Although the Corporation's top brass still wielded considerable control over the main corporate body, if they ever harbored thoughts of opposing Glamoth and restoring the Corporation to its former state, they wouldn't even need to wait for Glamoth's fanatical Iron Cavalry or Intellitrons to act.
The Corporation's own employees would be the first to stage a "purge the traitors" uprising.
What's that? The power of ordinary people is insignificant before the might of an Emanator?
You're absolutely right. Unfortunately, the ones leading the charge within the Corporation—Diamond and his Ten Stonehearts—would be the most enthusiastic about sending those executives packing.
While Taravan had no interest in carrying out internal purges, he also had no desire to get involved in such internal struggles.
Under these circumstances, although there was indeed one deeply hidden Emanator-level power attempting to resist, it was clear that such struggles were quite futile against the galaxy-spanning might of Glamoth.
The only fate awaiting the Head of the Market Development Department, who had luckily won his comeback attempt, was a second public trial. He would be used as a classic negative example to warn the world, thus serving a purpose even in failure—making an example of him.
"Is this the place?"
Aponia, alone, gazed up at the magnificent, resplendent, and incredibly grand cathedral. Her gentle voice held a hint of awe.
After all, compared to the small chapels she had stayed in and seen before, the towering Glamoth Cathedral before her was simply too spectacular.
People bustled everywhere—men and women, mostly with white hair, Intellitrons... individuals from various species could be seen. There were Xianzhou natives, Sky-Faring Commission members... even the occasional Borisin with beast ears could be spotted.
It was said they belonged to one of the few peace-loving clans among the many Borisin hunting packs—the Claretwheel Temple. Tiring of slaughter and cherishing peace, they wore rings or bands around their heads or necks as a symbol of their discipline.
"Your Excellency, are you also a member of the clergy?"
Perhaps Aponia's unusual nun's habit had attracted attention. Soon, a female Borisin from the Claretwheel Temple approached and asked politely.
"...I once was."
"It seems you have a story to tell... However, I can see that you are a lost lamb."
"Indeed, fate is unpredictable..." Aponia, truly filled with uncertainty, nodded deeply in agreement and sighed.
"Recently, I've encountered some unusual things... I thought, perhaps, I might find some answers here."
"Is that so..."
"Then, you've come to the right place."
"Would you be willing to spare a few minutes for me to introduce you to our Lord, our Mother—the great Empress of Glamoth?"
Seeing the Claretwheel Temple Borisin grasp her hand with fervent enthusiasm, Aponia instinctively took a step back.
However, she reconsidered. She had come here precisely to resolve the doubts in her heart. Listening to what this person had to say wouldn't hurt. So, she gave a slight nod.
The Claretwheel Temple Borisin originally followed Yaoshi, the Aeon of Abundance.
Although in the eyes of the Xianzhou people, Yaoshi, the Aeon of Abundance, was unequivocally the Progenitor of Plagues and deserved condemnation, having indeed brought much disaster upon the universe.
But Yaoshi's benevolence was undeniable.
After all, the Path of Abundance itself was one of selflessly helping others.
Those marauding Denizens of Abundance who pillaged and plundered were, ironically, the greatest rebels against the Path of Abundance, using the Aeon's gifts to raid everywhere, bringing pain and suffering to others.
In the eyes of the Claretwheel Temple Borisin, those kin were nothing more than villains betraying the ideals of Abundance while claiming its blessings.
However, while Yaoshi was benevolent, their gifts indeed brought many troubles.
Coupled with the vast distance between Aeons and mortals, the Claretwheel Temple Borisin's faith in Yaoshi had become unstable—after all, other Borisin clans wouldn't look kindly upon weak "traitors" like those from Claretwheel Temple.
Although powers like the Xianzhou offered aid and goodwill, one must remember that the Xianzhou Alliance itself consisted of mobile star-faring vessels, and their reach had limits... Besides, the Xianzhou followed the Path of the Hunt.
