Now Phoebe is Different - Wuthering Waves: My Time As a Rover

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Twenty minutes later, inside the council hall of the Hidden Sea Convent.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy. The summoned Convent priests were anxious and uneasy, not knowing what kind of actions this Supreme Priest, who had been on the verge of a breakdown yesterday, would take today.

Phoebe sat in the main seat. The priests all lowered their heads and averted their eyes, as if awaiting her instructions.

"Regarding the turmoil caused by the audit of the Icon Workshop," Phoebe cut straight to the chase, her voice clear and chilling. "I have understood the root cause of this unrest. It is not the fault of the audit itself, but rather that some people have tried to use the rules to cause destruction, secretly inciting public opinion to hinder the rebirth of the Convent."

Her gaze swept over the crowd. "However, we must also reflect. Reform cannot be accomplished overnight. The public wants to see our changes, but they need stability and order even more. Our reform requires a strategy... Erwin."

Auxiliary official Erwin stood up immediately. "This subordinate is here."

"Your gradual strategy was correct. From this moment on, you will take the lead in redrafting the advancement plan for the transparent reform, classifying the priorities for publicizing the Convent's public affairs. Furthermore, establish a compensation mechanism for this incident, especially for the innocent merchants and workers affected. The plan must be submitted to me before sunset tomorrow."

"Yes! Lord Supreme Priest!" A flash of pleasant surprise and admiration crossed Erwin's eyes.

"To the audit team," Phoebe continued. "The direction of the audit remains unchanged, but the focus must shift to clarifying responsibilities, not creating panic. Regarding the workshop and the suppliers, if there is truly no corruption and the cost difference was caused by old regulations, issue a detailed report and promptly settle the payable accounts. If parasites are found..."

Her voice suddenly turned icy. "...No matter who is involved, investigate them to the very end, and punish them severely once the evidence is conclusive!"

"Priest of the Preceptory," she looked toward the stern-faced old priest. "Your duty is to maintain order, not just let your subordinates arrest a few rioters."

"The innocent workers are to be released immediately. Starting today, closely monitor any behavior inside or outside the Convent attempting to spread false rumors or provoke confrontation. If necessary, the Preceptory may dispatch personnel to bring the situation under control first."

The orders she issued one by one were clear and calm, possessing both principle and flexibility, completely exceeding the expectations of everyone present.

Before arriving, they had assumed they would be met with either even more radical orders or a complete retreat. They never expected to see such composed and powerful maneuvering from the new Supreme Priest.

Alex, who had been watching the show from the shadows, quickly learned of the situation in the council hall. The composure on his face vanished, replaced by a trace of shock and suspicion.

He hadn't expected that not only did Phoebe not collapse, but she seemed to have been completely reborn, becoming incredibly difficult to deal with.

He instinctively wanted to go interfere. But just as he stepped out of his room, he found Zanni leaning against the opposite wall of the corridor—having arrived at some unknown time—seemingly casually playing with a dagger in her hand.

"Priest Alex," Zanni said lazily. The dark circles under her eyes seemed to have deepened a bit, and her tone revealed a hint of a threat. "Lord Supreme Priest is handling official business and has ordered that no one is to disturb her. You should... go back and wait for news."

Alex's face turned livid. He knew he couldn't get past her today, and he couldn't bear the consequences of forcing his way in.

He glared fiercely at Zanni and retreated indignantly. But his sharp mind also realized that the rules of the power game in Laguna had changed.

That little girl had changed her mind. She had proactively found a backer he could not and would never be able to shake, and it seemed... she had truly drawn strength from it.

Several days later, an announcement signed by Phoebe was posted:

Clarification of the audit's original intent: Published a portion of releasable data and promised to optimize the auditing and publication processes of the Convent's public affairs in the future to prevent harming innocent personnel.

Regarding the Icon Workshop audit incident and the ensuing unrest: Determined that it was primarily a historical legacy issue. Ordered rectifications but did not pursue individual criminal responsibilities. Acquitted and released all arrested workers and provided compensation.

Warning: Any behavior utilizing this matter to spread rumors, incite confrontation, or passively fulfill duties will be considered a challenge to the Convent's reform and will surely be punished severely.

Once the announcement was made, public opinion was in an uproar, but mostly filled with surprise.

