Chapter 76: How Did My Home Actually Get Raided?
As the last vestiges of sunset were swallowed by the distant sea horizon, with stars and the moon ascending the sky, the entirety of Ragunna was abruptly illuminated by dazzling lights.
Zani had changed out of her usual work attire and was walking through the crowds in a newly purchased casual outfit.
Carlotta had arranged for the Averardo Vault to grant Zani leave under her own name, and Zani's task was to remain at Carnevale as a free agent detached from others, responsible for handling any potential unexpected incidents.
Of course, she wasn't entirely operating independently.
[Off Work Early]: Do you like grilled fish?
Just seconds after sending this message, she received a reply.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: It's alright, but let's see if there's anything else.
[Off Work Early]: How about a panini then?
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: Tastes good... but not filling enough. Anything else?
[Off Work Early]: Should I bring you Margherita pizza then?
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: That's the one.
Zani stared at the terminal in her hand, communicating with Aeron who wasn't present but safely waiting elsewhere.
[Off Work Early]: Then wait a bit longer, I'll bring it to you later.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: More than that, I'd prefer if you paid more attention to your surroundings, Zani.
[Off Work Early]: Don't worry, I haven't forgotten my main job.
Walking along Ragunna City's Bank Street, surrounded by people wearing various masks accompanied by street performers and Echoes giving impromptu performances, everyone was collectively enjoying this long-awaited Carnevale stimulated by delicious food, fine wine, and art.
[Off Work Early]: You usually only contact me for serious matters, and now you won't even humor me for some leisure?
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: That's not entirely fair... we'll have plenty of time later.
[Off Work Early]: But holidays like this often hold more commemorative significance, don't you think? And I'm also worried someone might be going stir-crazy.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: Relax, who wouldn't love having nothing to do but stay home.
[Off Work Early]: I can't tell that from your tone.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: But we're typing, aren't we?
[Off Work Early]: You can still read between the lines. I bet someone's probably complaining internally right now.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: I'm really sad that I can't share both the hardships and joys with you, Zani.
[Off Work Early]: Enough already, that kind of talk won't fool me.
At this point, Zani's hand paused slightly.
[Off Work Early]: But if you really mean it, try saying 'you've worked hard.'
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: You've worked hard, Zani.
Seeing Aeron's message, Zani's lips curved into a slight smile.
[Off Work Early]: Good that you know it's tough.
After typing these words, she paused for a moment before adding another line.
[Off Work Early]: Remember to make up for it when you get back.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: Huh? Make up for what?
[Off Work Early]: The 'commemorative significance' you missed.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: Next time for sure.
Right after Aeron sent this reply, a new message immediately popped up, though this one wasn't from Zani.
[Montelli Family Affairs Executive]: Hey... do you two realize this is a public group chat?
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: Holy shit who's talking.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro has been muted by the group admin for ten minutes]
[Montelli Family Affairs Executive]: I know you're bored, but for your safety just stay quiet by yourself for a while. Also, why did you choose such a long nickname?
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro has been unmuted by the administrator]
[Silent Jellyfish]: After all, communication is important too, so let him off this time~
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: I think Cantarella is right, Second Young Lady, now this is what I call perspective.
[Montelli Family Affairs Executive]: ...Do you think I'm worrying about whom?
[Aspiring to Be a Red-Haired Lead Singer]: Ah, seems like someone got caught slacking off. Thanks for your hard work, Second Young Lady (^▽^).
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: First of all, I wasn't slacking off. Second of all, what's with your nickname, Complete Poet? You've been surfing the net quite a bit, haven't you?
[17-Year-Old Golden Vampire Won't Be Cut into Eighteen Pieces]: Well, as a poet, I always have to find inspiration somehow.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: Stop with the voice actor references and change your nickname back already.
[Aspiring to Be a Red-Haired Lead Singer]: Ehehe~ Well, when we're on stage later, you better keep a good eye on your partner.
Ciaccona looked at the group chat on her terminal, holding her lute with a bright smile on her face.
This was the main stage of Carnevale, thousands of times more magnificent than the square where she usually sang, with an audience numbering in the tens of thousands. Outside, the roar of the crowd and people's enthusiasm were constantly impacting Ciaccona's thoughts.
To say she wasn't nervous would be a lie, but whenever she thought about everything she had been through with Aeron, all the negative emotions would vanish, replaced by the determination to do her absolute best.
For the buried truths, for those who were no longer here, and for that guy who always lent her a helping hand, what she had to do was convey everything about Toccata and the "Golden Anthem" on this stage.
"Haa——"
Ciaccona let out a long sigh while unconsciously glancing at her terminal again.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: @Aspiring to Be a Red-haired Lead Singer Don't worry, I promised you.
A brief sentence, but it was enough for Ciaccona.
[Aspiring to Be a Red-Haired Lead Singer]: Alright, I'm going on!
Right after sending the message, Ciaccona stood up and took the stage. The moment this bard appeared, she stirred up an even more tumultuous wave of noise on the Ragunna Carnevale stage.
Meanwhile, Cantarella watched the scene from the balcony of a distant building.
Her expression remained unchanged, still carrying her usual composure and detachment.
Cantarella admitted that in the face of such a grand spectacle, her emotions did surge somewhat. But unfortunately, now was not the time to indulge in this commotion.
This Carnevale was crucial for Fisalia, Ragunna, and even the entire Rinascita. She had to ensure no unexpected incidents occurred.
Moreover... she also had to guarantee that her "fiancé's" plan could proceed smoothly.
