Audrey apologized, "Sorry, Mr. Fool. I didn't manage to collect any new diary pages this week."
"Mm, it's fine."
"Since what I've provided is far from matching the value of the 'Telepathist' potion formula, how about I compensate your Blessed with another 300 pounds?"
Klein was ecstatic on the inside but maintained a calm facade.
"A reasonable trade. Here is my Blessed's information."
Edward sighed inwardly. Tsk, Audrey, I already told you what was in those diary pages. The knowledge in them is clearly worth more than the 'Telepathist' formula!
But on second thought, if it weren't for Audrey being so generous with her money, Klein probably wouldn't have advanced so quickly, right?
Klein turned to Derrick and calmly asked, "Mr. Sun, what kind of compensation would you like?"
Derrick thought seriously for a moment and said, "I don't have anything I urgently need at the moment…I should be able to digest the 'Bard' potion soon. Just hold onto the compensation for now—maybe for the Sequence 8 formula or necessary ingredients."
Klein nodded, swept his gaze over the group, then smiled slightly. "You are free to communicate now."
Edward immediately raised his hand and dropped a bombshell:
"Mr. Fool, a few days ago, I was targeted by the True Creator, an actual evil god. Although I was lucky enough to survive, I will likely be hunted by the Aurora Order. Can you protect me?"
Klein almost lost his composure as the high and mighty Fool. He nearly grabbed Edward by the collar and shook him.
Say that again?! What do you mean you were 'targeted by the True Creator'? Explain it to me—what do you mean by 'targeted by the True Creator'?! And what do you mean by 'can you protect me'?!
You're asking a Sequence 9 to protect you from an evil god—does that even make sense?!
The others also reacted differently. Audrey had already heard the details. Derrick, though unfamiliar with the True Creator, could imagine the danger since it was called an evil god.
As for Alger, he spent a long moment trying to wrap his head around it. You're just a newly advanced Sequence 9…how did you end up being targeted by an actual evil god?
After a moment of silence, Klein calmly asked, "Explain in detail."
Edward recounted his encounter from the previous day, trying to stay as accurate as possible—except for the part about his conversation with the entity. He changed the ending, saying that the Child of the Evil God had lost its power and vanished on its own.
"If that really was the Child of the Evil God, then with such close contact, you should have already been corrupted and lost control!" Alger immediately raised a sceptical eyebrow.
Edward scratched his head. "Maybe it's because I kept chanting Mr. Fool's honorific name the whole time. Just like last time, it must have been Mr. Fool secretly helping me resolve the crisis."
He gave a deep bow. "Thank you, Mr. Fool! Your greatness dims the sun and moon, and outshines the stars. I will forever be your most loyal believer."
Audrey resisted the urge to rub her temples. You can spout nonsense to a great being with such a straight face—aren't you afraid of divine punishment?
Derrick, clueless but impressed, nodded in solemn agreement.
Alger took in a sharp breath. So Mr. Fool really is on the same level as the gods…!
"..."
I resolved the crisis? Why don't I know about this?
Klein was completely baffled but had to maintain his inscrutable demeanour. "So, you believe that even though the Child of the Evil God has vanished, its believers—the Aurora Order—will likely hunt you down?"
"Exactly!"
Edward nodded repeatedly before turning to Alger. "Mr. Hanged Man, I'm debating whether I should flee to the sea. I heard that the Aurora Order's influence is relatively weak there. Do you have any advice?"
"I would suggest seeking help from the Church instead. For someone at your level, the dangers at sea are far greater than those posed by the Aurora Order."
Of course, Alger left out one thought: If you suddenly say you're coming to seek refuge with me, should I accept or not? I really don't want to be hunted by a bunch of lunatics.
Edward immediately responded with righteous indignation, even anger. "Since I've chosen to follow Mr. Fool, how could I then turn to the Church for help? That would be a betrayal of Mr. Fool's trust—a stain upon my faith!"
No! I want you to obediently go to the Church!
Klein had a headache but couldn't say what he truly thought. He could only pinch his nose and say, "I will contact my Blessed. If he is nearby, he may be able to help you."
His wording was carefully chosen—if the Blessed was nearby, he could help; if not, then it was out of his hands. This wasn't about lacking power—it was simply a matter of reality.
That said, Klein genuinely did want to help Edward. He even considered reaching out to Mr. Azik for assistance.
After "pressuring" Mr. Fool, it was time for Edward to demonstrate his own value. He spoke up again:
"Oh, right, Mr. Fool—about the 'Cards of Blasphemy' I mentioned last time…I made some new discoveries after going through my family's ancient texts."
Klein's tone remained calm and emotionless. "Oh?"
Was it that Blasphemy Card—the one that recorded an entire pathway's sequence formulas? Klein was extremely interested.
"Mr. Fool, I request a private conversation."
"You may."
Audrey immediately raised her hand. "Can I pay to listen in?"
Edward said coolly, "I'm sorry, Miss Justice, but even you likely can't afford the price of this knowledge."
