Chapter 42: I've Been Outplayed!
Fisalia, the oldest and most conservative family in Ragunna, holds unwavering devotion to the Sentinels and maintains close ties with the Order of the Deep.
This was the Thessaleo Fells, a coastal region perpetually shrouded in heavy humidity.
Porto-Veno Castle, the ancestral stronghold of the Fisalia family, stood solemnly atop a cliff beside a waterfall, its mysterious and dignified presence unfolding silently before Aeron's eyes.
"What the hell? Where have I ended up? Is this even still within the country?"
Wait, wasn't he supposed to be leveling up alone next? How did he get here?
Aeron briefly recalled what had happened after boarding the pilgrimage ship. Once he'd boarded alone and confirmed that the Order hadn't provided him with any supplies, he'd stayed in his cabin the entire time.
Then, the ship had stopped midway, he'd been ordered to disembark, and subsequently brought here.
"...Won't the Order penalize you for changing the route midway, Gilberto?"
Aeron asked irritably, glaring at the man who had escorted him all the way here.
"Tch, I'm surprised you recognized me…"
The man called Gilberto shed his disguise, revealing the familiar attire of the Fisalia family that Aeron knew well.
Since they were acquaintances, Aeron saw no need to stand on ceremony.
"Isn't that obvious? There are hardly any Fisalia members in the damn Order. After dealing with you guys every day, how could I not recognize you?"
"Why do you have to be so crude? I did save your life, you know?"
"Oh, I'm so damn grateful!"
Aeron held nothing back, venting all his frustration about his disrupted plans onto Gilberto.
But Gilberto wasn't new to dealing with Aeron; he'd long grown accustomed to his temperament.
"Alright, alright. Can't you look on the bright side? While you were away, dealing with those stubborn folks in the Order has been a pain."
"Telling me that doesn't help... I've been busy with other matters lately."
"Ah, true enough. Instead of working properly in the Order, you ran off to Montelli to flirt with girls. Tsk."
"Hold on, what the hell are you talking about?"
Aeron had been curious for a while—where did this rumor even come from?
All he'd done was have a private conversation with Carlotta, gone out for a meal alone with Zani, taken Little Carte and Phoebe for a walk, listened to Ciaccona's songs, and trailed Rover a bit to confirm her movements.
After all his efforts managing such complicated interpersonal relationships, how could it be reduced to "flirting with girls"?
"Based on all that, how can you slander my innocence like that?"
"Do you even believe that yourself…?"
Faced with Aeron's excuses, Gilberto could only sigh helplessly. Besides, he had a mission to attend to.
"Anyway, I'll take you to see the family head. Mind your manners when the time comes."
"I know... See who?"
Hearing who he was about to meet, Aeron froze completely.
Cantarella, the embodiment of strategic compromise, the paragon of Fisalia loyalty, the epitome of responsibility, the answer to Ragunna's woes, the woman among women, the current head of the Fisalia family—and, of course, the five-star character Aeron had casually pulled in a single draw (who asked?).
How could a mere minor priest like Aeron possibly deserve an audience with such a figure?
"So... it was Primus Fenrico who contacted the Fisalia family in advance, saying he wanted to send you here to be dealt with at Fisalia's discretion."
"????"
Wait, man, what about the promised pilgrimage? What about Penitent's End? What about watching the residual images bare their teeth? How did I end up here?
How could this be? He was supposed to follow the template of being exiled after exposing the truth for resisting the authorities, then gaining opportunities and leveling up through hard work abroad, before returning with an overpowered cheat to show off in front of those who once looked down on him. Was all that just his fantasy?
"Damn that old bastard Fenrico, you set me up!"
"That's only part of the reason... The other part is that the family head is quite interested in you as well."
"Me? Why?"
"First, you brought a girl claiming to be the 'Blessed Maiden' to Montelli, then helped their second young lady deal with traitors within the family. After some time, you got involved with the orphan of the Toccata family and the honored guest of the Jinzhou Magistrate... Setting aside the rest, just the first point alone is enough for Fisalia to take action against you."
"You know way too many damn details!"
"Don't underestimate the Fisalia family's intelligence network, you fool!"
Damn, Fisalia's reach is this extensive? Truly worthy of being an old-established power in Ragunna.
Aeron originally thought Montelli was like the KGB, a place swarming with elites. Turns out it's more like MI6—full of talent but leaking from all sides.
Work harder, Shorty! (Carlotta in Ragunna: Achoo!)
But since he's already here, Aeron is quite curious about why the Fisalia family head wants to see him.
After all, he can't go anywhere right now. Trying to reach Penitent's End on foot is still too difficult. Better to take things one step at a time for now.
Following Gilberto, Aeron then passed through the gates of Porto-Veno Castle and entered the garden surrounded by poisonous flowers.
The sound of cascading waterfalls surrounded them, with pale purple mist enveloping the entire ancient fortress.
Passing through the corridors, they arrived at an open terrace overlooking waterfalls rushing into the sea and the pervading water mist.
Beside an exquisite round table sat an elegant woman holding a teacup.
"Family Head, I've brought him." Gilberto bowed respectfully.
Hearing Gilberto's voice, the woman gently set down her teacup and turned her head.
Silky purple hair cascaded down her back as she examined Aeron with deep, mysterious blue-purple eyes. Her figure was graceful and elegant, with a dark blue gemstone symbolizing the family head position adorning her chest. Her dress flowed with brilliant colors (though Aeron didn't quite understand the design of this outfit).
This person was the head of the Fisalia family, Cantarella Fisalia.
"Thank you for your efforts. You may rest now."
Her voice was like feathers brushing against the ear, yet it made one dare not relax.
"Yes."
Gilberto withdrew as ordered, leaving Aeron with only a "you're on your own" look.
Thus, only the two remained on the terrace, with only the sounds of flowing water and wind intertwining.
"...."
Aeron stood in place, not initiating conversation. He chose to meet Cantarella's gaze directly.
After all, he hadn't been afraid when Carlotta pointed a gun at him. What could a mere jellyfish do that's tougher than a potato?
"...Hah."
"What are you laughing at?"
"You truly live up to your reputation, Father Aeron."
"Well, thank you for the compli—!"
Before Aeron could finish his sentence, he suddenly felt his body momentarily lose control, his vision growing blurry.
"This is Fisalia's territory... There are certain courtesies you must observe."
Cantarella slowly rose, picking up the parasol beside her as jellyfish darted out from around her.
Meanwhile, Aeron felt an overwhelming fatigue spread throughout his body, his vision gradually dimming.
"Please rest for a while. Later... we'll have plenty of time to chat~"
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