Grimm, who got infected on the nameless island and was undeniably deceased, appeared once again on the nameless island? Emperor, when did you start writing horror stories? Also, where's the rest? Klein's gaze froze onto the last line of the third diary page, and he discovered that there wasn't any new information.
Apart from that, he was similarly alarmed by Emperor Roselle's description of the Beyonder creatures strange gathering and their worship of an unknown entity. One had to understand that not all Beyonder creatures had intelligence and could be communicated with. Many of them were monsters who had lost control or had madness as an innate property.
And these monsters that had lost control were gathered together, worshiping some unknown existence!
Unfortunately, the emperor didn't leave behind the coordinates of the nameless island... However, even if he had recorded it, I wouldn't dare to head over, for fear of any infection. If I were to die only to be revived on the island, that would be troublesome... I'll need to be at least a Sequence 4 or even a Sequence 3 before I'll have what it takes to explore it... As Klein thought, he made the diary in his hand vanish. He then turned to look at Cattleya and asked with a smile, "What's your request?"
Cattleya asked without even thinking, "Honorable Mr. Fool, I wish to know if Emperor Roselle once participated in a very secretive and very ancient organization."
Very secretive and very ancient... Twilight Hermit Order? Emperor Roselle used to be a member of it? Audrey suddenly recalled Mr. Fool's previous mention of that organization.
Alger recalled the corresponding matter and remembered that in Miss Justice's description of the Desire Apostle case in Backlund, there was a mysterious organization mentioned. Back then, Mr. Fool had told the members not to say the organization's name in the outside world, because "any mention of it will be known!"
Such an organization does match Emperor Roselle's status... Alger nodded inwardly.
As for Klein, he thought of something else.
Queen Mystic's choice of diary pages are vague. She isn't able to accurately and precisely ask questions based on the content. It also means that she roughly knows that diary pages from certain periods are very important with key information within them, or she is able to discern Roselle's emotions from when it was written.
As for Ma'am Hermit's question, it didn't pose any problems for Klein. He smiled and said, "Yes."
At the same time, he silently warned himself, In the future, I need to be careful that Queen Mystic's questions might be completely unrelated to the diary pages she hands over... Thankfully, I've read quite a number of Roselle's diary, and I have quite a good understanding of the emperor...
After saying that, he added and said with a smile, "It's your turn."
He didn't directly mention the Twilight Hermit Order, wishing that he could answer another question based on this topic in the future.
Cattleya bowed and expressed her gratitude before looking at The Magician.
"I wish to obtain clues regarding the direct descendants of the Abraham family. 1000 pounds."
She had no psychological burden when it came to offering a price, as Queen Mystic could definitely provide compensation for her.
Why did you directly look at me? She already knows that my teacher is a member of the Abraham family? Fors was first alarmed before realizing that it was nothing surprising. This was because this matter wasn't a secret to the other members of the Tarot Club apart from Ma'am Hermit. It was very normal for them to mention it after completing a transaction with her.
Although 1,000 pounds was very attractive, Fors didn't plan on selling information on her teacher. In all her life, there were only a handful of people who had been truly sincere to her; therefore, she cherished such relationships.
After some deliberation, Fors asked, "Why are you looking for them?
"If you can provide a reason, I can pass the message. As for any further developments, it will depend on them. I have no say on those matters."
Indeed, she might appear ordinary, but she actually conceals many secrets. She's a lady who's cautious and meticulous... Cattleya sighed inwardly as she said with a nod, "That's very reasonable.
"I'm searching for the direct descendants of the Abraham family in the hopes of obtaining information on Mr. Door. Pass this message to them and see if there's a chance for cooperating.
"Well, just for passing on the message, I'll pay you 350 pounds. If they're willing to take up the matter, I'll pay another 650 pounds."
Fors held back for a full second before answering, "Deal."
After saying that, she came to realize the hidden meaning behind Ma'am Hermit's words.
Mr. Door is related to the Abraham family? That's right. My bracelet came from Ma'am Aulisa, and it came from the Abraham family... Yes, Teacher still doesn't know that I'm aware he's part of the Abraham family... I can only casually mention it in my letters that someone was searching for the direct descendants of the Abraham family at a particular gathering, and that it has something to do with Mr. Door... I wonder what kind of reaction Teacher will have...
At this point, Miss Justice was happy for her friend, sensing that her friend had escaped the predicament of being broke.
Fors is already Sequence 7. She has almost caught up to me. I have to become a Hypnotist as soon as possible... As she had such thoughts, she glanced at the Tarot Club members, wishing that they had clues to the fruit of an Illusory Chime Tree.
Miss Justice's gaze really makes it hard to say no... Fors lowered her head in embarrassment. This was because she had yet to obtain any clues regarding the fruit of an Illusory Chime Tree in her circles.
Sitting across from Audrey, Alger thought for two seconds and said, "I have clues, but it will take two weeks before I can obtain it." @@novelbin@@
He did have clues. A long time ago, he had discovered an Illusory Chime Tree when he entered the primitive island with Qilangos. But due to his lacking strength, he didn't attempt to approach it. And now, he had the chance of advancing to Sequence 5. He naturally didn't want to give up any opportunities for making money. After all, he still owed Admiral of Stars for the information of the Obninsks.
As for why he was mentioning it now, in a sense, it was to declare his rights. When the time came, he and The World would explore together. It was best to decide the splitting of the spoils ahead of time to prevent any conflict.
Of course, when dealing with the Illusory Chime Tree, it was likely that Gehrman Sparrow would idly stand at the side without rendering any assistance.
"No problem!" Audrey was delighted, and she didn't even ask for a price.
She was already beginning to consider finding an excuse or a reason to directly buy it from the Psychology Alchemists after returning to Backlund in June.
With the two transactions coming to an end, due to none of the other members having any requests for the time being, Cattleya repeated her search for the blood of a Mythical Creature and Emlyn once again mentioned that he was searching for the remaining four believers of the Primordial Moon. Then, the Tarot Gathering entered the free exchange segment.
Derrick very naturally said, "I've already become a Notary."
You don't have to tell us that...
The Hanged Man had the urge to facepalm, but he replied with a calm voice, "Although a Notary will receive a massive boost in one's physical attributes, it's still more of a support role. If the notarization of a power is valid, you'll have them temporarily enhanced. If the notarization is invalid, the Beyonder powers will be forcefully dispersed. At the same time, a Notary is good at creating contracts. Once a signature is provided as confirmation, even a Sequence 5 cannot violate it. Even if a Sequence 4 demigod tries to forcefully violate the contract, they will have to pay quite a price..."
As a member of the Church of Storms, it was one of the basics for him to know the strengths and weaknesses of the Sun pathway; therefore, Alger carefully explained the exact situation for Little Sun. He also reminded him to select a mystical item that was good at controlling a target. If there wasn't any, it was best to select something with powerful offensive strength.
"Thank you, Mr. Hanged Man," Derrick thanked him from the bottom of his heart.
Deep down, in the entire Tarot Club, he felt that the greatest and most respectable person was Mr. Fool, and the most impressive person to strive for as a role model was Mr. World. And the most reliable and kind person was none other than wise Mr. Hanged Man.
Towards this, Emlyn thought, This fellow has actually caught up to me. No, I can't be surpassed by him. I need to complete the hunting competition as soon as possible to get the rewards!
He contemplated for a few seconds, and after receiving Mr. Fool's permission, he conjured the thin Moon Puppet that resembled a wooden pole.
"Ladies and gentlemen, does anyone of you know what this is?"
He knew that Mr. Fool was definitely aware of the answer, but he temporarily didn't have anything he could use for an equal exchange with this mighty existence. Therefore, he could only rely on the other members of the Tarot Club for any answers.
Isn't this the puppet I saw at that gathering? Mr. Moon already found his target... Fors similarly waited for others to give an answer out of curiosity.
Cattleya carefully observed it before frowning.
"It's likely a Moon Envoy.
"It's a Beyonder item that Primordial Moon believers create by using a bloody ritual that spans centuries. It's said to be imbued with divine powers. Each one of them possesses an unimaginable horror.
"Where did you obtain it from? It's very dangerous. It's best that you hand it over to the upper echelons of the Sanguine."
Emlyn changed his sitting posture and chuckled.
"I encountered it when hunting the Primordial Moon believer.
"She's already dead, while I'm still alive."
Mr. Moon's flaunting of himself is really obvious... The senior Spectator, Audrey, chuckled inwardly.
Cattleya was taken aback. Without deliberately hiding anything, she asked, "How did you do it?
"Did the upper echelons of the Sanguine provide you with assistance?"
Emlyn gaped, somewhat at a loss for words.
Only then did he realize that this topic wasn't suitable for a deeper discussion.
"Ahem." He cleared his throat and looked towards the end of the long bronze table. "I sought help from Mr. Fool."
