Chapter 20: 第20章 红发修伊斯

As they rode in the carriage, the group soon arrived at Vichy Harbor.

The cargo ship from the Vast Continent—the *Bauhinia*—had docked that morning. After a morning of unloading, the ship was empty, waiting only for new cargo to be loaded tomorrow before setting sail once more. Moro had brought everyone on board a day early as a precaution; after all, there was only one voyage per year, and if they truly missed it, there would be no one to turn to in regret.

"Once we are on board, it is best that you don't wander around aimlessly or cause trouble. The background of the *Bauhinia* is not something we can afford to offend," Moro instructed repeatedly as he led the three toward the ship. "The fact that the *Bauhinia* can break through ice, cross oceans, and navigate the perilous Silent Sea means it is far beyond the capabilities of an ordinary vessel. Rumors in the outside world suggest that the shadow of Sky Mechanical City looms behind the *Bauhinia*. If those rumors are true, let alone me, even a formal Wizard wouldn't dare test its edge."

"So, you must remember: even when facing ordinary sailors, you must restrain your noble arrogance and temper!" Moro’s voice grew heavier with this warning. During his travels through the Golden Sparrow Empire, he had seen far too many blind, pampered nobles who would draw blades at the slightest disagreement. To avoid unnecessary conflict, he emphasized this with utmost gravity.

The three youngsters nodded like pounding garlic. Moro was experienced in the ways of the world and naturally would not lead them into harm's way.

While Moro was sharing his wisdom, Angell was carefully observing the *Bauhinia*. The ship was massive, though it was likely smaller than the Earth-based cargo ships his mentor had described. However, to the inexperienced Angell, the *Bauhinia* was the largest means of transport he had ever seen. Its size was nearly equivalent to half a castle in the Pat Estate, and its blue-and-white steel hull looked both elegant and dazzling.

What truly caught Angell's eye was the figurehead of the *Bauhinia*: a maiden in flowing robes with her hands clasped in prayer. Her soft, drifting hair was scattered with tiny bauhinia blossoms. She appeared pure and solemn, beautiful yet refined. It was obvious she was the work of a master craftsman. Most peculiar of all was a light crimson gemstone embedded in the very center of the maiden's forehead.

Angell felt there was something strange about the gem, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

"Eh? That person over there... how can it be him!" Moro suddenly cried out beside him. Angell turned to look and saw Moro's eyes wide with horror as he stared toward the gangplank.

Following Moro's gaze, Angell saw a young man with short red hair, wearing a black trench coat with gold patterns, a white shirt, black trousers, and brown riding boots. He was walking down from the *Bauhinia* step by step, his expression utterly emotionless.

His red hair was flamboyant, but his face was cold and stern, his eyes indifferent and icy, radiating an aura that screamed "keep away."

"An ascetic, cold, uniform-style type?" Angell murmured softly in Chinese.

"Brother Pat, what are you saying?" At some point, Irene had walked up to his side. She was so close that he could even smell the faint fragrance emanating from her long hair.

Angell stepped back imperceptively to create some distance before replying, "Nothing, I was just wondering who that person is."

Irene also noticed Moro's strange behavior, so she turned to ask, "Grandpa, who is that person?"

Moro said nothing. Without looking back, he pulled the group toward the gangplank at a brisk pace. When Irene tried to ask more, Moro barked a low "Shut up!"

Having rarely experienced such harshness, Irene pouted aggrievedly. However, Moro offered no comfort, continuing his hurried march onto the ship. Only Allen scurried forward, using his small, chubby hands to gently wipe the tears from his sister's eyes.

Angell whispered a word of comfort to Irene and added, "I believe Mr. Moro must have a reason for doing that."

Angell himself was filled with doubt. For some reason, upon seeing that young man, Moro had not only turned pale but also seemed afraid to even glance at him. Could he be Mr. Moro's enemy?

Just as the group stepped onto the cargo ship, the red-haired youth glanced toward the deck with a look of confusion.

"A strange aura. Was it just an illusion?"

The youth paid it no mind and continued walking. His target this time was someone else; there was no need to waste time on irrelevant matters.

