Chapter 132

Chapter 132: The Southern Archipelago

Three days ago, at Red Shell Bay in the Southern Archipelago.

Although the mainland had already entered autumn, the southern islands remained warm. The white sandy beaches were adorned with clear, shallow blue waters, and even in the afternoon sun, one could still see the shells underwater.

The shells inside were white, while the outside presented a light rose color. Their wavy shells varied in depth of color, looking very beautiful.

This island had been named early on due to its abundant production of these light pink shells. Later, due to its advantageous location, it became an important transit hub in the western part of the Southern Archipelago.

Not only did the island have numerous ports and a large flow of people, but on the quieter northern hillside, there was also a row of white houses. These houses were not tall, built along the mountain, hidden behind the mountain to avoid being directly hit by strong sea winds. Around the houses, many coconut trees were planted, which were a common economic crop locally.

In a larger house, Mrs. Barya was sitting at a table teaching a child. She held a storybook with beautiful colored illustrations, and beside her sat Ig, the little boy whom Angus had once entrusted.

He looked wide-eyed at those colorful illustrations as his mother read:

“Then the girl in the black dress lit the candle in her hand.”

“She said to the boy, ‘Even so, will you still resurrect your parents?'”

“Yes, it’s all my fault. That day I was too capricious and couldn’t properly say goodbye to them until the end. I want to see them again.”

“As a result, the candle in the girl’s hand burned, and two figures appeared before the boy, smiling and welcoming the child back.”

“Thus, the boy hugged his parents and fell asleep in their arms forever, never to wake up again.”

“Well, the story ends here. Ig, do you understand any lessons from this story?”

Mrs. Barya smiled and stroked the child’s head. At this moment, she seemed like a different person compared to before, calm and filled with kindness in her eyes, even her chestnut hair seemed more lustrous.

“Mm, I don’t quite understand, but this ending doesn’t seem good.”

“Yes, this story is meant to tell us to cherish the people and things around us, not to regret when we lose them.”

“Often, the closest ones are the easiest to forget.”

“Mm, I understand, Mom.” Ig nodded.

“Good, Ig. Actually, this story also implies something, that parents will eventually grow old and leave their children, and you must learn to face everything. Remember not to be like the boy in the book, mired in past illusions.”

“Will Mom also grow old?”

“Yes, so Ig needs to grow up quickly.”

“I will.”

At this moment, the door was pushed open, and the pale afternoon sunlight streamed in. A tall figure appeared at the entrance, walked in, and spoke.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Barya, and Ig.”

“Oh, Uncle Selles, you’re here.”

The little boy ran over. Selles often brought things for the mother and son, living not far away.

“Mr. Selles?”

Mrs. Barya stood up and greeted him. She was very grateful to this husband’s comrade who had helped her a lot recently, finding a house, settling furniture, hiring teachers, all handled by the former butler.

“Yes, it’s me.” Selles squatted down to hug Ig and responded to Mrs. Barya’s greeting.

“I came today to say something. I’ll be leaving Red Shell Bay for some time. If Mrs. Barya or little Ig need anything when I’m gone, you can contact the fruit shop across the street.”

“The shop manager and employees are all from our Calithes Chamber of Commerce. I’ve already arranged with them, and if needed, they will definitely help you.”

“Thank you, and thank Miss Lacy of Calithes.”

Mrs. Barya bowed slightly and thanked him.

“Where are you going? Is there danger?”

“Just to other islands in the Southern Archipelago. If there’s danger, I’ll be fine, but I’m a bit worried about Miss Lacy.”

Selles sighed and then bid farewell and left.

—

The next day, on Kelan Island.

The sea tide constantly washed against the shore, hitting the blue reefs along the coast. The reefs had many holes, wet with seawater, and occasionally, some seabirds perched on the fine rocks, some even holding small fish in their mouths.

The island was covered with dense forests, and from between the lush tree canopies, some high towers peeked out, overlooking the entire island.

Selles sat in front of a luxurious yet understated redwood door, patiently waiting.

An apprentice mage opened the door. He wore a light blue robe, with blue-graduated feathers on his head.

“Master Geodoro has agreed to see you. Please follow me. Remember not to be startled by anything you see and don’t reach out to touch anything.”

“I understand.” Selles got up and followed, entering through the door.

Sunlight filtered through thick glass windows into the room, illuminating stacks of books, bronze cages, and experimental instruments. The room was very quiet.