-x-X-x-
Sought help from Mr. Fool? You can do that? Cattleya was stunned by what she heard.
Having been punished and discovering that "His" Blessed, Gehrman Sparrow, was becoming more and more impressive, she no longer had any doubts regarding Mr. Fool's status or abilities. She even knew that when Mr. Fool pulled her in through the use of an ancient item, allowing her to escape the pursuit of knowledge, she had come to realize that "He" was an existence at least at the level of the Hidden Sage or Primordial Moon. However, for certain reasons, "He" wasn't able to interfere with the real world, making her suspect "Him" to be an ancient god that was undergoing an awakening process.
The Moon's words left her surprised that Mr. Fool was able to provide substantial help to the Tarot Club members, and wasn't just someone who could only provide knowledge or pull them above the gray fog.
On the one hand, this means that in times of danger, I can also pray directly to Mr. Fool for help... This is more ridiculous than any ritual... On the other hand, it reveals the fact that Mr. Fool's recovery process is faster than I had imagined... Many thoughts instantly flashed through Cattleya's mind.
Audrey, Derrick, and company weren't that surprised. They had more or less sought Mr. Fool's help in the past, and they had even witnessed the angel under this great existence.
Seeing everyone's gaze fall on him, Emlyn shrank his neck as he lifted his chin.
"I paid a price.
"It was a fair and equal exchange!"
Fair and equal exchange... A mighty existence's immediate and effective response is priceless! Cattleya couldn't help but retort inwardly. @@novelbin@@
She didn't directly say it, because she too wished to use the opportunity of such a "fair and equal exchange" in the future. It would imply that she would have an additional life compared to others!
Fors was quite puzzled by Mr. Moon's deliberate emphasis on the principle of fair and equal exchange. Everyone who had sought Mr. Fool's help had made a corresponding payment!
Mr. Moon sure is a man who cares about his reputation, no—a Sanguine... Audrey seriously evaluated Emlyn's emotional changes that happened over a span of seconds.
As the exchange continued, the Tarot Gathering slowly came to an end.
After returning to the City of Silver, Derrick first recalled a Notary's strengths and weaknesses mentioned by Mr. Hanged Man. Then, he once again headed for the twin towers that was north of the city to select a mystical item.
He didn't do this before, because his condition wasn't stable after advancing. He was worried that making contact with a mystical item would lead to him losing control.
Inside the spire, Derrick Berg listed his requirements after finishing the paperwork. He saw a filtered list of items and obtained the corresponding documents that contained the information.
After having a careful read and observation period, he quickly narrowed down the choices to two:
The first was Cardi's Ring. It was ancient and simple in appearance, and it was completely iron-black in color. It was engraved with dark and complicated patterns. It was left behind by a resident of the City of Silver a long time ago. It could aid the wearer in awing a target, causing them to stop. It could also make ordinary humans temporarily lose their reason, or it could awaken the hidden emotions and memories of a crazy monster, allowing them to enter a brief period of confusion in which they wouldn't deliver any attacks.
The other item was Thunder God's Roar. It was obtained from a city that was in ruins. It was rather heavy and resembled a sledgehammer. It was dark blue in color while silver lightning swirled around it. Holding its handle felt like holding the leg bone of a creature. It could produce sounds that left the enemy in fear and chaos while in combat, as though a Thunder God had descended upon the ground as "He" kept roaring. Every strike brought with it a potent destructiveness with no lack of terrifying lightning.
The negative effect of Cardi's Ring was that the wearer would unknowingly produce another "self." Therefore, one needed to periodically receive treatment from a Psyche Analyst. If there were any missed treatments, then it could result in the aggravation of the problem, making it harder to treat. And eventually, the two selves would enter a fight, ultimately leading to losing control.
In contrast, Thunder God's Roar didn't have that many latent risks. It would only make the user be a little irascible bit by bit. As long as one periodically vented their emotions, there wouldn't be a problem. However, it also had another side effect. In a completely dark environment, the chances of being attacked by terrifying monsters from the depths of darkness was one hundred percent!
The chances of being attacked is one hundred percent... Upon seeing this number, Derrick turned gloomy. This meant that many City of Silver residents had vanished because of this reason.
They were the former owners of Thunder God's Roar!
Which should I choose? Generating another "self" is terrifying. Miss Justice has mentioned before that it's called dissociative identity disorder... Thunder God's Roar not only has a power that affects the enemy's state, but it also has a rather powerful offensive capability... My Axe of Hurricane has been used too many times, so it will likely be damaged ahead of time... I can produce light by myself, so I don't have to be worried about absolute darkness... Derrick thought for a moment and pointed at the dark blue sledgehammer.
"I want Thunder God's Roar."
...
160 Böklund Street. Klein walked out of his master bedroom and saw Butler Walter waiting for him with a few invitation letters in hand.
"Sir, there are a total of three invitations this week. There's an afternoon tea session on Wednesday, a literary salon on Friday, and a banquet on Saturday. They were sent from..."
Klein listened with a warm expression before saying with a smile, "Tell these friendly inviters that I'll be participating."
"Alright, sir." Walter bowed and left the third story.
Seeing the figure disappear from the stairwell, Klein couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
After another week of such invitations, it will be my turn to invite my neighbors for a banquet or a ball...
By repeating this act of inviting others and being invited, I'll really enter their circles and would be recommended by them to important figures at even higher levels. I'll be able to enter different clubs...
Heh heh, such recommendations are definitely established on a foundation of having sufficient wealth. A person without any value wouldn't be recommended...
Socializing for high society is truly troublesome. It'll take at least another month before I'll get to make contact with people who were slightly involved in the Great Smog of Backlund... The Church is easier. As long as there's enough donations and enough piousness, I'll be able to freely enter and exit to listen to the bishop's preachings. Of course, that's on the premise I pass the investigation...
If everything goes well, I'll be able to figure out the rotation schedule of the Keepers and find a chance to go behind Chanis Gate...
Klein reined in his thoughts as he instructed his valet, Richardson, to bring him his coat, hat, and cane.
According to his schedule, he was to head to the Royal Grand Theater to see the most popular play, "The Betrayer's Ring," in recent times.
This isn't solely for entertainment. It's to understand the popular plays, famous music, and trending novels. Only then could he have a common topic of conversation at the various high society gatherings.
Being a popular gentleman must be tiring. Behind a one-minute performance lies ten years of hard work... Social gatherings such as these are really exhausting... As Klein lampooned, he allowed Richardson to help him wear a coat before he sat in his high-end four-wheeled carriage. He headed for the Royal Grand Theater in West Borough, where he had a luxurious box to himself, and watched "The Betrayer's Ring."
It's different from television and movies. A play's acting is more exaggerated and impactful. Yes, this is determined by the acting environment...
The story isn't bad. But why does it seem familiar? Don't tell me that it's a story adapted from Emperor Roselle's works...
These are likely famous play actors. The papers have mentioned them before. It's said that they're very popular, just like celebrities on Earth during the age of the Internet...
As long as I participate in the gatherings of high society, I'll definitely have the opportunity of meeting them... As Klein watched the play, he habitually lampooned inwardly.
...
Cherwood Borough, at the ticket booth of a large theater.
Melissa, who finally had her turn, pushed the notes and coins through the booth window and said, "The Betrayer's Ring. Two tickets. 3 p.m. on Sunday."
...
After watching "The Betrayer's Ring," Klein sat in his carriage as he sipped a cup of black tea and received the evening papers that Richardson had purchased.
He first flipped through the play's critic column, and he found the comments from some professional critics. He compared their reviews to his own, and he gradually formulated a unique and profound experience.
Yes, at the very least, it's enough to fool those ladies and gentlemen... After Klein finished his "homework," he leisurely read the papers and was surprised to find a piece of news.
"The Backlund Bike Company's 10% shares have been sold. Further inquiries won't be entertained!"
It's done? By publishing this piece of news, it means Mr. Isengard has already received the money... Klein was first delighted before he frowned slightly.
His gaze landed on the exclamation mark at the end!
The information was indeed what he and Isengard Stanton had agreed upon ahead of time, but he found that exclamation mark was rather harsh on the eyes.
Such a statement doesn't need an exclamation mark... Mr. Isengard is a person who pays attention to details. He wouldn't give the papers free rein... He deliberately left the exclamation to pass a message?
He's giving a warning? While pondering, Klein suddenly realized something.
The 10% shares which Isengard Stanton sold are obviously from Sherlock Moriarty. With the former's character, he wouldn't sell it for no reason. In a certain sense, this means that Sherlock Moriarty or his proxy has returned to Backlund!
Therefore, one of the factions of the royal family that was involved with the Great Smog of Backlund had acutely noticed this situation and has begun monitoring Detective Isengard Stanton, hoping to capture the person who heads over to claim the cash!
