Chapter 308 ·Aurela

Aurela

How ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍should the current situation be decided?

Just as her subordinate had said, Serea was indeed an elf queen. She could help them communicate with the power of nature, and they could use that natural power to revive the civilization of the Ailwen elves. But...

If they requested Queen Serea's help, tradition dictated that they would have to recognize Serea as their new queen. What would happen to their own elf queen then? After all, the other clanspeople who had gone into human lands were searching for the lost royal lineage, and she had led her people here only to build a new home in preparation for the return of their king.

What if they joined the other elf tribes now...?

"Naoli, are you worried about Captain 'Fank'?"

One of the elves asked. Naoli nodded gently, but then that elf grew somewhat petulant.

"Hmph, in my opinion, going to the human world to look for the lost royalty was a mistake from the start! In the end, fank took the young and strong with him and left the old and weak to us. We had to risk our lives to break through and build a new home here. If it weren't for the alliance partners and Queen Serea, we'd have been—"

"Say no more. There was nothing wrong with Captain Fank searching for the lost royal. We just didn't consider the dangers along the way and the current situation in the western jungle. The royal line must be found, and our home must be rebuilt!"

Naoli's gaze was unwavering. The young elf, however, still muttered discontentedly:

"Yes, that's right. In the end, we've come to depend on others for shelter. Luckily, queen Serea is generous and selfless. That's why I only trust Queen Serea, not that 'Fank.'"

Naoli fell silent, but this exchange showed that dissent against "Captain Fank's search for the lost royal line" was growing within the tribe. By contrast, queen Serea was gaining more approval from their people and the alliance comrades.

"Ahem, naoli, don't blame me for speaking bluntly. No matter if Captain Fank's decision was right or wrong, you need to consider our current circumstances carefully. We may all listen to you, but those in the alliance are different. Some of them are already talking about leaving us to join the Darkmoon clan. If that happens, we'll hardly be able to protect ourselves here in the western jungle with just our group. And we can't live off Queen Serea's generosity forever, can we? As long as you consider these points, it's fine."

After saying this, the young elf walked away with a gloomy face, but as he turned, naoli quickly called him back.

"Wait."

"Yes, naoli, what else do you need?"

"Has there been any word from Fank's side?"

"No. Ever since they entered human lands, it's like they vanished into thin air. We haven't been able to reach them at all."

"Then... let's wait a bit longer, see in a few days if we can get in touch."

When Naoli said this, the young elf's eyes lit up.

"Naoli, you mean—?"

"I'm not a stubborn person. Since I led you all out, I have to take responsibility for everyone, so let's just wait a few more days."

Naoli's voice held both helplessness and hope. If she still failed to reach Fank's party seeking the royal line, she would have to reconsider...

As they spoke, the dwarf chef shouted from the distance.

"Mealtime! Let's thank Queen Serea for providing us food. We should help her finish building the new houses today in return!"

"Ohhh!"

Able to finally fill their stomachs, everyone erupted in cheers, and the voices thanking Queen Serea grew even louder.

Witnessing this scene, naoli felt a mix of emotions. After a long contemplation, she decided to go speak with Queen Serea, to explain her current situation—laying the groundwork for that day when a decision must be made.

With this in mind, naoli jumped down from the pile of rocks and headed towards the town.

Soon, she arrived at the gates, and upon seeing Doluka, requested to meet with Queen Serea. However...

"You wish to see Queen Serea. Did you encounter some difficulty?"

With Doluka's kind demeanor, naoli felt somewhat embarrassed and shook her head.

"No, I just wanted to talk to Her Majesty about a few things."

"Unfortunately, the Queen just went out. If it's urgent, I can relay a message for you."

"No need, I'll wait..."

Naoli turned and left.

...

Meanwhile, Serea was soaring through the clouds on Bone Yan. As for her destination...

"What do Tethys and the others want with me at this time?"

