion with Chief Oleg. Though they hadn't reached consensus on some points, she had learned much about the past. The sheer volume of information ensured she wouldn't be sleeping tonight anyway.]
[After confirming Bronya wouldn't face harm due to her identity, the trio from the Express felt comfortable leaving the night watch to her.]
——
[Late at night, Stelle had that strange nightmare again.]
[Under an ink-black sky, Cocolia sat alone on the solemn throne of the Supreme Guardian. Her normally neat hair was now as disheveled as her crumbling composure. She trembled uncontrollably, as if bearing indescribable pain and pressure.]
["I've lost her... My [wish], your so-called plans... What meaning does any of this hold now?"]
["Cast away despondency, discard grief, abandon useless emotions..."]
["Silence!"]
[With a sharp crack, Cocolia angrily smashed a cup against the floor, roaring: "She was my daughter, my only—]
["You understand nothing! Soulless things! You'll never comprehend... never!"]
The voice of the Stellaron echoed through the empty office: ["You haven't lost her... She awaits your reunion on the other side."]
["...Rise, Guardian. Fulfill your destiny... Accomplish a [mother's] wish."]
——
Nazarick's Great Tomb of Nazarick.
In the Throne Room, though all present had sensed the departure of their creator—the being they should worship—not a single one rose.
Only after considerable time did Albedo finally stand. Though her white dress had gathered dust at the knees, she paid it no mind. Since the Supreme One's departure, a shadow had lingered over her expression.
The Supreme Being Ainz-sama had been watching the Celestial Screen's footage with them. When Cocolia was shown being further tempted by the Stellaron, the Supreme One had specifically asked for Albedo's opinion.
"That woman called Cocolia is too weak-willed. It's only natural she'd be influenced by the Stellaron. If it were me—"
Her words were cut off as Ainz raised his hand.
Though the Supreme One said nothing, his attitude... As the Guardian Overseer, Albedo could guess somewhat—despite carefully considering her response, she had still disappointed Ainz-sama.
...This was something she could never forgive herself for.
"That thing can actually corrupt ordinary humans... Ainz-sama seems truly concerned about the Stellaron," Aura's comment made all present Guardians tense. The question about the Stellaron might not have been just a test for Albedo, but an implicit examination of all Guardians.
None wished to disappoint the Supreme One.
"Everyone, regarding the Stellaron, I have another interpretation," Demiurge adjusted his glasses. "Our world lacks Stellarons that tempt humans, but we do possess magic that can influence them."
The atmosphere shifted instantly as all Guardians focused intently on Demiurge.
"Ainz-sama wishes to preserve the labor forces of various kingdoms."
"My proposal is to employ methods similar to the Stellaron's in the footage—use mental or curse magic to influence kings, then have them issue decrees declaring eternal fealty to Ainz-sama."
As Demiurge spoke, the Guardians' expressions cleared with understanding, their stiff postures finally relaxing.
"Truly magnificent planning, Demiurge," Cocytus couldn't help but praise.
"Not at all. Ainz-sama had already noticed this—he was merely waiting for us Guardians to propose it." Speaking of the Supreme One's foresight, Demiurge's face showed utmost admiration.
——
[Annoyed by nightmares, the sleepless Stelle decided to leave the hotel for a walk.]
["Who's there?!" Bronya, on night watch, immediately turned alert at the sound, only relaxing upon seeing Stelle: "Oh, it's you... Can't sleep either?"]
[Stelle nodded with righteous solemnity: "I can't sleep without working eight hours first."]
["Uh..." Though not her first encounter with it, Bronya was still rendered speechless by Stelle's unique mental state: "...Someone needs to rein you in."]
[Since both were awake, they fell into casual conversation.]
[To Bronya, the idea that "sealing the Stellaron would end the Eternal Freeze" as the Express crew claimed was utterly unbelievable. Yet on the other hand, the Supreme Guardian had initially not ordered their capture, only to abruptly change stance shortly after. Combined with her talk with Oleg... it all left her feeling profoundly lost and helpless.]
[She knew some of her mother's decisions were wrong, but as a soldier, her sense of duty always prevailed.]
[The young woman lowered her gaze: "...Perhaps Mother's decision was mistaken."]
[Stelle suddenly had an idea: "Why don't you become the Supreme Guardian then?"]
["You mean..." Bronya's eyes widened before she frantically waved her hands, shaking her head like a rattle-drum: "No! That's terrifying! Absolutely not! Impossible... I just want Belobog's people to live better lives..."]
——
At St. Freya Academy, Stelle's words sparked enlightenment among countless students.
The forums instantly flooded with discussions, opinions overwhelmingly supporting Bronya.
"Exactly! Are kings and generals born to their stations? Now's the time for the imperial yellow robe treatment—launch a coup!"
"Support! Undefeated on battlefields, I'll raise the banner for Bronya!"
"Born under heaven and earth, how could Bronya remain subservient forever!"
"What? Cocolia's a Rand, our Bronya's a Rand—if she can sit on that throne, why can't Bronya? Let's storm the upper districts and seize that perch..."