While following the Hunt didn't necessarily mean harboring deep-seated hatred for followers of Abundance—the Xianzhou themselves viewed those on the Path of Abundance objectively—their fundamental stances remained distinct.
Until—
The birth of the Glamoth Empire.
Like the Xianzhou, Glamoth was also a power dedicated to helping others—overthrowing the Corporation's tyranny, liberating oppressed peoples, sheltering the weak, and allowing people to choose their own paths according to their own will.
Glamoth's commitment to good even surpassed that of the Xianzhou Alliance. After all, this civilization, born from falsehood, was itself born of benevolence.
Even though Glamoth sought no reward, its name, and that of the Glamoth Empress, resonated throughout the universe.
Selflessness, altruism... protection, sacrifice... understanding, acceptance, support, cooperation... adherence to justice, pursuit of truth.
Abundance, Preservation, Harmony, Hunt... Erudition. The actions of the Glamoth Empire practically embodied the benevolent aspects of almost every Path.
It led to sayings spreading among the stars: More devoted to the Hunt than the Xianzhou, more abundant than Claretwheel, more harmonious than the Family, more protective than the Corporation...
This entity, created by Jiang Qiao on a whim, had somehow become such a presence.
—The Aeons were too distant, but Glamoth was too close.
All glory to the Empress, all glory to Glamoth.
Although it seemed like an incredibly distant dream, just being able to draw closer to this beautiful dream had become the wish of anyone in the universe who knew what Glamoth represented.
This naturally included the protected Borisin of Claretwheel Temple.
"The Empress of Glamoth..."
There was no need for overly embellished descriptions. Merely recounting her deeds was enough to captivate the heart and soul.
After hearing and understanding just what a great existence the Empress she had previously met was, Aponia fell into a deep trance.
Just like meeting 'Ely' for the first time, etching her into one's heart didn't require many reasons, because her very existence was the reason.
"Your Majesty the Empress..."
Gazing up at the giant statue of the young girl, the mere stone likeness was enough to make Aponia's heart yearn for the Glamoth Empress behind the stories.
Aponia didn't believe in gods. It might sound absurd, but it was true... Or rather, her understanding of gods wasn't very clear.
Even after being a nun in a church for so long, reciting scriptures, she didn't know what the Lord she praised was truly like.
She only believed in fate.
But now, hearing of the Glamoth Empress, the void in Aponia's heart gradually became clearer... Or perhaps, another image had filled it.
Standing alongside the 'Elysia' she remembered from their first meeting.
Just like the devout believers of the Empress around her, Aponia also displayed a devout appearance—undoubtedly, Miss Aponia had now also become a follower of the Glamoth Empress.
Holding onto the expectation in her heart, she wanted to meet the Glamoth Empress.
Although she had seen her before when she came with Jiang Qiao and the others, being strangers, Aponia had remained silent and hadn't said much.
But now, she had many questions, many doubts, that she wished to have answered by the great Empress herself.
Fortunately, the Empress agreed to her request for a meeting.
...
Inside the Hall of Progeny.
"Um, is there something you need, Sister Aponia?"
Having been looked after by Elysia in the Elysian Realm, Firefly was naturally familiar with Aponia.
Although Aponia wasn't one of her absolute closest companions, Firefly, having received considerable care from her before, treated her quite well. However, the intense, familiar gaze, like that of a zealot, always made the shy Miss Firefly feel a little scalp-tinglingly uncomfortable. She took the initiative to ask:
"Is there a problem with the hospitality?"
"No... Your Majesty the Empress."
Aponia quickly shook her head.
Hearing this title, Firefly's expression became somewhat awkward.
Honestly, being called that by her subordinates was one thing; even if she tried to stop them, the Iron Cavalry and Intellitrons wouldn't change, merely replying—Yes, Empress. Understood, Your Majesty.
But being called that by someone she knew...
It was somewhat embarrassing.
Of course, after understanding Aponia's purpose, Miss Firefly only felt even more awkward.