...

A night passed, and as the sun rose in the distance, it dyed the sea surface in a pool of golden light.

*Wooo— toot toot toot—*

The longhorns sounded; the anchors were raised and the sails unfurled. There were tears of farewell at the port and silent gazes on the deck. In such an atmosphere, the *Bauhinia* bid farewell to the Old Continent and sailed toward the unknown.

Standing on the deck, Angell watched the continent grow smaller and more distant. Aside from a sense of loss, he felt a vague premonition: perhaps this departure would mean he was truly drifting away from this land forever.

When he returned again, what kind of scene would await him? Would it be amidst a brilliant sunset, or under the glow of the morning clouds?

Angell shook his head with a smile, deciding not to dwell on the sadness of parting. He returned to his quarters and picked up his pen and paper to continue analyzing the difficult problems Jon had set for him.

In a flash, three days had passed.

The ship sailed steadily without a hint of rocking; the seasickness Angell had initially worried about never materialized. However, many discomforts in his daily routine left his face looking quite pale.

*Knock, knock, knock.* The knocking came with an urgent rhythm.

Angell put down his pen and opened the door to find a beautiful young girl standing there. She wore a white lace princess dress, her pale pink hair draped over her shoulders, and her exquisite face bore a hint of shyness. Upon seeing Angell open the door, her eyes lit up, and she called out affectionately, "Brother Pat."

It was Irene.

For the past three days, Angell had only gone to the mess hall for meals; otherwise, he had been in his room studying. This was the first time he had seen Irene since boarding.

"Grandpa is back. He told us to come see him; he says he has something to discuss with us," Irene said.

Angell nodded. "Alright. Wait a moment, I'll change my clothes and come."

On the day they had encountered the red-haired youth, Moro had boarded the ship but merely instructed a steward to arrange their food and lodging. He had gone to the top-deck cabins, seemingly to find someone. There had been no word from him since. If Irene hadn't come to notify him today, he wouldn't have known Moro had returned.

The cabins where the three of them stayed were located on the middle deck; the lower decks were mostly for laborers and sailors. Moro stayed on the upper deck. They didn't know the specific identities of those living in the upper section, but they were likely either powerful elites or extraordinary figures like Moro.

Led by an attendant, Angell and Irene arrived at Moro's cabin.

As soon as they entered, they saw Allen holding a piece of cake, his mouth wide open as he took a massive bite of light cream, white foam even appearing at the corners of his mouth. Moro sat to one side, looking serious while holding a parchment scroll.

Hearing the door open, Moro looked up and, unsurprisingly, nodded to the two of them, gesturing for them to sit before him.

Allen finished his cake and approached with a grin, wiping his mouth. Irene glared at him before making room for him and pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the stains from his face.

After sitting down, the first thing Angell noticed was the parchment scroll Moro had placed on the table.

On the parchment was a portrait, and at the top, three large characters were written in Common: *WANTED*.

"I know you are curious about where I have been these past two days. I don't mind telling you," Moro said, shifting the topic. "Three Wizard organizations are permanently stationed on the *Bauhinia*. Firstly, to guide talented individuals, and secondly, to protect the cargo ship from sea beasts. Among the three resident organizations is our White Coral Floating Island Academy. For the past two days, I have been in the upper cabins communicating with the escorts dispatched by the Academy regarding intelligence on the red-haired伊斯 (Isis)."

"As for the red-haired Isis..." Moro fell silent for a moment. "That man is the red-haired youth from the other day. He came here because of this wanted poster. As for who he specifically is, you will naturally find out once you reach the Academy. I will only say this: if you encounter him in the future, it is best to take a detour. His temperament is recognized throughout the Southern Region as being extremely violent."

After finishing his explanation, Moro's expression relaxed slightly, and he smiled at the three youngsters. "I actually called you here for another purpose."

"Over the past few days, I have consulted with the escorts stationed on the *Bauhinia*. Since you are all talented individuals, there is no harm in passing the meditation method to you in advance. Therefore, I have called you here to teach you the meditation method."

(End of Chapter)