Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic-Chapter 353 School of Political Economy

Lecia had been a formal student of Zaras Literary Academy in her lower years before returning to Draleon due to family reasons, which is why her foundational knowledge was very solid.

"This matter has already surpassed our ability to influence," she received news, "the Church of the Five Gods has directly sent a new High Ring Sorcerer from the Papacy to the Coldwater Port Parish, and each of the Three Great Magics Academies has also dispatched their respective professors from the political economy schools to rush here..."

"Political economy schools?"

Shard suddenly asked, remembering that Saint Byrons was the only academy that did not recruit correspondence Circle Sorcerers. At the time, he had asked the doctor for specifics, but the doctor's response had been very vague.

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"Oh, that's right, you've only been here a month, so you wouldn't know."

Seated behind a desk, Lecia, wearing a Silver Crown, nodded and explained again:

"All three Magics Academies have a division of political economy, which deals with the management of non-human exotic species and the student races akin to humans, as well as handling special events that involve other species. In the contemporary Sixth Era, it's rare to see non-human races in the civilized world…"

The only exotic species Shard had actually seen were vampires.

"...So, the academy does not discuss exotic species too much with the lower year students. It involves some issues that even I am not aware of. In any event, both the academy and the Church are actively handling the situation. There are even rumors that some secret orders from the New World are advancing towards Coldwater Port, and they seem very concerned about this matter. It's quite puzzling, since when have mage groups based in the New World been so enthusiastic?"

She furrowed her beautiful brows.

Shard knew the truth, but he could not speak of it, so he could only add:

"I also heard that a Grand Witch from the Witch Council is coming here."

"Whispering Verses," in its first stanza, unfolded as some still doubted the authenticity of the grand prophecy; therefore, Iluna had to fully awaken and reveal her identity as The Chosen One. This time, he truly felt The Chosen One had stirred the entire world.

It seemed as though Coldwater Port City was undercurrents due to the Sea Return ceremony, but in reality, it was because of the unexpected appearance of The Chosen One that the port city had become the center of attention for terrestrial Circle Sorcerers.

The third piece of news was still related to the merman and the cult; the Fishbone Pirate Ship had once again appeared off the shores of Coldwater Port earlier that day, raiding a large steamship headed for the New World from Coldwater Port.

Including crew members, sailors, and some of the passengers bound for the New World, all 123 people on the ship disappeared, but pets like cats, dogs, and parrots were unharmed. By the time the Church's fleet arrived, only the empty ship was left floating on the sea, as it was early morning, and the bread in the restaurant was still warm from being bitten into only once.

The first step of the Sea Return ceremony, the spread of the Mermaid's Song Curse, was completely successful due to a greedy warehouse manager. The second step was the Evil God's Familiars, "Fishbone Pirate Ship," spreading fear locally, leaving beacons powered by an Evil God around Coldwater Port's vicinity while moving in nearby waters.

Although they had experienced a setback due to Shard, as long as they did not encounter Shard, this ship was nearly unbeatable in local waters.

"Based on the current progress, the Church estimates that the third step of the Sea Return ceremony will commence around next Wednesday. When the red sea appears, those burdened with the Mermaid's Curse will step into the ocean, and as they disappear into the depths, the surging waves will submerge the city..."

Next Wednesday just happened to be the "one week" time forecasted by Luviya; her costly prophecy was indeed accurate.

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Lecia read the last part of the letter, then set down what was in her hands and looked towards Shard, Her Highness the Princess furrowing her brows, looking very worried:

"The Relic 'Fishbone Pirate Ship' belongs to the things that can never be fully destroyed, so the Church will not waste time on it, but will focus on stopping this conspiracy on the land in Coldwater Port. I hope you can be by my side next Wednesday."

"Of course, no problem."

Shard said, his hands clasped together as he looked at the young girl in front of him. It wasn't until Lecia turned her head away shyly, looking out at the evening scenery through the window, that Shard sighed:

"For the other nine Circle Sorcerers who were with us on the ship, I will need your help to continue searching for them, especially Mr. Daknis. If he really can't be found, perhaps next Tuesday or Wednesday, I should try my luck in the red seawater by the beach."

"You've been really busy this week, did you get the 15 credits?"

The Princess asked again, causing Shard to sigh once more:

"No, the Mercury Vial I have is worth about 5 credits. The Old Cleric in our group has promised to take me to gain some experience tomorrow. Also, a good friend of mine is returning to Tobesk tomorrow; she might be able to help me, but whether it will be enough for 15 credits by Saturday, I'm not sure."

"If you really need it, ask for my help."

Still facing sideways towards the window, Shard noticed Her Highness's earlobes were a bit red:

"I don't have much, but I have a lot of pocket money. If you really lack credits, I can lend you some money, and you can buy some relics to give to the Academy... we are friends, after all."

Suddenly, Shard noticed that Lecia's profile very much resembled that of Miss Galina.

The two discussed the differences between the inland Cultists and those in the port city. As the rain outside had stopped, Lecia led Shard for a walk in the garden before dinner, introducing him to the ancestors of the Cavendish Family who had left their marks on this grand estate.

The current King had added a knight statue with a fountain to the mansion's garden 13 years ago. As a child, Miss Galina had once asked for a swing in the mansion garden.

Everything was damp, so Lecia did not try the swing, instead, she talked about her childhood memories, reminiscing about those carefree days.

The sun had already set, otherwise, Lecia might have even tried to take Shard hunting in the royal woodlands outside the mansion, or to the coastal beach for fishing. The spirited Princess loved fairy tales, but she loved hunting too. This reminded Shard of a very famous story, but just as he was about to tell it, Lecia stopped him, the redhead shaking her head quite seriously:

"Oh, Shard, I think you better not tell stories lightly. At least not any stories to me before the Coldwater Port shadow incident is over..."

She laughed herself then, her back towards Shard, hands clasped behind her, slightly turning her face, standing in the garden against the setting sun:

"But honestly, the story of 'Heart of the Ocean' you told me on the ship, I really liked it."