I'm in Mota, and they all want me to confess my feelings!

Koleta is right.

After witnessing the atrocities committed by the religious order firsthand, he no longer harbored any illusions about it.

but……

“She’s different.” Duanmu Yan’s face flushed red.

“I do not deny her kindness. In fact, I have had several encounters with her in the past.”

"Little Lily is pure and innocent, like a bud about to bloom. Her kindness and piety are beyond question. But without sufficient power, kindness and piety can lead people astray into blind faith."

"No offense intended, but this is a dilemma every believer faces—is what they believe in a falsehood shaped by a purpose, or a set of principles and beliefs that have real meaning?"

“A fabricated facade?” Duanmu Yan was taken aback, not understanding what Koleta meant.

"In short, the order has concealed part of the truth of the past. The Lord of the Year may not be what we see now, but rather a creature with a horse's head and a fish's body," Coreta continued. "The reason the Mortari family pursues freedom and openness is to uncover the truth that has long been lost in the past. Of course, that's a story for another time."

Koleta turned around to face Duanmu Yan and asked softly in a subtle tone.

"If—I'm just saying if."

"If one day in the future, the religious order and the family turn against each other... will you stand on my side or hers?"

This is practically a death trap.

The best course of action might be silence.

or……

She brought up this question suddenly, and she had another purpose in mind.

"Second Miss, before you asked this question about Jiulin Liu Siliu Qiba, did you already have an answer in your heart?"

Koleta nodded: "Yes."

"So you didn't come here to ask me questions, you came here to pick a fight with me. It must be that I questioned your motives for drinking the milk, and you got angry."

Koleta nodded again, her smile gradually becoming much stiffer: "A little."

Duanmu Yan swallowed hard and said sincerely, "I have deeply realized my mistake... Can you give me another chance?"

Volume 1: Chapter 36 Long Separation: How high does one have to be to be considered a high-ranking official?

In the days to come, Duanmu Yan need not worry about anything; he can simply wait patiently for the concert to begin.

"Leave all the preparations for the concert to me."

"Take this time to relax and rest."

This is what Coleta instructed him.

Having unexpectedly gained a few days of leisure, Duanmu Yan decided to truly relax and be in the best possible condition to prepare for the upcoming mission.

The memories of his past experiences still lingered in his mind—neither the strange events at sea nor the turmoil caused by the evil dragon on the island had completely subsided.

Of course, Duanmu Yan did not inform Koleta about his meeting with the head of the Fesalie family.

At this critical juncture, he was unwilling to create any unnecessary complications.

Furthermore, in the various rumors circulating in Laguna, the Fesari family has always been synonymous with ruthlessness, viciousness, and unscrupulousness, and people turn pale at the mere mention of this family.

But Duanmu Yan had a vague feeling that... the patriarch Cantrella was not as cruel as the rumors suggested.

She even appeared more composed and elegant than the second young lady.

Perhaps it's all just my imagination.

After all, the current Fesalie family has long since colluded with the Hidden Sea Order.

Duanmu Yan gazed quietly at the clear, jewel-like azure sky, his thoughts drifting aimlessly.

A moment later, he felt a rumbling of hunger in his stomach, so he decided to fill his stomach first and then make further plans after he had rested up.

Perhaps... he will make a trip to the Cathedral of Mercury—not for pilgrimage, of course, but simply to see Phoebe and strengthen their friendship.

I mean positive friendships.

Despite the numerous and heinous crimes committed by the Hidden Sea Cult, the same point still applies.

She's different!

However, Duanmu Yan was somewhat worried that if a devout priest like Phoebe were to one day discover that the light she believed in was actually a path of suffering paved with violence and bloodshed, would she lose the courage to live due to the collapse of her faith?

It's not just Phoebe.

Within the Hidden Sea Order, there are many priests as pure and kind as she.

They knew nothing of the darkness concealed by the religious order; they simply fulfilled their duties with pure faith, conveying the ideals of love and peace to the world.

Once faith collapses, the order of Laguna will be completely altered.

“…This is really troublesome.”

Duanmu Yan sighed softly, his gaze drifting towards the Margaret Family Restaurant not far away.

The restaurant was still bustling with activity and doing brisk business, with long queues forming outside.

"Looks like we'll have to find somewhere else to have lunch."

He scratched his head helplessly, about to turn and leave, when his gaze suddenly fixed on a figure at an outdoor seating area outside the restaurant—

The man sat alone, elegantly savoring a Laguna-style pizza.

The profile looks somewhat familiar.

Duanmu Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully examined the other party for a moment, and suddenly remembered the other party's identity.

Isn't that... the distinguished guest I met once before in the Fesalie family?

If I remember correctly, the name should be—

Long separation?

Just then, Changli also noticed him in the crowd.

Her hand paused slightly, then a gentle smile spread across her lips as she looked at him with interest and gently beckoned him over.

...Should we go over there?

Duanmu Yan certainly wouldn't refuse.

Mainly because she is really good-looking.

wrong.

Crucially, Changli comes from Huanglong and has a noble status.

If I can take this opportunity to befriend her, it will be a good opportunity to help her if I have the chance to visit Huanglong in the future.

Chang Li smiled and said softly, "We meet again."

"Yes, what a coincidence." Duanmu Yan tried to make his tone sound less tense.

“No need to be so reserved,” Changli said, his gaze gentle as water. “Just think of me as an ordinary traveler from Laguna and forget about everything that happened before. Speaking of which, our last meeting was rushed, and I haven’t had a chance to formally introduce myself yet.”

She spoke softly, extending her hand to Duanmu Yan: "I am Changli."

