Chapter 629: Into the Dream of the Night
In the dead of night, Rosell lay in bed deep in thought when a sudden wave of drowsiness hit him, causing him to close his eyes and fall asleep.
Unusually, he found himself dreaming. In this dream, everything was engulfed in pitch darkness, with no light anywhere in sight. It was as if the entire realm was shrouded in the blackness of night.
As he tried to explore, the dream began to crack, and he awoke.
"This dream is quite intriguing," Rosell remarked as he turned over in bed, got up, put on his shoes, walked to the window, and looked up at the starry sky.
At this late hour, the sky was less filled with stars; the brilliance had faded, replaced by the tranquil quiet of the night.
He rarely dreamed, so dreaming at this hour was definitely unusual.
Unless some external force was affecting him.
"The black night is indeed conducive to sleep," Rosell mused to himself before closing the window and returning to bed.
He had already figured out the answer to his earlier contemplation. The other party's mixed feelings of caution and impatience were clearly related to the Stars.
Unfortunately, they were still too cautious and hadn't chosen a more straightforward approach.
Such evasiveness would never earn Klein's sincere response.
"Stars, what is your origin?"
"What are you truly plotting?"
"This world is becoming more complex, and as an old father, I need to find a way to protect my precious daughter…"
Rosell stayed awake, contemplating through the night until morning.
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone was knocking on the door. Rosell's deep voice called out, "Come in."
"Your Majesty, the Queen requests your presence for breakfast." Outside, Cattleya stood at the door, speaking respectfully without entering.
Rosell sighed with a hint of expectation, got up, and followed Cattleya to the dining area.
Along the way, Cattleya remained silent.
After a moment of observation, Rosell asked, "Who is your father?"
"My father once served under you."
"And your name?"
"Cattleya," Cattleya replied with a hint of pride, "It was given to me by the Queen."
"It's a good name. Please take good care of Bernadette."
"I will remain loyal to the Queen forever!"
Rosell nodded with satisfaction, appreciating her sincerity.
When Rosell arrived at the dining table, Bernadette was already reading a newspaper.
Rosell deliberately cleared his throat twice before sitting down. Bernadette put down the newspaper and said in a measured tone, "I was concerned that my late-night activities might disturb your sleep."
Rosell's face showed a pleased smile. His precious daughter was indeed thoughtful.
"These are your favorite chive buns from before," Bernadette said as she placed a bun in Rosell's bowl. "The chives were specially sourced from Beckland and are very fresh."
Such a considerate little darling!
Rosell's smile grew even more satisfied.
After breakfast, Bernadette hesitated but said, "Xar is deceased. Currently, only one bloodline has survived. Bonova is now an Angel of Sequence 2 in the Steam Church, ranking above the Archbishop."
Rosell calmly set down his utensils, leaned back slightly, and closed his eyes in silence for a long time. "The destiny of ordinary people is always death. Xar did not have the extraordinary mystic talent that you and Bonova possess."
"He was slow to learn but very determined. However, his ordinariness meant he could never catch up to you."
"That's why I always pampered him."
Bernadette listened quietly to her father's ramblings. Many things from the past were beyond her ability to change.
When her world collapsed, disaster swept through the Gustave clan, and surviving was already a significant achievement.
"Before coming to see you, I made a return trip to Intis. The current Intis is chaotic and leaderless, even the Eternal Sun has fallen."
"Are you interested in returning to Intis and reclaiming the throne as Rosell Gustave's eldest daughter?"
Bernadette shook her head. "That is not my destiny. My place is here, on this sea."
"What a pity," Rosell said, "but it's fine too."
"I will go to see Bonova."
Rosell got up from his seat, walked a few steps, then turned to look at Bernadette. "In matters of faith, I trust you will make the right decisions."
"This is the Star Sea Kingdom, a land blessed and protected by the Stars."
"Decide for yourself."
With his final words, Rosell left the Rosad Archipelago.
---
"Wuwuwu, my great master, have you abandoned me?"
"I'm about to be sealed again. Please come rescue me!"
"Your humble, devoted servant, Arrodes, awaits your arrival."
A steam train from Beckland to Intis was just setting out.
The hissing sound of the steam train's whistle echoed through the station as it departed into the strong wind.
In the third carriage, on the right side by the window, was a mirror covered with a black cloth.
Sitting opposite the mirror was a young man with chestnut brown hair, blue eyes, a tall and handsome figure.
Due to the chaotic situation in Intis, many members of the Steam Church were evacuating from the Ruen Kingdom and returning to the Intis Republic.
" Arrodes, who are you praying to?" The young man asked gently, causing the mirror covered by the black cloth to cease its trembling.
"This time, once we return, you'll be sealed away, and it will be difficult to come out again."
The gentle tone made the mirror tremble slightly once more.
Suddenly, a figure appeared in the empty space opposite him, reaching out to reveal an ancient silver mirror with strange patterns.
"You…" The young man began to speak, but upon seeing the appearance of the person across from him, his pupils constricted slightly, though he quickly regained his usual calm and smiled. "Father, congratulations on your return."
"Bonova, I didn't hear a hint of excitement in your tone."
"I've grown up. Controlling one's emotions is a basic ability of adulthood."
"Is that all?" Rosell's eyes showed a hint of mockery. "Your elder sister cried tears of joy when she learned I was still alive, while you haven't even shown surprise."
"Does she still cry now?" Bonova asked with his usual gentle smile. "That's quite alright."
"Is it also quite alright for you?" Rosell's mocking expression deepened.
"Yes, everything is quite alright."
"The Steam Church has educated you well."
Bonova seemed to take this as a compliment and nodded. "During my growth, the guidance of the divine was immense; it led me in the right direction."
Rosell sneered. "You were like this when you were small, and you remain the same now. I truly doubt if you are my real child."
"After all these years, you are still so bitter. It's not a good thing."
"Oh? Do you wish to enlighten your father?"
"I don't have such ability, nor can I persuade you," Bonova replied calmly. "Your arrival will surely bring joy to the divine."
"Whether the divine is pleased is of no concern to me!" Rosell's mood darkened, and his tone became harsher.
He looked at Bonova sitting across from him, sighed deeply in his heart, and pushed aside his discomforting thoughts.
"I came here today for another reason." Rosell reached out and touched the surface of Arrodes's mirror. "Its owner asked me to help take it away."
Before leaving the Rosad Archipelago, he had met with Klein again and asked him to perform a small favor when he came to Beckland.
"You may take it if you wish."
"Ha, and how will you explain this to the god you worship?"
"The divine will not refuse your request."
"Your way of speaking still irritates me. If it weren't for the fact that you've grown up safely, I'd have slapped you a few times."
Bonova leaned slightly forward, turning his cheek towards Rosell. "If you're angry, it's not too late to do so now."
Rosell's gaze turned cold as he stared at him for a while but ultimately refrained from delivering a slap.
"Fine, this way I won't have to worry about you anymore."
With that, Rosell took Arrodes and left the steam train, disappearing from sight.
Bonova quietly stared out the empty window with a gentle smile, murmuring, "Yes, everything is quite alright."