Just wanting to create an identity to infiltrate is not a problem for Ronald and the others.

There's no need to shake off Claudia and the [Greider] fleet.

They can even casually find a city, then use spells to manipulate, and the corresponding needs can be immediately met.

But now that they've chosen to act prudently, they have to see it through.

The safest choice for an infiltrator identity is only a companion from the [Greider] fleet.

Not mentioning the relationship both parties have built in the past and through this journey.

Just from the fact that both are hostile to the [Nine Commandments], they are the most trustworthy partners.

Especially since Claudia is currently involved in the King of the South Sea incident.

As long as the actual situation is explained, there is no possibility of refusal from [Greider]!

Even with such actions, Ronald still has room for subsequent choices.

The witch Ke Ya, who has immense respect for Costate, the church personnel who have always had a good relationship with him, and the caster group following Entrod.

All are great partners in the current situation!

...

The next morning, Ronald and the others were flying in the sky.

Under the guidance of Costate, the journey wasn't difficult this time.

Just because of the inward concave shape of the land's edge, after flying over a section of land, they quickly reached the sea, turning into overseas flight, during which they even saw the conditions of other cities.

Overall, these cities have different conditions.

In some places, just like Ronald saw before, both sides tacitly go through the motions, and an entire day of battle passes without anyone getting hurt; yet, in some cities, they fiercely resist the enemy, even changing the color of the nearby sea.

Ronald and the others flew from morning to night.

Having witnessed many battles, they also summarized the situation of the edge cities on the continent. The further south they went, the less violent the conflicts; while going north, genuine battle slaughter became more mainstream.

This does align with the [Greider] fleet's choice.

They were stationed on the northern coast, intervening in this incident, and it naturally couldn't remain a false battle. In the world dominated by mysterious upper-level individuals, the one who emerges victorious through force is the most efficient result.

Regarding this situation, as Catherine was flying, she couldn't help but complain to Ronald:

"Look, that little girl is really clever!"

"She knows what's the best way and when. Back at Barrier Mountain, I could already tell she was a talent."

Ronald responded calmly:

"Of course Claudia is talented, being groomed as the successor of [Greider], acting like this when faced with such matters is perfectly fine, or just like you said, it's a wise decision."

Catherine pouted unhappily, cutely saying scary things:

"Then can't you be wise enough to charge through with me?"

Ronald showed a comforting expression:

"I'm very grateful—that when faced with such choices, I can act solely on my personal thoughts."

Ronald and Catherine's daily bickering is a routine.

However, it was Costate on the side who showed considerable interest in this situation.

This was the first time the maid had seen Ronald communicating so casually with someone.

In her knowledge and impression, Ronald was generally polite, except when dealing with Il.

Thus, Costate fell into deep thought. She now held not just curiosity but was also able to analyze from a new perspective, a rather unique state.

Time seemed to pass by, but the sky remained predominantly black.

In her contemplation, Costate accidentally glanced below, the dark sea and the sparkling lights gradually came into view.

"Sir, we are about to arrive!"

Costate suddenly snapped awake and immediately informed Ronald:

"We're getting closer to land, soon we'll see the city where the fleet is stationed."

Ronald silently adjusted his flight direction.

Simultaneously, he looked towards the direction that startled Costate, noticing the lights on the black sea.

The scene below was somewhat hard to believe.

"Costate, are those... all fishing boats?"

Through reconnaissance magic, Ronald confirmed that those lights were from fish-luring lamps on the boats but felt somewhat peculiar.

The sea warfare grows more intense the closer one gets north.

During such a perilous time, seeing a large scale of fishing boats out for catches unless it's a tactic to lure enemies nearby, this action is quite baffling!

Facing this issue, Costate shook her head in confusion:

"Sir, I don't know."

"When I left three days ago, I didn't notice the fishermen's activities, perhaps asking locals would shed some light."

"..."

Ronald fell into deep thought.

After a few breaths, the boundary between land and sea had arrived below, with the city, dimly lit in the night, appearing in the distance.

Considering the upcoming actions, Ronald simply decided, telling the girl next to him who could fly by herself:

"Catherine, lower altitude, let's walk the rest of the way."

Catherine almost habitually offered an opinion opposite to Ronald's:

"If I were you, I would fly straight to the city center for a grand entrance, properly showcasing your current strength, letting people here know who we are!"

Though Catherine spoke this way, her actions didn't match.

Once Ronald made the decision, she immediately began descending, her movements showed no signs of reluctance.

The three of them landed in an orderly manner, arriving at the beach beside the sea.

The city was quite close, only a few kilometers away, built atop the terrain shaped by the mountain, with a quaint-looking wall protecting it, but where it faced the sea was open, facing directly toward it.

On their way to the city, Ronald and the others noticed some merchants camping here.

Among them, the friendly merchants were eagerly approaching Ronald and the others for conversation.

Through the merchants' descriptions, the situation gradually became clear.

Normally, southern continent cities wouldn't refuse outsiders, but now the situation is tense, with most cities choosing to close off, making entry more troublesome than imagined.

This city, though requiring troublesome procedures and waiting.

But given the current circumstances, a city that allows entry within one or two days—this reason alone is enough for the merchants to choose it.

After bidding farewell to the merchants, Catherine didn't forget to praise on the road:

"I was right, wasn't I!"

"That little girl named Claudia is indeed impressive. To maintain normal city operations in such chaos, that's not something an ordinary person can manage."

Ronald nodded in agreement:

"I never said she wasn't capable!"

Within a few words.

Ronald and the others reached the city entrance, facing the night guards protecting the city.