With such changes happening, Claudia naturally wouldn't continue residing in the castle.

That very night, she returned to the steamship with a few confidants and summoned representatives from all major factions together.

Investigators, knights, royal servants, the church, third-party casters, Berenwich… all were included, even those from Entlade or those with special identities like Coya were not overlooked!

On the surface, Claudia's purpose for gathering everyone was to discuss whether they should aid Nikos.

But in reality, this action itself speaks volumes.

If she truly didn't want to help, Claudia wouldn't have gathered everyone to discuss it. Now, as the fleet leader, since she's expressed such intentions, no one would dare oppose her at this time.

Thus, they returned to the ship that night.

From the assembly to the discussion, it only took three hours for the fleet to reach a consensus on whether to help Nikos.

The reason behind Claudia's actions was actually quite simple.

This time, leading the fleet on this voyage was officially to eradicate the remnants of the Nine Commandments' secret meeting, but more importantly, it was to connect the sea routes. Graid is indeed powerful, but its many overseas colonies are something it cannot forsake at will.

In this way, Nikos' request was perfectly timed.

This nation possesses a crucial canal, ensuring that the rulers here are inclined towards Graid, something Claudia values immensely.

The brief meeting attitudes expressed in the secret room were merely her chosen negotiation strategy.

...

Thus, the meeting on the ship ended.

People began returning to their respective vessels.

During this time, Nicole suddenly parted from the investigator's team and jogged over to Ronald:

"Ronald, I heard you went with Her Highness to discuss this matter?"

"Nicole?" Ronald responded and turned to instruct the maid, "Costate, you and Il go back to the cabin first. Nicole and I will chat here, no need to wait for me."

"Sir, I understand." Costate nodded and withdrew promptly.

Seeing the maid drag Il away, who was muttering 'still want to live in the castle,' Ronald then left with Nicole, choosing a corner on the deck to continue their conversation.

Ronald first teased:

"Nicole, you're pretty well-informed."

"Not many know about me accompanying Claudia, yet you've found out so quickly?"

Nicole immediately stuck out her tongue, visibly reluctant.

"I don't have a habit of digging around for such things."

"It's just that since someone from the Spring Investigation Bureau was also with Her Highness, many from our Berenwich were worried about being sabotaged. Knowing I have a good relationship with you, they came to ask about the news."

Ah, so it's factional conflict within the Investigation Bureau again...

Ronald immediately recalled his experiences in Berenwich; the relationship between investigators from the two cities wasn't exactly harmonious.

Yet, his changing contacts and rapidly growing strength meant he hardly interacted with these aspects anymore, so he didn't initially think of this.

However, looking at it now… this issue still has a significant impact.

Analyzing briefly in his heart, Ronald explained to Nicole:

"I understand the situation."

"But regarding this matter, Claudia didn't mention any details during the private meeting. At that time, only she, me, and the church's sacred priest were present from the fleet side."

"If you're really worried about issues, you'll need to think of ways yourselves."

"Is that so..." Nicole lowered her head, sounding thoughtful.

Then, the investigator girl made an exaggerated move.

Realizing no news was coming from Ronald, Nicole immediately flipped her hand, producing a rune the size of a Go stone from her pocket at her waist.

Brush—

Immediately, a barely perceptible Magic Fluctuation flickered across the rune.

If not for Ronald's keen observation, it would have gone unnoticed!

"Nicole, what are you doing?"

"Preparing news to report back." Nicole grinned at Ronald, "Since there's no accurate answer from you, I'll do a divination and fool them with the vague result."

"Predictive magic?" Ronald's expression was shocked.

Such spells not only have many taboos but also come at a steep price, yet Nicole performed it like this?

He could hardly believe it.

However, regarding Ronald's tone of surprise, the investigator girl quickly shook her head:

"How could it be predictive magic!"

"I reckon I still need a few more years of training before I can use such spells freely."

Ronald pointed at the rune in a probing manner:

"Then what is this...?"

Nicole generously explained:

"Oh, this is something I came up with myself."

"As you know, I've tried predictive spells a few times before and gained some experience. Plus, since returning from the icy plains, my abilities have greatly strengthened, haven't they?"

"Combining new powers and the successfully recovered school canons, I've developed many uses myself. This vague predictive magic is one such result. Although it doesn't work as well as true predictive spells, it can provide vague directions and hints, somewhat like a degraded version of prophecy."

Nicole's explanation was very humble.

But standing in front of Ronald, her posture was upright and proud, showing off her remarkable demeanor.

Seeing Nicole like this, Ronald understood and smiled:

"Alright, alright, you're truly impressive."

"Among the casters I know, you're the only one who can achieve this kind of thing. Truly impressive!"

"Hahaha, I knew you'd recognize my worth, Ronald!" Hearing the compliment, Nicole didn't hide her emotions, and amid her happiness, she didn't forget to extend an invitation to Ronald, "By the way, Ronald, do you want me to divine for you too?"

"Though this divination isn't so effective, it can sometimes be useful."

Ronald naturally nodded:

"Then let's give it a try."

Considering strength and status, Ronald was almost certain he'd be among those helping Nikos.

Now, using this opportunity to have Nicole take a look would be nice.

"Alright, I'll be quick."

Upon hearing Ronald's answer, Nicole nodded gently and the magic on the rune flickered again.

Then, the investigator girl looked up, her expression slightly puzzled, and said:

"Um..."

"Ronald, I have a rough result."

"The divination says — 'The deepest lies right here.'