“Idiot, Vincent, idiot, Vincent,” a strange voice suddenly sounded above.

Selles looked up and saw a blue bird in a cage speaking.

“Don’t mind him, he only says this.” The apprentice in front explained.

“Idiot, Vincent, he just treats you like a dog, and you keep wagging your tail after him every day.”

Selles looked at the bird again. Was this a demonic beast? So smart, using metaphors.

“Shut up!”

The apprentice in front couldn’t hold it anymore and cast a silencing barrier, making the bird unable to make a sound.

But this bird was really smart; it hopped and flapped its wings to break the barrier and soon made a sound again.

“Waste, Vincent, too scared to kill a chicken, waste Vincent.”

The apprentice in front twitched his eyebrows and walked quickly, no longer speaking.

Selles didn’t dare speak casually, fearing that the apprentice would take offense. Although the apprentice mage wasn’t powerful, if he wanted to cause trouble, it would be too easy.

“We’re here.” The apprentice in front stopped and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” A robust voice came from behind the door.

Selles entered, and a mage sat behind a desk. Sunlight from a high window behind cast a shadow, making it hard to see the mage’s face clearly.

“You are Mr. Selles, the representative of Calithes, right?”

“Yes, it’s me. I am here representing Miss Lacy, the successor of the Calithes Chamber of Commerce.”

“Mm, please sit down.”

This mage, Geodoro, spoke.

“I have seen the letter you sent me and the application to the council. I discussed this matter with my colleagues yesterday.”

“Although most of the descriptions in the letter are true and align with what we know, there are still some key points that need verification, because once we act, we will inevitably touch on the interests of Snowflower Union.”

“This will undoubtedly disrupt many things, such as our previous stance and future situation.”

“I understand all of this. This is what I prepared beforehand.”

Selles took out a file bag under his arm, containing not only the official documents of Calithes but also an introduction letter from Mr. Jerling of the Yagdulin family and Angus’ will.

After presenting these to the mage opposite, he began to check and verify each item, such as the patterns on the contract paper, extraordinary seals, and the content of the agreement.

After a long while, he raised his head. The robust mage pushed his glasses and said,

“You have prepared very thoroughly. Although the benefits to us aren’t much, it is above our acceptable bottom line.”

“It’s undeniable that Angus indeed found a good successor.”

“Thank you for your praise.”

“There’s no need to thank me.”

“Afterwards, I will bring these materials and proposals to the meeting. After discussion by the committee members, a decision will be made.”

“How long will it take?” Selles asked anxiously, given how tense the situation was.

“Rest assured, there will be a meeting this afternoon. Once the decision is made, it will be implemented tomorrow.”

“Can it be tonight?” Selles asked again.

The mage tapped the table and replied,

“It seems you are very eager.”

“Alright, I’ll urge the relevant personnel.”

“Thank you very much, Master Geodoro. The Calithes Chamber of Commerce and I will remember your kindness.” Selles finally breathed a sigh of relief and thanked loudly.

“There’s no need to thank me. It’s also a repayment to Mr. Angus. The data and ancient instruments he provided us back then changed many things and greatly benefited the whole country. The compensation we gave him was too little, so this is a form of reparation.”

That afternoon, Selles paced back and forth in front of a tall building.

As dusk approached, a huge stone pillar over a hundred meters high opened a massive door capable of accommodating twenty people walking side by side. Various mages, dressed differently, emerged. They were adorned with various decorations, mostly natural styles, such as feathers, branches, shells, flowers, fur, wood carvings, etc.

At this moment, Selles finally waited for Mage Geodoro, who walked behind him, with short black hair and a composed demeanor.

Upon seeing Selles, he was not surprised and said,

“Please convey my greetings to Miss Lacy, the new owner of Calithes. The first phase of aid from the First Moon Council and Redberry Kingdom will begin tonight.”

Selles expressed his gratitude somewhat excitedly. Then that night, several mages brought him to another island.

This island seemed somewhat wild, a volcanic island, with black smoke rising from the center, and a scorching atmosphere everywhere.

“Are you going back to Hope Lane with us?” a mage asked.

“Yes, it will make communication easier.”

“Alright, now please sit steady.”

As the mage’s words fell, a huge black shadow slowly descended, flapping its wings, stopping in front of him. More wing beats echoed from the sky.

—

3000 words, let’s count this as 1.5 chapters.

End of Chapter