Carlotta Montelli.
In Ragunna, no one was unfamiliar with that name.
Especially the Fisalia family.
Though Cantarella had never met Carlotta, she often heard of her deeds from others' mouths.
Her origins, her mission, everything she carried.
This inevitably made Cantarella somewhat curious about how Carlotta might appear before her in the future.
The moment Cantarella uttered that name, everyone's brows furrowed in unison.
As long-time adversaries of the Montelli family, it was only natural they held little goodwill toward its members, and likely, the Montelli family felt the same about them.
Ray faintly heard hushed murmurs around him, yet he maintained basic courtesy.
Regardless, Cantarella had intervened to save him.
Even if there had been past conflicts with the Fisalia family, he was unwilling to let that old grudge affect her or any unrelated person.
"Don't mind them." Cantarella raised a hand, signaling everyone to remain calm. "Feuds between families have existed for a long time. Even as the family head, I can't completely control everyone's feelings. That weapon in your hand... Carlotta crafted it for you using her Resonance ability, didn't she? I'm truly curious..."
She examined Ray with interest, softly asking, "What exactly is your relationship?"
"Apologies, Miss Cantarella," Ray politely declined. "Although you've helped me, this is my private matter. I cannot disclose it."
"I understand." Cantarella's lips curved slightly, that inscrutable faint smile still on her face. "I was presumptuous. As the head of the Fisalia family, I naturally wouldn't make things difficult for a Montelli associate. Why you're here, what you're doing, I don't particularly care, just as you... likely aren't concerned about why I'm here."
Ray caught the deeper meaning in her words, she was telling him to treat everything today as if it never happened.
"I won't speak of today's events to anyone," he stated solemnly.
"A clever guest." Cantarella gave a slight smile. "These waters are near the Isle of Lamenting Tombs (Penitent's End); Remnants often wander here. If you wish, you may stay until we reach safer waters before departing on your own."
"That won't be necessary. Thank you for your kindness," Ray shook his head. "I boarded only to thank you in person."
Before Cantarella could respond, someone nearby said, "Head, the guests have arrived."
Everyone's gaze turned toward the distance as one. On the misty sea surface, the outline of a ship gradually emerged, it flew no family flag, just a small boat rising and falling on the turbulent currents.
What made Ray's expression shift even more was the boat's style. His pupils contracted slightly as he stared at the approaching vessel, murmuring to himself.
"...That's a Huanglong vessel?"
Huanglong?
Why would a Huanglong ship appear in Rinascita?
The two nations were separated by vast oceans; there should have been no contact at all.
"In that case, please do as you wish, our guest." Cantarella turned, her gaze shifting to the approaching boat. "I, too, must discuss some important matters with our guests who have come from afar."
Before her words faded, Ray saw a figure leap gracefully from the small boat, landing lightly on the deck like a falling leaf.
The guest from afar walked through the mist, a plain white dress fluttering in the sea breeze, with vibrant crimson accents bright as blood at the collar and sleeves.
Her dark pink hair was tied into a long ponytail, golden ornaments in her hair shimmering faintly in the dawn light. The touch of crimson at the corner of her eyes made her gaze seem even deeper as it swept past everyone with a faint, elusive smile, finally settling on Ray's stunned face.
Under everyone's gaze, she slowly walked up to him. Her eyes flickered slightly, her tone carrying a trace of faint inquiry. "You look... somewhat familiar."
"Have we met before?"
Ray paused briefly, then shook his head.
If they had truly met before, how could he have forgotten someone like her?
Unlike Cantarella's classical elegance, the beauty of the woman before him was like an orchid hidden in a deep valley, understated yet unforgettable.
"Is that so? Perhaps I misremembered."
"Oh? I didn't expect Jinzhou's renowned Counselor to have untold past anecdotes as well?" Cantarella walked closer, her tone light with a hint of laughter. "It truly has been a long time, Changli."
Changli turned to face her, giving a slight nod. "Indeed, it has been a while. If not for matters in Jinzhou taking me to the Black Shores, I likely wouldn't have been able to come as promised."
"The situation in Jinzhou isn't optimistic either?"
"Who can say for sure?" A faint smile touched Changli's lips, but her gaze turned toward the distant islands. "It's Rinascita..."
Her voice softened as if listening to echoes in the wind.
"Ever since I entered these waters, I've been hearing a low, incessant murmuring in my ears."
"It seems that entity does not welcome outsiders."
Cantarella gave a noncommittal chuckle. "Or perhaps... it simply wishes to invite you to sink into the deep sea together?"
The corner of Changli's eye lifted slightly as she replied with a smile. "What unfortunate timing. Fire and water are incompatible; I'm afraid I cannot accompany you."
"Having sailed from afar, you must be quite tired. Why not rest in my quarters for a while? We can speak in detail there," Cantarella suggested. "I've prepared some invigorating spices though, of course, they can also help you sink into a deep, pleasant sleep if you wish."
Changli nodded with a smile. "I am indeed a bit weary. Let's talk inside then."
The two then walked side by side toward the inner chambers. However, just before stepping through the cabin door, Changli suddenly looked back, her gaze once again sweeping over Ray's face.
Her expression seemed thoughtful.
Ray stood where he was. Though he didn't fully understand the deeper meaning of their conversation, he faintly felt he had glimpsed an unusual meeting.
Didn't Cantarella just say that woman named Changli was Jinzhou's renowned Counselor?
Come to think of it, what official rank was "Counselor"?
Well, being associated with Jinzhou in Huanglong, the rank was likely not low.
But for such a figure to visit Rinascita, didn't the Order send anyone to intervene?
Or perhaps... this was simply a private invitation from the Fisalia family?
Ray didn't know.
But it was clear such matters weren't something a small fry like him was meant to know.
Of course, he also had no intention of telling anyone about today's events.
Since he had promised Cantarella to keep it confidential, he absolutely would not break his word.
Not even the Second Young Miss could be told.
Ray left the Fisalia family's ship.
He summoned the gondola again from his terminal, looked back, and saw the large ship fading into the distance, becoming a hazy silhouette in the mist.
He didn't linger further, turning to let the gondola carry him toward the Isle of Lamenting Tombs (Penitent's End).