Deep Sea Embers
chapter-672

Lucretia walked over to Duncan, carrying a sinister-looking rabbit doll named Rabbi, which seemed almost lifelike. She elegantly sat down on the sofa next to him, placing the doll on the floor with a distinct “plop.”

“I’ve successfully moved the ‘Saint’ to the containment chamber inside the Bright Star,” Lucretia began, her tone professional. “This facility is outfitted with cutting-edge technology designed to secure entities and substances from otherworldly realms and spiritual dimensions. We have placed the ‘Saint’ in a controlled environment to recover and prepare for your upcoming plans.”

She then shifted the conversation to the victims. “The individuals designated for sacrifice have been moved to the rescue center of our city-state. I’ve worked with Sara Mel from Wind Harbor to ensure they receive compassionate care and support. Our focus is on safely sending them home as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many are severely psychologically affected, unable to remember even their own homes. We have arranged for mental health professionals to provide them with the necessary therapy.”

Continuing her update, Lucretia mentioned, “As you directed, I left the ‘artificial beacon’ on the abandoned ship. This device enables you to remotely monitor the ship’s status and movements through its signal.”

“Additionally, I’ve conducted a thorough inventory of valuable materials on the ship. There is a significant amount, which offers an opportunity for resource acquisition – consider it a rich war spoil. After all, a ghost ship that sails itself doesn’t need its fuel and mechanical spares…”

Lucretia delivered each update clearly and efficiently, demonstrating her adeptness at managing complex situations.

Duncan, attentively listening, nodded in approval, “Well done, Lucretia.”

However, Lucretia appeared troubled by something else and hesitated before speaking further.

Duncan noticed and inquired, “Is there something else on your mind?”

After a brief pause, Lucretia revealed, “I’ve informed my brother about our recent activities. He asked if we need additional support, suggesting we could deploy the Mist Fleet, especially since we suspect the Annihilators’ ‘Nest’ might be an ancient maritime fortress hidden in the border mists. A full-scale ‘assault’ might be necessary.”

Duncan thought for a moment before responding, “That won’t be necessary at the moment. We’re still unsure about the Nest’s true nature. Rushing into a large-scale operation could pose more risks than benefits. Our first step should be a careful examination of the mist conditions.”

“Understood,” Lucretia nodded in agreement.

Their strategic conversation was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected presence outside. Lucretia frowned, her focus shifting to the entrance, followed by the sound of the doorbell.

In a corner of the living room, Luni had been quietly standing until she hurried to the door. Lucretia quickly instructed her, “Please remember, no newspapers, no insurance sales, definitely no lottery tickets, and absolutely no answering community surveys. And if anyone claims they’re collecting donations for the community, you must turn them away immediately. Remember the alert we received last month? Those individuals were identified as fraudsters. It’s shocking that they still dare to come here…”

Before Lucretia could finish her instructions, Luni returned to the living room, interrupting, “Madam, it’s the Truth Keeper, His Excellency, at the door.”

Surprised, Lucretia could only exclaim, “…Eh?”

Before she could understand the full implications, a tired but resigned voice came from the doorway, “I know you’re not fond of visitors, but I’m here under supernatural circumstances. I have an invitation from the Four Divine Churches for your father.”

With these words, Ted Lir, known as the “Truth Keeper,” entered the living room. He looked like someone who had been working non-stop for weeks.

He explained further, “Normally, people avoid your ‘Witch’s Mansion’ as if it were cursed. Today, Taran El is suffering from a severe backache and is bedridden, so the duty of visiting you has fallen to me.”

After finishing his explanation, Ted noticed Duncan seated comfortably on the sofa and greeted him with a smile, “Good day, Captain.”

Lucretia casually responded to the news about Taran El, “It seems Taran El finally gets a few days of rest. Honestly, it might be good for him.”

Ted Lir, showing a hint of disappointment, replied, “It’s not so good for me. I lost three soras betting. Some of us at the academy had a wager on which part of Taran’s body would fail him next. I bet on hemorrhoids and lost quite badly.”

Lucretia, slightly embarrassed by the turn of the conversation, remarked, “You guys really have too much free time…”

Ted Lir casually shrugged, “Maybe, but I’ve made some accurate predictions before.”

Meanwhile, Morris, who was also seated on the sofa, stood up to greet the Truth Keeper, “Ted Lir, are you fully recovered?”

“Just a minor stomach issue,” Ted Lir answered, dismissing the concern, “Nothing compared to the headache caused by some of the poorly written papers from the younger scholars.” As he spoke, Ted Lir’s eyes unintentionally met Morris’s, and he looked at him with a mix of confusion and surprise for a moment before saying thoughtfully, “You know, Morris, last time we met in a rush, I didn’t get a good look at you, but your…” He suddenly paused, seemed to realize something, and then sighed softly, “Never mind, you look quite well.”

