Antoniu, the third son of the Spinola family, set down the document he was reading and rubbed his temples in frustration.
“Those damn bastards. They genuinely piss me off. Are they really willing to drown hundreds of thousands of people?”
The bitterness in his voice was unmistakable.
The failed Hunt for the Sea King.
Due to the Sea King’s rampage, the whirlwinds that sustained the Floating Isles had grown even stronger, and additional instabilities in the ascending currents that held the islands aloft had been detected... There was now a significant risk of the entire archipelago collapsing or sinking beneath the waves... New methods to control the Sea King were needed, but they were difficult to devise...
The report contained nothing but troubling news, and what infuriated Antoniu the most was the conclusion.
A reassessment of the necessity to consider Troivan’s demands positively...
Those damn Troivans!
No, calling them “dogs” would be an insult to dogs.
Dogs, at least, understood loyalty and trust.
But those bastards knew nothing of the sort.
Venota and the Floating Isles, where Spinola and the other two Great Maritime Houses had entrenched themselves, were unique terrains unlike anything else in the Empire.
One of the few known Mysteries in the world.
An enormous underwater current flowed through the deep-sea plains, colliding with a magical wind from underwater volcanoes to create a vast, ascending airstream. This phenomenon caused a dozen large and small islands to rise into the sky.
Due to the distance from the mainland, the Floating Isles developed a unique ecosystem and culture, forming an area that, to this day, was a haven for exiles and criminals, a lawless zone that also held vast profits.
Moreover, thanks to its strategic position, it served as a central hub for global trade routes, leading to a flourishing banking sector.
The Maritime Federation.
An absolute authority controlling all seaborne trade routes emerged from this background.
Today, they were classified as one of the Electors, possessing the privilege to vote in the election of the Empire’s Emperor.
Their influence on the Empire and the world was undeniable.
But lately, the Floating Isles had encountered an unexpected disaster.
The currents that connected the archipelago to the mainland had become erratic, and instabilities were detected in the magical winds that kept the islands afloat.
In fact, some islands in the archipelago had experienced severe earthquakes, and certain areas were slowly sinking back into the sea.
Currently, they had assured the island residents that it was merely minor seismic activity caused by an underwater volcano.
But they couldn’t keep this truth hidden forever.
Moreover, the Maritime Houses knew very well who was behind this upheaval.
Troivan.
The one responsible for disrupting the stable currents and the balance of the ascending magical winds.
The problem was,
“We lack the power to pressure them directly.”
Though Spinola was a notable force in the underworld, they could not compare to a grand house like Troivan.
Even if the Maritime Federation united to pressure Troivan by blocking trade routes, the Eastern location of the Troivan base limited their influence.
Their most significant weapon was the banking industry... but...
“Grimal refuses to cooperate.”
Spinola, the underworld operator.
Grimal, the banking powerhouse.
Romelin, the maritime shipping lord.
These three families had to unite to address the crisis they now faced.
But Grimal was uncooperative in this matter.
“Unlike the other two families rooted in regional operations, Grimal can relocate anytime they wish. They’re overconfident because of that.”
In fact, it seemed Grimal and Troivan had been negotiating covertly. No—it was almost certainly happening.
Antoniu clenched his teeth, grinding them together.
While he acknowledged that his life in the underworld was not exactly righteous, his attachment to his homeland was genuine, and he couldn’t ignore this situation.
“If only there was a way to deal with the Sea King lurking below the Floating Isles...”
Tap. Tap.
He tapped his finger on the table thoughtfully.
Should he consider bringing in outside help?
“The Imperial family is a complete mess now, so that’s out of the question... The North. I heard the Northern house of Ragnar has been clashing with Troivan recently. If we could reach out to them...”
Still, he was hesitant.
Contacting Ragnar might provoke Troivan to ally with the Sea King, which would spell disaster.
In the end, the best solution would be for them to handle this on their own.
“Damn it...!”
Antoniu’s frustration made him tremble.
Just then, a knock sounded on his door.
“Antoniu, sir. It’s Paolo.”
The door opened, and an elderly butler entered—a man who had long served as Antoniu’s secretary.
“What is it?” Antoniu asked, rubbing his temples.
“About the visitors... They’ve been escorted to the drawing room, sir.”
Antoniu took a deep breath, casting aside his irritation, and nodded.
“If it’s serious enough for you to say so... Fine. Bring all three of them in here.”
Later...
“I’m entrusting this operation entirely to you. Do what you need to do. Just give us a signal if you require backup.”
Under the guidance of the butler, Theo and his group were escorted to a luxurious mansion.
Theo appreciated their trust. Although they were his escorts, they had chosen to place their faith in him to take the lead on this mission.
This allowed him to quickly establish their cover story: he would pose as the son of an unknown noble family, with Selford and Arin as his loyal guards.
“If my memory serves correctly, the Floating Isles should be in turmoil about now, with rumors of sinking and tremors... Then it all mysteriously quiets down. Could the Maritime Federation and Troivan have reached some kind of deal in secret?”
Lost in thought over the possible connection between the Maritime Federation and Troivan, Theo’s train of thought was interrupted as their carriage pulled up to a grand mansion.
“This is it,” the butler announced.
The mansion's grandeur matched the reputation of one of the three Maritime Houses.
“It’s lavish but lacks harmony and purpose,” Theo thought, noting how the extravagant decorations didn’t evoke any real taste—a sentiment likely influenced by his training under Cecilia in aesthetics.
