In the Office

"This is your first time visiting the Supreme Guardian's office in Qlipoth Fort, isn't it, Your Excellency?"

Bronya looked at Jing Yan's expression and smiled as she spoke.

"That is indeed the case," Jing Yan admitted. "To be honest, it's a bit different from what I imagined."

Jing Yan gestured toward the side.

After walking about ten meters along the dark green carpet from the entrance, the space opened up significantly. The reason for this was that the space extending to the left and right was actually lined with rows of towering, massive bookshelves.

If one were just passing through, it would be easy to overlook them. However, with several clerks gathered around, discussing matters amidst piles of white documents stacked higher than a person's head on nearby desks, and Pela—who had followed Bronya and Jing Yan into the office—lost in silent contemplation against the wall, one's attention was inevitably drawn to them. Only then did it become clear that these chocolate-colored, walnut-like structures were not merely wall pillars or trim, but bookshelves.

"Honestly, it's still a bit different from what I imagined," Jing Yan said with a shrug.

"Heh!" Bronya responded with an elegant smile, though there was a hint of detachment and perhaps a touch of helplessness in it.

It was as if she were saying that even though Belobog had ushered in a new beginning in the eyes of others, for those in power, the workload was immense, and life was not as comfortable as one might think.

"Don't worry," Jing Yan said quietly. "I have no intention of vying for leadership with you, Miss Bronya."

"I understand," Bronya replied immediately. "You were talking about faith earlier. There is a difference between faith and governance."

"Yes," Jing Yan acknowledged. "What I meant to ask is, what is your perspective on this matter?"

Jing Yan's words caught her off guard.

"I am not opposed to it," Bronya said quickly. "Of course, it depends on the actual impact of the faith you speak of. As long as it does not interfere with the people's normal work and lives, I have no objection."

"Hmm," Jing Yan nodded.

Bronya's response was incredibly polished. As the Supreme Guardian, she had been groomed by Cocolia since childhood. Even though Jing Yan knew that if Cocolia hadn't died and the Stellaron crisis hadn't erupted, Bronya might not have ultimately become the Supreme Guardian—because the Stellaron's control mechanism would have chosen a compliant, easily brainwashed "traitor" as its puppet, and Bronya might not have been the right candidate—it didn't matter.

In the end, through a twist of fate, Cocolia passed away, and Bronya successfully ascended to the throne, allowing her to put the political skills she had learned to use.

After experiencing this, only one thought remained in his mind:

I don't believe it.

In his view, the current Guardian of Belobog, Bronya, was no longer speaking from the heart, especially when the topic turned to Belobog.

If they bypassed such topics to discuss smaller matters, she might answer sincerely. However, when discussing political issues, Bronya's persona was more akin to that of a politician; her words could not necessarily be taken at face value.

She wasn't quite like Cocolia, who could change in an instant—welcoming "off-worlders" like March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle one moment, only to consult with the Stellaron and declare them invaders to be captured the next.

Bronya hadn't reached that point; after all, she was no longer being seduced by a Stellaron. However, her consciousness was now being influenced by another factor: "interest."

"Bronya, your words just now didn't seem entirely sincere. You seem to be guarding against me," Jing Yan smiled.

Without waiting for Bronya to admit it, he continued, "You don't need to rush to admit anything, and I won't let this diminish the friendship between us. However, I can discuss this matter with you from a different perspective."

"What is Belobog facing right now?"

"It's a massive shock, isn't it?"

"The integration of the Overworld and the Underworld has brought a tremendous impact on the people, because the living environments and price levels of the two sides are vastly different."

"Yes," Bronya did not deny it. Instead, she looked up at Jing Yan with some curiosity, wondering what kind of insight he might have.

"That is indeed true, Mr. Jing Yan. But as the Supreme Guardian, one must bring hope to the people. The burden on my shoulders is naturally not light. Fortunately, there are many people now helping me handle these matters and assisting in thinking of better solutions and a way forward for Belobog."

Bronya spread her arms and gestured forward.

Following her gaze, one could see the staff busy working around the small mountains of white files.

"Very good," Jing Yan nodded. "It seems you have plenty of drive and confidence as the Supreme Guardian. That's excellent. I didn't come here to reminisce, nor to rely on our past connection to make you compromise your interests or issue inappropriate policies that would invite criticism."

Jing Yan's words left Bronya stunned.

She hadn't expected Jing Yan to say such things. His perspective surprised her once again, catching her off guard.

"Where did you learn such political maneuvering? Are there similar teachers or courses in the Underworld?" Bronya asked in surprise.

Jing Yan smiled but did not answer.

He hadn't learned it from anywhere. It was just that, as a transmigrator, he had seen and experienced more, so he perhaps saw issues more clearly than the average person.

"Perhaps it's innate. Regardless, Guardian Bronya, you don't need to worry about me usurping your power, as I will be leaving this planet soon."

"What I am offering are merely suggestions."

"Regarding the revitalization of this planet's economy and better ways to develop it, the answer is to connect with the interstellar community."

"Belobog's historical archives should have records of the 'IPC'—the Interastral Peace Corporation."

"The device we previously used to control the Stellaron was provided by the Interastral Peace Corporation."

"The gap between the Overworld and the Underworld cannot be solved in a short time. However, when it comes to wealth, obtaining it from the outside is far more reasonable than dividing what exists internally. What do you think?"

"Even though I know some people in the Overworld possess a great deal of wealth."

Bronya was left momentarily stunned, pondering Jing Yan's words.