As night fell.

Ronald led Il and Costate onto the deck.

It was already late at night, and besides the security lighting, there were no other light sources on the deck. Compared to the neighboring city's dock, the atmosphere here seemed even darker.

But in such an environment.

More than twenty people were already standing on the deck.

Among them, Ronald recognized some familiar faces, such as Nicole from the investigation bureau, the ancient Wizard Coya, and Martha from the church, along with some Casters he didn't know well.

These people stood quietly on the deck, only occasionally whispering to each other at a low frequency. It was only when Ronald arrived that a few people greeted him, but they quickly returned to silence.

"...…"

"Sir, Princess Claudia has arrived."

A few minutes passed, and it was about five minutes to the scheduled time, Costate quietly reminded Ronald from behind.

Following the direction indicated, Ronald saw Claudia approaching from the rear, accompanied by a maid and a knight—whom Ronald happened to know as Morric, who had once warned him in Capen.

Under the protection of the two, Claudia walked to the front of the crowd and cleared her throat:

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm delighted to see you."

"However, before the mission begins, I must reiterate that this mission to aid Nikos is merely an initial attempt and is not mandatory. If anyone wishes not to participate, you may withdraw immediately."

"As the First Princess of Greid, I guarantee no one will be punished or treated unfairly because of this decision."

"...…"

As Claudia spoke, Ronald quickly realized.

—The news had spread.

Just as Claudia could predict, and Nicole could divine, other Casters had also sensed the dangers of this mission to the Lachmont ruins.

This statement from Claudia was to show her stance.

Otherwise, the general belief among the people on the ship was that supporting a small country carried minimal risk.

However, it seemed Claudia was worrying unnecessarily.

Those present on the deck were all confident in their abilities and were powerful Casters with formidable Spells. Despite the spread of the news, no one chose to back down at the last minute.

Seeing this result, Claudia nodded in satisfaction:

"Very well, I promise you will be handsomely rewarded after this mission."

"Now then..."

With that, Claudia turned to look to the side.

Following her gaze, the crowd noticed a carriage approaching the dock below, evidently bringing the guide from Nikos.

Taking advantage of the remaining time before they boarded the ship.

Claudia's demeanor changed, and she spoke with a tone that brooked no argument:

"There might be danger on this mission; you all know the importance of having a reliable leader, so..."

At this moment, Claudia's gaze fell on Ronald.

Realizing her look, Ronald's eyebrows twitched sharply, but before he could speak, Claudia continued:

"You all know Ronald's capabilities."

"Therefore, if any disputes arise during this mission, his opinion will take precedence, with Investigator Nicole as his assistant. Does anyone have any objections?"

Upon Claudia's words, the previously silent crowd began to discuss.

Listening closely.

A few were surprised that an 'outsider' like Ronald was to lead, with Claudia's 'own person', Nicole, assisting.

Overall, since Claudia hadn't placed the investigators in charge,

everyone seemed quite satisfied with this arrangement.

Not to mention, considering Ronald's previously demonstrated prowess, no one dared to disagree with the decision.

"Ronald's character and strength are evident to all; I unconditionally support his leadership!"

Suddenly, the Witch Coya spoke up from the side.

This Witch, whom Ronald had rescued from the Arctic, was quite renowned at the moment. Her endorsement swayed the crowd's opinion.

Amidst the approving cheers,

Ronald was appointed the leader of the first support team.

But Ronald was speechless about this result; he was even a little despondent, wondering why he had unsealed Coya.

If she hadn't actively steered the atmosphere, he might have avoided the responsibility.

"...…"

"I... will do my best."

"Everyone, stay safe. Let's ensure we don't create a major crisis."

In this situation, Ronald could only brace himself to say a few words, though he was very unsure inside.

Ever since his journey began, he had encountered a terrifying frequency of incidents.

Although Ronald had become accustomed to and accepted this troubling fact,

the thought of bearing such a heavy burden now...

made him feel that something significant might happen during this Lachmont mission!

Just then, Nicole approached with a playful grin.

Due to the height difference, the young investigator couldn't reach Ronald's shoulder, so she affectionately wrapped her arm around his waist.

"Ronald, we're counting on you."

"We investigators have great confidence in your ability."

"...…"

Even under the cover of darkness, Ronald could clearly see:

Nico leaned in beside him, sporting a mischievous smirk all over her face.

To outsiders, this might seem like Nicole expressing her support for the mission as part of the investigation bureau.

But Ronald knew her too well.

Nico, understanding him as she did, had surely guessed his current discomfort—she was teasing him!

"Sigh—"

Faced with such circumstances, Ronald could only let out a soft sigh.

...…

Meanwhile, people by the dock alighted from the carriage and were led to the deck by investigators.

"Your Highness Claudia, I am here to guide you."

"Welcome."

Claudia greeted them with a smile, then turned to Ronald:

"This is Ronald, who will be leading the team. You can introduce yourself to him directly."

The emissary was surprised to hear this:

"Your Highness, shouldn't it be you..."

Claudia interrupted:

"He is a powerful Original Holder, far stronger than I."

"...…"

Even though Claudia said it with a smile, the emissary dared not argue and approached Ronald.

Then, facing him was the already assembled team of Casters on the deck.

"You guide the way, and I'll lead the group."

Having accepted the leadership role, Ronald knew he needed to demonstrate his capabilities, so with a simple command, he began an incantation and took the group skyward:

"Starting from the relationship between Earth and the sky, we shall begin to construct our understanding!"