"Ronald, I thought you'd refuse her?"

Leaving Claudia's office, Catherine immediately teased Ronald:

"I know quite a few casters; if faced with the situation just now, their first choice would be using their own power to force the other side to submit. People like you, willing to talk to those weaker and even accept their conditions, are truly rare resources!"

Ronald rolled his eyes at Catherine:

"What kind of muddled thinking are you on about?"

"Claudia and I are already good friends, and it's a win-win situation. I'd have to be out of my mind to refuse, right?"

What Claudia asked really wasn't difficult.

This is the situation—

To calm the war in the surrounding seas, the King of the South Sea gathered everyone on an island, hoping to temporarily stop the war and discuss an outcome that most would accept.

Those tired of the war, wanting to support the King of the South Sea, certainly wouldn't refuse such a call;

Those wanting to disrupt the talks, or directly kill the King of the South Sea, also prepared their weapons and gladly headed there;

Finally, those hoping to reap benefits, or even cause chaos, also have no reason to miss this gathering.

And what Catherine hoped for was Ronald's help in this matter.

As an outsider, she didn't want certain things to be led by the King of the South Sea, and Ronald, who could easily change the situation without a clear "Gride subordinate" label, was her best choice right now.

"Sir, I'm sorry."

The three continued to leave, and not long after exiting the estate, Costate suddenly apologized to Ronald:

"If I hadn't been so impulsive, Miss Heloise probably wouldn't have left. You might have met them by now."

At this moment, Costate felt a strong sense of self-blame.

She believed her rash departure first triggered others' subsequent actions. Also, as Ronald's maid, her attention was solely on her master, neglecting the mistress's actions, which was a significant dereliction of duty.

In shame, Costate even felt confused.

The old her would never make such errors, but under the complex emotional influence now, she couldn't even fulfill her primary duties.

She couldn't forgive herself.

"Costate, it's okay."

Ronald reached out and held Costate, almost leading the dazed maid forward.

"Right now is exactly when you need to slowly cultivate yourself, and such situations are inevitable. Just like adults shouldn't be angry at a baby's cries of hunger, I understand your state."

Ronald was very clear, but Costate couldn't let go:

"But sir, I can't..."

"It's an order." Suddenly, Ronald interrupted the maid's argument.

Costate heard this and was directly stunned. Her centuries-old instinct compelled her to immediately follow Ronald's order, but the inner turmoil wouldn't disappear. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Meanwhile, Catherine also observed the scene.

The rarely serious Master of the Astronomy Tower thought deeply, and after the three walked a street's distance, she curiously asked Ronald:

"Aren't you worried you'll break her by doing this?"

Ronald replied firmly:

"Leaving her like that would truly destroy Costate. Given her current state, strong guidance from the outside is necessary."

Catherine reminded:

"She might adopt your demeanor, you know."

Ronald had thought about a similar question long ago, so he countered:

"Well then, Catherine, do you think it's good or bad for a child to adopt the traits of their parents?"

"Hahaha—" Catherine immediately laughed.

She seemed very satisfied with Ronald's answer, only offering one last caution:

"If a moralist discovers this, they might accuse you of manipulating others' thoughts and destinies."

Ronald shrugged indifferently:

"Well, let's see whose fists are harder then."

And so, Ronald practically dragged Costate, and the three arrived at the city's harbor.

Here, three grand ships belonging to "Gride" were incredibly eye-catching.

These steel beasts were entirely beyond the locals' comprehension. Even after days moored, many people still curiously examined the three steel steamships.

"Wow, these ships are really well-built!"

Upon seeing them, Catherine expressed her admiration openly and even entertained other thoughts:

"Once matters here wrap up, I absolutely must visit 'Gride'. Ronald, I recall you have some skills there, could you help out then?"

Ronald nodded in agreement, then teased:

"Of course, no problem, but Catherine, someone as capable as you likely wouldn't face many factions refusing to curry favor, so long as you don't reveal your origins."

Catherine lightly punched Ronald:

"If the flattery is due to fear of force, then it's meaningless."

"Okay, let's go." Ronald laughed carelessly, then continued forward, "The ship we're taking out isn't this one."

Ronald walked briskly, but Catherine felt a bit uneasy.

Though she followed Ronald at a quick pace, she frequently turned back in reluctance, continually surveying the three steamships from "Gride", just like the ordinary people near the dock.

In this way, the three arrived in front of a wooden sailboat.

Before they could act, an investigator jumped down from the ship.

"Mr. Ronald, you're here!"

Also a member of the "Gride" fleet, the investigator felt as excited as always upon seeing Ronald.

"Did you come to this city? I can immediately inform His Highness—everyone will definitely be thrilled to know!"

Ronald greeted with a smile:

"Actually, I just bid farewell to Claudia."

"And your ship should add us three as new passengers."

"That's great!" The investigator replied excitedly.

He understood well—having such powerhouses aboard was undeniably great news!

At once, he called for the shipmates to prepare the cabin to welcome the three.

After arrangements were set, and the excitement slightly faded, he then spoke again to Ronald:

"We're scheduled to depart in three days, you don't have to rush to board now—the environment here doesn't compare to over at the manor."

Ronald patted the investigator's shoulder and quietly said:

"The departure time should change; we arrived rather quickly, and orders are still behind."

Then Ronald straightened up and suggested:

"Perhaps you can notify everyone in advance now?"

The investigator showed a startled expression.

Then he immediately turned to deliver the news to his companions as advised.