How should I get the money... Klein seemed to naturally read the papers as he began seriously considering the pertinent question.
-x-X-x-
Ten at night. Backlund was drizzling again as a thin fog produced a blurry sense of beauty amidst the street lamps.
Isengard Stanton's assistant, Bowen, surveyed the bottom level once before walking to the side of the oriel window and was prepared to shut the final window.
At that moment, a shadow scuttled in and landed firmly on the protruding wall.
It was a blue, short-furred stray cat!
Bowen saw the large pair of yellow eyes looking at him as he couldn't help but chuckle.
"There's no food here."
As a detective's work made him prone to revenge, and him having many secrets to hide, Isengard Stanton's cook and servants were paid by the hour. There were a fixed number of hours a day, and they wouldn't prepare too much food. This made it difficult for there to be any leftovers after dinner.
The blue cat opened its mouth but didn't produce any meowing sounds. It began speaking like a human, "I'm Sherlock Moriarty. I'm here to meet Mr. Isengard Stanton."
"..." Although Bowen was a Beyonder who was nurtured by the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, he was a Low-Sequence Beyonder and his horizons were stilted. This was the first time he was encountering a speaking cat, so he was momentarily shocked and dazed.
After a few seconds, he came to his senses and recalled what the cat had just said.
It said... It said it's Sherlock Moriarty?
This great detective really isn't simple!
He actually changed into a cat, no—controlled a cat!
@@novelbin@@
Such powers are really strange and terrifying!
Bowen rapidly calmed down and didn't directly answer the cat. He reached out to close the windows.
After doing all of this, he said with a suppressed voice, "Follow me"
The cat immediately leaped from the platform behind the oriel window as it agilely followed behind Bowen with its tail up. It followed him all the way to the second story and watched him knock on Isengard Stanton's bedroom door.
"Is there something?" Isengard, who was dressed in pajamas with faint lines, opened the door and asked.
He was just enjoying his tobacco before sleeping.
Bowen cautiously pointed to the crouched blue cat beside him.
"Mr. Sherlock Moriarty is looking for you."
Isengard, with his white sideburns and thin face raised his brows slightly and looked down. He took two steps back and allowed the blue cat to saunter into his bedroom.
"Return to your room and get some sleep. Wake up as per normal tomorrow. We still have a case awaiting us," Isengard instructed Bowen as though nothing had happened.
After his assistant left him, he closed the door and turned to look at the blue cat who was sitting beside the reclining chair. He chuckled.
"I never expected you to have such Beyonder powers. I was worried you would directly come over."
"I noticed your exclamation mark," the cat said with a smile.
It had to be said that having such an expression show on a cat's face was rather odd. It left anyone who witnessed it feel a chill run down their back.
Isengard didn't react abnormally towards that as he sucked at his pipe, sat on a reclining chair, and slowly exhaled in comfort. He said with a smile, "I trust your intelligence."
"Thank you for your compliments." The cat politely reached out its paws and bowed.
Isengard observed it and rubbed its pipe while smiling.
"You should've understood what is happening.
"Those people don't dare to monitor me too strictly, afraid that I would discover them and end up telling the Church of Evernight and the Church of Steam. Heh heh, so even though it will be quite troublesome for them if they get exposed, I believe that they have a demigod among them. This is a deduction and is also based on certain feedback. After all, I've lived on this street for years.
"Therefore, humans and animals wouldn't be stopped from entering my house. I believe you've already figured that out. But when leaving, you'll definitely be tailed and tracked. Do you have the means to evade their tracking? Hmm... the sum of money isn't a small one. Bringing it out would be quite conspicuous.
"Let me think. Were you planning on conferring with me in order to get me to deposit the money into a particular bank account, and then you'll find many people to withdraw them in different parts of Backlund?"
Upon saying that, Isengard said with a self-deprecating smile, "This is the best solution I can think of, but carrying it out would be extremely troublesome."
The cat didn't give a direct response as it gave a deep chuckle.
"I only need you to lend me an empty room and three candles."
"No problem." Isengard didn't press the issue as he said, "The shares were sold for 12,000 pounds. The buyer is the daughter of Earl Hall, Audrey. Well, the hiring of lawyers and accountants, as well as the publishing of the advertisements cost a total of 600 pounds. In addition, there was a 0.5% stamp duty and 20% D-type taxes. So at the end of the day, there's only 8,940 pounds left."
D-type taxes were a tax on commercial, financial, and specialized income.
There's tax... More than 2,000 pounds are gone just like that... The cat's expression instantly froze.
Klein was formerly a Nighthawk, and his salary was tax-free. Later, as a private detective, his income was difficult to be monitored, so he never declared his income for tax purposes. Later, he became an adventurer, and since the bounties targeted at pirates enjoyed concessions, there was no need for him to pay taxes on them. Hence, he never realized that tax was something he needed to pay. Therefore, back when Isengard Stanton had mentioned taxes, he hadn't taken it to heart, believing that it wouldn't be much. However, reality had given him a heavy beating.
As for why there weren't any taxes for the share transaction the previous time, taxes were waived by the Loen government for initial investments related to inventions, as a way to foster inventions.
After a brief silence, the cat's whiskers moved as it said, "Alright, give me the cash. Eh, move it to the empty room.
"There's no problems with the money, right?"
"I've already checked them. They wouldn't do any cheap tricks on that, as it would be an insult to my intelligence." Isengard stood up with his pipe. "Remember to send me a signed letter of confirmation by mail later.
"It's already on its way," the cat replied, prepared.
Isengard walked to the safe inside the master bedroom, using a passcode and key to open it. Then, he took out stacks of cash, and he stuffed them into different briefcases.
Following that, he left the master bedroom with these briefcases and entered a guest room diagonally opposite the master bedroom.
"Check it," Isengard placed the briefcases filled with cash on the ground as he said to the cat that followed him in.
"I trust you," the cat said after taking a few glances.
Isengard nodded and pointed to the cabinet.
"There are candles inside."
With that said, he left the door, held the doorknob, and said with a smile, "I'm really curious how you would leave... I believe it will be a very exciting magic show."
Isengard Stanton closed the door with a click, leaving the guest room silent and bleak.
At the cat's side, a figure dressed in a dark red coat and an old triangular hat appeared. It was none other than Klein's marionette, Wraith Senor.
He found the candles and quickly set up a simple altar. Skipping over many of the first few steps, he directly muttered in Elvish, "Blessed of the sea and spirit world, guardian of the Rorsted Archipelago, ruler of the undersea creatures, master of tsunamis and storms, the great Kalvetua.
"Your devoted servant prays for your attention;
"I pray for you to take his offerings.
"I pray for you to open the gates to your Kingdom.
The wind inside the wall of spirituality suddenly grew in intensity as Senor quickly sliced the back of his hand and threw out a few drops of blood.
As a Sequence 5 Wraith, everything on him was material that was rich in spirituality!
The strong winds sucked up the blood, howling as it drilled into the candle flame that symbolized Sea God Kalvetua. The flame burgeoned, forming an illusory door filled with magic labels and symbols.
After about ten seconds, the door let out a heavy creak as it slowly opened.
One by one, Senor lifted up the briefcases filled with money and threw them into the illusory door.
When there was almost none left, the gold coin he stored in his body flew out and landed on the altar.
The Wraith's figure then disappeared, projecting onto the smooth side of the gold coin.
The gold coin trembled as it flew up, hitched a ride on the briefcase ahead of it, and entered the illusory door of sacrifice.
Silently, the mysterious door closed as the three candlelight were restored to normal.
At this moment, the blue, short-furred cat seemed to recover its senses. It looked around blankly as it meowed.
After a while, Isengard opened the door and entered, finding all the briefcases with the cash gone. There were only three candles burning silently as the blue short-furred cat was warily arching its back at him.
While he scrutinized this scene, a rental carriage slowly drove past on the fork on the other end of the street.
...
On the same night, in a building inside Cherwood Borough.
Xio returned home under the drizzle. As she wiped her hair with a towel, she said to Fors, "Your letter has been mailed."
Fors tersely answered as she began to guess when her teacher would respond.
At this moment, Xio put down the towel and quipped, "There's news about Mr. X's gathering. It'll still be at the same place on Friday night."
Great. I can tell Mr. World! I wonder how much I'll need to pay... Fors's eyes lit up when she heard that.
Before she could ask about the details, Xio added, "Mr. X also gave a mission that's said to have handsome rewards. Eh, it's to inform him of people around them who have abnormal luck."
"People with abnormal luck?" Fors muttered in puzzlement. "Is this man's brain working? Who would divulge things around them at such a gathering? This will make it easy for others to discover their true identities."
"Who knows? Perhaps he really is a lunatic." Xio didn't know anyone with abnormal luck, so she answered without much thought.
