During the negotiations that followed, Oleg fully explained the demands of the people of the Underworld to Gepard.
As well as the truth about the Stellaron.
"Gepard, what the people of the Underworld need is the dignity of being treated as equals." Oleg looked utterly serious. "And the current Supreme Guardian must stand trial.
"So many people, both civilians in the Underworld and Silvermane Guards in the Upper District, died because of her reckless whims. As the Supreme Guardian, she betrayed her duty to protect them."
Gepard's expression darkened at those words, and he murmured:
"Lady Cocolia would never be that sort of person. I can feel her love for this city. She knows every street here... how could she want to destroy it?"
"Don't you understand yet, Gepard?" Serval's voice came from beside him. "It's precisely because she loves this city so much that the Stellaron could beguile her."
After a pause, Serval said softly:
"I suspect the Stellaron must have promised her something. That's why she's willing to do its bidding."
"Whatever the Stellaron promised, it doesn't change its nature as a destroyer of civilizations," Oleg said with a sigh. "Nor can it bring back the people who died because of Cocolia's orders."
"These claims about the Stellaron are only the outsiders' side of the story." Gepard shook his head. "We shouldn't rush to judgment."
"I understand your concerns. You're still holding out hope for the Supreme Guardian." Oleg looked at Gepard. "But as far as I'm concerned, whatever her motives, she deceived us."
He shook his head as he spoke:
"Never mind. I won't argue about this with you now. Once the outsiders seal the Stellaron, the truth will come to light."
"Those outsiders fled this morning when they were declared wanted," Gepard said with a sigh.