Deep Sea Embers

Chapter 235 “Across Time and Space”

Separated by a mirrored layer and flickering flames, Duncan closely observed Tyrian and Lucretia’s reactions throughout their entire encounter. He discerned their unease, vigilance, and mild apprehension.

Though the atmosphere was far from ideal for a family reunion, Duncan had expected this outcome and didn’t mind. Meeting Tyrian on his terms fulfilled his purpose for the day, and establishing a foundation now could avert unanticipated conflicts in the future. He was also glad to find Lucretia present.

Moments before, Duncan had eavesdropped on their conversation from behind the mirror without their knowledge. He learned that his earlier attempt to contact the siblings using the twin doll “Nilu” had not been futile. Although he received no feedback, Lucretia’s side had shown activity, granting him unexpected information and insights.

Composed, Duncan maintained his usual calm demeanor, scanning Tyrian and the crystal ball beside him. “A father doesn’t need a special reason to seek his children,” he said.

Tyrian’s eyes briefly widened before he regained control. Speaking softly, he continued to eye Duncan suspiciously through the mirror. “You should be aware that this is the cathedral. Even you should tread carefully so as not to offend the gods who dwell in this sacred place,” he warned.

“Yes, this is the cathedral,” Duncan replied calmly, “and I have witnessed it burn down and rebuild from its fragmented past. If the goddess behind this church is watching, she owes me a thank you.”

Tyrian found himself at a loss for words, a familiar sensation when conversing with his father. A century ago, before the Abnomar name was cursed, Tyrian had always struggled to articulate himself before his father, who was perpetually dignified and engrossed in enigmatic and ominous affairs.

“Has your sanity finally escaped the influence of subspace?” inquired the “Sea Witch” from the crystal ball. As she had done a hundred years ago, she eased the tension between her father and brother as the middle person. “Have you returned this time to continue your exploration plans?”

Duncan glanced at Lucretia, panic hidden beneath his calm exterior.

He aimed this critical meeting at laying the foundation for his future plans, cover or clarify the many “flaws” he might reveal, and, if possible, normalize the changes involving him and the Vanished.

Fortunately, the man had prepared a draft in advance.

“Subspace has left a deep impact on me, and perhaps I’ll never fully shake its influence,” he spoke slowly, modulating his speech and expressions. “I can’t remember many things clearly, even my understanding of the real world. I’m attempting to rediscover the world, and knowing you exist, I think this may be a crucial step in rebuilding my cognition.”

He paused before adding, “But as you said, Lucy—at least, my sanity has returned.”

This was the most effective statement he could devise to resolve hidden dangers and prepare for the future.

To maintain the Vanished’s stability, he had to play the role of “Captain Duncan.” Even with a tacit agreement with Goathead, he couldn’t abandon this identity, so he had to continue this “performance” in front of Lucretia and Tyrian. However, no matter how clever the act, there would always be loopholes. And given that he knew almost nothing about the siblings, the most effective solution would be preparing a scapegoat in advance—specifically, a scapegoat connected to subspace.

In any case, all the world’s evils were linked to subspace, a scapegoat among countless others. Adding one more from his perspective wouldn’t hurt.

The rest was left to Tyrian and Lucretia’s brain to supplement.

Upon hearing Duncan’s words, Lucretia in the crystal ball appeared visibly startled. She seemed to be intently observing her father’s face for any signs of insincerity, while Tyrian, who stood beside her, asked after a brief pause, “So, your actions in Pland were merely to save this city-state?”

Duncan smiled, replying, “Entirely out of goodwill.”

“…But the head bishop and inquisitor in the city don’t seem to trust this,” Tyrian said in a deep voice, “particularly the inquisitor… She is extremely cautious around you.”

“I can tell,” Duncan nodded, “she tried to cleave me twice in a row, but failed both times.”

Tyrian was at a loss for words.

Unfazed by Tyrian’s silence, Duncan shifted his gaze to his “daughter” in the crystal ball, seemingly asking nonchalantly, “Is Luni with you?”

“She’s here,” Lucretia nodded before motioning to her side. Soon, a clockwork figure dressed as a maid appeared in the crystal ball.