Fors carefully thought for a moment, but she failed to figure out the true intentions behind this mission. All she could do was throw it to the back of her mind. She planned on praying to Mr. Fool once Xio went to take a bath, passing the relevant information to The World Gehrman Sparrow.
-x-X-x-
Mr. X is looking for people with abnormal luck? Above the gray fog, Klein ruminated over the information Miss Magician had provided, in an attempt to analyze anything of use.
After thinking to no avail, he decided to approach it from another angle. He first recalled the people who had abnormal luck around him to see if there were any connections.
Hmm... The Fog Sea's Strongest Hunter Anderson Hood counts as one... Dr. Aaron Ceres is another... Hmm, both of them were affected by one of the Snakes of Fate... Angel of Fate Ouroboros was one of the creators of Rose Redemption. This secret organization supports and believes the True Creator... The Aurora Order is equivalent to the True Creator's Church... A series of circumstances surfaced in Klein's mind as he quickly came to a conclusion.
This is Angel of Fate Ouroboros's attempt to search for Snake of Fate Will Auceptin!
"He" is driving the members of the Aurora Order to help "Him" find Snake of Mercury Will Auceptin!
And this implies that behind Mr. X, there's a King of Angels existing somewhere in Backlund!
Under such circumstances, assassinating Mr. X will be equivalent to having a death wish... It's no wonder Mr. X doesn't care about the uniqueness of Backlund... The official factions would at most imagine that he has a saint backing him. Hmm, in the official dossiers, the Aurora Order only has five saints. This way, they will respond in the wrong manner... After Klein made the judgment, the first thought he had was to decline Miss Magician's request, and also to warn her not to provoke Mr. X.
If it wasn't because sounding the alarm might affect Snake of Mercury Will Auceptin, while the Church of the Evernight Goddess clearly had records of Dr. Aaron Ceres's bout of bad luck, Klein would've gotten Miss Magician to report both the Angel of Fate Ouroboros and Mr. X to a particular Church!
He calmly thought for another few seconds and conjured The World Gehrman Sparrow, making him pray in the gray fog.
"...I'll confirm the situation and give you a reply tomorrow."
He didn't directly reject her commission, as he planned on first asking Snake of Mercury Will Auceptin!
He then immediately returned to the real world, and he carefully took out the extremely fragile paper crane from his wallet before gently unfolding it.
Klein wasn't in a rush to write anything. Instead, he first recalled the various questions he needed to consult Will on. After thinking up a draft, he got out a pencil and sharpened it with a blade.
After stretching his muscles, Klein wrote:
"The members of the Aurora Order are searching for people with abnormal luck.
"I wonder if you know how to use the Worm of Time to create charms.
"Does your placenta blood count as a Mythical Creature's blood? If it does, I hope to obtain one drop. What price would I have to offer?"
Klein had originally planned on asking Will Auceptin how he was able to maintain "His" rationality. After all, the Church's information indicated that there had been no public faith in the Snake of Fate. However, he ultimately curbed himself from doing that, afraid that Will Auceptin in "His" infant state replied, "How did you conceive the notion that I'm rational?"
That way, he had no idea if Will was joking or speaking the truth.
Hmm, although there's no organization that believes in the Snake of Fate, there are certain areas that believe in the God of Luck; it's considered a traditional custom... Perhaps "They" are an alternative identity of Will Auceptin or Ouroboros... Klein mumbled silently and used the best of his Clown abilities before managing to refold the paper crane. He then placed it underneath his pillow.
After doing all of that, he had the time to calculate how much cash he had.
17,046 pounds, 5 gold coins, 3 soli, and 8 pence in change... If I had assets like a house, manor, and company shares, having so many liquid assets would make me quite a tycoon in Backlund... Of course, I'm still very far from being a top tycoon. To reach them, one's overall assets need to be a million pounds... As Klein was glad that he had quite a bit of money, he recalled his debt, as well as the large investments that he needed to make in order to develop his persona's image.
He then drank a mouthful of water, got into bed, and covered himself with a light but warm blanket before he slowly fell asleep.
Amidst his reverie, Klein suddenly snapped awake and saw the desolate black plains.
He walked all the way to the pitch-black steeple in the middle of the plains, passing through the chaotic and abnormal layout before coming deep into the steeple. Like before, there was a circle of tarot cards on the ground.
However, the protruding area in the middle of the tarot cards didn't have any silvery lines written.
Will Auceptin didn't give a reply... Then why did he pull me into this dream? Amidst Klein's puzzlement, he suddenly saw a black baby pram roll out of the shadows. In it was an infant whose looks were indiscernible while it was wrapped in silver silk!
"...Mr. Snake of Fate?" Klein politely and cautiously asked.
The infant immediately said in a clear voice, "What makes you so sure it's a mister?"
Isn't that determined from your name? Don't mind such details! Klein lampooned and relaxed due to the attitude he was given.
"Then, how may I address you?"
Will Auceptin in baby form tersely answered as it said, stumped, "I haven't decided...
"As you know, oh—you don't. Every time I start again, I try to make myself a little different, so as to maintain a good mental state. A child should act like a child while they're a child."
Klein's heart stirred when he heard that.
"Is this the way the Monster pathway maintains its reasoning so as to resist madness?"
In the black pram, Will Auceptin replied briskly, "Yes, every beginning washes away the madness. However, it still needs certain anchoring from faith; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to maintain my state as a Sequence 1 for too long.
"Heh heh, compared to before, you're becoming more and more knowledgeable."
Oh, apart from anchoring oneself with faith, there are other ways to resist the madness. However, "restarting" is clearly an ability of Sequence 1 Snake of Fate of the Monster pathway. Other Beyonder pathways aren't able to emulate that... Mr. Azik is constantly losing his memories and repeatedly finding himself. Does it also involve the same concept? Klein nodded in thought as he made every second count by asking, "I suspect Ouroboros is searching for you through the Aurora Order members."
Will Auceptin scoffed.
"I've been playing hide-and-seek with 'Him' for a very long time. 'He' isn't good at such matters. It's quite obvious that 'He' doesn't have a childhood. Every time he restarts, 'He' grows up beside the True Creator. 'He' lacks the psychological experience of the different stages in life, causing 'Him' to be very crazy at times, but of course, 'He' doesn't mind.
"I did inform Ricciardo to use the Die of Probability in certain places and leave marks. This will mess up Ouroboros's judgment. 'He' will soon leave Backlund once again."
That means there's still chance of assassinating Mr. X... Yes, when the time comes, I'll divine the level of danger above the gray fog...
Klein didn't continue on this topic as he asked, "Do you know how to use the Worm of Time to create charms?"
Will Auceptin didn't directly answer and instead returned with a question, "You obtained a Worm of Time from Pallez Zoroast?"
"How did you know?" Klein was taken aback as he asked.
He wasn't surprised that Will Auceptin had managed to mention the origins of the Worm of Time—after all, there weren't many demigods in the Marauder pathway who could create avatars—but why hadn't 'He' assumed that it was Blasphemer Amon? The latter could also leave behind a Worm of Time!
Will Auceptin smiled and said, "Pallez Zoroast isn't in good condition, and he had to parasitize your former colleague. Ah right, your former colleague was investigating Sherlock Moriarty, and he had entered my house in the middle of the night.
"I sensed that there was something problematic about him and had given him a short period of bad luck, causing him to encounter other demigods hidden in Backlund. And when he was in danger, Pallez Zoroast had taken action. Haha, it would've been fine even if he hadn't taken action. It's only a prank. I would've given your former colleague sufficient good luck at the critical moment."
Leonard is investigating Sherlock Moriarty? The Grandpa in his body is called Pallez Zoroast... Klein frowned slightly, unsure where the problem stemmed from.
Will Auceptin continued, "The creation of a Worm of Time charm isn't too difficult for you. You can pray to that uniqueness trait about you and use a compound of mercury and pure silver as a medium to draw the corresponding symbols."
It's not too difficult... Pray to The Fool? That's right. The mysterious space above the gray fog clearly has a form of attraction to the Marauder pathway... Klein was thrilled as he felt like he had grasped something.
At this moment, Will smiled and added, "As for what the corresponding symbol is, I've no idea." @@novelbin@@
...What a huge reversal... Klein couldn't help but twitch the corner of his lips.
When he noticed that Will Auceptin wasn't speaking any further, he hurriedly smiled and said, "There's another question. About your placenta blood..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Will suddenly opened his mouth and let out a cry.
"Waaa!"
He began wailing like a real infant.
...Can't we talk normally... Klein froze in his spot.
If he hadn't already confirmed it, he really would've suspected whether the entity before him was a Sequence 1, the president of the Life School of Thought.
"Alright, alright. I just wanted to ask if it's the blood of a Mythical Creature," Klein said as he raised his hands midway.
