The sea breeze swept across Laguna's busy port, bringing with it the sound of ship whistles and the clamor of the distant market.
Rover stood by the window of his room in a hotel owned by the Mortari family. He gazed out at the azure sea and the shuttling sailboats, yet a trace of gloom and exhaustion lingered in his golden eyes.
Having eaten and drank his fill, Abby was sprawled out fast asleep on a soft cushion nearby, its little belly rising and falling with its breath. Clearly, the underwater adventure had worn it out as well.
Although the physical injuries on his immortal, unchanging body had almost entirely healed, the mental fatigue of this journey—and the resolute, entangled parting with Phrolova—still washed over his heart like an invisible tide.
"Cruising Heaven" was a new direction and a crucial new challenge... As the Threnodian's ultimate trump card, if not handled properly, the Black Tide would swallow the entirety of Rinascita. He had to take this seriously.
Beep beep beep—
The terminal communicator at his waist vibrated rhythmically, interrupting his contemplation. He glanced at the number; it was a direct line from the Black Shores Scientific Research Department.
Upon answering, the figure of a researcher appeared on the holographic screen, reporting in a solemn tone: "Lord Rover, the Tethys System has detected abnormal Threnodian energy fluctuations in the coastal waters of Laguna. The energy spectrum is completely different from all previous records. It seems... to originate from deep within the seabed. May I ask if you are aware of the situation?"
Rover rubbed his temples and briefly informed the other party of his experiences in the Hidden Sea Proving Ground. However, he omitted the complex details of his entanglement with Phrolova, focusing solely on explaining the fate of the Convent's Prelate, the Threnodian Gemstone being snatched by Christopher, and the anomaly known as "Cruising Heaven" hidden deep within the Proving Ground, which was connected to the Black Tide.
"...That's the gist of it. The situation deep in the Proving Ground is bizarre. The way that Black Tide surged out completely defies common sense, not to mention that so-called ultimate trump card of the Threnodian, 'Cruising Heaven'... Regardless, continue analyzing the data and notify me if you find anything."
Ending the call with the Scientific Research Department, he pondered for a moment before sequentially contacting the Shorekeeper, Camellya, and Cartethyia.
The call with the Shorekeeper was brief and characterized by a tacit understanding. He reported that he was safe, and she responded with her usual detachment and understanding. Only at the very end did she add softly, "Be careful in all things, Rover. The waters of Rinascita seem to run deeper than before."
"Mm, I will be careful."
The call with Camellya was much more lively. She clamored and complained about him running off to dangerous places again, jokingly asking if he had secretly hooked up with another woman. Finally, she became clingy and affectionate, reminding him to rest well and to remember to bring back some Laguna specialties for her.
Lastly was Cartethyia. Hearing his voice, the young knight clearly breathed a sigh of relief. Subsequently, she was baffled by the phenomenon he mentioned of the "Black Tide surging from the seabed."
"According to the Convent's records and my own knowledge, the Black Tide is the manifestation of the Lament originating from the sky; it usually pours down from the heavens... Surging from the seabed is unheard of." Her tone carried a trace of shame. "I apologize, Righteous One. I cannot answer your question. But everyone at the Black Shores will definitely research this with everything they have. I will inform you the moment there is any news."
Having finished all his calls, Rover let out a long exhale. Conversing with his home and lovers slightly dispelled the profound sense of isolation and exhaustion in his heart.
Resolving the "Cruising Heaven" would not be accomplished in a single day. The Shorekeeper stated she would have the Black Shores coordinate and share intelligence with the Governor's Palace of the Seven Hills, instructing them to conduct a preliminary investigation into the anomalies in the Seven Hills. This established a series of cooperations, laying the groundwork in advance for his eventual return to the Seven Hills to work with them.
Before that, he decided to listen to the demands of his body and stay a few extra days in this familiar commercial metropolis of Laguna—to bask in the sun, taste the local delicacies, and change his mood.
He decided to go out for a walk, letting the warm sunlight and bustling street life of Laguna completely wash away the exhaustion he had brought back from the bottom of the sea.
So, he changed into light, comfortable clothes, told Abby to return to his Tacet Mark and keep sleeping, and left the hotel.
Rover strolled leisurely down the pristine streets of the Mortari district. Before he knew it, he had arrived at a nearby seaside promenade.
The setting sun dyed the sea a golden-red, its surface shimmering brilliantly.
Just then, a somewhat surprised, familiar voice called out from behind him:
"Rover?"
He turned his head, only to see Zanni standing not far away.
She was still wearing that familiar, capable white suit, black pants, and high heels from his memories. Her red tie was meticulously straight. Only the dark circles under her eyes seemed a bit deeper than he remembered. Her short white hair fluttered slightly in the sea breeze, and the ram-like horns on either side of her head gleamed faintly in the sunset.
"It really is you," Zanni walked closer quickly, a professional yet polite smile on her face. "I heard you went out to sea earlier. When did you get back?"
"Not long ago," Rover smiled. "Just handling some troublesome matters at the bottom of the sea."
Zanni nodded in understanding, her expression growing a bit more serious: "No wonder. Multiple places in Laguna felt tremors not long ago, and both the Family and the Convent have been urgently investigating the cause... It seems you were the one who caused that commotion?"
"You could say that." Rover gave Zanni a rough explanation of the situation in the Proving Ground, naturally omitting a billion little details about what happened with Phrolova in the Shores of the Lost.
After hearing this, Zanni's brow furrowed tightly: "The Threnodian Gemstone... Christopher... the fall of the Convent's Prelate, and this so-called 'Cruising Heaven'... This is indeed a massive event capable of shaking the entirety of Laguna."
She crossed her arms and pondered for a moment. "It seems that in the face of a threat of this magnitude, the various factions of Laguna must truly unite this time. This is not something a single Family or the Convent can handle alone."
She paused, her tone relaxing a bit: "However, grand strategic planning on that level is not something I need to worry about. I will report the situation fully to Miss Coletta and let her and the other big shots get headaches over it."
Saying this, she seemed to suddenly remember something. She looked back at Rover, her tone becoming a bit more formal: "Speaking of which, the Family actually noticed you the moment you returned to Laguna."
Rover raised an eyebrow, then instantly understood—
During his time in Laguna, he had been using the Mortari Family no-limit black card Coletta had given him for all his expenses.
Zanni continued: "Miss Coletta originally wanted to invite you over for a chat immediately, but she didn't expect you to set out to sea right after, much less get swept up in such a massive storm... We haven't found the opportunity until now."
She retrieved an exquisite letter bearing the crest of the Mortari Family from her coat and handed it over.
"This is an invitation sent in Miss Coletta's personal name. She has prepared a small welcome-back banquet for you. The time is tonight, and the location is the private banquet hall at the Family Manor."
A rare, slightly teasing smile appeared on Zanni's face. "Miss Coletta is very much looking forward to seeing you again. What do you say, Rover? Will you honor us with your presence?"
Rover looked at the exquisite invitation in his hand, which still seemed to emit a special, faint fragrance.
Thinking of that Second Young Miss—who wasn't tall but carried immense responsibilities on her shoulders, always bearing a maturity and faint sense of isolation that didn't match her age—the gloom in Rover's heart seemed to be blown away a bit more.
He accepted the invitation, a relaxed smile lifting the corners of his lips.
"Of course," he replied. "It would be my absolute honor."
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