Duncan was surprised by the clockwork puppet in front of him, as it didn’t seem to fit with “Nilu”: “…Why does she look like this?!”

“I made a few modifications to Luni…” Lucretia explained, wearing a somewhat awkward expression while trying to guess her father’s reason for changing the subject. “Why did you suddenly ask about her?”

“…I found Nilu,” Duncan said softly, “in a doll shop. You didn’t take her back then, so she was never sold.”

Lucretia couldn’t help but exclaim, “Ah…”

Distant memories seemed to fill the “Sea Witch’s” mind, and her expression grew complex.

Duncan noticed the subtle change in her expression and decided that it was enough for now. Further probing might have an undesirable effect.

“I’m leaving,” Duncan announced through the mirror, signaling his departure.

Both Lucretia and Tyrian were slow to react, and Tyrian, in disbelief, asked, “You’re leaving?”

“I still have unfinished business,” Duncan responded nonchalantly, his gaze resting on Lucretia. “I’ll hold onto Nilu for now in your stead. If the chance arises in the future, I’ll return her to you.”

As he finished speaking, his image rapidly faded, and the green flames at the edge of the mirror disappeared like a phantom, leaving Tyrian and Lucretia with no time to respond.

The room grew quiet once more, and neither Lucretia nor Tyrian spoke for several minutes. Finally, Lucretia broke the silence, asking, “Did that really just happen?”

Tyrian offered a wry smile and shook his head, confirming, “It wasn’t an illusion. Could you ever have imagined something like this?”

“Not in my wildest dreams,” Lucretia admitted, her voice tinged with nervousness. “What do you make of it all?”

“You mean…”

“Do you believe what he just said?” Lucretia asked with a mix of seriousness and concern. “Father mentioned losing most of his memories and having to relearn the world due to the profound influence of subspace. He also said this influence couldn’t be fully eradicated but claimed to have regained his senses. What do you think?”

“To be honest, I find it hard to believe everything he said, including ‘regaining his senses’,” Tyrian replied with a deep voice. “Without further evidence, I’m inclined to suspect a conspiracy related to subspace.”

“Conspiracies don’t exist in subspace,” Lucretia countered softly, “only humans perceive such things.”

“What about a human who’s been influenced by subspace?” Tyrian sighed softly before continuing, “When chaos in subspace gains consciousness, it becomes more terrifying than pure chaos. However, things may not be as dire as they seem, and we can only hope for a miracle. In the meantime, we must remain vigilant and watch from the sidelines. You, who have served on the border for several years, know the importance of such caution.”

“I understand,” Lucretia agreed after a brief pause, then looked back at the oval mirror. “Is he really gone?” she asked nervously.

Tyrian considered for a moment before stepping forward. He removed the oval mirror from its place and laid it face down on the table.

“This version of Father makes me more nervous than ever,” the famed pirate muttered.

Lucretia’s voice came from the crystal ball, “It’s no surprise you’re uneasy after being defeated by him. It must have left a deep impression on you.”

Tyrian glanced back without expression, replying, “Let’s stay alert. We might suddenly hear Father’s voice instead of Luni’s.”

The crystal ball abruptly went dark and ceased functioning.

……

In the captain’s quarters, Duncan let out a long sigh of relief, reflecting on the recent conversation with the pair of “children.”

Once confident he had accurately remembered the discussion, Duncan took a pen and paper from a nearby surface and started recording the details based on his memory.

As he wrote, an unusual hexagonal emblem emerged on the paper, taking shape under his pen strokes.

Duncan’s hand hesitated as he recognized the symbol forming on the paper unintentionally. It was the same enigmatic emblem Tyrian had shown to Bishop Valentine and Vanna earlier—the mark of the mysterious “ascetics” the true “Duncan” had encountered a century ago.

Putting down the pen, Duncan stared thoughtfully at the cryptic hexagon and its fragmented cross structure, wondering where to begin unlocking the emblem’s secrets.

Suddenly, Duncan’s eyes froze, focusing on a specific detail of the emblem.

A wet imprint had formed on the edge of the paper as if an invisible stream of water had seeped into the corner. As he continued to observe the damp spot, a faint, blurry line materialized at the center of the mark.

Thank you~