The Burden of Sin

"Excellent!"

"That's exactly the spirit I wanted!"

Ryan clapped sharply and rose from the throne.

"Although I am your Supreme Being, I have always doubted whether I possess the capacity to bear your loyalty. After all, I am not as skilled at management as Albedo..."

"Lord Ryan, you..."

Albedo knelt, terrified and anxious as she tried to speak, but Ryan stopped her.

"Let me finish, Albedo!"

"In military strategy, I am inferior to Demiurge. In combat strength, I am inferior to Cocytus, Shalltear, Aura, Mare—all of you. Even Alva, whom I created, leaves me far behind when it comes to research!"

Everyone below fell to their knees in a rustle. Every face was incomparably grim. To make their Supreme Being say such things—they truly deserved death!

"But!"

"I can unite all of your strength!"

"As one who stands above you, what I can do is trust you—trust you absolutely! I can bring every fraction of your power into full play!"

"If I can do that, then perhaps I barely have the qualifications to lead you..."

"Please do not say such things!"

Unable to endure it any longer, Albedo prostrated herself on the ground and interrupted him through tears.

"Lord Ryan, who stands at the pinnacle of all Supreme Beings and never abandoned us, even at the very end!"

"Other than you, there is no one more qualified to lead us!"

"As servants created by the Supreme Beings, serving you with absolute loyalty is our most fundamental duty. Please do not say such things again... Please..."

Albedo broke down in tears. Ryan, who had blurted out his heartfelt words in a moment of emotion, gradually calmed amid her sobbing.

After helping Albedo to her feet and reaching out to wipe the tears from her face, Ryan suddenly smiled.

"It was my