Early the next morning, Jinhsi woke up from her hangover. Although her memory of the night was slightly fragmented, the memory of that hug was incredibly vivid. She felt instantly so embarrassed she wanted to sink into the floor, not daring to look Rover in the eye for the entire day.
But Rover treated her exactly the same as always—gentle and natural, acting as if nothing had happened at all. This gradually put her at ease, though it also left her feeling a tiny bit disappointed.
For the next two days, Rover and Cartethyia did not leave immediately.
Although Jinzhou had largely figured out the Fractsidus's objective following this disturbance, the mysterious Overseer had never actually shown themselves. There were still scattered remnants of the Fractsidus needing to be purged across various regions, and it couldn't be ruled out that they had designs on the Court of Savantae ruins within the borders.
Consequently, the Grand Library deployed the Midnight Rangers and Jinzhou Patrollers on a massive scale, finally bringing the situation back to a steady peace day by day.
During this time, apart from helping purge Fractsidus bandits across various regions, Rover also took the opportunity to catch up with several other old friends he knew in Jinzhou.
At the Desorock Highland frontlines, Midnight Ranger General Jiyan led the main forces in a stalwart defense, ensuring the Threnodian and Tacet Discord tides couldn't shake their position in the slightest.
Rover met with him, chatting casually about their past experiences fighting the warring Threnodian together, and helped clear out a few scattered waves of Tacet Discords while he was there.
Afterward, Rover returned to Jinzhou City and met with his old friends Baizhi and Xiangli Yao at the Huaxu Academy. The two shared interesting anecdotes from inside and outside the academy, filling the air with a joyful atmosphere.
He also met up with the little painter Zhezhi and a certain mysterious female agent, Yinlin, a few times. Reunited with old friends, their bonds were naturally strong. Rover strolled with them inside and outside Jinzhou City, spending a few wonderful days.
In addition, Rover and Changli shared a few moments alone.
Their conversations mostly revolved around Jinzhou's subsequent defenses and their concerns regarding the Fractsidus's movements, but the unspoken understanding and tender warmth flowing between their meeting gazes were incomparable to anyone else.
Sometimes, when the conversation went deep and passions became difficult to restrain, the two—having tasted the forbidden fruit—would tacitly change their meeting location, sneaking away from the reception hall to the Counselor's bedroom without Jinhsi's knowledge.
Cartethyia, on the other hand, appeared somewhat quiet. Watching Jinhsi's bashful, lovestruck gaze after sobering up, and observing the close, daily interactions between Rover and Changli, a sense of urgency intertwined with an indescribable loss in her heart.
She spent more of her time improving herself and assisting the Midnight Rangers on patrols, trying to use action to fill the emotional fluctuations within her.
Rover noticed her mood and deliberately sought her out after she returned from a routine patrol.
"Cartethyia," he called out to her, his voice peaceful. "Everyone at the Black Shores is still waiting for us to return. The Shorekeeper sent a message saying it's time for your next treatment course to begin." His words eased her emotions. "You are my important companion. Thank you for your hard work on this journey in Jinzhou."
Cartethyia looked up and met his sincere gaze. The knot in her heart dissolved slightly, and she nodded vigorously. "Mm, I will continue to work hard, Righteous One!"
A few more days passed, and the Jinzhou region had basically returned to normal. The large-scale purging operations came to an end, leaving only routine patrols.
After connecting with the Black Shores via comms a few times, Rover felt it was time to go home.
The day of farewell, at Jinzhou's Guixu Port.
Jinhsi had regained the solemn dignity of a Magistrate, but her brow carried a bit more softness and confidence than before. She came personally to see them off, followed by Changli, Sanhua, Yangyang, and the others.
"Rover, Miss Cartethyia, Jinzhou was able to survive this crisis entirely thanks to your full support. Jinzhou and I will etch this kindness into our hearts," she said solemnly, instructing her attendants to bring forward two prepared parting gifts.
Besides Jinzhou's local specialties, there were two jade tallies, intricately carved with Huanglong's national emblem and the patterns of a dragon and phoenix.
"The last time you came to Jinzhou, I had Sanhua grant your terminal the highest access privileges, but clearly, that is not enough to express my and Jinzhou's gratitude..."
