"Bronya, though I'm more used to calling you Xiao Bu... You're Cocolia's daughter, and you're my little sister. Those are all identities we see you through from our own perspectives." Stelle relayed Chu Mu's words, gently guiding Bronya.
She continued:
"You're your own person. You don't have to depend on someone else to stand on your own feet. Only you can define who you are.
"Bronya, you're lost right now only because you don't have a clear sense of who you are, and so you don't know how to move forward.
"So find where you stand now.
"Your mother, Cocolia, worked hard to raise you into a worthy successor to the Supreme Guardian. Your upbringing and everything you've learned were meant to help you better protect this city.
"The Nineteenth Supreme Guardian of Belobog-that is your new identity.
"As Supreme Guardian, if you lose your way, this city will lose its way too.
"Only a resolute Supreme Guardian can lead the people forward.
"You've been to the Underworld. You should know how many problems have piled up in Belobog, how its tensions could explode at the slightest spark. It is precisely at times like these that a Supreme Guardian's mettle is tested."
Chu Mu patiently guided her.
"I understand all that," Bronya sighed softly. "But being the Supreme Guardian isn't that easy. I'm still very young, and I can't secure enough votes in the High Council. I lack my mother's iron fist, and many proposals simply won't pass."
"The fact that you've thought about these things means you've already realized where Belobog's problems lie," Stelle said on Chu Mu's behalf. "A Council composed entirely of nobles cannot possibly represent the interests of ordinary citizens.
"Let me outline a new structure for you.
"First, dissolve the current Council. Don't worry about