The night breeze brushed gently past as Sifa held down his hat and stepped onto the deck.
Behind him, Levtor and Frank boarded one after another.
At first glance, Sifa spotted Cattleya on the deck. The Admiral of Stars had changed back into her black classical robe, the one covered in symbolic patterns and magical markings.
The most conspicuous thing on that robe was a mysterious eye without eyelashes.
The astrolabe she had worn before was no longer hanging at her waist. In its place was a short scepter, making her look like a warlock from folk legends.
"Good evening, Captain." Sifa removed his hat and bowed with a smile.
The woman with simply draped black hair and deep violet eyes nodded lightly. "Good evening, Mr. Rayleigh."
"This way, please."
She led Sifa toward the captain's cabin. As they passed the shadows to one side of the room, his intuition stirred, and he turned his gaze there. Darkness twisted, and a tall, thin yet pale figure emerged from it.
Bloodless Heath Doyle. The relevant information surfaced in Sifa's mind.
"Heath has already obtained the Golden Leaves," Cattleya said casually. She entered the room, while Frank and Heath showed no intention of following.
Sifa had Levtor wait outside as well. He entered alone, and Frank pulled the door shut behind him, leaving only Sifa and Cattleya in the captain's cabin.
In the faintly fragrant room, Cattleya took out a glass bottle and placed it on the table. Inside were several leaves seemingly fashioned from gold, still giving off a soft golden glow.
"Next, we can search for the second ritual item. Did Chik mention anything?" Cattleya picked up a gold-inlaid teapot and poured out a dark red liquid. The fragrance of black tea immediately spread through the air.
"Thank you." Sifa