The transfer of power in Laguna seemed to have settled on the surface, but the undercurrents beneath the water had never truly ceased.
However, for Rover, his mission here had temporarily come to a close.
The threat of the Threnodian, the conspiracies of the Fractsidus, and a broader journey were calling to him from the Seven Hills.
Coletta knew this well. She didn't host a grand farewell banquet; instead, she arranged a small yet exquisite dinner in a private side hall of the Mortari estate overlooking the bay.
The invited guests included only Rover as the guest of honor, Cantarella Fesale, Xiakong Toccata, and the newly inaugurated, still somewhat unsettled Phoebe.
Zanni remained the Second Young Miss's most loyal guard, keeping watch outside the door like a silent shadow as always.
The atmosphere during the meal was somewhat delicate.
Cantarella remained elegant and composed, as if all the previous disputes had nothing to do with her, tasting the blood-red wine in her glass with great interest.
Xiakong appeared somewhat silent, occasionally sneaking glances at Rover. Her fingers unconsciously rubbed the starry-sky pattern on the hem of her skirt, her green eyes weaving a mix of reluctance to part and a strange look of anticipation.
Phoebe sat the most rigidly. She had changed out of the Supreme Priest robes from the daytime back into the daily cleric uniform she was familiar with, but a lingering trace of worry remained between her brows.
As the hostess, Coletta tried her best to lighten the atmosphere.
She talked about the reconstruction of the Hidden Sea Proving Ground and the plans for Laguna's future development. Her tone was steady, but her gaze couldn't help drifting toward Rover.
Especially toward the pearl ring on his finger that paired with hers. Whenever she saw it, a flash of relief and satisfaction would pass through the depths of her eyes.
The dinner concluded in an atmosphere that seemed harmonious, though everyone harbored their own thoughts.
Cantarella was the first to rise. She walked up to Rover, leaned in slightly, and continued to whisper in a voice only the two of them could hear: "The Fesale family will forever await your return. Should you ever require more in-depth 'assistance,' you know exactly where to find me."
She cast a meaningful glance at Coletta, chuckled softly, and was the first to take her leave.
Next was Xiakong. She took a deep breath and picked up the theorbo that had been resting by her feet.
"Rover... I... I wrote a new poem for you." Gathering her courage, she looked at him with burning eyes, as if flames were dancing in her green pupils. "It's called Path of the Morning Star. I wish you all the best on your journey to the Seven Hills."
She plucked the strings. Her singing was no longer just ethereal; it carried a resilient strength. The lyrics were simple and easy to understand, telling the story of a traveler bidding farewell to the harbor, following the guidance of the morning star, and sailing toward the unknown distance. It was full of her blessings, her promise to wait, and her unwavering determination to follow.
As the song ended, her face flushed slightly, and her tone was firm: "I will wait for your return. The sound of my lute will always sing your story... no matter where you go."
She didn't linger. Hugging her lute, she gave a slight bow, turned, and left. Her steps, however, were much lighter than before.
Only Coletta, Rover, and Phoebe remained in the side hall.
Coletta looked at Phoebe and gently prompted, "Phoebe... do you have something you want to say to Rover?"
As if startled awake, Phoebe hurriedly stood up, her hands clasped tightly together in nervousness.
She walked up to Rover and took several deep breaths, as if mustering all her courage, before carefully pulling a small object wrapped in linen from her pocket.
Untying the string, she revealed an ancient holy emblem.
It was carved from dark olive wood in the shape of the Laguna Hidden Sea Convent's symbol—a tall, pure white pegasus with a fishtail, surrounded by thorns and ocean waves.
The emblem was polished exceptionally smooth, its edges revealing a warm luster left behind by years of devout touching. It was clearly a treasure of considerable age.
"Rover..." Phoebe's voice was soft as ever, but her eyes were incredibly serious. "This... this was given to me by the old nun who raised me when I first entered the Convent... She said it was a relic of her mentor, meant to bring protection and... inner peace."
She offered the emblem with both hands, holding it up to Rover.
"I know you are immensely powerful and do not need ordinary protection... but..."
She looked up, her violet eyes filled with devout wishes. "Please take it with you. May it remind you that no matter how far you sail, Laguna will always have a harbor watching over you."
"And may it... witness my promise. I will work hard... work hard to make the future Hidden Sea Convent worthy of your expectations."
This gift, weighty and sincere, carried her past, her faith, and all her trust and blessings for him.
Rover looked at the ancient emblem, then at the sincerity practically overflowing from Phoebe's eyes. He remained silent for a moment, then solemnly reached out and accepted this heavy sentiment.
"Thank you for the gift, Phoebe," his voice was gentle. "It is very precious. I will keep it with me."
Rover carefully tucked the emblem away. "You must protect yourself well, and protect the goodness in your heart."
Phoebe nodded vigorously, her eyes turning a bit red again, though this time mostly from excitement.
She gave him a slight bow, and then, under Coletta's encouraging gaze, left the room, looking back at him three times with every step.
Finally, only Coletta and Rover were left in the side hall.
The sea breeze blew in through the open window, carrying the chill of the night.
Coletta walked to Rover's side and naturally took the hand wearing the ring, interlocking her fingers with his.
"Everyone's leaving... one by one. Though they're certainly diligent about handing out gifts."
Her tone carried a trace of petulance that she only ever revealed in front of him, but it was mostly filled with deep emotion.
She looked up at him, her opal-like eyes reflecting his silhouette and the starlight outside the window. "The Seven Hills... I'm afraid it will be very chaotic there soon, won't it?"
"Mm," Rover squeezed her hand back, his thumb gently rubbing against the pearl ring. "But there are some things I must go handle."
"I know." Coletta rested her head gently on his shoulder, her voice softening. "I won't stop you. Mortari and Laguna still have a lot of things waiting for me to do as well."
"Just... remember to keep in touch on the terminal frequently. And..." She raised their intertwined hands. "Look at this, and don't forget... you will always have your 'Opal' waiting for you here."
Her farewell lacked Xiakong's poetic romance, Phoebe's devout reliance, and Cantarella's ambiguous temptation. What it held was the support and concern of someone who already saw them as a community of shared destiny.
Rover lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her smooth forehead.
"I won't forget," he promised.
The night deepened, the sound of the waves was gentle, and the sorrow of parting intertwined with the expectations for the future in this quiet side hall.
Rover's holiday in Laguna should have temporarily come to a close here.
But what Rover hadn't expected was that, on the very day before his departure, a major event occurred that forced him to pause his journey and remain for a few more days.
_____
+50 advanced chapters monthly on my patreon, join now and read...
Patreon.com/IndifferentVillain
Ur support keeps me motivated thanks in advance.
Chapter 290 is out on my patreon!!!!!
________