The next morning, the Opal remained steadily docked at the Mortari family's exclusive pier in Laguna Port.
The morning light was faint, and the hustle and bustle of the port had not yet fully awakened.
On the pier, a purple silhouette stood out prominently.
Cantarella Fesale held an exquisite parasol, shielding herself from the rising sun.
She gazed profoundly at the window of the luxurious master cabin on the upper deck of the yacht, as if her eyes could pierce through the heavy curtains to see the scene inside.
A complex, indiscernible smile lingered on her lips, and she let out a faint, almost imperceptible hum.
"It seems the courage of certain little ones is much greater than I imagined," she muttered to herself, her tone making it impossible to tell if she was annoyed or impressed.
"Hehe, young people, after all, always have boundless passion and... unexpected creativity." An old yet shrewd voice sounded beside her.
Francis Mortari had arrived at the pier at some point. Leaning on his jeweled cane, he looked in the same direction with a beaming smile.
Cantarella didn't turn her head, simply replying faintly: "Old man Francis, you've certainly cultivated a fine heir. Even I must admit defeat to such audacity."
In her words, the usual tit-for-tat sarcasm had faded significantly, replaced by an almost plain statement, perhaps even carrying a trace of helpless acceptance?
It was as if she had tacitly acknowledged a certain established future landscape.
Francis chuckled, his gaze as sharp as ever: "The feeling is mutual. This old man has always admired Family Head Cantarella's methods and patience."
"However, it seems that from now on in Laguna, our two families will inevitably have to cooperate much more closely."
He looked pointedly at the ship's cabin, then back at Cantarella.
Cantarella finally turned her head, her blue-purple eyes meeting Francis's shrewd gaze.
The two locked eyes for a moment; it was as if an invisible agreement was being forged in the air.
"Indeed," Cantarella nodded lightly. That familiar, yet slightly less aggressive curve returned to her lips. "For the future of Laguna, and for... our mutual investments to yield the maximum return, it is time for Fesale and Mortari to become true allies."
She extended her hand elegantly. The smile on Francis's face deepened as he reached out and gave it a gentle shake.
The alliance between Laguna's two major families was established at this moment. By the pier in the morning light, it became profoundly significant in a most unexpected way.
Meanwhile, inside the cabin.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the porthole, casting warm patches of light on the floor. The air was filled with a languid and ambiguous atmosphere, mixed with a faint fragrance and the scent of the sea breeze.
Coletta woke up first; her acute perception kept her alert even through her exhaustion.
She shifted slightly, feeling the warm bodies and steady breathing beside her.
Rover was sleeping soundly by her side, and on his other side was Xiakong, curled up with her messy red hair spread across the pillow.
The memories of last night's madness instantly flooded back, and Coletta's cheeks immediately burned.
She carefully propped herself up, looking at the two people beside her.
Rover's sleeping profile was as heart-stirring as ever, and Xiakong... she had woken up too. Their gazes met unexpectedly in the air.
Her green eyes were filled with embarrassment, bewilderment, and an unbelievable sense of daze. Seeing Coletta looking at her, she instantly wanted to bury her face like a frightened little animal.
A bizarre sense of awkwardness and intimacy spread between the two girls.
They were good friends, yet they had shared the most private night and the most intimate person. Their relationship had undergone a qualitative change—from simple friendship to a peculiar alliance bound by a shared secret and emotion.
Coletta took a deep breath and broke the silence first, her voice still carrying its morning hoarseness:
"...Morning."
Xiakong's voice was as quiet as a mosquito:
"...Morning."
The two stared at each other, wide-eyed. Their eyes held a bit of awkwardness; it seemed neither had expected things to reach this point.
Having known each other well since childhood, they had once sworn an oath to be good sisters "for a lifetime."
Looking at it now, whether they could be sisters for a "lifetime" was unknown, but being sisters under "one blanket" had certainly been achieved.
Just then, Rover woke up too.
He opened his golden eyes and looked at the two beside him. His gaze was clear, showing not the slightest bit of surprise or regret.
He reached out and grasped Coletta and Xiakong's hands. His palms were warm and powerful, seemingly carrying a reassuring strength.
"Good morning," his voice was deep and calm.
He first looked at Coletta, his fingers gently rubbing the finger where she wore the pearl ring. His gaze was focused and frank:
"Coletta, thank you for your courage and your gift last night."
He meant the ring, and he also meant her action of pushing Xiakong toward him.
"You are my lover. This will never change."
Coletta's heart was instantly filled with a massive sense of satisfaction and security.
She firmly squeezed his hand back, a bright and happy smile blooming on her face. The subtle jealousy brought about by that tiny bit of sharing last night vanished into thin air at this moment.
In her own way, she had won the response she desired most. Although the process was so bold it was even a bit clumsy, the result was perfect.
Next, Rover looked at the still shy and uneasy Xiakong, his tone equally serious:
"Xiakong, I have received your song and your feelings. My journey may be long and dangerous, but if you have made up your mind, I allow you to follow."
"Your poems can be sung for me, but they should be sung even more for this vast world."
This was not a declaration of love in the traditional sense, but it perfectly suited Xiakong's identity as a poet and her freedom-yearning soul.
She abruptly raised her head. The inferiority and unease in her eyes gradually dissipated under Rover's frank acceptance, transforming into a purer, firmer admiration and affection.
She nodded vigorously. Although her voice still carried a tremble, it was much clearer:
"Mm! I will! My lute and my songs... will forever belong to you, and to... all the places we travel together!"
Rover smiled faintly, released their hands, and sat up:
"Alright, time to get up. Laguna still has official business waiting for us."
The sunlight completely illuminated the cabin, driving away the last trace of shadows.
The relationship between the three of them was confirmed and solidified on this morning in a manner that transcended convention.
A few hours later, in the conference room of the Mortari family estate.
Rover, Coletta, Francis, and the invited Cantarella were gathered together.
Xiakong had been arranged by Coletta to rest and adjust her mood.
The topic quickly shifted to the chaos within the Convent.
"Antonio and Marco sent someone to deliver a message early this morning again, hoping we can explicitly support their bid for the seats of the Prelate and the Supreme Priest," Coletta reported. Her tone was steady, already possessing the demeanor of a true hostess. The ring on her finger flashed faintly as she flipped through the documents.
"Alex's side hasn't been idle either. Although his reputation is damaged, he has operated within the Convent for many years. His foundation remains, and he won't give up easily," Francis added.
Cantarella languidly swirled her teacup:
"The fence-sitters are watching and waiting, waiting to see who offers a higher price, or... whose fists behind them are harder."
She cast a pointed look at Rover.
"What do you think, Rover?" Coletta tossed the question to him, her eyes full of trust.
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