Ch.8080. Managing the Podium

“Ahem.”

After calming down the anxious Black Sun to some extent, we were taking a moment to collect our thoughts in a separate space.

“Th-the kids.”

“Who? Sun?”

That supreme moment caused by the Black Sun’s instant manifestation earlier.

‘I wish I had recorded that too.’

The sight of Black Sun in his divine manifestation form pulling the orange hair of the Incarnation of the Sun.

It must be the worst insult one constellation could inflict upon another.

“Y-yes.”

His expression isn’t good as he asks, probably still thinking about the hair he pulled earlier.

“It’s fine.”

Actually, it’s not fine.

It’s fortunate that the Emissary of the Sun has a somewhat forgiving personality.

If it had been another constellation, a holy war might have broken out immediately.

‘If a holy war breaks out here, would they fight physically?’

The mischievous part of my mind suggests a curious thought.

Not a holy war between innocent believers, but constellations clashing in their divine manifestation forms—wouldn’t that be fair?

‘Good thoughts, good thoughts.’

Putting aside my malicious curiosity, I decided to bring the constellations together for a reconciliation meeting.

#

“…I’m sorry. My emotions suddenly became too intense.”

“N-no, it’s okay.”

In response to the sincere apology, the Emissary of the Sun awkwardly waves his hands.

“If I had judged and acted more properly, this wouldn’t have happened.”

The Emissary of the Sun speaks while recalling the Dungeon Break disaster.

Due to a moment’s hesitation, hundreds of dungeon adventurers died.

Among them were naturally his beloved believers.

‘What a cruel world.’

More precisely, a cruel position and role.

The burden of so many lives depending on a single decision was overwhelming.

“Now shake hands for reconciliation.”

Under my guidance, the two constellations carefully approached each other and shook hands.

“Now hug for reconciliation.”

“Um… do we really have to go that far…?”

“Hmph.”

When I put on a stern expression, Black Sun hurriedly embraced the Emissary of the Sun.

‘Now the world is right.’

Technically, they should kiss too, but this seemed sufficient to mend their relationship.

‘Even if they haven’t fully reconciled, we can take it slow.’

Time makes everything possible.

“Now then.”

It’s finally time to get to the main point.

“Gather the constellations for me.”

“…Yes.”

After a brief moment, the Emissary of the Sun led all the constellations into the conference room.

For reference, I had changed the theme to give it a more businesslike atmosphere.

As they entered the room, they took in the classical conference hall before gradually taking their seats.

“Well.”

After confirming everyone’s presence, I revealed the agenda.

“You’re all curious about where I’ve been, right?”

“I already know though?”

Excluding the visitor who already knew.

I decided to address the most pressing question for the meeting participants first.

“I met with the Source of the World.”

“….!”

“Th-the Source of the World, you mean…”

“The Incarnation of Dianon, should I say? Anyway, I met with that being.”

“…Why?”

Black Sun asked.

‘Hmm.’

I hesitate to speak for a moment.

The fact that the world has been reset multiple times, that our era isn’t the first.

Would such statements be well-received by constellations who live and die by their own pride?

It would be fortunate if they just maintained their composure.

“They asked for help.”

“A-and…?”

“I agreed for now. It was obvious I’d be kicked out of this land if I refused.”

“…How dare they!”

A constellation with somewhat impulsive tendencies shows an indignant reaction.

Actually, that’s a relatively mild response.

If it had been someone like the ‘Lord of Dragons,’ they would have already prepared for holy war.

“Just listen first.”

I began to explain the exact background.

“We’re not the first…?”

“That can’t be, then what about the other constellations—”

“As everyone knows, they were either banished to another dimension or stripped of their authority and sent back to the distant universe.”

The reason why there’s no news of constellations who previously operated in Dianon is simple.

The universe is vast, and there are many potential constellations to replace them.

Just as life forms are abundant in this world.

The vast universe is bustling with owners of numerous stars.

“We were, in a way, chosen.”

We happened to discover a world where we could enjoy our entertainment in detail and vividly, and we were moved by it.

To the point where the thought of returning to the time before knowing Dianon seems frightening.

“The problem isn’t the constellations that have already disappeared.”

According to the Incarnation of Dianon.

Remnants of the world that has been reset multiple times are targeting them.

No one knows whether they are successful humans or beings from another world.

“World remnants…?”

“That’s what we need to find out now.”

Of course, I don’t intend to leave everything to them.

Given the scale of the situation, I planned to be directly involved in all activities.

“…Is it that dangerous?”

