Inside Porto-Veno.
"How long was I asleep?"
Rubbing his throbbing temples, Ray pushed himself up from Cantarella's soft thighs. He had to admit, this lap pillow experience was far superior to any regular pillow, the warm, soft sensation still lingered on his cheek.
"It's eight in the evening now." Cantarella's pale purple eyes shimmered faintly in the dimness. "What do you think?"
"It's already this late?" Ray was taken aback. "But I distinctly remember it was still noon when I parted with Cartethyia."
"Is that so?" Cantarella suddenly leaned in close, her beautiful face looking especially alluring in the moonlight.
She studied his eyes carefully before slowly pulling back. "I thought you might have been so engrossed with Cartethyia in the Sonora realm that you forgot about us. What a heartbreaker."
"But it seems this connection is just too draining, and you couldn't help but fall back asleep after returning."
Us?
Ray caught the subtle wording but didn't have time to dwell on it.
"So… I slept on your lap all day?" His voice still carried the hoarseness of just waking. "And you've been sitting here the whole time?"
Cantarella's fingertip lightly touched the corner of her lips, a meaningful smile playing on her face. "What else? I paid quite a price to make your reunion happen."
Ray couldn't imagine how she had maintained that position all day especially with the weight of his head on her lap.
Thinking about it, the annoyance from being teased earlier seemed less significant.
After all, he hadn't lost anything, and she clearly enjoyed it.
Neither of them had come out worse for wear.
Ah, perhaps except for the Second Young Miss.
"…Sorry."
"No need to apologize." Cantarella shook her head gently, her pale purple eyes shimmering with a subtle light in the moonlight. "You're the one working hard for Ragunna, and you're the Fisalia family's great benefactor. Rather, I… should be the one apologizing."
Ray looked at her, utterly confused. "?"
What did she mean by that?
Cantarella didn't elaborate, instead turning her gaze to the other side of the study. "By the way, could you do me a favor now?"
"What favor?"
"You've 'slept' on my legs so long they've gone weak, I can't even stand up." Cantarella's tone was tinged with a subtle ambiguity, her words even carrying a hint of seduction. "So, could you carry me to the balcony? I've been in this room so long, I'm feeling a bit stuffy."
Ray had long grown accustomed to Cantarella's bold remarks. He walked over to her, crouched down, and gently lifted her into his arms.
Even though it was her request, when his hand touched her delicate skin, Cantarella's body couldn't help but tremble slightly.
"So practiced." Cantarella nestled in his arms, a playful smile curving her lips. "This isn't the first time, is it?"
"Let me guess… was it with Carlotta?"
"What a pity. The property of the Montelli family's Second Young Miss is now in the arms of her 'sworn enemy.'"
"I wonder what expression Carlotta would make if she knew about all this."
"I'd love to see it for myself."
Ray looked helpless. "Sigh, no matter what, you're the head of the Fisalia family. Why do you talk… like a little girl?"
She was always so composed and reliable in front of others, yet only with him did she show such a completely different side.
"What can I say? I've always loved taking what others cherish." Cantarella chuckled softly, her fingers unconsciously twirling a strand of hair. "Besides, why can't I be a little girl? Just because I'm older, I don't even have the right to find someone to lean on?"
"…That's not what I meant." Ray carefully settled her onto the balcony chair, his movements as gentle as if he were handling a precious piece of porcelain. "If that's what you want, I have no objections."
"Then I'll take that as a yes." Her laughter drifted away on the night breeze, carrying a hint of triumphant joy. "By the way, Cartethyia… is she alright?"
Ray nodded. "Yes, she's fine."
"What a pity." Cantarella gazed into the distance. "Trapped in that world for twenty years, even losing part of her own memories. If she had a weaker spirit, she would have broken down long ago. But I suppose that's why Cartethyia is the Saintess."
"Even if she might not be the Sentinel's Resonator, her character is still admirable. If she were Leviathan's chosen Resonator, I would be perplexed, someone so kind, righteous, and brave is utterly incompatible with everything Leviathan does."
"If I were Leviathan, I would never choose someone like her. What would be the point besides causing trouble for myself?"
Ray didn't respond, simply watching Cantarella quietly in the moonlight.
She was so similar to Cartethyia both had borne the burden of being Saintesses, both possessed equally noble character.
To keep the flame alive, she hadn't hesitated to end the previous head's life, abolished the cruel Saintess selection system, and traveled the world for the future of Rinascita.
All those rumors circulating about her were far from the truth.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Cantarella noticed his gaze, the corner of her mouth lifting. "Have you finally discovered the charm of the 'older sister' type and decided to join the Fisalia family?"
Though she showed a different side to him...
"I just suddenly realized that you and Cartethyia are actually very alike." Ray said softly. "Both of you were Saintesses, both trapped in cages unseen by others. Only she is trapped in the high heavens, while you are trapped in the deep sea and what's most remarkable is that neither of you complain."
Cantarella's eyelashes trembled slightly.
She pressed her lips together and turned her head slightly to look at him.
"Saying things like that all of a sudden is quite unfair. Could it be… our little guest is actually the proactive type?"
The moonlight fell on her profile, making her feigned lighthearted smile especially moving.
"Maybe I am." Ray returned a faint smile. He glanced at the deep night outside the window, then stood and adjusted his clothes. "It's getting late. I should go. Goodnight, Cantarella."
"Goodnight."
After leaving Porto-Veno, Cantarella instructed Sebas to drive him back to Ragunna City.
"Finally heading back."
"I wonder how Phrolova is doing at home..."
"I hope the Second Young Miss hasn't already..."
He absentmindedly thought as he lit up his terminal screen.
When his eyes landed on Carlotta's 99+ missed calls, and the shocking chat history between Cantarella and Carlotta, he froze in place, slowly sinking back into his seat.
So that's it.
That's what Cantarella's meaningful apology had meant.
...
...
Meanwhile, at Ray's home.
Carlotta and Phrolova sat on opposite ends of the living room sofa. The deepening night draped the room in a layer of silence.
The clock in the corner ticked away, each beat striking both their hearts.
Silence still stretched between them.