Will stopped crying and said with a laugh, "Of course, but I'll swap it ahead of time. Otherwise, everyone will die on the spot."
He paused for a moment before saying, "If you can give me something suitable, it's not impossible to give you one drop.
"Alright, goodbye!"
Just as Will Auceptin said that, Klein felt the steeple shake as the dream rapidly shattered.
Soon, he woke up.
-x-X-x-
What item would a Snake of Fate be interested in? Klein slowly sat up and leaned against a pillow.
He thought for some time and decided to consider it at a later date. After all, he was still at least a month away from Will Auceptin's birth. He could also leave the question for The Hermit Cattleya and Queen Mystic Bernadette, who was backing her, to rack their brains over.
Of course, Klein didn't eliminate the possibility of Will Auceptin's sudden choice of having an early birth.
He slowly turned his attention into creating a Worm of Time charm. According to Will Auceptin's explanation, he had most of the conditions required, but he was just short of the corresponding symbol.
Pray to The Fool and use the powers of the mysterious space above the gray fog... I wonder if a symbol corresponding to the Marauder pathway would work... Even if it does, I don't know what it is. Unless I pull a Marauder above the gray fog and let the high-back chair produce the corresponding pattern... As Klein thought about the details, he suddenly had an idea.
In that case, perhaps he could try the symbol behind The Fool's chair!
It was the Pupil-less Eye, a symbol representing secrecy, and the Contorted Lines that represented change!
I wonder if it will work... Divination won't be able to rule it out by elimination, but I can predict if the attempt will be successful. Besides, even if it fails, it shouldn't be too big a problem. After all, I'm praying to myself. Even if the material were to be wasted in the experiment, it would enter above the gray fog and not be lost... With this in mind, Klein felt pumped. He couldn't help but get out of bed to try out the experiment that very night!
A material like the Worm of Time that's left behind by a Marauder demigod at Amon's level still has its essence and level even if it's dead. When using it for a charm, it might not reach the level of an angel for various reasons, but it wouldn't be too far off. It'll be about the peak strength of a Saint. If Klein succeeded, it would be equivalent to having an additional trump card. At critical points in time, it might give him an additional life. So how could he not be excited and expectant!?
I can only stir some of the powers of the mysterious space above the gray fog. The level of the Worm of Time charm will likely drop a little more. But regardless, it will definitely be like the Ninth Law given to me by Admiral Amyrius... If I used the Blatherer's aura to create a high-level charm in the Devil domain, it will likely be at the level of the Ninth Law. Unfortunately, I wouldn't dare to pray to the Dark Side of the Universe... Klein wore his pajamas as he stood barefooted. He walked took four steps counterclockwise on a thick carpet as he chanted the incantation before entering above the gray fog.
Sitting at The Fool's seat at the end of the long bronze table, he conjured a dark red fortune-teller and yellowish-brown goatskin. He wrote down the corresponding divination statement:
"The charm I'm about to begin making will be successful."
Unwinding the spirit pendulum from his wrist, Klein held it with his left hand and entered the state of Cogitation.
After repeating the divination statement seven times, he opened his eyes and saw the topaz spinning counterclockwise at a rather slow speed and ordinary amplitude.
This means that it will succeed... But that begs the question, will it successfully verify that the symbol I use is effective, or successfully verify that it doesn't work? As an experienced Seer, Klein attempted to interpret the revelation, but he failed to obtain any confirmation.
With regards to that, he could only decide to experiment. There was no way for him to eliminate the mistakes if he didn't do so.
Right on the heels of that, Klein wrote a new divination statement:
"The assassination of Mr. X this Friday will be dangerous."
This time, the topaz pendant continued spinning clockwise at a faster frequency and greater amplitude.
There's significant danger, but it doesn't reach the level of a demigod's participation, much less that of a King of Angels... If it involves an existence of that level, "He" will definitely sense my divination and resist it... From the looks of it, Angel of Fate Ouroboros will soon be led out of Backlund... This means that the danger itself is a result of Mr. X and his subordinates. It's within the limits of what I can handle... As long as I don't make a mistake, the chances of success are pretty high... Klein made a judgment, put down the pen and paper, and returned to the real world.
As a mysticism expert who often created charms, he had no lack of common materials. He immediately got out some candles and lit them on the table. Following that, he set up a simple altar against the glow of dusk. He then used a piece of silver to draw out the combined symbol that represented The Fool.
As Klein didn't know what Path Number The Fool represented or what magic labels there were, he could only ensure that both sides remained equal. According to the books of charms he had read, these would similarly satisfy the rules of mysticism, but the corresponding might would be reduced. The chances of failure would rise because the existence that one was praying to could consider it as being irreverent and not pious enough. Of course, it wasn't a problem for Klein since he wouldn't reject himself.
After completing the act of carving the symbol, Klein found a metal bottle and used his spirituality together with a container, and he then poured the mercury out and filled the carved out pattern.
This time, he decided to complete only the front side for now. He would then summon himself and respond to himself. He would then bring the worm with the twelve translucent rings back to the room and then place it on a silver sheet.
After doing all of this, Klein adjusted the altar and took two steps back. He then said in ancient Hermes, "The Fool that doesn't belong to this era."
Following the process, he completed the necessary steps before taking four steps counterclockwise and entered the space above the gray fog. After imbuing himself with the Black Emperor card, he used his spirituality to stir a tiny amount of the powers above the gray fog to respond to his prayers.
While the surging energy poured into the circle of light, Klein didn't hesitate to return to the real world. He saw the altar had turned dark and gloomy, as though there were countless secrets hidden here. And the silver sheet had already floated up, fusing with the Worm of Time's corpse.
Klein took two steps forward, flipped the silver sheet around, and he filled the carved symbol on the back with mercury.
As the lines lit up, they effused a hazy luster.
Klein rapidly retracted his arms and saw the luster grow richer. He then enveloped the silver sheet and the Worm of Time's corpse inside.
Suddenly, the darkness around the altar distorted as the entire space seemed to turn abnormal.
This change disappeared as fast as it came. The charms filled with strange patterns slowly landed on the desk. It was entirely translucent in color and was dark black. It was like a miniature card made out of a special crystal. It also resembled the eyes of a particular existence that was watching this world.
It succeeded! It really works!
Klein was delighted as he hurriedly picked up the charm. He found it cold to the touch as if he was touching snow.
Regardless of the resulting effects of the charm, just its formation had meant a success!
Klein had once again obtained a high-level charm at the demigod level!
He busied himself again, bringing the completed item above the gray fog. He then used dream divination to figure out how to use it.
The charm which was in the shape of a black crystal card had only one effect, but it was highly potent. It was to siphon off the luck of others. And to be precise, it was to graft fate—a period of the target's fate would be grafted onto the user!
The simplest situation would be when an enemy is about to kill me, I'll use this charm, siphoning off his fate of surviving, as well as grafting the fate of impending death onto thim. Then, the situation would be developed into him clearly succeeding, only for him to die... It does match the Marauder pathway's usual traits, but it's more sinister and terrifying... It's going from stealing wealth to stealing fate... If the Worm of Time were alive, and I was able to fully employ the power of the mysterious space above the gray fog, this charm might even point towards the domain of time... As Klein thought, he felt a sense of fear.
If it wasn't for the assistance that this mysterious space had given him by obstructing and purging things, he had no way to deal with a Worm of Time!
Phew, now it's mine... I can't call it a Worm of Time anymore. I'll just call it Luck Siphon... Klein once again got busy as he brought back the Luck Siphon charm to the real world.
After dealing with the traces of the ritual, he gravely placed the high-level charm into the iron cigar case, putting it together with Azik's copper whistle and the Senor gold coin. He then sealed and isolated the case with a wall of spirituality.
Being in a good mood, Klein didn't feel sleepy. He drew the curtains a little and allowed the crimson moonlight to shine in, illuminating his room with tranquility and silence.
While he was enjoying the scenery, he suddenly saw a figure sneak out from Member of Parliament Macht's house as it approached amidst the shadows.
It was none other than Hazel Macht. She once again headed for the sewers, removed the manhole cover, climbed down, and didn't forget to close the cover.
Why is she always heading into the sewers? It's not likely for her to be heading to other areas from here to act like a superhero in the mysterious world. After all, each trip doesn't take her more than an hour. Unless she has very reliable intelligence, it's difficult to achieve anything. Besides, this will make it easy for her to be caught by the official Beyonders... Together with the scene provided to me by Arrodes, she's likely finding something... Hmm, it's very easy for her to encounter danger if she keeps heading into the sewers... Klein stood behind the curtain gap as he observed what was happening under the serene night.
