In Fang Hong's view, the construction of the Seven Seas Traveler is becoming increasingly urgent on the agenda.

Of course, for new members who haven't experienced easy days, this bit of difficulty is not worth blaming.

Luo Hao lay on the hammock in the infirmary, watching the cold moonlight pouring in from the window, and somehow felt a vague sense of anticipation for such an adventurous life.

Meanwhile, in Elisa's room.

Miss Nightingale, from the Rain Listeners, was smiling as she watched Ai Xiaoxiao happily throw herself onto her bed.

Ai Xiaoxiao turned over to look at her and Tang Xin, her eyes full of little stars:

"You know, Tangtang, this is the life I've always dreamed of!"

Tang Xin sighed and placed her Magic Guided Wand on a stand by the wall.

"I know, but finish your homework first."

"Let's talk about it tomorrow."

"You said the same thing yesterday."

"Eh, did I... really say that?"

Tang Xin shot her a glare.

Elisa opened the blinds, letting the bright glow of the bonfire filter through the branches of the treetops and cast patterns on the walls of the room.

...

The Crystal's light began to flicker and become somewhat unstable.

Fang Hong knew this lamp had developed this small issue at some point. He was only halfway through writing his journal when he reached out to twist the lamp's base, suddenly realizing something and turning back. Just in time to see Hilveld, draped in an overcoat, appear at the doorway.

"Why aren't you asleep?"

"Isn't Lord Captain not asleep either?"

"I'm writing in my diary." Fang Hong suddenly paused, knowing her words meant Miss Ship's Officer wanted to have a chat with him.

She used to do this often, having heart-to-heart talks with him about their goals, her father, and the Seven Seas Traveler.

But after their relationship had taken on another layer, such opportunities became less frequent.

"Would you like to sit for a while?" Fang Hong offered a spot.

Hilveld smiled and gently nodded.

Fang Hong felt the Noble Lady sit down beside him, her delicate fragrance lightly swirling around him, as he closed his diary and slid an old map under its pages.

Hilveld looked at him, "Did you find that on that official's bookshelf?"

"Yes, it's a map."

"But we're still not sure if it's of Idus."

Hilveld listened quietly, then suddenly asked, "Is Miss Tata here?"

"Nini woke up and pestered her to go out and play, they're out with Daisy."

Suddenly, the two became silent, both feeling the conversation was laced with a subtle atmosphere.

Fang Hong turned back to look at the Noble Lady. As Hilveld took out a letter and handed it over, there were creases on it, but the writing was still fresh.

"What's this?" he asked.

"Master Ande sent it," Hilveld smiled and replied, "Your plan worked, someone's been sending information to Elfendo, saying the Blood Shark Sky Pirates have landed in Ankuid and seem to be active in that area."

Fang Hong pondered for a moment before recalling the place, furrowing his brow. "Isn't that close to Idus?"

"Not far at all."

"How could they get involved?"

"It could be a coincidence, but worse, they might have been hired."

The so-called being hired naturally referred to the Dragon Worshippers.

The two discussed the matter of the Blood Shark Sky Pirates for a while longer.

This notorious sky pirate group operated along the route from Colin Ishurian to Hanruina, having had eight leaders since its inception over two hundred years ago.

The current leader was very mysterious, scarcely anyone knew their name.

In recent years, their operational scope had diminished considerably, though the Blood Shark Pirates used to occasionally ride the warm western continental air south to raid coastlines in the Istania region, such acts were now rare.

Much less appearing in the more southern Istania, which was unprecedented.

However, Hilveld wasn't particularly knowledgeable about these outlaws, thus understanding their motives proved difficult. After briefly touching on the topic, they switched to discussing the current situation in the Southern Region.

Hilveld expressed some concerns about the current backbone of the Southern Region, the elder Duke Modkaesar, and Fang Hong exchanged opinions with Miss Ship's Officer.

Just then, something struck him and he exclaimed, "Oh right!"

He then bent down to open a drawer, taking out a small box. "It's your birthday in a few days," Fang Hong carefully opened the box, "I originally thought I'd find an opportunity to give it to you later—"

Inside the box lay a perfectly cut heart-shaped gemstone, deep blue like the azure in the Noble Lady's eyes, shining brilliantly.

Hilveld's serene gaze met his, her voice lightly rising:

"For me?"

Fang Hong nodded seriously, "It even has your name engraved on it, right here... though it's a bit small."

Hilveld couldn't help but laugh at his clumsy manner.

She reached out to take the gemstone from his hand, cradling it close to her heart, then raised her fan-like eyelashes to look at him. Her eyes were filled with a shallow, twinkling smile.

Fang Hong felt his heart skip a beat, as if enlightened to the girl's eager invitation.

He leaned slightly closer.

Hilveld gently closed her eyes.

The Crystal's light flickered again; this lamp always had these minor issues.

The two shadows merged, Hilveld's coat slipping softly off her shoulders, leaving only the thin nightdress underneath.

After their lips parted, only the soft sound of their breaths lingered in the room—the two were both somewhat lost in the moment, their eyes interlocking, seemingly seeking to meld with each other.

"Hilveld..."

Fang Hong's voice was somewhat dry.

The Noble Lady looked at him and nodded softly.

But suddenly, Fang Hong felt a heat at his chest, his brows furrowing, he instinctively lowered his head.

Hilveld looked at him with some concern, "What's wrong?" she asked.

Fang Hong shook his head, it was the Ring of Golden Flame always hanging at his chest, he tugged the cord to pull the pendant out from his shirt, a golden light briefly flickered on the dark ring.

Fang Hong almost thought he had imagined it, he hadn't seen the ring react since Nini awoke.

Yet the ring held only some leftover warmth, the gold-like light flashed briefly and then returned to silence. He held the cord, and the pendant swung in the air without any further reaction.

Fang Hong, puzzled, put down the ring.

He looked at Hilveld beside him, and after this little interlude, the two of them came to their senses a bit. A blush rose to Miss Ship's Officer's cheeks, she lowered her head, and softly said:

"I'll head back first."

For a moment, Fang Hong forgot to ask her to stay.

He looked at that now empty spot, and couldn't help but feel a bit of wistfulness in his heart.

...

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