Chapter 97
The cabin was silent.
Only the faint creaking of wood echoed through the room.
Outside, the sea continued its endless journey.
Inside—
everyone waited.
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A single lantern hung above the table.
Its light flickered across tired faces.
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Nobody spoke.
Until—
Flora finally broke the silence.
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Princess Flora: "You promised answers."
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Vendetta met her gaze.
Then she nodded.
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Vendetta: "What do you want to know first?"
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Flora didn't hesitate.
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Princess Flora: "The prophecy."
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The room became quieter.
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Princess Flora: "What exactly is it?"
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Suddenly, Guinevere shifted slightly.
A hint of hesitation crossed her face.
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Guinevere: "Well... it's not that important."
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Everyone looked at her.
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Guinevere: "It's only about awakening the gods, after all."
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Vendetta glanced toward Guinevere.
Something passed silently between them.
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Flora noticed immediately.
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Princess Flora: "...No."
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Princess Flora: "Let Vendetta speak."
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Guinevere folded her arms.
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Guinevere: "Before that."
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Everyone looked at her.
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Guinevere: "I want a reason to believe your words."
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The room became still.
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Vendetta remained calm.
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Vendetta: "I suppose I haven't introduced myself properly."
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A pause.
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Vendetta: "My name is Vendetta."
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Vendetta: "I am one of the worshippers of the God of Justice- Nor."
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Vendetta: "And Lord Dev sent us here to protect the Princess."
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Guinevere narrowed her eyes.
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Guinevere: "Lord Dev?"
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Guinevere: "And why should I believe this isn't a trap?"
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Vendetta looked directly at her.
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Vendetta: "If it were a trap..."
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Vendetta: "We wouldn't have risked our lives fighting the Lord and the worshippers of Monesa."
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Silence followed.
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Before Guinevere could respond—
Flora spoke.
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Princess Flora: "Enough."
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Everyone looked toward her.
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Princess Flora: "Vendetta is right."
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Princess Flora: "We all witnessed how the worshippers of Justice helped us against the Lord."
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Princess Flora: "For now, they deserve our trust."
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Guinevere frowned.
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Guinevere: "But—"
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Princess Flora raised a hand.
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Princess Flora: "I understand your concern."
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Princess Flora: "You may ask questions."
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Princess Flora: "But trust is important too."
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A pause.
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Guinevere eventually nodded.
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Guinevere: "Understood."
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She turned back toward Vendetta.
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Guinevere: "Then answer me this."
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Vendetta waited.
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Guinevere: "If your group truly wishes to save the world..."
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Guinevere: "Why have you never approached the kingdoms?"
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Guinevere: "Why stay hidden?"
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Guinevere: "Surely the royal families would help you."
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Vendetta's expression darkened slightly.
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Vendetta: "Miss Guinevere."
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Vendetta: "May I ask what your position is within your kingdom?"
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Guinevere frowned.
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Guinevere: "Why does that matter?"
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Before Vendetta could answer—
Flora spoke.
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Princess Flora: "She is the Head Commander of the Royal Military."
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Silence.
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Vendetta sighed.
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Vendetta: "Then you should already know the answer."
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Marco frowned.
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Marco: "What do you mean?"
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Vendetta looked around the table.
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Vendetta: "The worshippers of Monesa have spent generations disguising themselves."
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Vendetta: "They are hidden inside kingdoms."
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Vendetta: "Inside noble houses."
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Vendetta: "Inside religious institutions."
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Vendetta: "And inside politics."
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The room became quiet.
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Vendetta: "Even if we tried to reveal ourselves..."
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Vendetta: "They would never allow it."
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Princess Flora narrowed her eyes.
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Princess Flora: "Have you actually tried?"
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Vendetta nodded.
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A bitter smile appeared on her face.
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Vendetta: "More times than I can count."
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Vendetta looked directly at Flora.
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Vendetta: "The worshippers of Monesa are powerful."
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Vendetta: "Not because of strength alone."
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Vendetta: "But because every other worshipper faction supports them."
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Chris blinked.
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Chris: "Supports them?"
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Vendetta nodded.
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Vendetta: "The worshippers of the other Guardian Gods share the same goal."
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Marco leaned forward.
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Marco: "And what goal is that?"
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The lantern flickered.
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Vendetta's expression became serious.
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Vendetta: "To kill the Four Souls."
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Silence.
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Absolute silence.
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Flora froze.
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Chris stared.
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Captain Bochy slowly straightened.
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Guinevere's eyes narrowed.
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Princess Flora: "...What?"
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Vendetta nodded once.
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Vendetta: "Every major worshipper faction seeks the same thing."
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Vendetta: "The death of the Four Souls."
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Flora's voice became colder.
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Princess Flora: "You're saying..."
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Princess Flora: "The worshippers of all the Guardian Gods want them dead?"
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Vendetta met her gaze.
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Then slowly—
she nodded.
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Vendetta: "Yes."
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The room fell silent once more.
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And suddenly—
the prophecy seemed far more dangerous than anyone had imagined.
...CHAPTER 97ENDS...