He didn't attempt to warn Hazel or let the Wraith possess her to let her understand the dangers of the Beyonder world. Firstly, this was because he had quite a subjective view that Hazel's sense of superiority was due to a result of her lacking knowledge in mysticism, so he couldn't be sure. Secondly, he wasn't sure how she had obtained Beyonder powers and a mystical item. Warning her out of gratitude for her kind deed earlier would easily attract unwanted attention or even trouble. @@novelbin@@
After enjoying an evening of peace, Klein returned to bed and slept till daybreak.
Before Richardson entered, he turned into Gehrman Sparrow and prayed to The Fool:
"...I can accept the mission, but regardless of the outcome, I want a stone from that bracelet of yours, as well as the ability to use that spellbook of yours for some time.
"If it succeeds, all spoils of war will be mine. You can only take the target's head.
"If required, you will need to provide assistance."
-x-X-x-
He wants a stone from my bracelet and the right to use Leymano's Travels for some time? How does he know that I have those two items? I don't remember mentioning it during the Tarot Gatherings... After hearing Gehrman Sparrow's response, Fors was bewildered and rather shocked. It felt like he had seen through all her secrets.
She tensed up as she quickly tried recalling how this information could've been leaked.
Aside from Teacher, Xio, and Mr. Fool, no one knows that I have these two items, especially Leymano's Travels. I haven't even used it... Mr. Fool... Hmm, Mr. World appears quite strange during the Tarot Gatherings; he never hands over Emperor Roselle's diary pages, and he doesn't seem to put any effort into this, nor does he show any concern... He and Mr. Fool have a deeper connection. He obtains the relevant information from "Him"? A believer or a Blessed? Fors carefully thought over the matter as she grasped something, easing her horror from before.
Only at this moment did she have the time and energy to consider if she could accept Gehrman Sparrow's requests.
To Fors, such a price was too cheap, far lower than she had expected. Furthermore, it was reasonable!
As a Beyonder who seldom went out and just stayed home writing and resting, lending Leymano's Travels for some time didn't affect her safety or her need to use it. And likewise, giving one of the two remaining stones in the bracelet that allowed her to travel through the spirit world didn't cause her to lose all her trump cards.
The only problem is that Mr. World seems to be willing to only try it once. If he fails, he will still take the payment... Yes, with the fact that he needs to bear the risk, that's normal... I originally imagined that I would need to help him do many things and obtain a reward from Teacher by using the traitor's head to repay the debt...
Fors thought calmly for a few seconds before she prayed to Mr. Fool:
"...Please inform Mr. World that I accept his conditions, and I will try my best to provide him assistance in the operation."
He originally wished to warn Gehrman Sparrow that using the stone might result in the side effect of receiving the ravings of the full moon, but she then realized that it was apparently only something Beyonders from the Apprentice pathway encountered.
...
Regardless if it succeeds or fails, I'll obtain that stone. I'll be able to secretly leave Backlund and meet with Mr. Hanged Man to explore that primitive island... When the time comes, I'll use the spellbook to record the usage of the stone. That way, I don't have to worry about the return trip. That's unless my luck is terrible and the recording fails... Klein secretly heaved a sigh of relief, opened the door, and got Richardson to help him dress up.
"Sir, after breakfast, your schedule is to head to the Royal Museum to see the royal family's collection exhibition." As Richardson helped his employer wear his coat, he informed him of the day's schedule.
As Dwayne Dantès mastered social dancing very quickly, the number of etiquette classes in the morning went from five times a week to three times a week, allowing him to spare time for other things. And such exhibitions were definitely a hot topic of conversation in high society circles. By not going in person, it would make him appear lacking. @@novelbin@@
As for heading to Saint Samuel Cathedral for the bishop's preachings, Klein had consciously lowered his frequency. This wasn't because he needed to donate tens of pounds each time, but that he was afraid that heading there frequently despite having the novelty period wear off would incur suspicion. Being natural and reasonable were the core traits of his plans.
Other than on a Sunday, he planned on randomly heading to Church on two of the remaining six days. He wanted to rely on an even longer period of time to accumulate intelligence so as to figure out a pattern. He couldn't be impatient or in a rush!
"I'm already looking forward to it." Klein looked at the dignified reflection of himself as he said to his valet with a smile.
Upon thinking of Saint Samuel Cathedral and the Church of Evernight, he naturally connected it to Leonard Mitchell's secret investigation of Sherlock Moriarty. He didn't understand what he was suspicious about.
Is it because of Emlyn White's purchase of Tinder that drove Leonard to investigate the people related to him, or was it because of the fleeting appearances of the detective in the cases of Capim and Lanevus that made the Red Gloves who are in charge of the investigations notice something? Or could it be both? Klein thought about the clues that he had left behind and had a rough guess.
He wasn't afraid that Sherlock Moriarty would be wanted by the Church of Evernight and given a bounty. After all, apart from contacting a few people that he was familiar with, the detective wasn't to appear again. He was worried that someone would discover that Sherlock Moriarty, in his early appearances, resembled Klein Moretti greatly, and as such, they would pursue the deceased former Nighthawk.
In fact, it's not a problem even if they discover that. I'm no longer the Clown or Magician from before. There are more than a handful of demigods searching for me. Even with the high-ranking deacons of the Church, there won't be any qualitative changes... Besides, Benson and Melissa truly are ordinary people. The Church will definitely not involve them and disturb their lives... I wonder if they will claim the bereavement compensation back. Probably not, for there's no way they can explain it to ordinary people... Klein wasn't that worried with all the debt he was in.
This was also why he was so calm when he heard Will Auceptin mention Klein Moretti's identity last night.
How could a Sequence 1 Angel who was good at fate-related abilities and had previously interacted with Sherlock Moriarty early on not discover the detective's origins?
Even with the gray fog's obstruction that interfered with many details, Will Auceptin was definitely able to know that Sherlock Moriarty originally came from Tingen.
And back in Tingen, Klein had interacted with a youth named Ademisaul, who was of the Monster pathway, leading him to bleed from his eyes. And if Will Auceptin were to be aware of this and make a comparison, the answer was obvious.
If Leonard were to really realize Sherlock Moriarty's hidden identity, I wonder what kind of expression he would have... Klein gave a self-deprecating laugh as he walked out the master bedroom. He went to the second floor to enjoy the breakfast his cook had prepared specially for him.
...
West Borough, 2 King's Avenue, Royal Museum.
Klein passed through the ticket entrance with Butler Walter and Valet Richardson and went into the museum.
The exhibition was held by the Loen royal family. They showcased all kinds of collections that had historical meaning from the kingdom's founding so as to allow the public to enjoy and gain an understanding. It was a way to raise the kingdom's citizens respect and recognition of the royal family.
As a graduate from the Department of History, Klein was still rather interested in the exhibition. Many of the matters that he was very familiar with had the corresponding items appear here. They allowed him to plunge into the long and fascinating history from another angle.
What left Klein somewhat puzzled was Walter's deep understanding towards most of the exhibits. He introduced them to Dwayne Dantès with extreme detail.
As expected of a butler who came from an aristocratic household... Klein silently nodded.
As he perused the exhibits, the trio kept encountering other visitors, and the exhibition hall was quiet and orderly, so people had to converse in whispers.
When passing by an exhibit, Klein noticed Walter suddenly stop. He then glanced to his side as his expression turned complicated.
As he wasn't a Spectator, Klein wasn't able to interpret the actual meaning of those complicated feelings. All he could do was trace Walter's gaze towards the exhibit.
Standing in front of the exhibit were a man and a woman. The man was in his thirties and wore a black suit, silk hat, and a gold-inlaid cane, looking like a gentleman of status and wealth. The woman was in a yellow dress with a golden necklace. Her overall attire was inclined towards bright colors.
Mr. Butler is looking at that man... Klein instantly made the judgment as he swept his gaze past the target without anyone detecting him.
He realized that the man looked rather old. His skin was dark as a result of frequent exposure to the sun. The back of his hand was like dried wood, and his fingers were extremely rough.
If I didn't look at his attire, I would've believed it if someone told me he was a farmer, gardener, or carriage driver... Klein retracted his gaze as he felt a little puzzled.
The reason why he noticed these details was because he had seriously considered the appearance of an ordinary person who adventured in the Southern Continent for extended periods of time back when he was constructing the identity of Dwayne Dantès.
He believed that apart from his gaze, bearing, and natural facial features that were etched by his rich experience, Dwayne Dantès also needed to have details, such as skin that had experienced long periods of suntanning, unobvious scars, and rough but strong palms. Otherwise, it wouldn't be enough to prop up such a character's inherent traits
I have to say that from the moment I became a Faceless, I'm getting more and more experienced and wise in the aspect of creating a new character... If I were to return to Earth, even without my Beyonder powers, I'll have strong acting skills... As Klein made self-deprecating comments inwardly, he saw Walter recover from his stern look as though nothing had happened.
