They're here, these guys finally boarded the ship.

Standing on the deck of the steamship, Ronald clearly overlooked the scene below.

Among the crowd returning to the steamship.

There are three members of the Dawn Spell Society in total.

Moreover, during the boarding process, these three individuals surreptitiously glanced towards Ronald standing on the deck. Obviously, after being informed by the scouting colleagues in the afternoon, they all knew Ronald was guarding the deck and were quite concerned about it.

However, probably due to the need for secrecy.

Their surface-level disguise was quite well done.

Mixed among the other visitors returning to the ship, they were chatting and laughing, seemingly focused on the steamship ahead, without showing any apparent hostility towards Ronald.

——That's quite a convincing act.

...

Thus, Ronald watched as these people boarded the deck of the steamship.

Upon arriving near Ronald, Claudia, leading the group, clearly gave Ronald a look, indicating a reminder for him to stay alert.

"..."

Ronald discreetly returned a look signifying his understanding.

Then, on this torrential rainy night.

Ronald comfortably sprawled on a chair as if watching a play, adopting a posture of enjoying the rainy night, prepared to 'appreciate' the upcoming 'performance' of these people.

However, things took a turn.

Unlike Ronald or Claudia, who concealed their true intentions.

Among those returning to the steamship, there were individuals with more straightforward actions.

Just seconds later, Costate returned to Ronald's side and solemnly reported:

"Sir, I have something to report!"

Il chimed in from the side:

"Boss, someone intends to target you—Costate nearly took action just moments ago!"

"..."

You two really know how to disrupt the rhythm.

Ronald had originally prepared to witness an entertaining show, and cooperate with the Dawn Spell Society's act.

But Costate and Il clearly hadn't anticipated this.

Their first action upon returning to the deck was to inform Ronald of everything that had happened:

"Sir, I overheard at the banquet that someone has strong opinions about you."

"They plan to cause you trouble through mystical means before the fleet sets sail; I was ready to take action to subdue them, but Miss Claudia stopped me…"

Costate narrated the situation calmly.

And this method of disregarding others, focusing only on Ronald, naturally attracted the attention of those who had just boarded the deck.

"Alas—"

Ronald sighed.

Considering this outcome, one could only say that Costate's character inevitably led to such developments.

Meanwhile, people in the visiting group began whispering, clearly being influenced by the members of the Dawn Spell Society.

"Look, isn't that the woman who was causing a ruckus at the banquet earlier?"

"But she was stopped by Lady Claudia."

"Seems like… this guy is that man's servant, huh? Such a strong person also serves under someone?"

"I think it's Gridé's people with some ideas…"

"Otherwise, it doesn't make sense to cause trouble at the banquet."

"..."

These whispers were quite secretive, impossible to hear under normal circumstances.

But most of the people present are casters, with Ronald being someone whose hearing surpasses others.

Thus, even if spoken softly.

These whispers still reached people's ears, subtly changing the group's atmosphere.

Considering this outcome.

Ronald pressed Costate's hand, then stood up, heading towards the crowd.

His thought was simple.

Since accepting Gridé's sponsorship, he certainly couldn't choose silence at such a time, leaving all the pressure to Claudia leading the team.

Under these circumstances.

It's best to forget the idea of watching a show.

"..."

"Brad, you sure are arrogant!"

However, the situation changed rapidly.

Ronald had barely stood up and taken two steps when another young woman in the group spoke to the caster who had been whispering:

"Clearly onboard someone else's ship, and earlier it was your Dawn Spell Society that started the trouble. Now, in the discussion, the sequence of cause and effect has somehow reversed?"

"..."

This was a witch from the Twelve Witches' Association.

As soon as the young woman spoke, Ronald shifted his gaze to her.

Based on her attire and the magic fluctuation emanating from her, Ronald quickly determined her identity.

Just like last night in front of the library.

When the Dawn Spell Society's people were about to provoke Ronald.

The witches who had commissioned him to investigate Lighthouse Island also didn't choose to back down at such a time.

Seeing this scene, Ronald paused in his steps.

During a previous conversation with Grand Witch Teresa, she revealed their relationship with the Dawn Spell Society. Both parties in the city of Capen belong to the top mystical organizations, with relations oscillating between collaboration and secret rivalry.

But now it seems, things might not be so simple.

After the Lighthouse Island incident, the Twelve Witches' Association might help out of collegiality, but not to the point of repeatedly confronting the Dawn Spell Society directly.

This behavior is far too unwise for a major organization.

The only explanation.

Is that Ronald's discovery that night on Lighthouse Island is crucial.

Even hiding something that makes the Twelve Witches' Association willing to choose direct hostility with the Dawn Spell Society!

Ronald has some interest in this.

Although Gridé's fleet is about to leave Capen, he doesn't have time to investigate the details.

Perhaps by observing, he might learn some insights.

Indeed, after the witch spoke, the Dawn Spell Society members couldn't accept being provoked like this, and promptly rebuffed:

"Nina, don't think we don't know what your Twelve Witches' Association is up to!"

"If it weren't for you guys having other ideas and causing trouble first, would our society react this way?"

The rebutted witch sneered coldly:

"Ha, your attitude is truly arrogant."

"Get clear, this is Gridé's ship. If you want to cause trouble here, you better weigh your worth, don't assume you're crucial everywhere just because you're top dog in Capen!"

This sarcastic remark seemed to hit a sore point with the Dawn Spell Society casters, immediately angering them:

"Nina, don't go too far!"

"Don't think I won't take action!"