The Hanged Man was surprised. Over time, he had observed Justice's speech and behaviour enough to deduce that she was a noble lady. The amount of wealth she could access might very well surpass what he had accumulated through years of risking his life at sea. And yet… she couldn't afford it?
But Mr. Tower actually said that even she couldn't afford it?
Just what was this Card of Blasphemy?
Klein watched from the side, his teeth aching from how exaggerated their act was. What are you two performing here, exactly?
Casually, he muted the others, allowing them to see but not hear.
Edward said, "Mr. Fool, according to the information I've found, the reason the Church preserved Emperor Roselle's inventions, notes, and other items was not just for 'commemoration.' That was only a small part of it. More importantly, one of the Cards of Blasphemy created by the Emperor might be hidden among his relics."
The Fool nodded slightly. "I see."
So, collecting the Emperor's relics might lead to obtaining a Blasphemy Card? Wait—Roselle's diaries are also considered relics, aren't they? Could a Blasphemy Card be hidden within them?
Diaries! Diaries! I need more, more diaries!
"That's all I found this time," Edward said.
"Mm. What kind of compensation do you want?" Klein asked.
Edward thought for a moment. "Honorable Mr. Fool, I don't have any particular requests for now. Can I save it up for later?"
"You may."
Klein lifted the sound barrier, allowing the others to hear again. Edward bowed and concluded the topic.
"Thank you, Mr. Fool. I will work even harder to find more useful information for you from my family's ancient texts."
For a moment, the Tarot Club fell into an odd silence. Everyone glanced at each other, unsure of what to say.
In the end, it was Mr. Fool who broke the awkwardness. He tapped the bronze table and asked, "Does anyone else have something to share?"
Alger hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Mr. Fool, Miss Justice, and…Mr. Tower. I have recently obtained some intelligence—'Admiral Hurricane' Qilangos has infiltrated Backlund to carry out a difficult mission. He may remain there for a long time and is likely to commit horrifying crimes. Additionally, I've learned that this mission involves a very important item—one that could help Qilangos quickly advance to a high Sequence."
He then provided more details about Qilingus before summarizing:
"So, he has a strong preference for fish, especially raw slices of ocean fish. He enjoys strong liquor and looks down on champagne and red wine…"
After hearing this, Audrey nodded. "I understand. I've also gathered some information on Qilangos through certain channels. I believe we'll locate him soon."
Alger was surprised but refrained from asking further. "I wish you success. May our cooperation be fruitful."
"Likewise," Audrey replied.
At this point, Klein took over. "Alright, that will be all for today."
"Praise be to You, Great Mr. Fool."
Edward immediately delivered his flattery.
The others quickly followed suit. "Praise be to You, Great Mr. Fool."
The grey mist before Edward's eyes dissipated, and he returned to reality. He was currently staying in a hotel in the Cherwood Borough. The room's furnishings were quite decent, making it a comfortable place to stay.
Suddenly, the surrounding light dimmed, and a chilling aura filled the air. A piece of paper was stuffed into his hand, and a voice echoed in his mind:
"One time."
He looked down—it was a letter from Audrey.
"So that was my messenger just now? Not even showing itself?"
Unfolding the letter, he read: This morning, Viscount Glaint sent word that he has found the main material for the Trickmaster potion. Please head over as soon as possible.
Edward's eyes lit up. "I can advance to Trickmaster now!"
Without delay, he put on his coat, donned his hat, and used Apparition to teleport near Fors and Xio's residence.
As soon as he entered, Xio handed him a tin box. "Inside are the stomach pouch of a Spirit Eater and 20 millilitres of deep-sea marlin blood. We've only managed to acquire one auxiliary material so far—String Grass powder."
Edward opened the box for a quick glance and smiled nonchalantly. "Perfect. I've already obtained the rest of the auxiliary materials. Thanks."
Hearing this, Fors, who had been resting her chin on her hand while smoking, turned around and remarked, "You've already gathered everything for a Sequence 8 potion? Having money is really great."
Xio frowned slightly, her expression stern. "Instead of envying others, why don't you work harder yourself and finish your manuscript faster?"
Fors immediately groaned in distress. "Writing relies on inspiration! Even if you force me to sit here, if I have no inspiration, I still won't be able to write a single word!"
"That's still better than you lying on the couch all day!"
"Nooo, I feel dizzy. I need to rest for a bit."
Ignoring Xio's glare, Fors dramatically collapsed onto the couch with a thud, sprawled out like a puddle of melted wax.
"Ahh~ This is bliss~"
"..."
Edward and Xio exchanged glances, momentarily speechless.
Xio ruffled her already messy hair before saying, "I've found out who placed a bounty on you last time."
Edward's expression sharpened. "Who? What's their identity? Why did they put a bounty on me?"
This had been a thorn in his side for a while now, but given the deep waters of the mysterious world, he had no choice but to set it aside temporarily.
Xio's expression turned a bit odd. She hesitated before finally revealing:
"You know him…It's Viscount Glaint."
"???"
———
[Note]: Here's the promised Extra Chapter! Enjoy~ And, don't forget to VOTE. It keeps me motivated.