The public saw the new Supreme Priest's attitude, as well as her practical measures. With the cooperation of the Convent's announcement and the Mortari family, the public sentiment was quickly pacified.

Within the Convent, undercurrents remained, but outward resistance quietly subsided significantly.

Phoebe's name no longer merely symbolized "purity"; it also began to be associated with "decisiveness" and "power."

Returning to her office, Phoebe dismissed her attendants, leaving only Rover behind.

The sharpness she exuded instantly retracted. She walked up to him, tilted her head up slightly, and looked at him with eyes full of the accomplishment of fulfilling her mission and a profound reliance:

"My Lord, the matters You ordered have been preliminarily completed."

Rover looked at her and reached out to gently stroke her smooth blonde hair: "Phoebe, you have learned. You have learned to use and master power. This is not for destruction, but to mold order and carry out your will."

"Yes," Phoebe replied devoutly, pressing his hand against her cheek. "Your will is my sole law and guidance."

The sky over Laguna hadn't completely cleared, but a more complex, brand-new power structure had already taken shape.

And Phoebe, under the guidance of her new god, had finally taken her first true step toward mastering the power in her hands and practicing the justice in her heart.

Two days later, at Laguna Port.

Mornings in Laguna were always busy, but today's hustle and bustle was mixed with an unusual solemnity.

A luxurious, high-tech passenger ship was docked in the harbor, flying the flag of the Black Shores. The crew on board was making their final preparations before setting sail.

And on the pier of Laguna Port, a grand farewell was taking place.

Almost all the important figures on Laguna's power stage had arrived. They stood clearly divided, forming several delicate farewell circles.

On the Mortari family's side, old man Francis was hale and hearty. Leaning on his cat's eye cane, he wore a shrewd smile typical of a merchant, as if he were merely seeing off an important business partner. But his concerned gaze, which occasionally drifted toward his granddaughter, still betrayed something.

Coletta Mortari stood at the very front of their group.

Today, she wore a sleek silver-gray travel suit—befitting her status as the family heir while being convenient for travel.

Coletta managed her expression exceptionally well: steady and proper. Only those opal-like blue-red eyes, when looking at Rover, would reveal an unhideable, profound reluctance to part and deep attachment.

She occasionally rubbed the pearl ring on her finger, which emitted a warm luster in the morning light.

Zanni remained by her side like a shadow, standing half a step behind Coletta. With her arms crossed and her white suit immaculate, her sharp gaze swept over the entire scene, particularly the group from the Convent.

The Fesale family was represented solely by Cantarella.

She held an exquisite violet parasol, shielding herself from the intensifying morning light. Her deep purple gown, which accentuated her figure, seemed completely out of place in the busy port.

She wore a languid, bewitching smile. Her gaze shifted between Rover and Coletta, carrying a knowing understanding that saw through everything, along with a faint sense of amusement.

The Convent's farewell delegation was the most complex.

The new Prelate, old Breno, was supported by two attendants. He looked drowsy, as if he were merely here to go through the motions.

The "reformist" priests led by Antonio wore slightly stiff and fearful, respectful smiles on their faces.

The conservative faction, led by Alex, had fluctuating expressions. However, they stood obediently in place, not daring to try any more petty tricks.

They had witnessed with their own eyes how, with Rover's support, that young, weak, ordinary cleric had smoothly grown into a tough, decisive Supreme Priest. Knowing full well the terrifying energy of the "Crown" before them, they dared not show the slightest neglect.

Phoebe stood at the very front of the Convent's delegation, side-by-side with Prelate Breno.

She had completely stepped into the role of Supreme Priest. Wearing her most formal robes, her expression looked incomparably solemn and calm.

Only from the depths of those violet eyes looking toward Rover could one see the near-fanatical devotion and absolute loyalty burning within.

Her hands were folded in front of her, her fingertips pressing slightly tight, as if suppressing the surging emotions in her heart.

The numerous mid-to-lower-ranking priests and clerics wore complex expressions, a mix of curiosity and awe.

Rover stood in the center of the crowd. Abby flew around him excitedly: "Seven Hills! Seven Hills! I missed the food there so much, it's super delicious! We left in such a hurry last time; I have to get a good taste this time!"

Rover patted Abby's little head, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd seeing him off.