Hearing that Kaltsit was coming along, Kanna knew her intention to keep all the money for herself had been exposed.
However, she had brought plenty of things from the Fools Ship. Selling some of the less refined or ordinary-looking items to Iberia, even if Kaltsit took a cut of the money, didn't bother Kanna much. After all, if she ran out of money, she could just ask the Doctor or Amiya.
Not long after leaving, they encountered a familiar figure.
"Ilena!" Seeing Ilena, who had already been promoted to Grand Inquisitor, Kanna waved at her.
Ilena turned her head at the sound and saw Kaltsit and Kanna approaching. "Good evening, Ms. Kaltsit, Kanna-chan! Is there anything I can help you with?"
The Retribution Army members nearby looked at Ilena in astonishment, never expecting this newly promoted Grand Inquisitor, known as "Iberia's Ice Lotus, The Inquisition's Iceberg," to treat two mysterious individuals with such a gentle expression.
"Is Saint Carmen still in Gran Faro?" Kaltsit asked.
"Carmen is resting in the church. The area is heavily guarded now, and ordinary people can't enter. I'll take you there!" Ilena turned to instruct the Retribution Army to continue their night patrol, then led the two towards the church.
Halfway there, they suddenly heard familiar voices from a nearby alley. Upon walking over, they found Dario and Irene discussing something, though Irene's expression seemed a bit agitated.
Hearing footsteps behind them, the two stopped their discussion and turned to look.
"My apologies, Mr. Dario. We heard voices here and came to investigate, not realizing it was you and Inquisitor Irene," Ilena spoke first.
Dario was about to speak, but Irene interjected, "Teacher, didn't you say my horizons weren't broad enough and I needed more experience to expand my perspective? I'm applying to resign from my Inquisitor position and join Rhodes Island. Rhodes Island travels throughout the nations of Terra, and I believe I can gain more training there."
"Nonsense!" Dario felt a headache at his disciple's impulsive words in front of another Grand Inquisitor.
Before he could finish, Carmen's voice drifted over.
"I think it's a good idea! Children should go out and see the world more!"
"Mr. Carmen!" For Irene, Dario not only saw her as his disciple but also as his own child. He didn't want her future to be ruined by a moment of impulsiveness.
"Ahem! Don't be so hasty, Dario, I understand your thoughts. Inquisitor Irene, you must know it's not easy for us in Iberia to cultivate an Inquisitor, and an accomplished young Inquisitor is even rarer.
I agree that you should go out and broaden your horizons, but there's no need to resign from your Inquisitor position. The Inquisition isn't so short-staffed that it can't spare an Inquisitor's spot.
I can suspend your Inquisitor duties. Feel free to go and see the land of Terra. When you feel you are competent enough for the Inquisitor position, the doors of The Inquisition will still be open for you."
Kaltsit never dreamed that she had only intended to "safeguard" a sum of money from Kanna, but ended up bringing back an Inquisitor.
For Rhodes Island, an Inquisitor from Iberia would have caused tension a year ago. But now, not to mention the Reunion Movement members who joined Rhodes Island, a certain mysterious little lion, a certain Draco claimed by three parties, Yan's Dali Temple's Electric Kirin, and so on—a large number of people with complex backgrounds have joined Rhodes Island and served as Operators. Now, everyone at Rhodes Island has become somewhat numb to foreign "public officials" joining Rhodes Island.
"Thank you, Saint!" Irene bowed to Carmen and was then led out of the alley by Dario.
"Saint, you've been working hard all day. Weren't you resting in the church? If something were to happen to you coming here alone..." After Dario left, Ilena walked up to Carmen and whispered.
Hearing Ilena's words, Carmen laughed heartily. "I just woke up not long ago. I thought since I rarely come to the seaside, and haven't seen the scenery here, I'd take a stroll. I didn't expect to meet you all. As for danger, Gran Faro is currently under the control of The Inquisition. You're in charge of the public order here. Don't you have confidence in your own abilities?"
"Of course not, Saint..." Hearing Carmen's words, Ilena hastily explained.
"Alright, I'm not criticizing you. On the contrary, your military governance has improved along the way. I see that Gran Faro is very well-managed by you. The Eye of Iberia is an important asset of Iberia and must not be taken by the Seaborn and the Abyssal Church again. Therefore, I've decided to appoint a trustworthy Grand Inquisitor to be stationed here, and I think you're very suitable. What do you think?"
Carmen stood at the alley entrance, pointing towards the center of Gran Faro as he spoke to Ilena.
Hearing Carmen's words, Ilena nodded slightly. Although as a Grand Inquisitor she held immense power in Iberia, being confined to such a small place seemed like an exile. Yet, she gladly accepted the position.
Because she was already the youngest Grand Inquisitor, and many in The Inquisition still had doubts about her promotion. By remaining here, away from the central vortex, she could better refine herself. Furthermore, as the Eye of Iberia was Iberia's only connection to the ocean, this area was bound to become a focal point of contention between The Inquisition and the Abyssal Church. If she could establish herself here, then neither within the Church nor with the King would there be any room to question her status.
So, while it seemed to offer no short-term benefits to her, from a long-term perspective, her position could be said to be quite important. If she performed well, her standing within The Inquisition would be easily consolidated.
Ilena left satisfied after chatting with Carmen for a while about the future governance of Gran Faro. It was then that Carmen turned to look at Kaltsit and Kanna.
"My apologies for neglecting you two."
"It's alright. Gran Faro and the Eye of Iberia are inherently very important matters. Your not avoiding us is already the greatest honor." Kaltsit was clearly not in a hurry at all.
"May I ask what brings you two to me?" Carmen knew that Kaltsit bringing Kanna to see him at this time was certainly not for reminiscing.
"Do you remember what I mentioned to you earlier today?"
"Kanna, are you willing to sell a batch of items from the Fools Ship to Iberia? Of course, that's fine. Hmm, let's go to the church, it has plenty of space." Carmen quickly understood Kaltsit's meaning after a moment of thought. He smiled, pointed in the direction of the church, and then led the way.
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