"The carriage?" Flavio said curiously, "Whatever do you need the carriage for, my sweet?"
"I'd like to go to Never Isles. I heard there are mermaids at the taverns swimming around in the wall tanks. I want to see them," CK grinned.
"Ah, the Daydrinker's Corner. I've heard about that tavern. Not only do they serve quality drinks only during the daytime, but also hired mermaids to sing and entertain. A strange marketing strategy, but quite effective," Isabella said.
Flavio, on the other hand, was horrified. "W-Why are you interested in taverns?! You can't be old enough to drink yet!" he said.
"There won't be any drinking if that helps," CK sighed, "You overthink, papa. I'm only going to see the mermaids perform and I won't be alone."
"Who will be going with you?" Isabella asked. "Mel," CK said, "He's the one who suggested the place."
"What?!" Flavio's eyes blazed, his glasses threatening to crack under his glare. He was about to calm down until he heard it was Melbourne's idea.
"Now, now, amore. If it is Mel, then we shouldn't worry so much," Isabella said. "I know Mel's a nice boy, but a tavern? Of all places to invite my baby to, it has to be a tavern some flights away!" Flavio complained.
"The Daydrinker's Corner is not just a tavern, you know? They provide musical entertainment, too. Perhaps that is the only thing CK would like to see. She's not interested in drinking, is she?" Isabella asked, turning to CK with a questioning look.
"Nope. Just the mermaids," CK answered. "Good. So long as Mel is looking after you, I'm fine with your plans," Isabella said.
"B-But...amore..." Flavio's doleful eyes were glossy with injustice, "What about our family trip?"
"Yes, yes, we'll go on that vacation you're preparing so passionately. But we still have plenty of work to finish and it's a shame to turn down CK's request to spend time with Mel. It's thoughtful of him to even take her around when he's occupied," Isabella said.
"Hmph..." Flavio crossed his arms and huffed. Isabella patted his head soothingly and smiled, "I understand you are excited, but why not let the children have fun for a while? You'll have our baby all to yourself when we go together."
"Mm. That is true..." Flavio said thoughtfully, melting happily under his wife's touch. Sensing his happiness, Isabella caressed his hair more.
"There, there. Don't be so dejected and give our baby your permission. We're not the only ones who missed her dearly," she said.
"Please, papa? I really want to go," CK pouted. Flavio could hear his own heart bursting like a dam upon seeing his wife's smile and daughter's adoring pout.
Boom!
"U-Urgh...! My...my heart..." Flavio clutched his chest before his body gave out and collapsed into Isabella's arms.
Overkill.
"Oh?" CK blinked in surprise, "He passed out."
"Hehe. I'm sure that means 'yes' for you, my baby," Isabella's eyes twinkled mischievously, raising one hand for a quiet high-five with CK.
"We make a great team, mama," CK smiled just as mischievously as her mother. "Be sure to pack and dress lightly, alright? I'll get Vicente to prepare a smaller carriage for you and Mel. It's best if you make your trip while your papa is still asleep," Isabella giggled, "We don't want him latching onto the roof of the carriage, do we?"
"Haha! I better hurry then. Thank you, mama," CK kissed Isabella's cheek before trotting away. "Have fun~!" Isabella waved.
Luckily, CK anticipated Flavio would be weak against the ladies' sweet talking. She took the briefcase she prepared beforehand and headed to the stables, where a carriage pulled by a lone amphiptere was waiting.
It was smaller than the family carriage, but it was also faster.
"Woah... Nice."
Mel dropped by a half hour later, impressed with the carriage waiting in front of the estate. Standing next to the carriage was Vicente, who was tending to the amphiptere and preparing it for flight.
"Greetings, Lord Melbourne," Vicente greeted, "The young lady has been expecting you."
"Morning, Vicente. Where is she?" Mel asked. Vicente gestured to the carriage, where a groan was heard.
"Finally. What took you so long?" CK's head popped out of the window.
"I came from the guilds' headquarters in King's Wall and had to come all the way here. Cut me some slack," Mel sighed. He looked around curiously.
"Where's the Count and Countess? I should tell them personally about the trip," he asked.
"Papa's asleep," CK answered, lounging like a lazy cat across the seats.
"At this time of day?" Mel looked at the skies, seeing bright pastel blue. CK smiled mysteriously.
"He passed out. Mama is buying us time. It's best if you don't wait for him to wake. Otherwise, we might not be able to leave," she said, "Come on, let's go."
The carriage door swung open. Mel looked at CK dubiously. Then, with a shake of his head, he climbed in.
"Poor Count," he mumbled sympathetically, wondering how the mother and daughter took advantage of the Count's heart.
Vicente's eyes twinkled as he bowed, quite aware of what caused the Count to collapse. He closed and secured the carriage doors after Mel entered.
"Safe travels to you both. Please look out for the young lady for us, Lord Melbourne," Vicente said. "Of course. Tell the Count and Countess not to worry," Mel smiled reassuringly.
"Bye, Vicente. I'll bring you some souvenirs," CK grinned.
