The passenger ship arrived at the Black Shores. The familiar, sci-fi-esque outline of the archipelago gradually came into focus.
Coming home is always reassuring, especially upon seeing the figure eagerly waiting at the docks.
"Yo! You're finally back!"
Camellya practically jogged over, a radiant smile brimming on her face, completely unashamed as she moved to throw herself straight into Rover's embrace.
However, catching a glimpse of Cartethyia beside him and the personnel passing by, she restrained herself a fraction. Instead, she wrapped her arms tightly around his arm, though the infatuation in her eyes was practically overflowing. "How was it? Was Jinzhou fun? Did you miss me?"
She chattered away, her gaze glued to Rover as if trying to make up for all the time he had been away just by staring at him.
To Miss Camellya, Rover's very existence was equally as important as life itself.
Returning to the headquarters, Rover took Camellya and Cartethyia to see the Shorekeeper, giving her a brief rundown of what they had seen and heard in Jinzhou.
Regarding the Fractsidus targeting Rover, the Shorekeeper didn't show much of a reaction. They had known about this since Rover first returned; it wasn't exactly a secret.
It was just that both Scar and Phrolova had previously extended proactive olive branches of invitation to Rover—even though one was currently locked up working the sewing machines in a maximum-security prison, and the other had her spider lily sliced clean off by a giant scythe.
This time, the mysterious Overseer hadn't shown their face, but had instead spent a massive amount of resources to test Rover's current strength. It was unknown what kind of scheme they were plotting.
Ultimately, the Shorekeeper merely told Rover to be more careful in the future, adding that she would help him keep an eye out for any unusual Fractsidus movements across various regions.
As for Rover's strength, the Shorekeeper naturally had absolute confidence. There might be things in this world capable of hurting him, but absolutely nothing could take his life.
"I will have the Floramancers and Consultants across various regions help monitor the Fractsidus for any anomalies," the Shorekeeper nodded slightly, before turning to Cartethyia, who had been sitting quietly beside Rover. "Miss Cartethyia, you've experienced quite a few battles during your time in Jinzhou. Let me give you a checkup."
"Oh, a-alright!" Slightly distracted, Cartethyia snapped back to reality and nodded repeatedly. "I will be in your care, Miss Shorekeeper."
The Shorekeeper's routine checkup concluded quickly.
Fortunately, there were no abnormalities with Cartethyia's body. Her affinity with the Sentinel's power was growing stronger, and the Threnodian's power within her remained in a balanced state.
It seemed that after waiting just a little longer, she could officially head to the Aventurine Academy to recuperate.
However, a minor stir occurred during the examination. Cartethyia unexpectedly sensed the residual power of the Threnodian Leviathan once again.
"You're saying, roughly in the sea region to the extreme south of the Black Shores..." Rover looked at Cartethyia, pursuing the question with a hint of urgency, as if confirming a guess in his own mind. "You faintly sensed the residual power of Leviathan?"
"Mm, yes," Cartethyia nodded, lowering her head to recall the battle scenario from back then. "This power feels identical to the sensation I had when facing off against Miya."
"I can't exactly pinpoint the specific location, but It seems to be submerged deep within the ocean."
"I understand. That's fine," Rover returned a smile, answering gently. "This is incredibly important information."
"Thank you, Carty."
"I-It's nothing. I'm just glad I could help the Righteous One." Cartethyia reached up to tuck her wheat-blonde hair behind her ear as a flush crept up her cheeks.
"Then Shorekeeper, I'll have to trouble you to prioritize confirming Its exact location over the next few days."
"Mm. Leave it to me."
A day later, by utilizing a massive amount of the Tethys System's computing power to temporarily track Leviathan, the Shorekeeper quickly locked onto the specific sea region hiding Its aura.
Looking at the location of that sea region, Rover grew incredibly excited. It matched almost perfectly with the coordinates of the so-called "Hidden Sea Proving Ground" of the Convent of the Hidden Sea from his memories.
In other words, he would have complete knowledge of the series of events that were about to unfold.
As someone with maxed-out initiative, Rover immediately gathered the three girls again, informing them of his plan to set out for Laguna shortly.
When the news was announced, the smile on Camellya's face froze for a split second. Though she quickly returned to normal, joking around, "Is our Lord Leader going out to play around again?"
However, the fleeting flash of disappointment and urgency deep in her eyes was captured by the Shorekeeper standing nearby.
Night fell.
Rover was in his room packing his luggage for Laguna.
The night was deep, and the moonlight spilled into the room through the glass curtain wall. The surroundings were peaceful and serene.
Suddenly, an incredibly faint click of a lock unlocking came from the door.
Rover's packing motions froze, but he didn't turn around, clearly knowing the identity of the intruder.
A silhouette slipped in silently like a camellia blooming quietly in the dark night, carrying its unique, rich fragrance.
Tonight, Camellya had clearly dressed up meticulously. Compared to her usual bold mini-skirts, she had changed into a much softer, form-fitting silk nightgown that perfectly outlined her graceful curves.
Her white hair, usually tied up in twin tails, now cascaded down smoothly. A few strands fell beside her slightly flushed cheeks. Her face carried an unconcealable trace of excitement and nervousness—a fragile expression that was a mix of courage and fear.
"Camellya?" Rover stopped what he was doing. Turning around, he looked at the "Lady Camellya" before him in surprise.
Camellya reached behind her back and gently closed the door. A faint click of the deadbolt locking could even be heard.
She leaned her back against the cold door panel, her chest rising and falling slightly. Staring directly at Rover, those eyes that always carried a playful smile were now shimmering in the moonlight, filled with unprecedented seriousness and... pleading?
"You're leaving," her voice lacked its usual cynical playfulness, carrying a slight tremble. "This time, I don't know how long you'll be gone..."
She took a step forward. Her high heels stepped onto the soft carpet, making a barely audible, muffled thud.
Her gaze locked onto him scorchingly, carrying an almost obsessive infatuation. "I know there are many people who need you, and you have many places you need to go..."
"I can't stop you, and I don't want to stop you." Her voice dropped low, carrying a sense of helpless resignation, yet in the very next second, it spiked abruptly. "But before you leave, I must... I must make you completely understand..."
She stopped when she was extremely close to him. Tilting her head up, the moonlight passing through the glass illuminated her face, which was written with absolute resolve:
"I want to... completely have you once!"
_____
+50 advanced chapters monthly on my patreon, join now and read...
Patreon.com/IndifferentVillain
Ur support keeps me motivated thanks in advance.
Chapter 120 is out on my patreon!!!!!
________