As for the man with somewhat old facial features and rough skin, he pointed at a flag inside the exhibition case.
"This is the flag that the Earl of Lastings, Prince Harrods Augustus used during the White Rose War. Unfortunately, he perished in that war. However, his death was the turning point of the entire war and the reason why Loen eventually clinched victory. Look, the flag still has his blood..."
He's quite knowledgeable in the field of history... Klein gaze swept towards Walter from the corner of his eye, thought for two seconds, and smiled. He approached the couple and interjected in a friendly manner:
"I never expected such a neglected tidbit of history would be known by someone else. I originally believed that the people's understanding of the White Rose War was only limited to Loen's victory against Intis.
"Sir, your eruditeness leaves me amazed."
To be praised in front of his female partner, the man's expression turned from a wary one to a relaxed one. A gleeful smile appeared on his face.
"I'm just a person who likes history."
He casually swept his gaze towards the servant of the gentleman in front of him as he suddenly frowned before easing his brows. There were remnant looks of puzzlement.
Indeed, he knows Butler Walter... Klein smiled while maintaining his composure.
"Hello there, I'm a merchant from Desi, Dwayne Dantès. How may I address you?"
The man hesitated and said, "William Sikes, a land steward at a manor."
-x-X-x-
William Sikes... A land steward... Klein inwardly repeated the response he got before turning the topic of conversation towards the flag and the White Rose War.
After a short chat, he politely bade farewell and walked towards the other exhibits with Walter and Richardson. He continued his own tour of the exhibits, as though his encounter from before was completely trivial, a conversation that was purely coincidental.
When it was almost noon, Klein, who had returned to his high-end four-wheeled carriage, looked out at the passing bicycles when he suddenly said, "Walter, you seem to know Mr. William Sikes?"
Walter solemnly nodded and said, "I once knew him while I was working for Viscount Conrad's household.
"He served a member of the royal family, the former Earl of Lastings, Prince Edessak."
He didn't conceal anything, and he described William Sikes's background in detail.
He was once in service of Prince Edessak? He's living quite a good life after the prince passed away because of the Great Smog of Backlund. I wonder what manor he's the land steward of... Perhaps he knows some secrets? Klein gently nodded and didn't probe further. He was wondering if he should find an opportunity to investigate William Sikes.
If William Sikes really knows something, the royal family's faction wouldn't leave him be. Or perhaps he is part of that faction. In short, investigating him will be a rather dangerous matter. There's no way to entrust this matter to Miss Magician, Emlyn White, or Miss Xio... Miss Sharron has the ability to do so, but this might result in destroying her peaceful life... The best solution is still to use Hero Bandit Black Emperor. But the problem is that before stealing the Antigonus family's notebook, my investigations of the Great Smog of Backlund should only be superficial. I shouldn't alarm anyone or bring about any accidental changes... Klein appeared to admire the streets outside, but many thoughts were going through his mind.
Finally, he decided to hold back for the time being, being unwilling to affect the most pertinent matter he had at present.
After having lunch and taking a nap, Klein received classes in literary appreciation until it was almost evening.
After sending away his teacher, he was just about to head to the second story's dining hall when he suddenly heard the doorbell ring.
Amidst the ringing, Klein saw Richardson immediately take a few steps forward to open the door.
Standing outside were two police officers in black-and-white checkered uniforms. From their epaulets, one of them was a high-ranking inspector, while the other was a sergeant.
"Officers, how may I help you?" Richardson asked on behalf of his employer.
The high-ranking inspector was a thin man and had his black hair hidden under his peak cap. His sideburns had a little color as he swept his gaze into the house before warmly saying with a smile, "I'm here for Mr. Dwayne Dantès. There's a case that involves him and his butler."
"What is it?" Klein slowly walked to the door. "I'm Dwayne Dantès."
After introducing himself, he asked politely, "Officers, how may I address you?
"If the matter is a little more complicated and needs more time, why not come to my parlor. We can discuss it over tea." @@novelbin@@
The other police officer, the sergeant, was an elegant lady. She was clearly interested in taking up the offer as she looked at the high-ranking inspector, awaiting the decision of her superior.
Due to the Church of the Evernight Goddess, the Loen police force had plenty of female officers, but due to the other faiths and the prevailing trends of society, they suffered some form of discrimination when it came to promotions and positions. They mostly did clerical work, and there was an invisible ceiling for their career development.
The high-ranking inspector smiled and said, "There's no need for tea, but we need to question your servants."
He paused before getting to the main point.
"Mr. Dwayne Dantès, do you know a person by the name of William Sikes?"
"I got to know him this morning at the Royal Museum." Klein vaguely sensed that some sort of unexpected development had occurred as he asked, "Did something happen to him?"
The high-ranking inspector wiped away his smile and said, "He's dead. He died at a hotel near the Royal Museum."
"He's dead?" Klein didn't hide his puzzlement and shock.
I just met him, and he's dead?
Had he already been targeted?
The inspector nodded solemnly and said, "Yes, the cause of death is rather complicated, and we aren't ruling out the possibility of murder."
"What about his female partner?" Klein frowned as he asked. "He had a female partner when I met him."
"That lady was his mistress. When she left the hotel, William Sikes was still alive. This can be confirmed by the attendants at the hotel because they had later sent him red wine." The inspector simply shared the situation and said, "After leaving the Royal Museum, where did you go?"
"I came back here directly. I had lunch, took a nap, and attended lessons. My servants, neighbors, and literary appreciation teacher can prove that," Klein frankly replied.
He then turned his head to Richardson and said, "Bring Walter here."
Soon, Walter walked down from the second story with a white glove and answered similar questions.
After receiving Dwayne Dantès's permission, the two officers questioned the rest of his servants, but they failed to find any problems.
They didn't stay for long, politely bidding him farewell and visiting the other neighbors.
Klein's appetite wasn't affected by this matter as he went to the second story to enjoy his dinner.
Time quickly flew by as he spent the rest of the time reading books and newspapers. Before sleeping, Klein took in the scenery outside the window as he awaited his valet, Richardson, to take away the fruits in the room.
Suddenly, he asked without turning his head, "What did Walter do in the afternoon?"
"He was busy handling various matters. He never left," Richardson answered softly.
Klein nodded gently without asking further. He began suspecting if he had been overthinking matters.
Phew... He slowly exhaled before getting into bed.
In the middle of the night, Klein's spirituality was triggered as he snapped awake.
He pricked up his brows, left the bed, and arrived by the window. He pulled back the curtains a little.
Under the dim moonlight, a figure carefully passed through the garden's trail and arrived by the perimeter walls before flipping over it.
He had a broad forehead with raven-black hair and stern brown eyes. He was none other than Butler Walter.
"He's agile and his motions are fluid. If he's not trained, he's a Low-Sequence Beyonder..." Klein observed the scene as he made a preliminary judgment.
He saw Walter's shadows follow the streets until he arrived at the manhole which Hazel often used to enter the sewers. He removed the manhole cover, climbed down, and didn't forget to close the cover.
Why is everyone so skilled at getting into the sewers? Mr. Butler likely hasn't done it in the past; otherwise, my spirituality would've warned me. After all, he's leaving from my "territory"... It means that before he became my butler, he had performed such actions quite frequently elsewhere... Klein curled his lips, returned to his bedside, and took out a the iron cigar case from under his pillow.
He controlled Wraith Senor to tail Walter, wanting to see what he was up to.
I hope it doesn't exceed 100 meters; otherwise, I'll need to enter the sewers as well...
as Klein silently muttered to himself, he returned to the gap in the curtains.
His marionette, Senor, immediately used the mysterious connection between different mirrors to jump to the street lamp beside the manhole before passing the manhole to silently tail Walter.
Klein saw that Walter turned into a more secluded and dark passage after taking ten meters forward. On the wall were all kinds of moss and dirt.
Suddenly, the butler stopped and said to someone, "Why were you so rash?
"Why didn't you wait for a better opportunity?"
Soon, a weak and slightly hoarse female's voice replied to Walter's inquiry.
"It was the best opportunity.
"Once he returns to that manor, there's no knowing when he will come out again."
"But why would you be so seriously injured?" Walter said with sighs of concern.
The female voice scoffed and said, "William Sikes is stronger than what you or I imagined. Perhaps only this way can he satisfy his secret identity.
"Regardless, I finally obtained clues from him. After so much time, I finally have a chance to approach the truth."
"You didn't need to be so rash." Walter fell silent.
The weak female's voice chuckled and said, "I've already sold my soul to an evil god. The only meaning to life is vengeance."
In a rare instance, Walter sighed and said, "Continue hiding here. I'll prepare food for you until you recover.
"If there aren't any accidents, use the old method to contact me."
The weak female voice remained silent for a while before saying, "When he was alive, he had many subordinates who claimed to be loyal. After his death, few still remember him or are willing to risk their lives for him. You are the one who has surprised me the most."
