Dark clouds churned.
Ray followed behind Brant and Roccia, his gaze cautiously scanning the surroundings.
Scattered along the coast weren't just ships shattered by storms or reefs; many bore the Order's flag nearly intact, yet beached in batches on the sand like abandoned leviathans, silent and sorrowful.
At this moment, Carlotta's meaningful words before his departure suddenly became clear in his mind.
He paused, stopping before a sailboat angled into the sand, murmuring to himself.
"These ships... could they be the Order's Pilgrimage Ships?"
The two ahead turned simultaneously at his voice.
Brant crossed his arms, a faint, wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips, his tone a mix of mockery and a kind of almost carefree chill.
"In Ragunna, those who break the law are sent to the Absolution Court for trial. But those who violate doctrine are labeled 'Fools' by the Order and sent onto these so-called Pilgrimage Ships, under the pretense of retracing the holy path and reflecting on their foolish acts."
"Though the Order always proclaims to the outside that if one remains devout and patient, sinners will eventually return to Ragunna. The truth is..."
He paused, lowering his voice, yet each word was clear.
"This is just an excuse the Order uses to cover up its own crimes."
"Once the shackles of thought loosen, it means there's no possibility of faith again, at least, not so purely."
"And the Order naturally cannot tolerate such thinking."
"Those devout 'Fools' believe repentance will earn forgiveness, unaware that from the moment they step onto the deck... they've already been sentenced to death."
A bloody, brutal truth.
But Ray's reaction wasn't as intense.
This was because.. everything unfolding was within his expectations.
As a transmigrator, he naturally knew that behind the glamorous facade of so-called religion lay a symphony of blood and tears.
"So, that's why you're called the 'Fool's Troupe'?" Ray's gaze swept over Brant, then settled on Roccia. "But... how exactly were you exiled?"
"Me?" Brant suddenly laughed, the sound hearty yet tinged with self-mockery. "Actually, it's quite simple. When I was a child, I stood before the Cathedral of Mercury, pointed at the statue of the Sentinel, and shouted: No one has truly seen the Sentinel, so why decide this is Him? And besides, why does the Sentinel have a horse's head and a fish's body? Doesn't anyone find that strange?"
He shrugged, his tone light. "And then? That was it."
"As for Roccia..." Brant reached over and ruffled the little girl's hair beside him. "When she was little, she performed in a stage play that the Order banned. After that... well, you see."
He didn't continue, just gave a faint smile.
Everything was left unspoken.
Ray fell silent.
He could somewhat understand Brant's reason for exile—openly questioning faith in a religion-dominated city-state was practically asking for trouble.
If Ray were the authority, he'd have made Brant divide himself three ways and go attack the Sonorous Style long ago.
But Roccia...
He truly couldn't understand.
How old did this little girl look? Just for performing in a banned play, she was branded a criminal and exiled to this desolate coast?
Roccia seemed to see through Ray's thoughts. She looked up, trying to speak calmly. "It... it's really nothing. Here, Roccia has a new family. Everyone in the Fool's Troupe is my family."
She paused slightly, then added softly, "Also, don't pat my head... I won't grow tall."
Brant laughed heartily beside her. "Oh? So how tall do you want to grow? Like me?"
Roccia turned her head away, muttering, "At least... as tall as Carlotta."
Ray fell silent again.
This child sets the bar so low...
I wonder what she's been through to think that's already enough.
He sighed softly but couldn't help patting her head, encouraging gently. "Roccia, you should have confidence. One day, you'll definitely grow taller than Sister Carlotta."
"B-but I think Sister Carlotta is already very tall..." She blinked, suddenly asking, "Do you guys think... Sister Carlotta is short?"
Ray and Brant fell silent simultaneously.
Brant forced a dry laugh, quickly changing the subject. "Ahaha, kids say silly things. Speaking of which, if not for Miss Carlotta's continued support of our troupe, we wouldn't be where we are today. Let's go, esteemed guest. Let's head back to the troupe for some rest first."
"No need to call me esteemed guest," Ray smiled at them. "My name is Ray."
...
...
The Fool's Troupe's base.
It was inside a natural cave underground on the island.
Completely unlike the lifeless scene above, deep within the cave was a warm, vibrant world. Soft lighting, friendly voices, an atmosphere of peace and harmony everywhere, like a forgotten paradise.
"Welcome to the Fool's Troupe" Brant spread his arms, a hint of pride in his tone. "This sanctuary far from worldly prejudice."
Ray looked around, surprise evident in his eyes. "It's truly unbelievable you built your base on this island..."
"Though the sea fog is dangerous, it's also our best cover," Brant explained. "Besides Miss Carlotta's support, we occasionally tour the city-states of Rinascita or escort passing ships to earn some extra income for survival."
"Although this guy," Roccia chimed in softly beside him, "always spends the money he earns on drinking and gambling."
"Hey—you can't say that!" Brant's face flushed slightly as he hurriedly defended himself. "I only use extra money I made myself, never touched a single coin of the troupe's funds! Oh, speaking of which, I almost forgot. The device Miss Carlotta entrusted us with, let me show it to you now."
"It's a high-tech product all the way from the New Federation. I was so afraid of damaging it, I've kept it untouched in the warehouse."
"But before that, would you like to grab something to eat first?" Brant asked him. "You were so hungry you started hallucinating earlier."
Hallucinating from hunger?
Oh, Brant was referring to Ray's auditory hallucination earlier.
He looked at his right hand, utterly puzzled.
Could that voice earlier really have been an illusion?
"Perfect timing, Roccia is hungry too," the little girl beside him gently tugged his sleeve, her voice soft. "I heard lunch today has strawberry cake and seafood stewed noodles. Brother Ray, let's go eat together?"
Faced with Roccia's hopeful gaze, Ray found it hard to refuse. Plus, after the battles, he genuinely felt empty inside.
So he nodded with a smile. "Alright, let's go get something to eat first."
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Bonus Chapter Alert!
If we cross 100 powerstones, there will be a bonus chapter.
Read advance chapters on [email protected]/lost_moon