Serea mumbled, and Celia replied,

"Probably something about the chapel or related matters."

"That makes sense. Let's hurry, then."

As they spoke, bone Yan and the Gargoyle sped off toward the Trading Post. With flying mounts, the vast forest was no longer an obstacle; within half an hour, they landed in the nearby jungle.

After landing and dismissing Bone Yan and the Gargoyle, the group walked toward the Trading Post. Soon, they spotted Tethys waiting at the main gate.

"This way!"

Tethys wore a mask and covered herself with a cloak and hood. Without Appraise, Serea would never recognize her, which made Serea suspicious as she approached and asked,

"What's with this—"

Before she could finish, a shout came from the distance.

"Found her! Miss Tethys is over there!"

Looking over, Serea saw a crowd rushing toward them, shouting as they ran—looking absolutely frenzied.

"What's happening?"

"In any case, let's get out of here first."

With that, tethys grabbed Serea and ran. Little Black and Little White sprang into action.

"You shall not pass—"

The next instant, the crowd swept over Little Black and Little White, completely engulfing them; even their voices were drowned out.

"This is terrifying!"

Luckily, Serea's group had already slipped away. Tethys seemed quite experienced at escaping, dodging left and right until they shook off the crowd.

Hiding in an alley, tethys patted her chest in relief.

"Whew, that was close! We almost got surrounded again."

"From your tone, it sounds like this isn't the first time. What's happening here? Did Divine Medicine cause another uproar?"

Serea was a bit anxious, but Tethys teased her and pulled her toward another alley exit.

"Look at that."

Following Tethys' gesture, Serea saw the Laureen Opera House, its entrance packed wall-to-wall with people—even the fox tribe guard squad from the Trading Post was there to keep order.

Her gaze moved upward.

"What's going on?!"

Fresh murals decorated the outer walls of the Laureen Opera House, depicting Candice, tethys, nora, molly, and Dogsius in diva attire. Beneath the mural was a giant poster illuminated by spotlights.

"To satisfy your expectations tonight, miss Candice herself will appear at the Opera House, and perform alongside renowned diva Tethys, miss Nora, and famous musicians Master Molly and Master Dogsius. Not to be missed!"

Reading the lines off the poster, Serea was stunned. Then she asked,

"So the 'urgent matter'... is a performance!"

"That's right. Plus, Serea, you're coming too. Oh, and with word of a diva performance, huge numbers of adventurers have swarmed here—from Sedis City, manes City, and even far away from the Holy Dragon Empire—"

"Well, I'm not feeling well today, so I'll head back first—"

But at that moment, a stream of water coiled around Serea.

"Hehehe, what if I shout, 'Miss Candice is here!'?"

"Please don't!!!"

"Then behave, Serea. I even asked Miss Avril to help promote this through the Xiyun Merchant Guild's network. We've been working flat out to drum up excitement for Candice's act! Even Molly's coming on stage. Don't let our hard work go to waste!"

Tethys grinned. Hearing the system prompts—'gained Faith Crystal*1'—ring repeatedly in her ears, Serea swallowed nervously.

Going on stage in this situation would dissolve her completely...

"I..."

"Let's go, let's go."

Dragged by Nora, the two concealed their identities and squeezed into the crowd, struggling mightily to enter the opera house.

All this was observed by a woman in a black robe, who softly exclaimed,

"Serea..."

Inside, the opera house was already filling with an audience who had paid handsomely for 'seated tickets'.

Sneaking backstage, Serea's appearance caused an initial stir before a throng of staff swarmed around her.

"You must be Miss Candice!"

"Uh... yes..."

Serea had no choice but to admit it.

"Miss Candice, please give me your autograph! I'm your biggest fan!"

"Miss Candice..."

"Get out of the way! Can't you see Miss Candice is overwhelmed?"

At that critical moment, ackley, the manager, arrived. The crowd quickly retreated.

"Miss Candice, right this way."

