What do I think? Is this the part where I'm supposed to dramatically say, "There's something fishy going on here"?
Ebner grumbled inwardly, then began seriously considering Klein's intention behind asking him this question.
He must have noticed, just like in the original storyline, that something was off about Prince Edessak, and that the sealed artifact 0-08 was interfering again... So, was he trying to use my perceived authority in certain areas to give everyone a warning?
With that in mind, Ebner carefully replied, "Indeed, a conspiracy is brewing in the shadows... It might be from the Demoness Sect, or perhaps from the Aurora Order."
He deliberately didn't mention 0-08 or any specific details, lest "Justice," "Magician," or even "Temperance" dig into the matter too directly and get noticed—thus putting themselves in danger.
Besides, even if the Great Smog incident were averted, as long as the royal family still wanted to use it to cover up the missing population, they'd surely fabricate another tragedy. At that point, without the plot foresight he once relied on, he wouldn't be able to stop it in time—maybe the casualties would even surpass the original version...
So rather than trying to change anything, he might as well rely on his foresight to save as many people as he could during the incident. That way, he could at least face himself with a clear conscience... After all, with his current strength, this was the most he could do while keeping himself safe.
"Justice" and "Magician," both ladies living in Backlund, frowned. The information provided by both Mr. Tower and Mr. World was far too vague. Without knowing what or where the unstable elements or potential tragedies were, there wasn't much they could do to prepare.
Even reporting it wouldn't be possible with such thin intel...
However, given the trust built over the past Tarot Meetings, they were both confident that Mr. World and Mr. Tower's information sources were reliable.
After hearing "Tower's" response, Klein guessed that the other party probably knew even more than he did about the abnormalities around Edessak.
That wasn't surprising either—after all, before the Talim rescue operation, Mr. Tower had already anticipated the curse of a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact. Clearly, he had his own sources of intelligence.
His earlier question had only been meant to double-check.
In that case, the Captain—being a friend of Mr. Tower—should also be aware of the danger… Seems like I was worried for nothing.
Thinking this, Klein had "The World" sigh and say in a hoarse voice, "The information I've received is contradictory… I haven't been able to reach a clear conclusion."
As he spoke, he lifted his head and looked sincerely through the gray fog at the figure seated at the head of the mottled bronze table:
"Respected Mr. Fool, I wish to use my accumulated contributions to request your guidance on this matter."
Everyone's attention immediately shifted to the head of the table. Some were curious, others worried, still others expectant or tense.
Only Ebner was busy suppressing the increasingly mischievous thoughts in his mind.
Under such a gaze, "The Fool" Klein leaned slightly back and spoke in a calm, casual tone:
"Edessak Augustus."
What… It's him? What kind of danger, what sort of potentially tragic incident could he possibly be involved in?
And this matter… has even caught the attention of Mr. Fool?
Could Edessak be connected to the Aurora Order or the Demoness Sect?
"Justice" Audrey was instantly filled with deep worry and doubt.
"Magician" Fors had a similar reaction, but unlike Audrey, she had no real means to gather intelligence herself. She just decided to bring it up to Xio indirectly once they were home, and let her find a way to look into that prince.
Hmm… It's best to tell Ebner too. With him around, Xio won't act recklessly. That'll put my mind at ease.
So Fors thought.
In contrast, "Judgment" Miss Xio had a flash of understanding. She'd previously been puzzled by some of Her Highness Vera's arrangements—but now it seemed likely they were centered around Prince Edessak...
Still, she didn't know what Her Highness's actual goal was… and if it really was something secretive, why hadn't she tried to keep it from me?
While Xio gained clarity, she also found herself facing new doubts.
"The Hanged Man" Alger was quite intrigued by all this too, but he didn't dare press the clearly cryptic "Mr. Fool" for more. Instead, he thought for a moment, then said to "Justice" and "Magician":
"The seas are just as unsettled—this may be linked to Backlund, like those machines that sync up across long distances."
This statement had no factual basis. He simply wanted to amplify the sense of danger and motivate the Tarot Club members currently in Backlund to dig deeper.
Klein had to admit, Mr. Hanged Man played along perfectly, and so he dropped the idea of making "The World" say something similar.
Once this topic concluded, Klein originally intended to privately ask Mr. Tower about the Captain's current whereabouts—and also the Earth Mother's true attitude toward him.
But on second thought, the latter question felt ill-timed and hard to phrase properly. He decided to put it aside for now.
As for where Dunn was... maybe there was no need to ask Mr. Tower at all.
With that in mind, Klein curled his lips slightly and leaned back in his chair.
"Ladies and gentlemen, see you next week."
After the silhouettes were all swallowed by the crimson glow, Klein sat and pondered for a while before finally penning the divination statement:
"The current status of Dunn Smith."
He placed the crimson round-bellied fountain pen aside and leaned back with the divination paper in hand.
First, he recalled many of the moments he'd spent with Dunn, then closed his eyes and silently recited the statement as he entered meditation.
Klein's mind swiftly calmed and sank into a dream.
In that misty-gray dreamscape, a series of fragmented images flickered by until finally settling on a manor located in the northern outskirts of Backlund.
Inside a warm, cozy living room, Dunn was intently staring at a photo of Daly, a blissful smile on his face.
Perhaps due to the private setting, he revealed his true appearance. On the table next to him lay an old-fashioned and comical-looking mask.
Judging from the angle, the photo seemed to have been taken secretly.
So the Captain really is alive! That mask—I recognize it. Mr. Tower kept it with me for quite a while!
Emerging from the dream, Klein's face was lit with excitement—joy practically overflowing from his expression.
There was no doubt: that was the real Captain, the one he knew—not some monster revived by the Stone of Life!
As expected of a treasure forged by the Earth Mother!
Once the excitement subsided, Klein got to work responding to the "sacrifices" offered by "The Hanged Man," "Magician," "Justice," and others—helping them exchange various items.
After finishing that, he returned to reality and initially intended to go "bump into" the Captain in the northern suburbs.
But then he recalled that he was still under the watch of 0-08.
So he held back the impulse. His new plan was to bid farewell to the prince the next day, have Detective Moriarty leave Backlund publicly, then return in secret under a different guise.
Only once he was outside the range of the Grade 0 Sealed Artifact's influence would he arrange to meet the Captain again—that would be safer.
.....
Beneath Saint Samuel Cathedral, Leonard had just finished speaking with his squad leader, Sost, when a woman walked in.
She had long black hair and wore a black habit adorned with starlike specks. A veil covered her face.
Leonard was just about to ask something when he saw Sost rise, draw a crimson moon across his chest, and bow respectfully:"Esteemed Lady 'Eye of the Goddess,' welcome."
(End of chapter)