Chapter 366: Embarking on a Sea Journey

Inside her room, Elina sat on the sofa, working through the pile of documents on the table.

Although she had already written many details about Virella Town’s development plan, that didn’t mean she could relax.

There was still plenty of other work to do—such as the follow-up after all the plans were implemented and several other matters that needed her attention.

"Huh..." She let out a small sigh while massaging her throbbing temples. "Administering a territory is really troublesome. But it’s my choice, and I can’t give up!"

Being the leader of a town was already exhausting, so how much harder would it be to lead an empire like her father did?

That’s why she couldn’t complain—she had to see it through to the end.

Just as she was about to continue her work, a sudden gust of wind swept through the room.

Startled, she turned her head and saw a black shadow appear out of nowhere.

"What are you doing here?" she asked hesitantly. "Have you completed the orders I gave you?"

The shadow, none other than Malverna, gave a small nod.

"It’s done. The Calvron Forest has been cleared of deadly monsters. I left a few weak ones to maintain the ecosystem. You can rest assured; everything is safe."

"That fast?" Elina was stunned. "It hasn’t even been four hours since I gave the order, right?"

She glanced at the clock—it was already seven in the evening.

"That’s easy for me," Malverna replied smugly. "Well, I just wanted to report that. Now I’m going to rest. Don’t bother me again unless it’s important."

Without waiting for a response, Malverna vanished from sight.

Elina fell silent for a moment before letting out a long sigh.

"It’s really scary. I underestimated it," she muttered under her breath.

Still, it made sense. That shadow was one of the subordinates of the Singularity of Chaos—of course it was powerful and reliable.

"Then..." She turned her gaze to the pile of documents on the left side of the table. "The plan to use the Calvron Forest can be carried out tomorrow. But it’ll cost money to purchase the necessary materials. I must immediately send a letter to the town of Torosvia and ask them to send food merchants and woodcutting tools."

Once her plan was set, her enthusiasm returned. She quickly wrote it down on the prepared paper.

...

"Tsk! The Empire’s Anniversary, huh? I really can’t wait."

Inside his room, Adalen took a sip of red wine and smiled in satisfaction.

At the upcoming celebration, all the important figures from various kingdoms and empires across the continent would be invited.

The scale was far greater than his father’s previous birthday—and of course, his grandfather, the Singularity of Light, would be attending as well.

By using that prestige to his advantage, he was confident he could gain tremendous benefits. This time, he wouldn’t repeat his past mistakes.

His father’s last birthday celebration had taught him a valuable lesson, and now he planned to act more carefully and strategically.

"Cedric, Aldric, Cassian, and Elina," he muttered, a cold glint flashing in his golden eyes. "You’ll see—I’ll defeat you all and become the next emperor! Hahaha!"

What he didn’t realize was that someone was quietly peeking through the door.

It was his older sister, Seira. Seeing her brother’s excitement, a mocking smile curved her lips.

"Winning the battle for the throne? You’re really funny, Adalen," she sneered.

To her, among all the candidates for the throne, her brother was the least remarkable—especially after what had happened at their father’s birthday party.

"Well, let him indulge in his fantasies while he can. I’d better go to Nolan’s room and enjoy his lingering scent."

Just imagining herself lying on that bed sent a thrill through her.

With a light hum, she strode off toward Nolan’s room.

...

"Achoo!" Nolan suddenly sneezed, rubbing his nose. "Hey... what’s happening? Why am I sneezing again?"

He had already sneezed twice today, making him wonder if the world really hated him that much.

"What’s wrong, little brother? Are you okay?" Sharon’s worried voice came from beside him.

Nolan shook his head.

"It’s fine. Anyway, let’s go outside. Cassiopeia and Draco should be waiting."

Sharon gave a small nod, linked her arm with Nolan’s right arm, and they walked out together.

Outside, Cassiopeia, Draco, and Loid, along with his wife and children, were already waiting.

"Are you ready, Your Highnesses, Princess and Prince?" Cassiopeia asked.

"We are ready, Cassiopeia. Let’s go," Sharon replied.

Cassiopeia nodded slightly, then turned to Loid beside her.

"Thank you for providing a place to rest, Viscount Anderson. I apologize for disturbing your peace and that of your family," she said politely.

Loid chuckled softly and waved his hand. "Don’t worry about it, Mage Cassiopeia. On the contrary, I’m honored and happy that you visited my home."

His wife quickly added, "Yes, what my husband said is true, Mage Cassiopeia. We are very honored by your visit. The doors of our mansion will always be open to you."

After exchanging pleasantries, the group eventually departed from the Anderson family mansion.

The port wasn’t far, and Loid even offered to accompany them.

Sharon, however, politely refused. It wasn’t that she didn’t want him to—she simply felt it wasn’t necessary.

After all, it was already nighttime, and she didn’t want to trouble him or his family.

Watching them leave, Loid let out a soft sigh and whispered, "I hope they’re okay and don’t run into trouble."

His wife looked at him curiously. "Are you worried they’ll fall into the ghost ship’s trap?"

"Yes," Loid admitted. "Even with Mages Cassiopeia and Draco, they aren’t completely safe. I’ve heard the ghost ship’s illusion magic is incredibly powerful. Even the Sage Mages on several merchant ships were helpless. I don’t know if the same magic will affect the Celestial Mages."

His wife fell silent for a moment, then shook her head. "There’s nothing we can do. Let’s just pray for their safety."

***

Nolan, Sharon, Cassiopeia, and Draco walked toward the port. It wasn’t far—only about a ten-minute stroll.

When they arrived, the ship came into view. It was sizable, with four massive cannons mounted on each side.

It appeared their father had collaborated with the Austin family to prepare it.

"Welcome, everyone," greeted a man dressed in a sailor’s uniform. "The ship is ready. Oh, let me introduce myself—my name is Jack. I’ll be guiding you to the Kingdom of Kaldorian. And these are my crew."

He gestured to fifteen others, all dressed in matching sailor uniforms.

"Welcome, Your Highness Sharon, Your Highness Nolan, and the Two Constellation Mages!" they called out in unison.

Sharon smiled. "Thank you, Jack. We’ll be counting on you."

Jack returned her smile and patted his chest. "Leave it to us, Your Highness!"