Unlike Theo, Selford and Arin didn’t seem interested in the decor.
On the other hand, the butler mistook their indifference for attempts to conceal their awe and strutted along, looking rather pleased.
“This way, please. Master Antoniu awaits you inside.”
The door opened to reveal a man in his thirties, impeccably dressed and welcoming, his voice smooth and warm.
“Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat. I am Antoniu, third son of the Spinola family.”
Inside, a table was set with refreshments and cigars.
Theo glanced at the setup but didn’t sit, instead meeting Antoniu’s gaze coldly.
“What’s the reason for this invitation? You summoned us, and here we are. But if this is just to have a chat, I’ll be unimpressed.”
Arrogant, indifferent—his tone dripped with condescension.
If any other mercenary had shown such an attitude, they’d likely have been silenced and buried quietly.
But Antoniu, aware of Theo’s recent exploits, interpreted it as a sign of strength.
Theo’s sharp features and the arrogance with which he held himself screamed nobility.
Likely a scion of a great martial family, with his guards in tow.
“The Maritime Federation is on the verge of convening, and having skilled fighters around could be... advantageous.”
Antoniu’s gaze was calculating but warm as he continued.
“Please, make yourselves comfortable,” he offered, gesturing to the table.
Theo relented. “Very well.”
“You’re as direct as they say,” Antoniu replied, his smile never faltering.
He poured coffee into a cup, taking care to ensure it was just right.
“The red soils of Rednit Plains give this coffee a unique flavor, with a hint of lemon. It’s rare—usually reserved for noble guests.”
“So this is Rednit? The citrus aroma had me thinking it was from the Pharaoh Highlands.”
“Oh? My apologies. I may have mistaken the region.”
“No need. I didn’t come here for coffee.”
Theo picked up one of the cigars, trimmed it, and struck a match, lighting it and drawing in a long breath.
“You even know how to do that?” Selford marveled, watching Theo’s natural manner with mild surprise.
Theo smiled to himself. His familiarity came from his past life.
“I like to sprinkle ground Cubana berries on these. It brings out a unique flavor.”
“Interesting. I’ll have to try that,” Antoniu replied with genuine interest.
“Well, if you enjoy it.”
Antoniu was convinced now—Theo was clearly of noble blood.
“Let’s get to the point. You didn’t call us here to offer business advice, did you?”
“From what I understand, you’re on a mission as knights.”
“Have you been going through our records?”
Theo narrowed his eyes with displeasure.
“Apologies. We simply wanted to be certain.”
“Fine. Now, what do you want?”
“The currents leading to Benota are unstable, and Sea Beasts have been more frequent.”
Sea Beasts—monstrous creatures of the ocean.
“You want us to serve as escorts?”
“Oh, we’d never ask that. We have our own guards. But... if something were to happen...”
“You want us to accompany you?”
“Exactly. We’ll provide first-class accommodations and cover your expenses in Benota.”
Theo gave a dry laugh.
“What makes you think we’ll be useful to you there?”
Antoniu maintained his calm demeanor, bowing slightly.
“I assure you, Lord Rant, that I am quite adept at assessing people. I have every confidence you will be a positive influence on Benota, and no harm will come from your presence there.”
“Flattery suits you. We may stay longer than you’d like, though.”
“Spinola is renowned for its generosity when it comes to those of merit.”
“You’re confident. Very well. Is there anything else you need? Because it seems to me there’s something you’re holding back.”
Antoniu’s interest in Theo only grew.
“Simply put, when the time comes, I may ask for your help with one task.”
Theo’s eyes narrowed.
“Once I know what that is.”
"Good. Since you're offering such fine treatment, I see no reason to refuse. When do we set off?"
The ship bound for Benota was definitely different from other vessels. The parts of the hull protruding on both sides seemed designed to stabilize the ship when catching the rising currents.
‘They’ve got quite a few guards. And some skilled ones at that. They say the currents are really unstable—things must be pretty rough right now.’
Theo and his group boarded comfortably alongside Antoniou's entourage, all the while noting the formidable armaments among the crew. Several were clearly hired specialists, just like Theo's team, and looked at them with thinly veiled suspicion.
It seemed that being a late addition to the team and receiving higher status didn’t sit well with some of the others.
「Should we put them in their place? Otherwise, they might annoy us for all five days.」
Selpard sensed the same tension and subtly sought Theo's opinion.
Boom...
Boom...
Suddenly, a faint wave of energy could be felt.
Theo’s expression grew serious as he turned his gaze toward the sea.
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Out over the wide expanse of the horizon, something pulsed.
「What is it?」
「Is there something out there?」
Selpard and Arin, noticing Theo's reaction, turned quickly to follow his gaze.
‘Can’t you feel it?’
Theo wanted to ask but found himself growing wide-eyed. Within the faint waves of energy, he sensed a familiar aura.
Dragon Power.
The essence of a dragon’s magic.
And then,
『My companion...』
A voice, crackling through distorted noise, sounded in his mind.
“...!”
Theo quickly channeled his own magic.
Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump!
The faint pulses synchronized with his heartbeat, establishing a resonance.
Vrrrm...
All of his relics vibrated in response.
And the voice grew clearer.
『Can you... hear my voice...?』
‘So, I wasn’t hearing things.’
『If you can hear me... wave a carrot in the air.』
Even in the middle of this, there was a pointless joke.
It was Rodbrok.