Chapter 67: Mother, Daughter, and Sebastian

The day after Stormterror's attack.

Bronya was slightly nervous as she looked at the old butler named Sebastian before her.

His straight suit, elegant demeanor, and meticulously groomed silver hair perfectly embodied the term "gentleman."

This was only natural. As her etiquette teacher, Sebastian had never disappointed in this regard.

However, at this moment, he clicked shut a pocket watch embedded with a pure blue crystal and stared at Bronya with a serious expression.

"—Miss Bronya. I believe I did not teach you to be an unpunctual lady."

The old man's stern and aged voice echoed in the room. It carried a drawn-out, unique tone, characteristic of the aristocratic accent of Belobog.

His upright posture, as still as a pine tree, made Bronya feel as though she had returned to her childhood, standing in punishment for uttering something too crude.

Logically, as the heir to the Supreme Guardian, she had no reason to fear an old man.

But this old butler was different.

His resume was not only impressive but also distinguished, as he hailed from a noble family of the Architects. After retiring from his position as the Grand Arbiter of Belobog ten years ago, he accepted her mother's invitation to become her teacher.

From a power perspective, he had already surpassed most people. He could have easily enjoyed his retirement, but he took on this role out of expectation for the heir to the Supreme Guardian.

His teachings were strict but not without kindness, and he had been an important figure in Bronya's growth.

In the past, every time she earned his approval, Bronya would be happy for a long time. At the same time, she deeply respected this old butler.

If possible, she really didn’t want to argue with Sebastian about this.

Bronya could only try to maintain a calm expression, speaking to him as usual.

"...Sebastian. Do I have a reason to return?"

"—Of course, you do. And in fact, you are already very late, Miss Bronya."

The old butler clasped his hands behind his back, speaking in a tone that carried both authority and pressure.

"Yesterday, the Supreme Guardian should have sent you several letters, all of which clearly stated the request for you to return to Qlipoth Fort as soon as possible. Do you acknowledge this?"

"Mother... the Supreme Guardian did send me letters, and she did want me to return."

Bronya replied with a complicated expression.

"Then, may I ask if you know that after finishing her duties last night, the Supreme Guardian waited by the fireplace all night, exhausted, for your return? And I waited at the door until dawn—"

The faint disappointment in the old man's eyes made it difficult for Bronya to meet his gaze.

"I can understand that you are at the frontlines and have many reasons that make it hard to leave. But regardless, I believe you had ample time yesterday to address them or delegate them to someone responsible and return today."

If the old butler's tone hadn’t been so sincere, Bronya would have wanted to find an excuse to escape.

Although as the Acting Commander, she held the "highest authority" at the restricted zone's frontlines and could have the Silvermane Guards escort Sebastian back.

The problem was... she wasn’t the Supreme Guardian yet. The consequences of such an action were beyond what she could bear.

She couldn’t tell whether the old butler was genuinely reminding her or if he had been sent by her mother to mock her for being ungrateful.

Even though her understanding of him since childhood suggested he wasn’t the type to flatter, if she really went back now, what awaited her likely wouldn’t be a heartwarming mother-daughter reunion but being confined to her room.

"...I deeply apologize for this."

Thus, Bronya had no choice but to bow her head and admit her mistake, though this time she wouldn’t give in so easily.

At the very least, she wanted her mother to see her resolve—

"But I still do not intend to return. No matter who Mother sends or what reasons she uses, she cannot convince me to abandon my soldiers."

The old butler watched as Bronya, who had chosen to apologize, did not cower as she had in the past. Though his expression remained unchanged, he was no longer as angry.

"I assume you wouldn’t mind telling me your reasons?"

"I’ve heard about the demonic dragon’s attack. But... in reality, no matter what actions the enemy takes, we are almost powerless to counter them."

Bronya’s expression grew somber.

"As long as the enemy does not reveal itself, we have no means to track its movements. Similarly, engaging in combat with it would require the enemy to abandon its advantage and choose to fight us on the ground."

"I’m listening. Please continue."

"Even if I return and form a so-called demonic dragon subjugation team, we would have no way to proceed. Rather than being protected under such a pretext, I would prefer to stay where I can make a greater contribution."

Bronya took a deep breath.

"Therefore, I know this might upset you, but I must clarify that I am not defying Mother’s orders out of spite. I genuinely believe that doing so would be a waste of manpower, resources, and time.

As the heir to the Supreme Guardian, I should have my own independent thoughts, not blindly follow the Supreme Guardian’s orders and continue down a mistaken path—that is my belief."

For some reason, after these words, the previously heavy atmosphere in the room shifted. At the very least, she no longer saw scrutiny or disappointment in the old butler’s expression, but rather a sense of paternal kindness.

"I can understand your thoughts, Miss Bronya."

The old butler’s much gentler voice rang clearly in her ears as he continued.

"Similarly, I do not wish to trouble you. Because I am well aware of the hardships and efforts you have endured to reach this point.

However, you must clearly recognize one thing. That is, as the Supreme Guardian, Cocolia, beneath that cold facade of authority, is no different from any other mother concerned for her child’s safety.

Yes. Perhaps you have grown weary of the frequent arguments or minor conflicts with her recently. But please remember, the time you have spent harmoniously with her far outweighs these unpleasant moments. If you dwell on them, it will only deepen the pain between you."

The old man paused before continuing.

"In this nation, everyone watches the Supreme Guardian’s every move. When you are in that position, you will feel resistance everywhere. These rules, formed by the Architects, the courts, and the people, prevent her from always showing her maternal side.

But this does not mean she is truly as cold and heartless as she appears. Her tenderness and sorrow are reserved for you alone.

We all know the burden she carries is suffocating her. But if you are willing to forgive her, I believe she will not hesitate to offer a sincere apology."

As Bronya remained silent, the old butler spoke earnestly.

"Miss Bronya. The relationship between you and her is not just that of heir and Supreme Guardian. You are also family. Even if this bond is not tied by blood, the affection between you is no less than that of any biological mother and daughter. Please, do not make a choice you will regret for the rest of your life."