A breeze did not actually mean anything. After all, in a world where mysticism existed, perhaps the Fishmen were using thaumaturgy to create a sea breeze and heighten the ritual atmosphere.
Knowing that there had to be quite a few Fishmen and Ring Arcanists behind the hole in the wall, Shade did not even dare stick his head out to look. Instead, he pressed himself cautiously against the wall and tried to listen to the sounds beyond it.
But after quite a while, all he heard was an unceasing murmur of whispers. He could barely make out that they were prayers to the evil god, Lord of the Scarlet Spiral. The voices blended together; at least ten people were praying simultaneously at different speeds.
Unfortunately, the Bordeaux Candle that could grant invisibility had been used up during the last operation. Not daring to casually peek through the opening, Shade thought of using the thaumaturgy Echoes of the Past to listen in.
The wine cellar had been deserted year-round. Within the past forty-eight hours, the only people who had likely spoken here were members of the Scarlet Secret Society.
The thaumaturgy succeeded, but the cultists Shade overheard were merely cursing the Orthodox Church for being so despicable as to plant a Ring Arcanist Squad in the banquet beforehand. They also discussed the wonderful life the Fishmen would have occupying underwater Coldwater Port City after the Sea Burial ritual.
The two speakers even held an in-depth discussion about how to prepare seaweed specialty dishes.
Shade listened patiently, and finally heard a different voice:
"High Priestess, those two humans have arrived."
The speaker occasionally made gurgling sounds in his throat. He was clearly a Fishman.
Then came footsteps. The two sides met at the hole in the wall, precisely where Shade was currently