"Miss Phoebe, are you aware of everything that's happened so far?" Lucian asked.
He wanted Phoebe to join them in their investigation.
Rover and he were outsiders, and Zani was a member of the Montelli Family.
Thus, having Phoebe, a priestess of the Order of the Deep, act as an intermediary in investigating the Fisalia Family was the most suitable choice.
Although it was highly likely that the Order of the Deep was collaborating with the Fisalia Family, from their interactions so far, Phoebe had shown herself to be kind, gentle, and pure-hearted.
Lucian believed that if the Order of the Deep was indeed involved in something nefarious, Phoebe would handle it objectively.
After all, her devotion was to the Sentinel, not necessarily to the Order of the Deep.
From a professional standpoint, as a priestess of the Order of the Deep, she was bound to follow its rules in her daily duties.
Phoebe nodded slightly. "I saw what happened on your side through the live broadcast."
"So, you suspect that the masked man wearing Montelli Family attire is Mr. Gilberto?"
"From his build, it does seem very similar."
"If that's the case, doesn't it suggest that the Fisalia Family is trying to frame the Montelli Family for this incident?"
Though young, Phoebe was quite perceptive about the affairs between families.
After all, these families had been in competition for years.
Even during her regular duties, Phoebe often witnessed members of different families framing each other, throwing shade, or engaging in similar antics.
So, she was somewhat accustomed to these matters.
Yet, maintaining her innocence in such an environment was truly remarkable.
This was precisely why Lucian wanted her to act as the intermediary.
More importantly, it gave him a chance to work alongside the sweet and soft Phoebe, fostering their bond.
"So, are you willing to be the intermediary?"
Lucian explained his idea to Phoebe.
Zani, rubbing her chin thoughtfully, said, "That's actually a good idea."
"As an employee of the Montelli Family, I'm naturally at odds with the Fisalia Family."
"Even if I found evidence, it might be dismissed as me trying to clear my own name."
"And as outsiders, Mr. Lucian and Miss Rover likely don't have much authority here."
"But a priestess of the Order of the Deep is different."
"In Ragunna, the Order of the Deep sets so many rules that a single word from them can determine someone's fate."
"They're practically the 'local emperors' of Ragunna, so to speak."
"So, having Miss Phoebe as the intermediary is fitting. If we find evidence, she can present it."
Zani's attitude toward the Order of the Deep was quite negative.
In Rinascita, people generally believed the Order of the Deep was the Sentinel's 'earthly spokesperson.'
Zani's words not only showed disrespect toward the Order but also indicated she held little reverence for the Sentinel.
Phoebe puffed out her cheeks, slightly displeased. "I agree with your suggestion, and I'm willing to be the intermediary."
"But I hope Miss Zani can show a more devout attitude toward the Sentinel."
"Imperator grants us Echoes, the sky, the earth, the sea, and sustenance."
"Everyone should hold reverence for this."
In truth, though Phoebe had met most people in Ragunna, she didn't have much of an impression of Zani.
This was because Zani rarely visited the cathedral.
Someone who lacked reverence for the Sentinel naturally wouldn't go to the cathedral to worship devoutly.
Perhaps due to past experiences, Zani trusted her own fists more than the Sentinel.
Zani scratched her head awkwardly.
In Ragunna, those who didn't believe in the Sentinel were rare, and she was considered an oddity.
"I can only say I'll try not to… mock the Order of the Deep again."
Phoebe tilted her head, glaring at Zani with puffed cheeks. So you knew you were mocking the Order?
Lucian smiled and ruffled Phoebe's soft blonde hair. "Everyone has different experiences; there's no need to force it."
"Oh, by the way…"
Lucian pulled out a Red Spider Lily petal from his pocket. "Miss Phoebe, have you seen this before?"
As a priestess of the Order of the Deep, if the Order had ties to the Fractsidus, Phoebe might recognize it.
Phoebe looked down and frowned thoughtfully. "The frequency attached to this…?"
"Ah!"
Phoebe suddenly exclaimed, "I think I've seen a similar flower at the Cathedral. Father Alessio seems to have worn one like it!"
"Wait, does that mean he's involved with the Fisalia Family's actions?"
It seemed there was indeed a connection between the three parties.
Lucian shook his head slightly. "Not just the Fisalia Family, but also the Fractsidus. This petal belongs to Phrolova, a high-ranking member of the Fractsidus."
Phoebe covered her mouth in shock.
She had naturally heard of the Fractsidus, an organization with camps even around Ragunna.
Rumor had it they were a nefarious group. How could the Order be collaborating with them?
Phoebe's brow furrowed with unease.
Lucian mused, "Besides the Fractsidus, the motives of the other two parties are already quite clear."
"The Order of the Deep wants to cancel the Carnevale, claiming it's the Sentinel's decree, but it's likely not that simple."
"And the Fisalia Family's goal is to undermine the Montelli Family while seeking to restore their former glory."
Rover clapped her hands. "Alright, then let's go into the cathedral to find Gilberto and get to the bottom of this."
"Though Phoebe has seen this flower, it's not definitive evidence."
After all, Father Alessio could easily claim Phoebe was mistaken or that the flower he wore wasn't the same.
Phoebe nodded solemnly. "Rest assured, if we uncover something bad, I'll remain neutral."
…
Meanwhile, inside the Cathedral of Mercury.
"Gilberto, is everything progressing smoothly?"
Gilberto approached the priest and nodded slightly in respect.
"Thanks to your support, Father Alessio."
"The 'flower'… is very useful."
Though Gilberto appeared respectful, Father Alessio let out a cold snort.
"I must remind you."
"Don't take things too far, lest you attract unwanted attention."
Father Alessio was well aware that this Carnevale was a chaotic mix, being a festival not held in a decade.
It wouldn't be surprising if unexpected incidents occurred.