Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

December Double Drop!

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In the grand hall of Qlipoth Fort…

Cocolia sat, her expression cold, left hand supporting her cheek with an air of haughty indifference that brooked no challenge. She watched the small, trembling intelligence officer before her with a look that was equal parts mocking and amused.

"…So, do you think this earns you my forgiveness, Officer Pelageya?"

"I wouldn't dare presume on your forgiveness, Madam."

"Heh. You could stand to be a little bolder, Officer Pela. You don't mind if I call you that, do you?"

"It's an honor," Pela answered, her head bowed low, her expression one of feigned gratitude.

Cocolia allowed a faint smile of approval after a moment of silence.

"Good. I often tell Bronya that she must learn to show mercy, especially to those who know their place and understand the bigger picture. I'm always willing to give a second chance to those who deserve it."

Adjusting her posture to one more imposing, Cocolia leaned forward, hands folded under her chin as she looked down at Pela.

"I trust you'll make good use of this opportunity, won't you?"

"I'm committed to easing your burdens, Madam," Pela replied, voice resolute.

"Very proper answer. You know, Officer Pela, you remind me of the day I first interviewed you—you were the one candidate who impressed me the most. Your talent, your eye for detail…far beyond your years."

"You're far too kind, Madam. I only did what was expected of me."

Pela managed a strained smile, but Cocolia merely squinted, studying her intently before speaking with a tone of false warmth.

"Good. I expect you to continue in this way. After all, an opportunity is precious precisely because it is unique. Once missed, it is gone forever."

"What would you have me do?" Pela asked cautiously.

"Simple. Use that clever mind of yours to investigate that girl named Seele."

According to the report before Cocolia, this girl had contributed to recent developments, though she hadn't been the sole participant. In truth, Cocolia could have dismissed Pela immediately, but the mention of Seele had piqued her interest.

"I'm from the lower district. My goal is to become a leader in the Silvermane Guards."

The statement was short, but it hinted at a lot. Most importantly—

Cocolia's gaze shifted to Bronya, who stood nearby in stony silence, her expression darker than usual.

"I think she's got promise as a soldier. Based on her performance, her strength is truly impressive. She managed to hold her own against Captain Gepard with just a rudimentary weapon, and I suspect that wasn't even her full strength. It's remarkable, considering she's about your age, Bronya."

Bronya said nothing, her gaze fixed on Pela, utterly ignoring Cocolia's words.

Cocolia's eyes flashed with irritation, though she quickly concealed it, feigning indifference as she continued.

"Ambition and talent are certainly valuable, but if she harbors any ulterior motives, we'll be sure to extend her a warm welcome befitting any Silvermane guest."

Seeing Pela deep in thought, Cocolia made a dismissive wave.

"I want you to gather all recent intel on her and submit it to me. If you do well, I'll let you keep your position here rather than joining your friends in prison to count stars."

"...Understood." Pela bowed her head deeply, her tone grave.

"Dismissed."

After shooing Pela away as if she were an annoying fly, Cocolia turned her gaze back to the disconsolate Bronya, an amused sneer forming on her lips.

"It seems your so-called friends are not as reliable as you believed. I assumed he'd manage to hide a bit longer, but he's turned out to be utterly disappointing. Not even as cunning as a cockroach—at least they know to stay in the shadows."

Bronya didn't respond to Cocolia's sneering, only turning her head away.

This small act soured Cocolia's satisfaction, leaving her feeling as if she'd swallowed a thorn.

Her expression hardened, her voice like the bite of a blade.

"Do you think ignoring me counts as defiance?"

"I simply have nothing to say to you."

Bronya crossed her arms, looking at her mother with a detached, unfamiliar gaze.

"If you think that your actions will crush my resolve, then go ahead—try your best."

"Do you think I don't have it in me to deal with your 'friends'? Or do you see them as things that can be replaced at will?"

In truth, Cocolia almost wished that were the case. It would mean fewer reasons for them to clash. But Bronya's reply was as sharp as ever.

"It's astounding to hear such words coming from you. Should I feel proud to call you my mother?"

"…"

Cocolia was at a loss for words.

But there was no need to argue. Breaking Bronya's spirit would be all too easy.

What she truly wanted was to shatter Bronya's will, to reshape her into the obedient daughter she used to be. That little girl who once gazed up at her with nothing but awe, eager to spend every moment by her mother's side—not this arrogant, ungrateful rebel she had become.

"You're right—we do have a certain understanding, you and I. That's why I know precisely what you fear most."

Cocolia rose from her seat and approached Bronya.

She reached out to touch her daughter's cheek once more, though the old look of trust in Bronya's eyes was long gone, replaced with anger and defiance.

"Come along now. Don't keep your friends waiting. I imagine they're eager to know what's really going on."

But Bronya's gaze only grew softer, tinged with a pity that irked Cocolia to her core.

What gave her this confidence?

Did she honestly believe that, like in a child's tale, they would march forward on a path of love, courage, and friendship, vanquishing the villain and finding a perfect, happy ending?

Belobog was no place for such naive stories—even the children of this city wouldn't believe in such fables.

This city was frozen, trapped in the past. Every hope was fractured, every ideal shattered.

All those empty dreams, all those futile efforts, and all those hollow beliefs...

Very well. Whatever it was that Bronya thought she was fighting for, it would ultimately prove worthless.

She would indulge this little rebellion, let Bronya witness firsthand how this drama would come to its final act.

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Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!

Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!

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