Under Grand Duke Halifax's farewell, the three of them left Silver Sea City and surfaced from the sea.
After boarding the Star Moon Floating Ship, Velin waved goodbye to Sandora, the envoy seeing them off below, then had Kyle pilot the Floating Ship upward.
Once they were above the clouds, Velin had Kyle halt the Floating Ship and come out onto the deck.
"Uncle, this is yours. Now it can be considered 'returned to its rightful owner.'" Without the slightest hesitation, Velin handed the Arcane Core to O'dor.
O'dor hesitated slightly, but ultimately accepted the Arcane Core from Velin.
After all, it was Shirley's parting gift to him. They might never meet again in this life, so it was good to keep it as a memento.
Seeing his uncle accept the Arcane Core, Velin breathed a sigh of relief. At least he would not have to spend time persuading him.
"This is your share."
Velin handed six Top-grade Purple Mermaid Pearls to Kyle.
"My lord, I..."
Before Kyle could finish, Velin cut him off forcefully. "Lahael and the others are your retainers. Are you going to make me do the work for you?"
"Then how will you reward the knights who serve you?"
"Compared to Mermaid Pearls that can increase their strength, perhaps they value their descendants more."
Hearing his own clumsy excuse, Velin suddenly could not help laughing.
Kyle did not move at all, merely gazing quietly at his lord.
"I need balance. Your retainers will become my new source of strength."
"I have never doubted Belder and the others' loyalty to me, but they are already married, and their first children have grown up. That means the beginnings of an interest group have formed."
"Twelve Guardian Knights, the brothers Orlando and Hebrew, and your six retainers—this is how