Bishop Mathers's proposal was quickly rejected by Iver.
Detaining Master Nobel would bring them no benefits. An Alchemy Potion was merely a potion in someone else's hands, but in an alchemist's hands, it could produce unique effects.
And now, they needed manpower. Neither Iver nor Isabel had rejected the Equilibrium Path, so they could accept help from the Stranger.
After reassuring Bishop Mathers, Iver asked him for the fragments of the Red Hilt Sword.
Holding the familiar weapon once again, Iver felt much more at ease.
Iver then sought out Isabel again and told her all about the arrangements that would follow.
"It's time to get ready to leave," Iver said seriously. "Take Shafiya with you, as well as my father. Oswald will have to protect him eventually, and he can protect you at the same time. I'll also give you Diomedes. Take them all with you..."
"Originally, you were bound to encounter danger on your way to the Theocracy. But that calculation was based on Ms. Shafiya being dead and us heading to the Theocracy alone. Now that we've rescued Shafiya, you probably won't encounter too many problems with her protecting you. I plan to have Bishop Mathers and Master Nobel accompany you as well...I'll stay here with Sherlock. I'll keep an eye on him."
"...What about you?"
Isabel looked at Iver and instead asked, "Do you really have to perform the Shadow of Avalon Ritual?"
The two had grown increasingly in sync, and Isabel had already guessed what Iver intended to do.
When Iver had suddenly mentioned the Shadow of Avalon Ritual earlier, Isabel had sensed that something was wrong.
"You said it yourself, didn't you? There's a problem with that ritual."
Isabel tried to stop Iver. "If you want to ensure your advancement...wouldn't it be enough to