Guided by Ackley, Serea was brought to a private room backstage, where Nora and Molly were already waiting.

"Candice!"

Molly cried out excitedly. Serea removed her hood, and Pelam had already transformed her into Candice's likeness.

"Ahem, it's me."

"It's really Miss Candice!"

Molly was thrilled, since it was through Serea that she'd met Tethys and the others and gotten the chance to become a diva.

After some brief catching up, Serea was pressed into a chair, with Tethys supervising the whole time—it looked like there would be no escape.

Through the backstage window, Serea saw more and more audience members entering. People were taking their seats, while others stood on hastily assembled rear platforms. And then—

"What are they doing over there?"

Serea pointed at a small booth.

"Buying souvenirs."

"Souvenirs?"

"Like this."

Candice produced a mermaid badge, featuring mini portraits of Candice and the others, with a faint magical aura. Looking closer...

Candice Support Group Believer's Mark Badge (blue): Wearing this and having Faith in Candice at devout or above grants a 10% increase in spirit recovery and a 10% increase in the Faith power generated.

Isn't this just the Believer's Mark made by the chapel?!

Come to think of it, she had indeed produced a batch before, asking Tethys and the others to distribute them to devout believers.

The purpose was to establish a steady base of followers and reap more Faith Crystals.

Looking at the 50 silver coin price tag on the 'Candice Support Group Believer's Mark Badge'...

"So this is how you screen for devout believers and distribute the badges..."

"Yup! It's a really precious trinket. Anyone who pays for one must be a true, devout believer."

That was quite logical. While enchanting a normal accessory with a Faith Crystal was enough to make a Mark, the attributes it conferred rivaled some very fine gear on the market. Selling souvenirs also ensured most badges went to genuine believers.

Looking out, she saw that nearly everyone seated wore at least one such badge.

For 50 silver coins, an item that boosted attributes was a worthwhile deal, but...

"Of course, that's not all. We also sell audio record Crystals containing all of Candice's and our songs, and these posters—all sold together."

Staring at a 10-silver audio record Crystal and 10-copper-per poster...

"Er... Candice, it's a real shame you aren't a merchant."

"No, no, these were all Miss Avril's ideas."

"Heh, I knew it..."

"The hottest item is this."

Tethys took out a pendant and a poster. The pendant's little frame and the poster both depicted Candice during her first show here, making that gesture...

'Love you all!'

Dark history!!!

"Ahhh!"

...

The preparations for the opera house's performance were in full swing when a few unexpected guests arrived outside.

"Your Highness, the camp manager has already arranged a residence. Would you like to rest now?"

"No need. I heard there are many interesting things at this Trading Post. I just happen to be interested in looking around."

With that, the young man strode out front, his personal guard leading a team of guards on either side.

At this display, passersby all moved aside—one glance at the youth and you knew he was no ordinary man.

And as people guessed—he was indeed extraordinary: Aurela Otter Bloodstorm, crown prince of Otto Kingdom!

His purpose in coming was to investigate whether the mysterious Queen of the Darkmoon clan was really Otto Kingdom's second princess.

Though he scoffed at such 'nonsense', he was acting on his father's command.

So Aurela had set out from Okkento, traveling the world until he reached here, nearly forgetting all about his mission to find Serea.

But now that he was at the jungle's edge, he might as well take a look. Reports said the Darkmoon clan's queen was known as the 'Dragon Holy Maiden' and 'most beautiful woman of the jungle'. If he could glimpse such a legendary lady, it would be worthwhile.

After all, as the crown prince of Otto Kingdom, he ought to have some presence here.

Thinking this, Aurela even looked forward to tomorrow's visit. As he walked, he spotted something interesting.

"Diva performance? Hah, there's a diva show in this godforsaken place? Come, let's go in and take a look."

With that, Aurela led his guards straight toward the opera house.

Please give a recommendation ticket!

(To be continued...)

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