Chapter 672: The Visit of Ted Lir

Chapter 672: The Visit of Ted Lir

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation

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?”

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.”