Lucian mused, "Is that all? Since you say you don't trust Fenrico, there must be a reason, right?"
Brant nodded gravely, "Indeed, based on what I know, in Rinascita, there's an island called Penitent's End."
"Fenrico issued a series of decrees, such as restricting artistic creation, attempting to suppress culture like science and art."
"And he also exiled all those who resisted…"
"They even claimed that those exiled could receive divine forgiveness by praying at the Figurehead's Shrine on Penitent's End."
"But the vast majority of those people vanished on that pilgrimage ship, and the few survivors never returned from Penitent's End."
Lucian nodded slightly, "I see."
These were merely Brant's words, and Lucian naturally wouldn't fully believe them. The true story behind Rinascita would have to be investigated after entering the city-state.
Brant let out a heavy breath and smiled, "I'll let you in on a secret: our troupe has a genuine Laureate, but unfortunately, he didn't come with us on this voyage."
"Otherwise, he could've told you about his glorious deeds back then."
Abby shrugged, "Being a Laureate means you can talk to the Sentinel, which sounds pretty good."
Brant laughed, "Of course! The Carnevale is being held again after ten years, and our troupe naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity."
"Whether the gods exist or not, whether that laurel crown descends or not."
"The Troupe of Fools' goal is always the same—to bring the pure breeze of joy and freedom back to that city-state!"
Lucian rubbed his chin, "After such a long time, it's being held again because of the Order of the Deep?"
Brant nodded slightly, "Exactly, they claim it's the Sentinel's teaching."
"And the reason it's happening this year isn't just because of the Montelli family's proposal but also the people's expectations."
"They hope to feel the atmosphere of the Carnevale again and see the Sentinel's laurel crown descend once more."
So, the Montelli family pushed for this Carnevale and even invited them to Rinascita to join the festival.
It seems the relationship between these families and the Order isn't as simple as it appears.
Moreover, Phrolova is also in Rinascita, and who knows what kind of conspiracy the Fractsidus is plotting.
At that moment, Brant furrowed his brow and quickly said, "Look, the sea fog is rolling in again!"
Abby said listlessly, "That smell again… I don't like it."
Brant explained, "The sea fog affects Echoes."
"It's not ordinary maritime weather but a Waveworn Phenomenon lingering in these waters."
"A large number of Tacet Discords lurk in the fog, waiting to lure and destroy passing ships."
"Just now, your unique ability dispersed the fog, but without its effect, they've come back so quickly."
Lucian shook his head slightly and took out the Mandala Flower again.
This Mandala Flower was like a lighthouse moving through the sea fog, illuminating everything in its path.
Rover asked with concern, "It won't affect you, will it?"
Lucian smiled faintly, "Don't worry, though it requires my Resonance Ability to activate, the impact is negligible."
Brant, still amazed, said, "No matter how many times I see it, it's incredible. Does the God of Universal Love really have such powers?"
Rover's expression froze "'God of Universal Love'?"
Brant nodded, "Yeah, you probably don't know yet."
"Since the last livestream, most people in Rinascita know there's a God of Universal Love from Jinzhou."
"But unfortunately, they don't know what you look like."
Lucian asked, puzzled, "Then how did you know?"
Brant blinked, "You know, Rinascita uses public terminals, so the people generally can't access outside information."
"But I'm different. As the captain of the Troupe of Fools, I have my ways, so I've already seen what you look like on the Jinzhou forums."
Rover squinted with crescent-shaped eyes, "Since you know Lucian is the God of Universal Love, you're boldly bringing him to Ragunna City?"
"Aren't you afraid he's here to rule Rinascita?"
Brant, both shocked and delighted, said, "Really? That'd be fantastic!"
He gestured with both hands, "God of Universal Love, this way, please—"
Lucian: "?"
Rover: "?"
Lucian sighed leisurely, "It seems future chronicles will record: Brant, the captain of the Troupe of Fools, brought the God of Universal Love to Rinascita, overthrew the Order of the Deep, sparked a revolutionary fervor, and established a new system…"
Brant looked expectant, "Why'd you stop?"
Rover glanced at him, "You're not taking it seriously, are you? God of Universal Love, really…"
Brant scratched his head, "Was I fooled?"
"With such strong abilities, if you're not a god, then Jinzhou must be full of hidden talents."
Lucian smirked, "You said it yourself, God of Universal Love. As the name suggests: the more I love, the stronger I become! I haven't loved enough yet."
Rover pinched the back of Lucian's neck, "Say that again if you dare?"
At that moment, visibility around them gradually improved, though it wasn't as clear as before.
But they had now escaped the sea fog.
Brant clapped his hands, "This journey through the stormy sea was definitely the easiest I've ever had. Looks like I'll need to figure out a way to bring you along next time."
"You've been on our flower ship for so long, and we haven't properly shown you around. Why not take a tour now?"
Lucian nodded slightly, pulling Rover along to explore the flower ship.
The ship didn't have much else, but it was full of Echoes.
Lucian crouched down to touch a red-and-blue stuffed toy resembling a rabbit, and Brant explained:
"This Echo is called Lottie Lost, and the one next to it is Diggy Duggy."
Lucian mused, "…Lottie Lost? Who came up with that name?"
"Has the namer ever considered Lottie Lost's feelings? Does Lottie Lost want to be called Lottie Lost? Is Lottie Lost really lonely?"
A triple question left Brant stunned, "Uh, well…"
To be honest, he hadn't really thought about that…
…Wait, besides Echo researchers, would anyone actually think about this?
Lottie Lost spoke up, "…Lottie Lost…"
Rover, not understanding, nodded slightly, "Looks like Lottie Lost is really lonely."
Abby patted Rover's shoulder, "What! She's saying: With everyone in the troupe, I don't feel lonely at all!"
Lucian nodded slightly, "Looks like the Troupe of Fools has a great atmosphere."
Making an Echo feel a sense of belonging isn't easy.
Brant said proudly, "Of course! One day, I'll take every member of the Troupe of Fools to sail every corner of the world."
"And when that day comes, every tide will sing a shared story—a story called The Fool!"