Chapter 73: How Did I Get Scheduled During a Meeting?
"Alright... to make a long story short."
After the banter subsided, Aeron finally straightened his posture, took a deep breath, and swept his gaze across the room.
No matter how it had come to this, the Aeron of one month ago would never have imagined he could form connections with so many people and stand alongside them.
A month ago, he was still an obscure clergyman of the Order, whose daily tasks involved mediating affairs between the Order and various noble houses.
Yet through twists of fate, the Order, the Fractsidus, and the Threnodians had all become enemies he must confront.
However absurd it seemed in retrospect, there was no helping it—they stood in his way.
"To consolidate his authority and maintain his dictatorship, Fenrico will collaborate with the Fractsidus to create chaos during Carnevale..."
As he spoke, Aeron's eyes settled on the Rover not far away.
"To prevent panic, we'll use the preparations made by the Order and Fenrico to turn the entire Carnevale into our stage... Second Young Lady, Rover, and Little Carte—you will be the leading actors."
"Then tell us, why us?"
The Rover posed the question, and Aeron was already prepared with an answer.
"As the youngest house, Montelli resonates more with the common people. You've also completed numerous side missions, leaving a strong impression on the citizens of Ragunna. As representatives of emerging forces, you are the most suitable to unveil the truth."
Shifting his gaze to Cartethyia, he continued.
"Moreover, we have the Blessed Maiden on our side. When the time comes, the Order won't be the sole arbiter of Ragunna's legitimacy."
"...I will do it."
Cartethyia responded softly, though her expression was less sunny than her words suggested.
"...Wait, are you implying what I think you are?"
Carlotta keenly captured his intention.
"Exactly. I want the Rover to become the 'Laureate' of Carnevale, enabling her to communicate with the Sentinels. After all, these matters concern her directly... Is that acceptable?"
"...I think it's feasible."
Though she agreed verbally, the Rover's eyes sharpened. She had never shared her personal affairs with Aeron, yet she felt as if everything about her was within his grasp.
"While those three perform on stage, the rest of us will naturally provide support, seizing this rare opportunity to expose what the Order has concealed."
Forcing himself to ignore the needle-like gaze from Rover, Aeron turned his attention to the others.
"Ciaccona's knowledge of the Golden Anthem is one key; Fisalia's mission is another. The Order has obscured the true nature of the Sentinels, destroying or altering any records that threaten their control."
"They label all seekers as 'heretics' or 'exiles'—like the Golden Anthem and the Fool's Troupe."
"Our bard will use her melodies and poetry to stir emotions and guide the crowd's mood. She'll set the stage for the truth, spreading the tale of the Golden Anthem."
"The Fool's Troupe uses drama and poetry to record and transmit stories and perspectives suppressed by the mainstream. They will return to Ragunna with those who should have been sent on pilgrimage by the Order, exposing the violent methods the Order employs to maintain dictatorship, serving as living proof of the Order's hypocrisy."
"And Fisalia will reveal the mission she has long carried before everyone, uncovering the truth about the Sentinels and Threnodians."
Cantarella naturally continued Aeron's words. As the head of the Fisalia family, she had already prepared herself.
Finally, Aeron and Zani made eye contact.
"Zani, if anything else happens elsewhere, I'll be counting on you."
"...Understood."
Just two brief words, but they were enough for Zani and Aeron.
Lastly, Aeron turned to Phoebe.
"Phoebe, your position within the Order is special... You just need to help people as much as possible in your capacity as a 'Sacerdos', letting them see that there are still upright and kind people like you within the Order."
Hearing Aeron's words, Phoebe felt as if she had returned to her time in the Order. She responded to Aeron with a sweet smile.
"I will, Senior."
"That's good."
After explaining everything and confirming nothing was overlooked, Aeron finally breathed a sigh of relief.
This way, Carlotta, Rover, and Little Carte would crush the guidance from the front; Ciaccona would guide emotions from the side, Fisalia would reveal history, Phoebe would showcase the good side of the Order, and the Fool's Troupe would testify to the history of oppression.
Comprehensive multi-angle dual layers—now, all Aeron needed was to pull some strings behind the scenes, and the entire plan would be seamless—
"Wait, what about you?"
...Truly worthy of being Rover, always able to detect others' hidden intentions.
"Of course you'll stay somewhere absolutely safe, not going anywhere." Carlotta crossed her arms, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"We've got the front covered, other areas already have people assigned, and you've pretty much arranged all the backend coordination. Where do you think you're going to squeeze into as an ordinary person without even Resonance Power? The front lines?"
"Uh... Second Miss, you know I'm like a brick—wherever there's a gap, that's where I go. It's not like I can die anyway..."
"No," Roccia interjected, her eyes filled with disapproval, "Mr. Aeron's safety is very important."
Though they all made valid points, Aeron couldn't agree outright now, or his grand plan would truly be ruined.
So he turned to Zani, hoping to get help from his reliable partner.
Unfortunately, Zani didn't meet his gaze. After all, she was truly a free agent—no matter what happened, she would have plenty of time to find Aeron later.
"Uh... then what if I told you I just want to enjoy Carnevale as a local of Ragunna?"
"Do you really think we'd believe that?"
Rover immediately saw through Aeron's excuse the moment he spoke.
And at that very moment, Phoebe tightened her grip on Aeron's arm.
"Senior... are you going somewhere dangerous again?"
A chill crept up Aeron's shoulders—it seemed there was truly no escape.
Facing this unified front employing both soft and hard tactics, Aeron indeed felt somewhat cornered. He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he raised his hands in surrender: "Alright, on Carnevale night, I promise to stay in your designated, absolutely safe location, observing remotely without wandering off. Deal?"
"Huh? You agreed that easily? Feels suspicious."
"I've tolerated you long enough, part-time department poet!"
"Ehe, sorry~"
Watching the nearly violent Aeron and Ciaccona's completely unapologetic expression, Carlotta sighed and added the final stipulation: "In any case, on Carnevale night, you must remain in a mutually agreed upon, absolutely secure location with confidential coordinates. We'll provide remote communication and necessary updates, but you must not appear in areas where chaos might occur. Understood?"
"Guess I have no choice then."
With Aeron's whereabouts for the evening settled, the meeting essentially concluded. Cantarella elegantly set down her teacup and rose. "Since he's made his commitment, let's adjourn for today, everyone. We have much preparation to complete for the Carnevale coastal waters."
Her gaze swept across the room before finally resting on Aeron, the meaning clear: Don't forget what needs to be said.
Following Cantarella's lead, Zani gave Aeron a brief nod before turning to leave. Rover glanced at him once before silently disappearing through the doorway. Ciaccona mouthed "see you later" while hugging her instrument and skipped away, with Roccia quietly following. Phoebe reluctantly released her grip, looking back every few steps while crying "Senpai... my senpai" as Carlotta dragged her out.
Just as Cartethyia was about to depart, Aeron called out to stop her. Cartethyia looked questioningly at Aeron, noticing unprecedented seriousness on his face.
"Little Carte... There's something I must tell you."
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