The sun was setting.
When the last rays of daylight sank beyond the edge of the world, Ray stood upon the Thessaleo Fells.
Gazing into the distance, a majestic ancient castle stood silently atop the rugged sea ridge, its dark silhouette emerging against the deepening night.
Porto-Veno Castle.
This deep, mysterious ancient castle carried the centuries of history and heritage of the Fisalia family.
Strange sea plants swayed silently in the evening breeze all around. A light purple mist, like a thin veil, wound around the castle's spires and high walls...
It resembled a vortex leading to the unknown, quietly waiting for those drawn by its charm to step inside.
Ray gazed at the castle standing in the twilight, a lingering unease still in his heart.
He knew, of course, that Cantarella might not be as cold and malicious as the rumors suggested. It was just... remembering the unpleasant encounters he'd had with members of the Fisalia family before, and now entering their core territory as a guest, this shift in position would leave anyone feeling somewhat at a loss.
He took a deep breath of the cool sea air, steadying himself.
No matter what, since he had accepted Cantarella's invitation, there was no backing down now.
If he could truly help her, this trip would be worthwhile.
As Ray made his way upward, he could clearly feel gazes from all directions whether from members of the Fisalia family or the occasional figure from the Order of the Deep, they all looked at this unfamiliar face with scrutinizing, inquiring eyes.
It seemed that in this isolated sea ridge, outsiders were a rare sight.
When he finally reached the summit, the majestic castle now close at hand, a figure blocked his path.
"Sir Ray." The man before him was middle-aged, with meticulously combed white hair. He wore a well-tailored black suit, his mannerisms exuding the bearing of an old-fashioned gentleman. "By the matriarch of the family's orders, I am here awaiting your arrival."
He gave a slight bow, the gesture elegant and proper.
"The matriarch of the family has been waiting for some time. Please, follow me."
Ray said nothing, merely nodding slightly in acknowledgment.
The butler pushed open the heavy castle doors for him. What came into view was a mysterious and ornate hall.
The light inside was dim. Through the circular glass dome above, one could clearly see schools of fish swimming leisurely in the water.
The light refracted through the water, casting shimmering reflections across the floor, making one feel as if they were in the depths of the ocean.
In the center of the hall stood a huge statue of the Sentinel, its form, with a horse's head and a fish's body, was identical to those enshrined in the Order of the Deep.
The Fisalia family had always been on good terms with the Order of the Deep, their faith in the Sentinel devout through generations.
But why... was there some dust on the statue?
For a believer, letting the Sentinel's statue gather dust was no different from blaspheming their own faith.
Logically, the Fisalia family wouldn't make such a basic mistake.
So why?
"Sir, the Matriarch is waiting in the study." The butler gestured to the side. "Please, follow me."
Ray cast one last glance at the dusty Sentinel statue, then withdrew his gaze. Silently, he followed the butler's steps, heading deeper into the castle.
The two stopped before a heavy, carved wooden door. The butler gave a slight bow and respectfully announced into the dim light within:
"Matriarch, the guest has arrived."
After a moment of silence, the door silently swung inward.
Inside the study, Cantarella was reclining on a soft couch, one hand holding an ancient book, the other lightly grasping a teacup.
Only when Ray entered the room did she unhurriedly set down the book and lift her gaze to him. A lazy, charming smile curved her lips.
"It seems our little guest... hasn't refused my invitation because of the Fisalia reputation."
Ray walked toward her expressionlessly, but his tone was notably humble. "After all, Miss Cantarella has shown me kindness. Besides, after these few encounters, I also believe the rumors might be somewhat exaggerated."
"Is that so?" Cantarella elegantly crossed her legs. A barely perceptible undercurrent flickered in her azure eyes. "It seems our little guest doesn't like to follow the crowd. But what if I told you... most of those rumors about me are true?"
Ray's expression didn't change. He replied calmly, "I only believe what I see with my own eyes. At least in my limited contact with Miss Cantarella, you don't seem as cold as the outside world portrays. Otherwise, why would you have helped me at sea back then?"
Hearing this, the corner of Cantarella's mouth lifted slightly. She gently pushed a cup of hot tea toward him. "This world has never been simply black and white. It's a pity people only want to believe the truths they prefer. Even when faced with facts, it means nothing to those already convinced."
Ray didn't hesitate. He picked up the teacup and took a small sip. "What happened to that traveler from Huanglong?"
"You mean Changli?" A playful glint appeared in Cantarella's eyes, her gaze lingering on his face. "She set off back to Huanglong a few days ago. What, does our little guest have an interest in her? Hmm... perhaps you'll meet again someday."
"Just curious." Ray smoothly changed the subject. "Speaking of which, Miss Cantarella specifically invited me here... what for?"
Cantarella gently closed her eyes, savoring the tea's fragrance, her voice soft. "I merely wish to borrow our little guest's strength to solve a problem that has troubled me for years."
"A problem troubling you for years?" Ray became more alert. "It wouldn't have anything to do with the Montelli family, would it? Sorry, but the Second Young Miss has been good to me. If it really concerns family interests, please forgive me, but I'll take my leave."
Cantarella's eyes widened slightly, then the surprise on her face was replaced by a relieved and helpless smile.
"What? Of course not. Conflicts between families aren't simple binary opposition. Rest assured, I have no intention of harming the Montelli, nor Carlotta."
She rose gracefully, circled behind him, placed her hands lightly on his shoulders, and leaned down to whisper in his ear.
"What I seek... is something far more dangerous than that."
Her breath was slightly warm, her words softly spoken.
"It's just..."
"Our little guest is quite protective of that Young lady."
"That makes me... a little jealous."
Ray sat there, unmoved by her teasing.
Cantarella was no naive woman. She was doing this to seize the initiative in the conversation.
"Miss Cantarella, let's try to stick to business."
"Oh my? Unmoved by temptation, are we?" She laughed lightly, gracefully straightened up, her fingertips slipping from his shoulder. "But without such composure, you probably couldn't handle this task."
Just as Ray was about to continue the conversation, an untimely communication came through.
He glanced at the display and said apologetically, "Sorry, it's the Second Young Miss."
Cantarella returned to her original seat, picked up her teacup, and gave him a slight nod, indicating she would remain quiet.
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