I Became The Villain The Hero Is Obsessed With

376 – A Different Relationship

Since the Cathedral was reorganized with the aim of world domination, the frequency of meetings has also significantly decreased.

Compared to before, when they were held occasionally every three months, now it feels like they are held almost every week.

Although it wasn’t necessary to attend every meeting as before, everyone tended to participate because related support and all sorts of high-level information were shared.

And when the world was buzzing about Stardust’s power, I naturally participated in the always-held meeting.

Naturally, receiving a lot of attention.

“…..”

Honestly, I thought they wouldn’t care much about a hero from another country, even if he’s strong, but it wasn’t like that?

Well, villains like Castrum would probably know better. They said they put pressure on the European branch of the Cathedral. Especially the European villains look at me in a strange way.

All of this is probably because they now understand the significance of how I’ve been dealing with Stardust alone all this time.

…Actually, rather than me being strong, I was able to deal with her for a long time because I always quickly escaped without properly fighting her. But, isn’t it said that the last one standing is the strongest? So, I’m strong.

But what will they react if they find out that Stardust likes me?

“…..”

While I was thinking about that.

“You’re all here.”

Celeste, who arrived a little late today, opened her mouth with a mysterious voice that sounded like singing.

With that, the buzzing atmosphere in the conference room quieted down, and the official meeting began.

“Today, we will review everyone’s activities so far and decide on the future direction.”

Led by Celeste saying that, the concept of this meeting was to say one thing each about what we’ve been doing and how we’re going to proceed.

…As it was stated in the invitation, everyone must have prepared for it.

That’s how the meeting started.

“Let me start. Eteria, led by me, Celeste, currently controls more than 90% of the American ruling class…”

The stage to explain one’s achievements officially.

…Those villains who have achieved a lot so far spoke with a confident voice, and those who haven’t done anything yet confidently said they will be more aggressive in the future.

Especially villains like Katana who have already conquered a country didn’t say much. They just said they would support the Cathedral in the future.

And then it was my turn.

The gazes focused on me.

…Especially feeling something about Stardust, probably the most worrying thing for them, I opened my mouth with a slight smile.

“…I’ve been buying up all the surroundings of the hero, eating the association and the government from the inside. I’m gaining public support and the plan is going smoothly.”

Starting with a cheerful lie, I prepared to talk about Stardust.

…Actually, there is no need for others to worry about Stardust. She’s busy protecting Korea.

However, the problem is that they don’t know it.

…They probably perceive Stardust as a potential threat, imagining her supporting their country and wreaking havoc.

So, to ease their anxiety, I said the following.

“Especially my country’s hero, Stardust, seems to be a big issue these days… I’m keeping her from going outside Korea and dealing only with us. Also, a plan to draw her to our side is underway, so you don’t have to worry too much.”

Most of them passed my words with a ‘hmm…’ expression, but a few noticeably showed a sense of relief.

Most of those sighing in relief were European villains. They probably knew in detail about the strength of Castrum, so they would know even more about how outlandishly powerful Stardust was to have taken him down in one blow. Especially since Castrum was a character who roamed all over Europe, unlike these villains who focused only on their own countries.

…Especially among them, a villain with red Mohican hair seemed almost moved. Could it be?

Anyway, that’s how my turn ended.

…Afterwards, I quietly smiled and watched the expressions of others, nodding quietly to myself.

In fact, I was already in a fairly influential position in the Cathedral, but now with the increased attention due to Stardust… I can now intervene more actively.

By using Celeste.

“…So, this concludes today’s meeting.

As I was thinking, the Cathedral meeting had ended before I realized.

“Those who wish to continue the conversation are welcome to stay and chat.”

As soon as the meeting ended.

Celeste, still with her eyes closed, sat back down in her chair.

Very naturally, without even looking at me, she opened her mouth.

“And Egoistic, you come with me.”

She, who said that to me.

…Lately, she has been calling me first more often.

Most of the time, it was about the strategies and tactics of the Cathedral, but anyway, I could see that I had earned her trust by consulting with me on these matters. …She called me more often than I thought, but anyway.

“Yes, I understand.”

And so I answered with a smile.

Then, following behind Celeste, who got up first, with my cloak fluttering, I quietly thought to myself.

‘…Yeah. I think we’ve become quite close.’

It’s time to move on to the next step.

…The relic where the Sun God’s sacred object is hidden. It was time to go there once more.

So, while gaslighting… no, persuading about the Sun God.

I thought so to myself, and followed in with a hidden smile.

…But she looked a bit moody today, it must be my imagination..?

***

I was annoyed.

“Hmm… Should I look over this information?”

“Yes.”

In Celeste’s office, connected to the cathedral where the meeting was held.

In her room, full of luxurious white decorations.

Celeste was looking at Egoistic with a sullen mood for some reason.

Egoistic… Dain.

Since she thought that he also believed in the Sun God like herself, she felt comfortable when he was beside her recently. There weren’t many people she could trust and… understand her, after all.

…No. In fact, except for the god, Egoistic was the only one.

So like now, she often called Egoistic to her room. To discuss how to devise an air raid on the Cathedral. Well, there would be no complaints since he proposed to consolidate the Cathedral.

His head was also useful.

Anyway, the reason why Celeste had been in a bad mood recently was only one.

From noble mtl dot com

‘…Stardust.’

Because of that woman.

A woman also known as the archenemy of Egoistic.

In fact, she wasn’t interested in Stardust at first. After all, it wasn’t her business who Egoistic hung out with. And Stardust was a very unimpressive and weak hero.

However.

“……”

Recently, after she showed her hidden power and became a hot topic.

Celeste’s heart became even more uncomfortable.

Since then, articles reevaluating the relationship between Egoistic and Stardust have been pouring out. Even rumors of a romance were circulating.

Actually, she didn’t really care about such baseless articles… But Celeste knew something that others didn’t.

Specifically.

That Stardust is a person who received the power of the same star god as Egoistic.

“….”

She fiddled with the paper, occasionally stealing glances at Egostic as he sketched something on the map, his smile never fading.

‘…Surely not.’

Whenever Celest saw him like this, she couldn’t help but harbor doubts.

The strength of Stardust was not her concern. No matter how strong Stardust was, Celest herself was much stronger.

However…

Could there be a connection between Egostic and Stardust? After all, Egostic knows that Stardust possesses the power of the stars. That’s why he has been following Stardust obsessively for five years.

“…..”

For some reason, imagining Egostic following Stardust made her feel even worse.

Despite the fact that Egostic is a member of the Cathedral and shares her faith in the Sun God… Why does she feel so uncomfortable?

Lost in these thoughts, Celest decided she needed to clarify one point.

Egostic. What exactly was his relationship with Stardust?

So, Celest opened her mouth.

“Egostic.”

“Yes?”

Upon hearing her call, he looked up and answered with a smile.

Looking into his eyes, Celest took a deep breath and carefully chose her words…

She opened her eyes and met Egostic’s golden gaze.

“What is your relationship with that woman Stardust?”