“I don’t know.”

“Then—”

“It’s dangerous because we don’t know.”

When you think about it, something is secretly progressing in this world that even the constellations aren’t aware of.

A dark side and danger of the world that even transcendents, considered the ultimate beings in this world, haven’t noticed.

“Yeah, not good.”

The visitor who had been listening drops a comment.

“What’s not good?”

“I know. Sometimes when I look around the universe, I can feel things with intense killing intent watching us.”

“Then that’s…”

“Yes.”

When I ask, the visitor nods readily.

“What should we do…?”

“For now, just continue as usual. If we take action first, they might notice us sooner.”

This is a method I used when focusing on luring constellations.

First, induce action, then make them reveal their exact identity.

When dealing with unknown entities, this was the most appropriate method.

“But will they reveal themselves just like that?”

“The Incarnation of Dianon should take some responsibility for that part.”

I haven’t discussed the details yet, but it seems we need to have such a conversation.

No matter how much they’re the master of the world, they should value their own life, right?

After all, it was the Incarnation of Dianon who proposed this in the first place.

“The important thing is to continue as usual. As usual. You understand?”

“Ah, I see.”

“…Then I’ll focus on managing the church for now.”

“Exactly.”

First, restore the chaotic Dungeon City, and then everyone should return to being normal constellations.

「Believer ‘Lisia’ offers you fervent worship.」

「Believer ‘Belladis Rocheria’ misses you.」

「Believer ‘Kalisa’ eagerly awaits reunion with you.」

I need to manage the believers I unintentionally neglected, and work on the reset sacred objects.

‘There’s a mountain of work to do.’

“….”

Noticing Black Sun silently staring at me, I decided to adjourn the meeting.

「Constellation ‘Emissary of the Sun’ cancels divine manifestation.」

-Whoosh.

After adding all constellations to my ‘friend tab,’ I granted them temporary freedom.

Immediately, they canceled their divine manifestations and returned to managing their churches.

I also decided to attend to my church that I hadn’t been able to care for.

“…But aren’t you going?”

“H-huh?”

Black Sun, who had been staring at me from behind, startles like a small animal.

“Our kids can take care of themselves.”

“Are you really a constellation?”

“I-I am…!”

「Child of the Lost Star: Our kids can take care of themselves too.」

“That’s because you’re a hero.”

Come to think of it, this is ridiculous.

Are these really constellations?

It feels like they’re just living because they happen to be alive.

“My church has a strong independent nature to begin with.”

“So.”

“I thought I might learn how to manage a church while I’m at it.”

I stared at Black Sun.

Our eyes met.

Her dark eyes, like those of an East Asian, look at me before subtly avoiding my gaze.

“C-can’t I look?”

“You can, I suppose.”

We can show each other that much.

It’s not like it wears out or anything.

「Beginning movement to ‘Sanctuary’.」

I ended up taking Black Sun with me to the Sanctuary.

“This is…”

Black Sun murmurs while looking at the massive cathedral in the Sanctuary.

“What? Want to do something?”

When I teasingly ask, Black Sun responds with a puzzled expression.

“Huh…?”

Then—

“…!”

Seeming to understand my meaning, the black-haired woman puts on a flustered expression.

“Why would I do something like that…!”

“No one has ever invaded this place before.”

“…First time?”

“You could say that.”

After looking indignant, she perks up her ears at what follows.

I make these jokes occasionally because I know she won’t actually do anything.

“Wh-what should I do…! Hmm?”

“Just stay still. Beside me.”

“…Okay.”

With those words, Black Sun sticks close to me.

I look at Black Sun’s black crown, then move to greet my believers.

“Oh, Father God…!”

-Ooooh…!

Emotional reactions echo around us.

I was worried they might swarm us in a frenzy, but fortunately they’re maintaining boundaries.

‘Yes. This is our church.’

The madness in Dungeon City was false devotion.

That’s what I’ve decided to believe.

Passing by believers who look like they might burst into tears at any moment, I head straight to where the main believers are.

“Vera should be here.”

Lisia would be in the Regalium Kingdom, and Kalisa would be recruiting new believers at the Dragon’s Rest.

“My Lord!”

Just as expected, Belladis greets me with an excited expression from a distance.

“Hi. Have you been well?”

“Yes…! We’ve been preparing so that Father God could return comfortably whenever…”

Belladis, who was excitedly telling her story, glances behind me.

Then she freezes stiff.

“Oh.”

At the end of her gaze was an unfamiliar woman.

Black Sun was standing there.