Unconditional Trust

Having inadvertently revealed the truth, Bell didn't have time to investigate whether his guess was true or false.

He looked down at the four fishmen floating in front of him, his right hand supporting his chin, lost in thought.

Given the current situation, it's practically impossible to keep this a secret any longer.

He couldn't possibly rush into the fishmen's hideout alone and alter all their memories.

Putting aside the question of whether there's enough time, the magical fluctuations caused by a battle of that scale will inevitably attract the attention of the wizards on the shore. In the end, it will inevitably be exposed.

In other words, there is only one path left to take now.

That is... shifting the blame!

It's impossible for me to admit my mistakes; I'll never admit my mistakes in this lifetime.

Moreover, Bell would rather Snape to that old bat Snape and get ripped off than apologize to Dumbledore.

Dumbledore's skills were simply too high. Bell was afraid that he might be sold out by the other party if he wasn't careful, and then happily help him count the money.

Therefore, finding someone to take the blame and clear Shanna and the others of the blame is the best solution he can think of right now.

As expected, based on his previous speculation and the intelligence he had recently obtained, there was now a perfect candidate to take the blame.

Bell placed his Wand on the heads of the five fishmen one by one, using the Memory Charm to alter their memories.

Based on their new memories, and led by the experienced and prudent Ugali, the five of them made their way to the shore as quickly as possible while ensuring their own concealment.

As a result, when they reached a point not far from the shore, they were surprised to find that the "Flerken" had actually come here to ambush them!

Moreover, what terrified them most was that the horrific "Flerken" was now nestled in a wizard's arms like a docile kitten, letting him stroke it.

They immediately hid, so nervous they didn't dare breathe.

By eavesdropping on the wizard's mutterings, they learned that the "Flerken" had actually been sent here under orders!

They were unable to hear the other party's specific purpose due to the distance.

But they overheard the wizard, while calming the "Flerken," saying that there were also spies from the other side among the wizards on the shore. So even if they miraculously escaped the "Flerken's " ambush and successfully reached the shore, they would ultimately face certain death!

This terrified them!

Who would have thought that such a deep conspiracy was involved behind this matter!

Hesitant to act rashly, the group, after a brief discussion, decided to abandon their plan to seek help from the wizard on the shore. Instead, they chose to return and inform the village of their discovery, leaving it to the wiser elders for judgment.

In order to avoid being discovered by the "Flerken" and the wizard, the group decided that safety should be their top priority!

Therefore, it's understandable that the return speed was slightly slower.

After modifying the memories, Bell nodded in satisfaction. Using the principles of magical traps, he placed delayed-activation Revival Spell on the five fishmen before quickly disappearing into the dark depths of the lake.

He has done all he could; now, he can only leave the rest to fate.

Traveling at high speed through the lake, Bell soon arrived outside the Mermen Village.

From afar, bursts of silvery laughter reached Bell's ears through the vibrations of the lake.

Watching Shanna and Gabrielle playing happily in the village in the distance, Bell really didn't know whether to praise the two girls for their strong hearts or to say that they were heartless.

While Shanna and Gabrielle were running around the village, observing the facilities in the Mermen Village and occasionally curiously reaching out to demolish one or two fishman buildings, acting like complete goofballs, Phyllis and Lena behaved much more normally.

The two women were gathered together, their faces filled with worry. Looking at the empty Mermen Village before them, they scratched their heads anxiously.

"What are we going to do now?!"

"Ah! It's my Gege! Gege ~! We're here~!"

After Bell got close enough, Shanna, who had been keeping her Perception Domain at maximum range, immediately detected her Gege's presence.

Seeing that his younger sister hadn't let her guard down, Bell nodded in satisfaction and then quickly went to stand in front of Shanna.

"Gege! Look! These fish-people's things are so much fun!"

As she spoke, Shanna proudly held up a large conch shell and handed it to her Gege.

"..."

Bell stared speechlessly at her younger sister's carefree smile and took the conch shell from her hand.

Where did these fishmen get the conch shells?

"Brother-in-law, are you here to rescue Gabrielle too?"

Little Gabrielle looked at Bell happily.

Although Gabrielle was happy that her sisters Shanna and the others had come to rescue her, she was even happier when Bell appeared.

The thought of her sister coming to rescue her made her even happier; it was a triple dose of joy, and Little Gabrielle even wanted to sing a song.

"Strictly speaking, I'm here to clean up your messes."

Bell gently rubbed Gabrielle's head, saying with a mixture of helplessness and affection.

"Huh? But I didn't go to the toilet! And Gabrielle isn't a little girl anymore; Gabrielle can wipe her own bottom. Besides, my sister said that boys shouldn't see Gabrielle's little bottom. Although I think it would be okay if it were my brother-in-law?"

Gabrielle tilted her head and looked at Bell with a puzzled expression.

"No! It's extremely important!"

Bell hurriedly waved his hand and said.

Luckily there were no police here, otherwise, based on what Little Gabrielle just said, he might have been locked up for 3 years.

Bell found it quite strange, really. He and Little Gabrielle didn't interact much. In comparison, Shanna and the others had much more contact with Gabrielle. Yet, Gabrielle trusted him unconditionally.

All Bell can say to that is... this is absolutely fantastic!

Cough cough, he absolutely has no interest in that kind of thing; he just really enjoys the feeling of being unconditionally trusted. Really!

"And what I mean by 'wiping your butt' isn't the kind of thing you do after using the toilet, but rather cleaning up after you and taking care of any potential problems that might arise."

Bell solemnly explained the meaning of "wiping one's bottom" to Little Gabrielle.

I wonder what Phoebe would think if she saw this scene?

It's probably that even knowing they can't win, they'd still choose to perish together with Bell.

"Gege, what should we do next?"

Before the curious Little Gabrielle could continue to ask about the trouble, Shanna spoke up first.

Despite her seemingly carefree demeanor, Shanna is actually quite capable of understanding what's important.

The reason she didn't look as gloomy as Phyllis and Lena was simply because the little girl unconditionally trusted her Gege.