Because...
She realized that this person who had once cared for her seemed... to have also become a zealot, just like the Glamoth Iron Cavalry and those Intellitrons...
This instantly made Firefly uncomfortable all over.
Shouting "Long live the Empress" was something others could do, fine, but you too...?
"Your Majesty, I've recently encountered some very confusing matters..."
Firefly wanted to say something, but upon hearing Aponia's words, she became curious again.
After all, the Aponia in her memory had always been like that.
...Alright, actually, she'd always seemed quite lost.
But Firefly was indeed curious why Aponia, who followed Jiang Qiao, would be like this—absolutely not because she wanted to subtly inquire about a certain someone's situation through Aponia.
"...Although I don't think I can give you any definitive answers, perhaps you could tell me about it."
"Yes, it happened last night..."
Aponia looked touched, then recounted the events with a conflicted expression.
Undoubtedly, this was the 'banquet incident' that occurred the previous night.
For the exceedingly righteous Miss Nun, failing to understand this crucial matter meant she couldn't find peace of mind.
Mobius and Eden doing that sort of thing with Jiang Qiao behind Elysia's back... especially Jiang Qiao, watching him—the 'Ely' in her heart—do such things, Aponia felt like her whole world had turned grey.
After all, because of that initial instance of him saving the damsel in distress, she held extremely complex feelings for 'Jiang Qiao Ely'.
This kind of immoral behavior undoubtedly shattered her idealized image somewhat.
But thankfully, she had found a new direction, a great existence she could confide in and receive answers from.
That was how Aponia viewed Firefly.
And the latter... looked utterly shocked.
...They played that rough?
After learning about the "three-way battle against Jiang Qiao" incident revealed by Aponia, Miss Firefly's worldview was undoubtedly shaken—don't ask why it was three-way, just know there was a certain degree of participation involved.
—Besides, Miss Elysia had also fought hard in her dreams.
Sister Elysia was treated like that...
The innocent Miss Firefly tried to imagine it, her cheeks flushing slightly, and she couldn't help but curse inwardly.
How outrageous!
The great Empress of Glamoth launched her critique.
Of course, she also felt a bit... regretful, and remorseful.
Regretful, naturally, that she hadn't joined the battle.
Remorseful, needless to say, if she had known yesterday that a certain someone was heading back to that, wouldn't it have been fine to keep him occupied a little longer?
At least she wasn't that excessive!
Miss Firefly thought this, but meeting Aponia's gaze, her expression turned awkward again. After all, having been recently 'topped up', she was still feeling slightly full. A certain fullness would slosh gently with her movements, like a not-quite-full water bottle... She quite liked this feeling, hmm... it was fun.
But now, facing Aponia, she felt awkward again, afraid of revealing any clues.
After all... in a way, she wasn't much better than Mobius or Sister Eden.
Fortunately, Miss Firefly had good control over herself. Although she was full to the brim, as long as she controlled the valve, she wouldn't suffer any embarrassing leaks. Besides... the table was blocking the view, and she had her skirt, hmm... very safe.
Feeling more natural, but looking at Aponia, who resembled a lost lamb seeking guidance from her, Miss Firefly found herself in a difficult position.
How... how should she handle this?
Helpless, the honest girl could only speak slowly after much thought and internal conflict:
"Um... you've misunderstood. Actually... I... I'm not the real Empress of Glamoth."
Firefly chose to reveal the truth.
And this truth stunned Aponia.
W-w-what? How could you not be the Empress of Glamoth?
Her first reaction was that Firefly was joking with her. Our Lord has such a sense of humor.
But thinking carefully, combined with the serious tone, Aponia realized that the Empress before her wasn't lying, merely stating a fact.
But... if you aren't the Empress of Glamoth, then who could be?
Just as Miss Nun was racking her brain, completely bewildered.
Firefly dropped a bombshell:
"The real Empress of Glamoth is Jiang Qiao."
In that instant, Aponia froze.