Even at noon, Penitent's End remained shrouded in thick white fog.
"The place we're heading to is Fool's Elysium, which is also the base of the Troupe of Fools."
Walking on the damp ground, Noah casually chatted with Phoebe beside him, who had changed into casual clothes.
At this moment, Phoebe had switched to a white short dress, her large round hat removed, with her golden hair neatly draped behind her, adorned only with two hair clips shaped like doll Echoes.
"Most of the people here are 'sinners' exiled by the pilgrimage ships, but in reality, they haven't committed any real crimes. You'll understand more once you get familiar with them later."
"However, they might have some prejudice against the Order, so you can't reveal your identity as a priest of the Order."
"This is also why I asked you to take off your priest robes and change into casual clothes earlier. Do you understand?"
Listening to Noah's words, Phoebe, holding a flowerpot, looked a bit dazed.
This... Is this something she should know? If these people are innocent, why would the Order send them on the pilgrimage ships?
She felt like she was touching upon something extraordinary.
Along a narrow path, after walking dozens of steps, the view suddenly opened up, and a petite figure wearing a doll head mask came into sight.
"Little Potato, what are you doing?"
Hearing Noah's greeting, Carlotta removed her huge round head mask, a hint of confusion in her eyes:
"Tall Chestnut, even through the head mask, how can you still recognize me?"
Because of your height.
Noah tugged at the corner of his mouth, not answering, but fortunately, Carlotta didn't pursue it further and instead handed over a piece of paper:
"Inspired by your previous suggestion to check public reviews, we gathered all the crew members and listened to all the songs in sequence. This is the ranking voted on by everyone together."
Upon hearing this, Noah took the list, quite curious about which Blue Star songs the Troupe of Fools would like.
Third place: "Sailor."
Understandable, after all, everyone in the Troupe of Fools is a sailor.
Second place: "Little Apple."
Huh? With so many excellent songs available, they voted for a square dance divine tune?
Noah suddenly had a bad premonition. His gaze shifted upward to the first place, and his expression changed—
"The Most Dazzling Folk Style"
"Ah?"
Well, well, well, even in another world, Phoenix Legend remains legendary!
"I'm not quite sure why this song was unanimously chosen by everyone, but this is the top of the public reviews."
"Moreover, after playing this song once, its melody keeps looping repeatedly in everyone's minds, like it has some kind of magic."
"Overall, this song has a very infectious melody, catchy lyrics, and low difficulty to perform, making it very suitable as a public performance piece."
After seriously analyzing it, Carlotta said to Noah:
"If you think it's fine too, we'll select some more songs later, and then start rehearsing performances every day."
"No problem!"
With Noah's approval, Carlotta acted decisively and immediately began arranging the program's rehearsals.
With a goal, the following time passed quickly. It wasn't until nightfall that Carlotta returned to the Montelli Quarter, took out paper and pen, and recorded today's experiences.
This was one of her habits—or rather, a good habit that every big shot maintains.
A piece of paper and pen can better replace memory to record major events that happened each day, allowing reflection and review to avoid missing details.
Day 1: The preparations for the Carnevale program began with rough rehearsals. The new lighting technician has good skills.
Unfortunately, after investigation, this lighting technician named Phoebe is from the Order. An undercover? Heh... Observe for a couple more days.
Day 2: In just one day, this lighting technician has become the troupe's favorite, no less than Roccia. She inquires about the troupe members' pasts, listening especially attentively.
Hiss~ What a tactic! I'll meet her personally tomorrow.
Day 3: How ridiculous, how could I suspect Phoebe? Someone with a mind as pure as paper like her absolutely couldn't be an undercover from the Order.
But speaking of undercovers, the big fish hidden deep in the Montelli Quarter still hasn't shown any signs, leaving no clues.
Day 4: That guy Tall Chestnut always skips rehearsals claiming he has missions, and this time he even dragged Roccia along. What mission could be more important than the Carnevale?
Recently, partners have frequently announced cutting ties with the family, all saying they've found better sellers. Is there really a better seller in Ragunna than the Montellis?
Day 5: According to employee Zani's report, a dark force called "Black Street" is emerging in Ragunna.
Day 6: Tall Chestnut suddenly approached Zani and directly raided the Black Street force's lair. Once again, he suppressed unstable factors before the Carnevale.
Day 7: No Tall Chestnut or Phoebe at today's rehearsal. After asking around, they actually went fishing in the Riccioli Islands?
I'm betting the entire Montelli family with you, and you're going fishing?
Day 8: The news of Cetus the Tidebreaker being fished up shocked all of Ragunna, and even Uncle Capollo took the initiative to inquire about Tall Chestnut's information for the first time.
This is an excellent publicity opportunity that cannot be missed. Tall Chestnut, I really didn't misjudge you!
===✧✦✧===
Rinascita, solitary windmill cluster.
In a dimly lit old room, an elegant noble man with bloodshot eyes and dark circles rubbed his sore hands. Not far away, Phrolova lounged boredly:
"Playwright, it's been eight days, and even the flower seeds on Cetus the Tidebreaker have been erased again by Noah. Are you still not making a move on Carlotta?"
She's just the second miss of the Montellis. If she acted, it would only take one meeting to kill her instantly, yet a fellow Calamity-class playwright like him has dawdled for so long!
Truly... useless.
"Heh, what do you know."
Cristoforo held the blood-red script he had painstakingly drawn, his eyes filled with indescribable intoxication:
"I've changed my mind. I not only want to kill Carlotta but also trap Noah along with her! Believe me, this script is perfect; it just needs the right timing!"
"Oh? You do have endless energy when plotting bad things."
Phrolova had no interest in listening to Cristoforo's self-indulgence and went straight to the core of the issue:
"When will the timing come?"
"Now!"
A thunderclap exploded from high in the sky, and the old, broken window frames rattled in the fierce wind.
===✧✦✧===
[Companion Story: "Brilliant Starlight Tonight" has been completed.]
[Companion Story: "Flame Light of the Night Journey" has been completed.]
[Event Quest: "The Old Man and the Sea" has been completed.]
[...]
[Currently possess Radiant Tide *20, Lustrous Tide *90, Astrite *67240, Shell Credits *7.3 million.]
[Character "Encore" has been unbanned and can be used normally.]
A misty rain gently fell on the free square as Noah held an umbrella and cast his fishing rod.
"Worthily made with Encore's ability—the rod length adjusts at will, the line can't snap, and the hook automatically releases an irresistible aroma for fish schools."
Even without bait, plenty of fish eagerly bite, and even Cetus the Tidebreaker can be caught the same way.
Throwing a bighead fish back into the ocean, Noah suddenly pondered thoughtfully.
If I use Encore's ability to make something that looks like a character's signature weapon, functions like one, but just isn't recognized by him as one...
"Eh! I'm truly a damn genius!"
At this thought, Noah's eyes lit up, feeling like he'd found another bug!
One minute later—
[Character "Encore" has been banned for using hacks and illegal plugins. Remaining time: 6 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes.]
"Cheapskate hack."
Noah collected the 1600 Astrite from the mailbox when he suddenly heard clear footsteps.
Looking sideways, he saw a waiter-like man approaching with an umbrella:
"Hello, Mr. Noah. On behalf of Capollo Montelli, I bring you this invitation letter. Please accept it."
"Sure."
Noah took an exquisite invitation letter, opened the envelope, and neat handwriting came into view—
'Midnight has just passed, yet the bitter night lingers on. The awakened do not sleep, awaiting hearts that should be open without interval to each other. In the freest land of Ragunna, I await your arrival...'
[Companion Story: "If on a Rainy Night, a Family" has been activated.]