Morris smiled, his eyes twinkling behind his monocle, “Do I? I think I’m in fine shape these days. My daughter is a psychiatrist, and she says my mental health is exceptionally good.” His smile conveyed a scholarly warmth.

Only those with supernatural spiritual sensitivity could perceive the subtle signs of madness and unearthly chaos in his smile, eyes, and voice – traits that were beyond normal human comprehension.

Ted Lir’s attention then shifted to Duncan.

It had been decades since he had developed a friendship with Duncan, who was renowned as the greatest explorer of their time.

For an elf like Ted Lir, choosing to befriend a human wasn’t a decision made lightly; it involved significant emotional consideration due to the brevity of human lives.

However, young Ted Lir could never have predicted that his concerns would be misplaced. His worry shouldn’t have been about the inevitable parting from a mortal human, but rather about the unexpected reunion with an ageless shadow that had returned from subspace.

Fortunately, within this shadowy figure, a spark of humanity still remained, albeit intertwined with unfathomable truths and whispers that Ted Lir dared not probe too deeply.

Breaking the silence, Duncan started a conversation, “I was just discussing the Four Divine Churches with Morris. I knew about the meeting, but I didn’t expect the official confirmation so soon.”

Pausing to collect his thoughts, Ted Lir took out a beautifully sealed envelope from his pocket, placed it on the coffee table, and slid it towards Duncan. “I’m not sure if an ‘invitation’ means much to you,” he said, “but the Ark Academy has asked me to deliver this. It’s endorsed by the pope of the Four Divine Churches. Consider it a formal and respectful gesture from the Four Divine Churches to the Vanished Fleet.”

Duncan’s gaze focused on the letter, the seal exuding elegance. He carefully opened it, revealing a well-crafted invitation card with exquisite handwriting. The invitation called for a “special closed meeting” to be attended by the “Master of the Vanished Fleet,” “Captain Duncan the Great Explorer.” While the contents were routine, the invitation ended with four shimmering signatures that caught Duncan’s attention.

These names – Lahem, Ta Ruijin, Gomona, Bartok – appeared as vivid streaks of lightning against the dark.

Duncan looked at these signatures calmly, showing no surprise.

“So, the meeting is set for tomorrow? That’s quite soon,” he remarked casually, putting away the invitation.

“Yes, the consensus, particularly from Lune, is that the sooner this meeting happens, the better,” Ted Lir confirmed with a nod. “By tomorrow noon, the fleets of the Four Divine Churches will begin to converge near Wind Harbor, and all the Arks will make their appearance. It’s set to be a monumental gathering.”

Duncan seemed briefly surprised by this, while Morris, standing next to him, couldn’t help but express his astonishment, “Ah? So, the meeting is actually happening in the physical world, and all four popes are coming here?”

“Yes, I had assumed the meeting would be held via psychic resonance, like previous meetings organized by the popes and saints,” Ted Lir clarified. “The notion of it taking place in the physical realm, and so soon, hadn’t occurred to me.”

Duncan reflected on this new information, his thoughts growing more intense. “For such a significant ‘closed-door meeting’ to be organized with almost no preparation time is quite unusual. Not to mention, the voyage of the Arks isn’t a short one…” He seemed to be piecing things together. “It seems likely that the four Arks were already en route, possibly stationed near the southern border, even before today. Maybe even before the Wind Harbor incident. Could it be that the Four Divine Churches had preemptively planned a meeting? And that the events at Wind Harbor just provided a convenient reason to quickly arrange the meeting here for tomorrow? That seems probable.”

Following his train of thought, Duncan inquired, “…Has there been any recent development? Is it related to the church’s increased activities in the border waters or those fleets gathered near the ‘Eternal Veil’?”

Ted Lir recognized the concerns but indicated his limitations, “I’m aware of the developments you mentioned, but I don’t have detailed insights.”

Duncan expressed slight surprise, “Even you, the Truth Keeper, aren’t informed about these matters?”

“I truly don’t have access to that information,” Ted Lir affirmed, shaking his head. “Roles like ours – the Truth Keepers, Inquisitors, Gatekeepers, and Flamekeepers – though we hold the highest religious authority within the city-states, our authority doesn’t extend to the operations of the four Arks. They operate under the direct command of the four popes, and all ‘secrets’ are confined within the fleet. There’s no overlap with the church’s activities within the city-states, especially concerning… the more perilous secrets.”

Looking earnestly at Duncan, his expression serious, Ted Lir concluded, “It’s a security measure that’s considered necessary.”