The amphiptere's cries echoed before taking off, making sure to greet the skies and clouds on its journey.
As soon as the carriage was above the clouds, a cat smile appeared on CK's face. "We have an alibi now," she said.
"The old man's gonna disown me and the Count will have my head," Mel wanted to cry. "Relax, I'll cover your back if necessary," CK smirked, "Now, tell me more about the auction."
Although disheartened about striking a deal with CK, Mel was quick with his work. Only two days passed since their agreement at the Vincenzo Estate. CK received an anonymous letter envelope containing blank but scented pieces of paper.
CK knew plenty about intercepting secret letters and hidden ciphers, though the trick was simple for the letter. CK tore away the edges of the scented paper, which was plastered over the real deal: An invitation to celebrate Blue Lagoon's anniversary, a renowned underwater hotel.
But the invitation was just a cover. To Mel's 'friends', this was an invitation to gather for the annual black-market auction. Merchants and businessmen from beyond were expected to be present–all with their own special goods to sell.
Last year, the auction was held in Briar Fortress, where security was highest. This year, the auction will be held at the Blue Lagoon in Never Isles.
CK browsed a brochure on Never Isles. The Daydrinker's Corner is a moderate distance away from Blue Lagoon, and the inn that CK and Mel reserved was even further than Blue Lagoon. Very little will suspect that the pair were interested in the auction.
'Not just him. I have to be careful around Vicente, too. Those two report directly to papa and mama. Vicente is responsible for security and acts as papa's vice-captain whenever they are sent on missions. And Joaquin... he's a more special case,' CK explained, 'He does intelligence. On some rare cases, he is also the head of assassins working for mama. But very little people know about his second occupation.'
Malphas said. 'I know, right? I wonder how they do it, too,' CK thought amusingly.
"What are you grinning about?" Mel snapped CK out of her conversation with Malphas. CK shook her head.
"Nothing, really. I'm just thinking it's best if we act carefully. I don't want Joaquin to know anything," she said, "If he reports anything back to my parents, it will be difficult for them to let me run off elsewhere."
"And for good reason. What kind of person engages with the black market as soon as they come back from who knows where?" Melbourne said incredulously.
"Relax, I'm a woman of taste. It's not like we'll buy every single abomination put up for sale," CK snorted, "And mind you, your sister is at the same 'who knows where' right now."
"And I fear she'll loose the same screws in the head as you did."
"Hehe. Food for thought, isn't it?"
The carriage cruised for two hours before CK could see the coastline of Pentamerone. Fjords extended far from the main island, surrounding it with sandy borders. Nestled in-between the fjords were deep lagoons surrounded by cruise ships and ports. From the highest peaks of the island were cascading waterfalls, creating rivers all across the city until it poured unto the lagoons.
"The fountain of youth," CK mused, referring to the waterfalls pouring from the peaks, "Is it true that the water has age-reducing properties?"
"Yes. It was a 'gift' from Pan before he became a member of the Marchen centuries ago. They said that the island used to be larger, almost as huge as Briar and Glass City combined. But the constant skirmishes between the Jolly Roger and the island guardians led to destruction all over the place," Mel narrated, "At some point, one of the guardians' attacks were so great, it blasted a hole deep into the water that it opened a path connecting Marina Gate and the island. Curious, the mermaids came up and saw the groups at war."
"They were concerned that the war would disrupt life underwater if the war continued. Pan decided to 'intervene'. With a sea witch's help, he poured an immortality elixir unto the waters on the island and poured another unto the Jolly Roger's water supply, turning the guardians and the crew of the Jolly Roger into long-living beings," Mel said, "Due to the longer life spans, the war became more intense and lasted long. However, it was also due to longer life that they found it difficult to exterminate one another."
"Eventually, the war ended due to exhaustion on both ends and peace talks were discussed. I have no idea what they were fighting about or what they discussed to end the war, but since then, Never Isles had been peaceful," Mel said.
"Pan ended the war by making them immortal... Haha! Isn't that unconventional?" CK laughed, amused.
"Pan's way of thinking is...rhetorical. Despite being one of the oldest members of the Marchen, he has the reasoning and innocence of a child," Mel stated, "That is why they call Never Isles the 'fountain of youth'. It refers partially to the waters and mostly to Pan's character."
"Hm... Will I live longer if I drink the water from Never Isles?" CK wondered. "It won't work. Others tried, but the water only affects the residents and descendants of Never Isles," Mel said and chuckled, "Guess Pan didn't want others to have a chance at long life."
"Ah... That's a shame," CK said, though there wasn't a trace of disappointment on her face. Just deep thought and the possibility of creating an immortality elixir.
"We're close. I should guide our feathered friend towards the inn," Mel said, approaching the front of the carriage.
"Try not to fall off. It'll be a hassle for me to pilot the amphiptere and pick you off the ground," CK smirked. Mel shook his head and left to guide the reins of the amphiptere.
'Not bad,' CK thought, admiring the view outside her window, 'Up for a bit of sight-seeing, Malphie?'