Duanmu Yan grasped her hand: "Duanmu Yan."

"Huanglong people?" Changli asked.

Duanmu Yan looked away somewhat guiltily: "Uh... I guess so."

"Really?" Changli picked up his black tea and took a small sip. "It's rare to meet someone from my hometown in a foreign land. I'm new here and not familiar with Laguna yet. If you don't mind, could you show me around and let me experience the local culture and customs?"

After a brief pause, she added with a smile, "Of course, I won't let you come for nothing. I will offer appropriate compensation as a reward for your guidance."

Are they actually inviting me to be their tour guide?

Duanmu Yan's heart stirred slightly.

It's not impossible, after all, he's been looking forward to the last few days because he has nothing to do.

"Didn't the Fesalie family make any arrangements for you?" he asked with a hint of doubt.

Upon hearing this, Changli turned her gaze to the bustling streets of Laguna, her tone indifferent: "They have more important matters to attend to. Besides, traveling with family members inevitably involves many constraints." She smiled slightly, "Therefore, I politely declined Cantrell's offer."

Then, she looked at him again, a faint smile in her eyes: "So, are you willing?"

reject?

What a joke!

He wants to progress so much!

"Of course, if Miss Changli doesn't mind, I can plan your itinerary right now, guaranteeing you a worthwhile and unforgettable trip!"

“There’s no need to be so deliberate,” Changli interrupted him softly. “I would prefer to… experience this city in a more relaxed way.”

"I see. So Miss Changli prefers to do things her own way?" Duanmu Yan smiled knowingly. "In that case, why don't we go and take a look at the Mercury Cathedral later?"

Chang Li hesitated for a moment, then smiled slightly: "Very well. Back in Huanglong, I often heard people talk about the grandeur of that church. Rather than hearing about it a thousand times, it's better to see it with my own eyes."

“Speaking of which, I’m a little curious.” Duanmu Yan said carefully, “I heard on the ship that Miss Changli seems to hold an important position in Huanglong Mingting. Why would she suddenly visit Laguna?” He paused, then added politely, “If it’s not convenient to say more about this, just pretend I never asked.”

Changli gazed at him, gently shook his head and smiled: "This is not something that cannot be said. I did serve in the Mingting, but that is in the past. Now I have been transferred to this state to assist the governor in handling government affairs. Now the governor is capable of handling things on his own, and I finally have some free time, which is why I accepted Cantrera's invitation to come to Laguna."

"Although there has been much discussion about my transfer," she smiled slightly, her eyes clear, "I don't care. Whether I am in a high position or living in seclusion in the city, as long as I can still do my part for the people, that is enough."

"Sometimes I think, how high does one have to be to be considered a high-ranking official?"

Book 1: Chapter 37 Koletta at Work

Mercury Cathedral

As one of Laguna's iconic buildings, the Mercury Cathedral is a must-visit photo spot for all tourists.

For the believers of Lina Xita, this place is an inviolable sacred domain, which cannot be defiled or transgressed in the slightest.

For this reason, the rules and regulations followed here are particularly complex and solemn.

"Is that the legendary Mercury Cathedral?"

In Liberty Square, Chang Li stood gazing into the distance.

Across a winding river, a magnificent cathedral stands in the city of Laguna, its solemn silhouette reflected in the shimmering water.

A hint of amazement flashed across her eyes.

Unlike Huanglong's understated elegance, Lina Xita—especially Laguna—exudes a grandeur and solemnity that commands respect.

Even a stranger like her, who had traveled a long way, could deeply feel the weight and splendor of another culture the moment she saw the building with her own eyes.

“It is also a holy place in the hearts of all believers in the Lord of the Year.” Duanmu Yan introduced to her from the side, “Every year, countless pilgrims from different city-states set foot on this land, just to worship here in devotion.”

Changli listened quietly, nodding slightly as if he understood something.

She was not entirely unaware of Lina Xita's religious situation.

In Huanglong, although the Lord of the Year is revered as a guide, such a concrete and devout belief system has never developed.

Here, especially in Laguna, the worship of the Year God is so pure, almost to the point of obsessive fanaticism.

She turned around, her gaze falling once more on the center of the square—the enormous horse-headed, fish-bodied statue of "Imperado," which silently and majestically overlooked the city.

After a moment, Changli shook his head slightly and let out a faint sigh, as if regretful or puzzled.

Duanmu Yan noticed something was amiss, but he calmly flagged down a gondola and invited Changli to go to the church to find out what was going on.

The church is sacred and solemn, and the crown guards stand like sculptures on both sides of the road—they are the relics used by the monastic order to maintain order and protect the peace of Laguna.

Aside from a few travelers, the crowd consisted mostly of devout believers from various city-states and the Lord.

Upon reaching the church entrance, a priest, holding a book, gently stopped the two and said, "Welcome to the Mercury Cathedral. The cathedral is open all day and welcomes all people. Please observe the etiquette and prohibitions set by the order, and refrain from making noise, fighting, or engaging in any behavior that violates the precepts inside the cathedral."

Just as Duanmu Yan was about to speak, he suddenly heard a clear exclamation from his side: "Oh, is that Mr. Duanmu?"

That voice was sweet and innocent; who else could it be but Phoebe?

She trotted briskly to them and explained to the priest at the door, "Priest Giordano, these two are my friends."

“So you’re a friend of Father Phoebe.” Father Giordano’s expression softened, and he nodded. “In that case, you can explain the rules and regulations of the church to them.”

"Okay, leave it to me."

Phoebe smiled faintly and led Duanmu Yan and Changli into the Mercury Cathedral.