"Therefore, these are the highest-tier credentials in Jinzhou. Holding one of these jade tallies will grant you all necessary assistance within Jinzhou's borders, and you can use it to contact me... and Master Changli at any time."
Jinhsi explained. When her gaze met Rover's, a faint trace of shyness still flashed through, but she was much more composed now.
Changli also stepped forward. Her gaze swept past Cartethyia with a slight nod, finally resting on Rover, a smile gracing her lips. "The Black Shores is busy with its affairs, so we won't keep you any longer. Just don't forget that Jinzhou's scenery is uniquely beautiful, especially Mt. Firmament... You are always welcome to come back and 'take a look'."
Those two words, "take a look," were spoken softly but carried profound meaning, her eyes swirling with an intimate, lingering affection that only the two of them understood.
Rover met her gaze and smiled slightly. "I definitely will."
He and Cartethyia accepted the gifts and bid everyone farewell.
Chixia waved her hand enthusiastically. "Rover, Cartethyia, come play again next time! We'll take you to eat even better food!"
Yangyang said softly, "Take care on your journey."
Baizhi nodded. "Rover, I look forward to our next exchange."
Cartethyia also earnestly saluted Jinhsi and Changli in farewell. "Thank you for your hospitality. Take care."
Finally, Rover's gaze swept over Jinhsi and Changli one last time. He gave a nod, turned around, and boarded the passenger ship returning to the Black Shores with Cartethyia.
The passenger ship slowly set sail, leaving the docks of Guixu Port.
Cartethyia stood at the bow, looking down at the shrinking crowd of well-wishers, gazing at the land she and her Righteous One had fought on together, her icy blue eyes shining with a resolute light.
She had to become stronger to better stand by his side.
Rover looked back at Jinzhou as the docks of Guixu Port gradually blended into the sea of clouds.
He rubbed the two smooth, warm jade tallies in his hand, a myriad of thoughts swirling in his mind.
The Fractsidus's mysterious spying and probing, Changli's now-open affections, Jinhsi's budding infatuation born from reliance, Cartethyia's silent companionship and resolve...
The Rover's journey was still long and destined to be anything but peaceful, and these emotional bonds were impossible to sever.
The passenger ship sailed smoothly across the ocean, the endless azure blue stretching out outside the window.
Leaving the hustle and bustle and tension of Jinzhou behind, the cabin was exceptionally quiet.
Cartethyia stood by the porthole, watching the rising and falling waves outside. Light and shadow reflected in her icy blue eyes, but she seemed even quieter than usual.
Various scenes from their trip to Jinzhou replayed in her mind—Changli and the Righteous One, Jinhsi's dance, and her own feelings that remained unspoken.
Rover walked over carrying two hot drinks and handed one to her. "Still thinking about what happened in Jinzhou?"
Cartethyia took the cup, the warm sensation transferring through the porcelain to her palm.
She pondered for a moment, nodded slightly, and then shook her head. "I just feel that... the people by the Righteous One's side are all very powerful, and very... special." Her voice was a bit low. "Am I... am I not doing well enough?"
"It feels like I can never keep up with your pace, nor can I be like them..."
Her words trailed off, as if she didn't know how to accurately express that subtle sense of insecurity.
Rover leaned against the porthole beside her, looking at her lowered side profile. "Cartethyia."
His voice was very calm, yet it carried a reassuring power. "You don't need to compare yourself to anyone."
Rover paused and continued, "Jinhsi shoulders the heavy responsibility of a state, and Changli assists Jinhsi in governance; that is their path. As for your path... in the past, you were the Holy Maiden of the Convent of the Hidden Sea, standing on the frontlines against the Black Tide. Now, you are a knight of Rinascita, using the sword in your hand to protect the convictions you believe in."
"Your convictions and your power are equally unique, and equally an incredibly important strength to me."
He turned his head, his gaze landing on her, his golden eyes full of sincerity. "I am very grateful, and very fortunate, to have a knight like you by my side."
"You have never disappointed me."
These words were not sweet nothings, yet they struck the young knight's heart more effectively than any flowery rhetoric ever could.
Cartethyia looked up and met his gaze. The gloom in her heart seemed to be dispelled quite a bit, and a warm current quietly spread within her.
She nodded vigorously, her eyes regaining their resolute light. "Mm! I understand, Righteous One! I will continue to work hard. I will become your sharpest sword!"
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