"He is the first noble who treated me that way, and he is the person I'm truly loyal to," Walter answered in a deep voice.
Having heard the conversation with his marionette, Klein vaguely understood the entire story.
After Prince Edessak passed away, a few of his loyal subordinates were investigating the truth of his suicide. Walter was one of them. However, he was mainly in charge of gathering any superficial intelligence, as well as using his identity to provide some help... This is probably the additional development that Arrodes mentioned...
Klein immediately made Senor go invisible as he infiltrated the secluded passageway and saw Walter conversing with someone while standing. His figure blocked a black-dressed woman who was seated on the ground against the wall. Her face was somewhat pale.
After the woman heard Walter's words, she gave a throaty laugh and looked towards the entrance.
"It's time you leave. Don't be caught by others."
She turned her head, allowing Klein to see her. She had a round face, slender eyes, and a gentle and refined temperament. Deep down, she was sweet and was an outstandingly gorgeous beauty who Klein was "familiar" with.
Trissy!
Trissy Cheek!
-x-X-x-
She isn't dead? She managed to escape? She's actually trying to seek revenge for Prince Edessak? At that moment that he saw Trissy, Klein nearly lost control of his expression.
Although he had guessed it based on the conversation, he still felt it exceeded his expectations when the truth was placed before him.
Without even the need for a dream divination, he could still recall the Great Smog of Backlund. Trissy had conversed with him, and back then, she was eager to escape Prince Edessak's control and escape the manipulation of her fate by the hidden person behind the scenes. She felt her daily life was filled with pain.
This Demoness who was once a man had sold her soul to an evil god to help avenge Prince Edessak? What kind of crappy trite romance plot point is this!? The corners of Klein's lips twitched as he "saw" Walter throw a bag of food to Trissy. After "hearing" him give a few words of advice, he turned and left the secluded path.
At this moment, a figure appeared from Member of Parliament Macht's house. It was within Klein's line of sight from where he was standing. It followed the shadows in the street as it quickly approached the entrance to the sewer. She was none other than Hazel who held a mystical item from the Marauder pathway.
She'll encounter Walter... This isn't some entrance to the sewers! It's clearly the entrance to a bustling city! Klein looked down and nearly facepalmed.
Upon arriving at the manhole, Hazel warily observed her surroundings for a few seconds before moving the cover away and climbing down. The entire process was done in one fell swoop without any signs of delay.
Stepping onto the slightly moist ground, she followed the rusted metal pipes and the sewage that slowly flowed with a clear destination in mind.
Suddenly, she felt her back turn cold as a chill ran down her spine. Her hair began to stand on end.
Right on the heels of that, Hazel seemed to plunge into a freezing river, and she felt a coldness that was overcoming her body.
She was horrified to see herself walking in a different direction, heading straight for the wall with metal pipes. And this was completely against her will!
Horror filled Hazel's mind before she received a reprieve from her numb thoughts. She infused all her spirituality into the necklace on her neck.
The seven green gems on the necklace were equidistant from each other. Embedded around them were tiny diamonds. In the absolute darkness, they still swirled with a faint lustrous glow.
Suddenly, a gem lit up as the green glow illuminated Hazel's ghastly face.
She leaned against the wall and paused for a moment. She moved her feet forward in an awkward manner before retracting them.
At that instant, the coldness Hazel felt had paused for a moment.
She didn't hesitate to use her spirituality to light up another green gem. She raised her right hand, aimed it at herself, and twisted her wrist.
At the same time, many mysterious symbols and patterns appeared in her mind as her spirituality and voice changed momentarily.
She had stolen the Beyonder power, Wraith Shriek!
Hazel was just about to open her mouth to shout when she found her hands losing control again. She forcefully and quickly covered her mouth with her hands.
Her Shriek turned into a muffle as she took a few brisk steps to the wall. She turned into another fork before crouching down in the pure darkness.
She tried hard to struggle, but it was useless. She wasn't even capable of activating the necklace on her neck.
Hazel's dark brown eyes widened as they filled with horror and indignation. Tears began to well in her eyes before slowly streaming down her cheeks.
And at this moment, Walter had come out from another path, returning back to the sewer entrance before climbing up agilely.
After he sneaked back into 160 Böklund Street, Hazel suddenly regained control of her body. She felt that the coldness had completely disappeared.
She first raised her hands in surprise, using her night vision to take a glance. Following that, she looked around in a fluster, as though there were countless unknown monsters hidden in the darkness of the sewers.
Hazel immediately touched the necklace with her right hand, carefully stood up, and headed for the entrance.
She didn't flee in panic, but she instead warily prepared for any attack that would appear from the darkness.
Finally, she returned to Böklund Street where she saw the black street lamp emitting its light, illuminating the streets that still had the remnant signs of rain.
Only then did Hazel speed up her pace and run home. Midway, she suddenly turned back, nervously and frantically closing the manhole's cover.
After doing all of this, she followed the shadows and entered her garden. With the help of the gas and water pipes, she entered the balcony to her bedroom.
Only at that point did she really have any room to think. She widened her eyes and subconsciously looked around. Slowly, her body began to tremble.
She raised her left arm, hoping to use her clothes to wipe her face, but she paused midway, switching to using a handkerchief from her pocket.
...
Hazel still has the basic abilities needed to react. She's not a complete newbie... In the sewers, Senor appeared with his dark red coat and triangular hat as he spoke silently.
Following that, under Klein's control, he went invisible again as he entered the hidden fork where Trissy was.
Just as the Wraith approached, the black-dressed Trissy looked up and revealed a weak but stubborn smile.
"From the looks of it, you have no ill intentions. @@novelbin@@
"That lady was quite lucky."
She had sensed Hazel and discovered the Wraith!
Senor's figure appeared as he chuckled.
"Perhaps killing her will only bring you greater trouble."
To be honest, he wished to report Trissy to the authorities because he knew of the evil deeds she had done. He knew how she had incited the passengers and crew on the Alfalfa, causing them to kill each other out at sea. He also knew how she had many innocent lives die ahead of time. However, after realizing that Trissy was investigating the mystery behind Prince Edessak's death, Klein had a new plan in mind. He would incite the Demoness and cooperate with her on certain matters.
The mystery of Prince Edessak's death was equivalent to the truth of the Great Smog of Backlund!
Investigating this matter is bound to be very dangerous. Roping others in will make me feel guilty, afraid that harm or even death will happen to them as a result. By getting Trissy to do it, I wouldn't have such a psychological burden. The crimes she had committed had long doomed her to hell! The only problem is that she might be using the investigations of the mystery to Prince Edessak's death for her own ploys. I have to be wary about this to prevent myself from being used, thus causing a disaster... As Klein thought, he made Senor take two steps forward.
Trissy looked at the middle-aged before her and chuckled.
"Since you have ill intentions, go ahead, Mr. Senor."
At this instant, the marionette's senses revealed countless threads floating and flailing around Trissy. And seated in the middle was her black-dressed self with a pale face. It resembled a spider in the middle of her web, but it was filled with temptation and pity that made one approach her.
"You know me?" The marionette halted in his footsteps.
Trissy's expression was somewhat adrift as she answered in reverie, "I once spent an unforgettable period of time at sea."
Back then, you were still a man... Klein lampooned and chuckled.
"Why are you investigating Prince Edessak's death? Didn't he commit suicide?"
Trissy immediately looked up as anger colored her face.
"Suicides can be different. Some people do it willingly; others are forced."
No way, she really seems to mind Prince Edessak's death... Lady, have you forgotten that you were once a man? Have you forgotten the pain you were previously talking about? Don't tell me that this is the so-called Stockholm syndrome where you end up bonding with your captor due to the minute amount of kindness they've provided? Well, I'm not a Spectator, and I can't determine if she's being truthful or not... Klein made Senor chuckle.
"So, you believe that Prince Edessak was forced to commit suicide?
"You sought William Sikes to investigate this matter?"
The angry look on Trissy's face vanished as a miserable but beautiful smile appeared.
"That's right.
"It was he who forced Edessak to commit suicide with a spirituality obliteration bullet. However, he was also under orders by others. Heh, to obtain the final bit of pleasure, he revealed everything. Heh heh, he was still unable to really touch me. I even showed him my former photo. He died filled with even more misery and despair..."
I can't imagine what William suffered... Trissy is as twisted as she was before... Demonesses at the stage of Pleasure are really filled with charms. Every expression and every action are filled with enticement... But I can tell that Trissy has already reined it in very well, only using it when needed. She has already advanced? Or is it because of love? As Klein lampooned, he made Senor ask, "Who is it?"
When asking that question, Klein hadn't expected to receive an answer, but Trissy chuckled and replied, "Viscount Stratford.
"The royal guard captain of the royal family."