Shrouded Seascape

Chapter 712: Ascent

Seeing the hint of gentleness in Charles' eyes, a twinge of envy stirred within Margaret.

"Alright, enough with it. How long more do you plan to comfort your pet? There are more important matters at hand," Julio's deep voice echoed in the room.

Charles carefully lifted Lily off his neck and handed her to Sparkle before turning to address Julio.

"I know who She is. She is Tawil At-Umr, the mistress of the Feaster. The Foundation refers to Her as 005. According to the intelligence they had sent us, She doesn't seem to hold any malice toward humans."

"I don't need you to remind me of that. My power originates from the Ancient One. The important matter I'm talking about is not about Her but the Pope."

"The Pope? If 005's target was him, could he even escape?" Charles asked with a puzzled expression.

Julio shook his head hard. "No, If the Ancient One weren't around, the Feaster would take the Pope away. But now that She is around, She will not allow the Feaster to do so."

Julio added, "To her, we are merely a beautiful and exquisite oil painting. She enjoys spending time admiring and appreciating us. Once in a while, She would add details to the painting, but yanking someone out of the painting would be too crude of a move. That's not Her style."

Both Charles and Sparkle regarded Julio with the same look of confusion. "How do you know so much about 005? How did you come to know Her back then? And why did 005 bestow power upon you?"

A hint of annoyance surfaced upon Julio's face at Charles' series of questions. He lifted his right hand and pointed the index finger at the strange tattoo on Charles' neck. "It's none of your business. In the same way, I have never asked you about your connections with the Fhtagn cultists."

Charles instinctively reached up to touch the tentacle tattoo on his neck; he had almost forgotten of its existence.

Realizing belatedly that his tone of voice could have sounded too harsh, Julio softened his voice slightly and added, "According to your pet's description, the Ancient One is probably just curious about your pet. Once Her curiosity is satisfied, She will let the Pope go. That's why the Pope is still a threat."

Margaret suddenly interjected, "I feel that we can set aside the issue with the Pope for now. We know well of his intentions and strength. This Ancient One might be a bigger problem than him."

Julio let out a mocking laughter at Margaret's ignorance. "Women should stay quiet when men are talking. You have no idea what you're talking about. If She wanted to make a move on us, even the entire human population wouldn't be able to stop Her.

"Also, if She harbors ill intention toward us, why would She help seal the Light God away in the first place?"

Before Margaret could come up with a retort, Charles replied, "Then what do you plan to do about the Pope?"

"Aren't you working for Anna right now?" Charles asked.

He turned around to face Margaret standing before him. Reaching out a hand, he brushed aside the bangs covering her face to reveal the scar that ran across her features. He could still see traces of the innocent and carefree girl she once was.

"No," Margaret replied, taking a step back to allow her hair to fall back into place to cover her right eye and most of her scar. "I'm working for the Governor of Hope Island. Whereto is being flooded as well. Saving the Subterranean Sea means saving Whereto."

Charles lowered his gaze and let out a soft chuckle. He then reached out to grab her right hand. Eyeing the metal bracelet on her wrist, he commented, "Nice bracelet. Did Elizabeth give this to you?"

"I bought it. It's a special customized item from the Gunther Family on Elizarles Shores."

"Wearing something that guards against mind control... Does Anna really not mind?" Charles asked; he knew the effects the bracelet served.

"She hardly comes by. She's usually on Hope Island."

The moment Margaret's words left her lips, Charles suddenly extended his arms and pulled her into a warm embrace. Then, Charles swiftly whispered something into her ear, which made Margaret's cheeks flush a deep red.

Meanwhile, on the ladder of the distant airship, the crew was watching the scene. A satisfied grin crossed Dipp's face as he extended his webbed hand toward the others.

"See! I told you guys I know the Captain best! Pay up, fair and square!"

One by one, packs of cigarettes were slapped into his hand. Dipp was overflowing with joy, and it was evident from the radiant smile on his face. It wasn't that he was lacking cigarettes; he simply enjoyed the thrill of winning a bet.

Just then, a wrinkled hand reached out from the side. "Don't forget about me! I guessed it right, too."

Dipp turned toward the voice to see Tobba staring at him while cradling a bunch of mice. "What do you want? You don't even smoke."

"Why can't I get my share?! I guessed right! I get a share of those papers, too! Give me!" Tobba said and lunged at Dipp.

While the two were engaged in their playful tussle, Charles came on board. The moment his gaze fell upon them, the two went silent.