Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength

Had a brief chat with Patricia.

Ronald and his companions bid farewell, then headed towards the ship they were taking.

Just as the trio stepped onto the deck, someone who seemed idle and was surveying the surroundings, recognized Ronald's identity amidst the pitch-black night illuminated by the searchlight.

"Is it... Lord Ronald?"

"You really came!"

The respect in the other person's tone was unmistakable, and Ronald naturally responded with a nod:

"That's right, I do plan to join in on this voyage."

"..."

It was just an ordinary greeting between the two.

But this simple interaction at this moment had considerable impact on the ship.

Those boarding tonight are skilled Casters from the city, capable of observing the environment far better than ordinary people.

This undisguised conversation was instantly noticed by many, and likewise, the news of Ronald's arrival spread quickly. Information passed from person to person until soon the entire deck, even below the cabin, people became aware of Ronald's presence.

All within ten seconds.

Everything contrasted sharply with what Ronald had seen from below the ship earlier.

Regardless of whether the Casters on the ship were busy or relaxed, with expressions of leisure or tension, they unanimously stopped what they were doing at that moment, and their gaze turned towards Ronald.

Whoosh——

The air, previously filled only with sounds of waves lapping the pier, now brimmed with awe towards strength.

No need for anyone to maintain order, nor did someone need to speak.

A wide enough passage for a horse carriage opened from in front of Ronald to the entrance below deck, clearing with tacit cooperation from the crowd. Various tense and cautious gazes spread out like a thick carpet along this path, as if all were waiting for Ronald to walk this 'road'.

"..."

Facing such a rare scene, Il behind Ronald couldn't help but speak:

"Boss, everyone seems so scared of you, huh?"

Costate immediately corrected Il's words:

"Il, this isn't fear, but people's reverence for strength."

"..."

Regarding the conversation of the two behind him, Ronald did not express his opinion.

From the depths of his heart, Ronald did not wish to enjoy such unique treatment, yet as a fellow human, he could also understand what these Casters felt at this moment.

"Sigh—"

So, with mixed emotions in his heart.

Ronald silently waved to Costate and Il.

Throughout the process, he said nothing, and just like that, with the two young women behind him, he walked into the cabin. Under the guidance of a dedicated investigator, he arrived at his living quarters onboard.

"Mr. Ronald, life on the ship might be rather dull."

"If you have anything you need, feel free to notify us. As long as it's within reasonable bounds, we'll do our utmost to meet your every need!"

Ending the introduction to life on the ship with utmost respect.

Then the investigator voluntarily left the cabin, gently closing the door for Ronald.

Click—

The door closed, thus isolating two worlds.

Costate, assuming the role of a maid, immediately opened the suitcase and began to tidy Ronald's bed and room.

Despite the cramped life at sea.

But Brunnidge evidently did not wish Ronald to suffer any grievances.

So the room prepared for the trio was undoubtedly the most luxurious cabin on the entire ship.

Independent bedding, ample space to stretch and exercise the body, desks, chairs, and cabinets for daily life; things absolutely unseen in ordinary cabins were all perfectly arranged in Ronald's room.

Even just a short distance from the bed, there was a small pull ring.

The investigator had just explained its purpose—

If Ronald doesn't wish to go out but wants someone to come and help, he can freely pull this ring. When the bell swayed by the moving rope rings, the crew on duty in the cabin will immediately understand Ronald's needs and send someone over to resolve the issue.

"Honestly, I'm not sure how to feel..."

Ronald sighed softly, then pulled a document from his luggage, turned over, lay on the bed, and began to read the paper in his hands.

It was something he had specifically organized during his three-day stay in Brunnidge.

Within were lists of people from the [Ginkgo Leaf Business Alliance] whom he needed to take care of, information he had gathered, or paths for the fleet's upcoming voyage.

During the final waiting period for the ship's departure.

Ronald did not intend to idle or waste time here; rather, he continued studying the material he knew, checking if there was anything he might have overlooked.

"..."

Thus, the cabin entered a quiet atmosphere.

Ronald reviewed the documentation in hand, while Costate dedicated herself to serving Ronald, tidying up a relatively clean and comfortable cabin for him.

Only Il showed some aversion to such a confined setting.

So the fellow paced back and forth in the cabin, like an ant trapped in place weaving incessantly.

Meanwhile, work at the port continued.

The fleet's departure plan adhered strictly to the schedule.

About half an hour later, accompanied by an exceptionally loud shout from the deck, sailors raised the anchor and untied the ropes from the dock.

It took no more than a quarter hour.

Ronald, lying in bed, felt the sway brought by the ocean upon the ship.

—The voyage had begun.

Realizing this, Ronald put away the documents in hand.

Being one of the most luxurious cabins on the ship, it of course had windows. Lying half on the window side, Ronald didn't need to lean out to see the gradually departing port clearly.

The bright searchlights made the dock as bright as daylight.

A row of investigators, standing there watching the ship sail away, shrank in sight until vanishing completely into the bright lights.

Afterward, the surrounding environment rapidly plunged into complete darkness.

Except for the lights used by the fleet to communicate, illuminating the bow and stern, not a single glimmer was visible on the surrounding sea.

The night voyage is like that.

The world around becomes pitch black, as if hiding terrifying dangers.

Only with the lights from each other within the departing fleet can one's heart find some peace.

It was at this stage.

Il finally couldn't stand the boredom anymore, so she jumped onto Ronald's bed, hugged his arm:

"Boss, I'm really bored!"

"Give me a chance, let me go out for a stroll."

Ronald turned to look at Il, the longing in her eyes was indeed genuine.

He didn't intend to torture this lass.

So after pondering for a few seconds, he nodded to indicate consent.

However, before Il jumped off the bed and rushed out of the cabin, he didn't forget to remind her:

"Il, remember not to cause any trouble."

"If you cause any issues, I'll strap you to a fishing rod and use you for fishing next!"