Shorekeeper explained, "Rinascita is an isolated region, and its people have a strong faith in their Sentinel, Imperator."
"But Rinascita holds a special status within the Black Shores."
"Jinzhou's Threnodians are showing signs of resurgence, and Threnodians in other countries are being affected as well."
"However, the Black Shores have yet to observe any frequency fluctuations in Rinascita related to Threnodians."
"Many Bloom Bearers have visited Rinascita's city-states, but the attitude there suggests they don't want the Black Shores to interfere…"
Lucian, hearing this, pondered for a moment, "Could it have something to do with the Order of the Deep?"
Based on Rover's investigation, the Order of the Deep controls all of Rinascita's terminals.
To Lucian, this meant the Order of the Deep held more power than he'd imagined.
After all, most people relied on terminals to access information about the outside world.
Yet the Order of the Deep could filter out information they didn't want the public to see, creating an information cocoon.
"Then what's that envelope?"
Rover opened the envelope and took out the letter inside.
"To our esteemed partners,
On the occasion of the revival of Rinascita's Carnival Festival, as the main organizers of this event, the Montelli family cordially invites you to join us in Ragunna City to celebrate this grand occasion together.
The Montelli family has also prepared a modest sum of startup funds as a token of our appreciation, which you may collect at Averardo Bank at your convenience.
The family will forever cherish and value every hard-earned bond. Should you choose to place the Blake Bloom upon the scales, the Montelli family will regard you as our most honored guest and eternal friend.
We eagerly await your presence.
Sincerely, Montelli"
Lucian: "The Montelli family?"
Shorekeeper nodded slightly, "You've probably seen from forum advertisements that Rinascita's grandest and most celebrated event, the Carnival Festival, is approaching."
"During this time, Ragunna City's ports will loosen restrictions to welcome travelers from afar."
"The Montelli family is one of the most prosperous families in Ragunna City."
"Their merchant fleet has had trade dealings with the Black Shores, and this time, they've sent us an invitation to the 'Carnival Festival.'"
"This gives us the opportunity to enter as guests invited by a prominent family. That's the opportunity I'm talking about."
Lucian took the faintly scented envelope from Rover.
After reviewing it from start to finish, he couldn't help but sigh, "The Montelli family is really wealthy, even sending us money."
Rover: "Is that really what you're focusing on?"
Lucian squinted at the letter's contents, "Place the Blake Bloom upon the scales…"
"The Blake Bloom is a token carried by Black Shores members, so it clearly refers to us. But if they're just inviting us to the Carnival Festival, why use the term 'scales'?"
Changli immediately understood Lucian's point and speculated, "Rinascita has many families…"
"Although the Montelli family is one of the most prosperous, other families aren't far behind."
"I've also heard of a family called Feisalie that rivals the Montelli family… and their history goes back to ancient times…"
"But I only know the basics since Rinascita is so isolated."
"The people inside can't get out, and outsiders can't get in."
"Since they used the term 'scales,' it suggests the Montelli family is engaged in a significant struggle with other families."
"And you all are the allies—or rather, the bargaining chips—they hope to secure."
With just a few lines, Changli had deduced so much meaning and intent. Truly, she was worthy of being Jinzhou's Counselor.
Jinhsi added, "In other words, if you enter Rinascita through this invitation…"
"It means that, besides accepting the Carnival Festival invitation, you're also aligning yourselves with the Montelli family."
Shorekeeper scratched her head. She hadn't realized a simple invitation letter carried so much hidden meaning.
Her only intention was to make it easier for Lucian and Rover to enter Rinascita.
"Well…"
Lucian patted her cool hand, "No worries. If the Montelli family is sending us money, then I'm definitely making friends with them!"
"As the saying goes: True feelings may not last, but money wins hearts."
Rover pinched Lucian's ear, "Money, money, money—that's all you think about. What if the Montelli family turns out to be really bad?"
Lucian laughed, "Then there's even less to worry about. If that's the case, with our strength, we can switch sides anytime."
"Besides… the letter mentions they have something called Averardo Bank, right?"
"If it really comes to that, not only will I switch sides, I'll rob the bank!"
"Let's call it the 'Averardo Bank Job.'"
Changli covered her mouth and laughed, "Lucian's right. With your strength, you don't need to bow to anyone, nor will you be constrained by others."
Changli pinched Abby's chubby, furry face as he munched away, "But I didn't expect you'd be heading to Rinascita because of Abby's frequency…"
Abby looked up, hands on hips, and said indignantly, "Hey! This Abby is the most special Echo in the entire universe, so of course I'm important!"
Rover nodded slightly, "Abby's been with us for so long; he's already our best partner, even if he's a bit of a glutton."
Abby: "…I'm just conserving energy for the critical moment when I'll shine."
Lucian added, "Besides that, it's also because Rover once made a promise with Rinascita's Sentinel, Imperator."
"Speaking of Imperator …"
Lucian rubbed his hands with a mischievous grin, "Can she transform into a human form like Jué?"
Jué could take the form of a little girl or a mature woman.
So, Imperator, being a Sentinel, should probably be able to shapeshift just as easily, right?
Jué choked on her food and slapped the table, "What kind of nonsense is in your head all day?"
Shorekeeper laughed, "Actually, Rinascita's Sentinel, Imperator, rarely appears before the public."
"She only shows up at specific moments, and even then, it's through the Order of the Deep."
"That's why the people of Rinascita have such devout faith in Imperator and the Order of the Deep."
Lucian nodded in agreement, "Makes sense. If we could see our Sentinel every day like we do, there'd probably be no faith left."
Jué: "?"