The Riccioli Islands.
An island group located in the northwestern sea of Ragunna. Rich in fishery resources, its aquatic products supply the tables of nearly all city-states in Rinascita.
Due to historical reasons, the archipelago has long remained outside the Order's jurisdiction, preserving the traditional customs from the era of the Thousand Islands, with lifestyles and practices quite different from Ragunna.
"Someone from the Order?"
"What's the Order doing here? Surely not to collect taxes?"
"Impossible. We've never had any reason to pay taxes to the Order here."
"If they really dare to come, I'll give them a proper 'welcome'!"
The moment they disembarked, Phoebe instantly became the center of attention.
The gazes from all around were a mix of curiosity, wariness, and undisguised rejection.
Low whispers spread like a tide, interspersed with unfriendly speculations.
Phoebe hung her head, lips pressed lightly together.
Innately gentle, she didn't know how to handle such a situation. Clutching her staff, she dejectedly tried to hide a little behind Ray, attempting to avoid those piercing stares.
Phoebe didn't understand.
Why did the people on this island harbor such deep prejudices against the Order, even openly showing hostility?
Could it be...
that the Order had truly done something unforgivable?
Otherwise, why would it provoke such obvious aversion?
No, no, that can't be...
She quickly dismissed her own conjecture.
This must be a misunderstanding.
The Order always followed the guidance of the Sentinel, advocating kindness and mutual aid. How could it possibly commit harmful acts?
The young girl refused to entertain the thought.
Ray could understand the islanders' feelings.
He had seen the shadows deep within the Order firsthand and held not the slightest fondness for that seemingly radiant religion.
But he always believed that the matter was one thing, and the person another.
Phoebe was different, he had witnessed her kindness throughout their journey.
The Order might be irredeemably sinful, but what did that have to do with her?
She had always devoutly practiced the teachings of the Sentinel, holding a pure and gentle heart towards both people and Echoes.
So, he gently took her hand.
The moment their fingertips touched, the girl's shoulder trembled slightly, like a wing startled by a sea breeze.
She looked up at him in some confusion. "M-Mr. Ray...?"
"Don't be afraid. Stay close to me."
He didn't turn around, his voice kept low, yet it fell steadily into her ears.
Phoebe's small mouth opened slightly. Stars seemed to swirl in her violet eyes, light shifting like waves, as if the night sea were stirred by a gentle breeze, rippling with fine, fragmented waves.
"Mm."
Finally, she nodded gently, obediently responding with a soft sound.
Riccioli Harbor, the port with the highest seafood throughput among the islands. Trade ships came and went like shuttles; the shouts on the dock, the sound of waves, and boat whistles blended into a cacophonous backdrop.
They finally managed to squeeze out of the crowd, coming to a stop in a somewhat quieter corner.
"The people here... are really numerous," Phoebe looked back at the still-bustling dock, gently placing a hand on her chest, a note of awe in her tone.
"It's the richest fishing ground in Rinascita, after all," Ray explained. "Not just Ragunna; the seafood supply for most city-states relies on this port."
As he spoke, he unconsciously rubbed his stomach.
"Come to think of it, it's getting dark. Should we grab something to eat first?"
Phoebe turned back to look at him, concern in her voice. "Are you hungry, Mr. Ray? I have some Green Branch Laurel Salad with me. Would you like to try them?"
She looked down, retrieving a few greenish fruits from her small shoulder bag and offering them to Ray.
"...Why do you have these with you?"
"These are fruits the church distributes for free," Phoebe explained softly. "I was afraid I might get hungry on the ship, so I brought some along."
"Do you like eating these?"
Phoebe shook her head, her voice very light. "It's a rule of the Order. As a cleric, even if you don't like it... you have to accept it."
"..."
Ray silently accepted the Green Branch Laurel Salad Phoebe offered. Under her expectant gaze, he braced himself and carefully took a bite.
An intense tartness instantly spread through his mouth. He nearly stood up on the spot, barely suppressing the urge to frown, trying to keep his tone steady. "Mm... I suddenly feel like having some seafood. Phoebe, how about we go buy something else to eat?"
"Huh? Mr. Ray doesn't like this taste?"
"..."
Rather than saying he didn't like it, it was more that it was downright unpalatable. The texture was practically like chewing on raw lemon, could this really be considered food? Who decided to make this the sacrament meal? Could it be... Phrolova?
"No, I just suddenly craved seafood," he forced an explanation.
"Is that so..." Phoebe murmured in response, her fingers unconsciously rummaging in her bag. "But... I don't think I brought much money. Seafood here probably isn't cheap, right?"
"Don't worry about the money," Ray patted his chest. "Leave it to me."
"No, no!" Phoebe quickly shook her head. "I've already received too much kindness; how can I keep making Mr. Ray spend money? Such one-sided giving... it's too unfair!"
Ray looked at her with some surprise, not expecting the girl to be so insistent.
"At... at least I should pay half!" she said, stuffing a small bag of shell coins into his hand all at once, offering an apologetic smile. "This is my clerical stipend for this month... It's not much, but I'm giving it all to Mr. Ray!"
Ray stared blankly at the slightly heavy bag of shell coins in his hand, then looked up at Phoebe before him, her cheeks flushed, unconsciously twirling a strand of her hair, momentarily stunned.
She really was... so pure it was heart-wrenching.
How could there still be a girl like this in the world?
Unaccountably, a heavy sense of guilt rose from the depths of his heart, probably remembering the times he'd occasionally teased her.
He silently recited in his mind: Sentinel above, I have sinned. I really shouldn't have bullied an angel like Phoebe.
He roughly weighed the bag of shell coins.
Phoebe's clerical stipend really wasn't much. It would cover a few meals, but if they wanted to stay here for a while, it was clearly far from enough.
But it's okay.
Ray himself wasn't short on money.
Moreover, the Second Young Miss had personally promised him a substantial bonus before.
Perhaps... this was the perfect time to, while investigating the Tidebreaker Whale's frenzy, also give her a chance to relax properly.
Phoebe, always staying within the Order, probably never got to rest properly, right?
"Phoebe, wait here for me a moment."
"Mm, alright."
After giving a soft instruction, Ray walked to a corner, took out his terminal, and dialed Carlotta's number.
After a brief ringtone, the call connected.
"Hello."
For some reason...
The Second Young Miss's voice came through, but it carried a note of unmistakable resentment, sounding as though...
her mood wasn't the best.
.
.
.
.
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