Now, with Cantarella at the center, the Fisalia Family had spread throughout the entire city. Their task was to pave the way for Aeron's upcoming plan.
[Silent Jellyfish]: Since the poet lady has made her entrance, I'll go prepare as well. The rest is up to you all.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: Then we leave it to you, Cantarella. @Change the Big Lamp! Are you ready on your end?
[Change the Big Lamp]: Don't worry bro, the troupe is all set. Just say the word, and we'll help you take control of Ragunna!
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: I believe I said crowd control, not rebellion?
[Change the Big Lamp]: Congratulations bro, you can proclaim yourself emperor now.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: If you keep using that meme, I'll pierce your eardrums.
[Montelli Family Affairs Executive]: Um... you do know this group is for serious discussions, right?
[Change the Big Lamp]: Don't worry Second Young Lady, we have absolutely no reason to lose this time. Before the bond between me and Aeron, all problems will be resolved!
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: What bond do we have, may I ask?
[Change the Big Lamp]: The precious bond between father and son.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: I've already reported all the money you hid to buy alcohol to Roccia.
[Montelli Family Affairs Executive]: You two... that's enough.
As she sent this message, Carlotta frowned slightly, beginning to wonder why she had ever teamed up with these two in the first place.
She was currently backstage with Cartethyia and the Rover, waiting for Ciaccona to bring the entire Carnevale to its climax.
Carlotta wanted to ask something more. Her fingers hovered over the terminal for a moment before finally sending the message.
[Montelli Family Affairs Executive]: Aeron, what about Phoebe's situation...?
As one of the companions who initially came to Montelli with Aeron and Cartethyia, Phoebe, being a member of the Order, had a fairly good reputation in Montelli. Carlotta was also quite concerned about her situation.
After all, judging from the previous meeting... it seemed Aeron had done something rather extreme to her.
This time, the reply didn't come instantly as before. After a short while, Aeron finally responded to Carlotta's message.
[AAA District Wholesale Full Rinascita Can Fly No Cilantro]: Don't worry, Second Young Lady. She's my junior after all. I've taught her everything she needs to know, and I believe she can handle those matters.
[Montelli Family Affairs Executive]: Understood. I trust your judgment.
Carlotta's reply was brief, and she didn't ask further questions. She closed the group chat interface on her terminal.
"Ugh, that guy really makes it sound so simple," Cartethyia muttered, crossing her arms, completely unsurprised by Aeron's message.
She had thought he might show some remorse after seeing Phoebe in that state, but nothing had changed. He really had nerves of steel.
If that were all, she could still intervene as a friend to somewhat restrain Phoebe.
At this thought, Cartethyia glanced at the object fastened at her waist—something Aeron had given her before she left, an item she would need to complete her mission: an ornate and evidently extraordinary sword.
After all, Cartethyia had once been a wandering knight. She knew this was undoubtedly a precious artifact.
There was no way Aeron could have obtained it through his own channels. Exquisite craftsmanship, refined decorations, exuding an understated luxury—it could only be the work of a master.
Since Carlotta showed no reaction to it, considering the people around Aeron, there was only one possible source—the formidable head of the Fisalia Family, Cantarella.
...How dare he hand something like this to someone else!
"But then again, that's just like him, isn't it?"
Just as Cartethyia began to fear she might also be dragged into Aeron's increasingly terrifying battlefield of relationships, the Rover spoke up.
"He hands over the tasks with an 'it's all up to you now' attitude, then just slips away on his own... Every time we meet," the Rover said, her tone growing heated.
She had originally intended to somewhat defend Aeron, but it seemed she only ended up making herself angrier.
For some reason, ever since she first met Aeron, whenever there was any trouble he couldn't handle, he would dump it all on her. Though the outcomes weren't bad, after a series of tasks he wouldn't even give a token response...
"Well... but at least he's staying put this time... That's progress, right?"
Seeing the conversation gradually turning into a complaint session about Aeron, Carlotta took over, trying to lighten the atmosphere in the room.
"He just knows he went too far this time and is afraid we'll lecture him about it."
Recalling the events of that day, Cartethyia still felt somewhat vexed.
Although she remained angry about Aeron's request, just as back then, this was the best solution he could devise by utilizing her "immortal" ability to achieve the optimal outcome.
After venting her emotions, Cartethyia would inevitably help him.
"And he genuinely makes problems vanish... though I hate to admit it... hmph, infuriating."
Having heard both Cartethyia and the Rover's words, Carlotta could only concede defeat. If these two held such impressions, that Aeron fellow truly had something special about him.
Recalling her first two encounters with Aeron, even Carlotta had to admit that when it came to muddying waters and manipulating people, that guy could indeed be called a genius.
Cunning, calculating, insidious... none of these descriptors felt excessive. Who could have imagined that in just one month, he'd actually lead everyone to stand against the Order and its deceptions.
At this thought, Carlotta's lips curled into a faint smile.
It seemed her investment had paid off beyond expectations.
Outside the window, the roaring cheers grew increasingly intense—Ciaccona's performance had reached its most magnificent movement. It was about time to go prepare.
Just as Carlotta turned to give Cartethyia and the Rover their final operation instructions—
"BOOM——!!!"
An explosion far louder than any celebratory cannon shot echoed from outside.
"?!"
"What's—"
The three rushed out from backstage to see thick smoke rising in the distance.
And Carlotta knew exactly what lay in that direction. Judging by the distance... it was about right.
"...Ha?"
Though reluctant to admit it, the evidence now lay plainly before her.
Aeron had blown it up.
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