In the majestic divine hall above the gray fog sat a long, ancient mottled table.
Selina appeared at her designated seat, right beside The Fool and Justice. She looked around a peered into the vast space, still couldn't make out anything.
Out of courtesy, she stood up and following her was Justice.
"Good afternoon Mr. Fool." her voice was sweet and amiable, almost eluding the stirring of her emotions.
Suddenly, this young lady straightened herself. She briefly look around before organizing her words and finally saying, "Honorable Mr. Fool, Mr. Hanged Man and Miss Lovers, who has helped me all this time, I have a question to ask. What can a pet with Beyonder powers do for its owner? In other words, how useful is it?"
She had just said her piece when she noticed Mr. Fool and The Hanged Man slip into silence. The atmosphere became a little weird.
Hey hey hey, say something! Audrey quickly turned to Selina. Hoping to have her handle the awkwardness as her only fellow lady. But to the best of everything, she saw her hesitant.
Don't look at me with those eyes, I did nothing! Really, I was asking for a friend! she wanted to burrow into a hole out of shame.
She deeply regretted asking that question.
I wonder indeed... Selina didn't know the answer. However, she can picture how it would look.
Considering the intelligence that her little stray companion had displayed around her. If it were truly a beyonder, then it would definitely help her in investigation. Not to mention the case of the Apothecary's next sequence Beast Tamer, having a pet beyonder around will significantly widen her arsenal.
The Hanged Man Alger Wilson was silent for nearly twenty seconds before he replied in a strange tone, "That depends on what kind of Beyonder powers the pet has. For example, if it's a Spectator, then it can help you observe or listen in on certain occasions. As you know, most humans are wary of each other, but would never suspect that a pet would be eavesdropping on them, even if the pet was sitting right by their feet."
Oh. That's very interesting! Selina secretly commended Alger's intel. A Spectator pet will prove to be very dangerous when left alone! And as its owner, it can inform me of the happenings around the room. Perfect for gathering intel!
It makes sense! Audrey had a sparkle in her eyes as many thoughts welled in her mind. Father would avoid me when discussing important matters with the nobles, cabinet members, and other ministers. They would often lock the door to the room. But if Susie could hide long enough to be locked in with them, then she wouldn't be chased away... Also many ladies like to interact within private social circles...
Also, since Susie can speak, she can tell me the content of the meetings directly... Susie is great! I have to treat you well. I have to teach you proper pronunciation and vocabulary...
Hmm, should I teach Susie the aristocratic pronunciation or a more normal Backlund accent? Would other dogs pick up on where Susie comes from when they interact? Wait, why am I considering this? Susie wouldn't use human language when interacting with other dogs...
Wait, Mr. Hanged Man, why did you use Spectator as an example?
C-could you have guessed what happened?
Audrey's expression changed. She regained her posture and smiled.
In the middle of this. While the obvious young lady was enthusiastic, the other was strangely intrigued as well.
Klein noticed this and was puzzled. What made Miss Lovers excited over the matters of beyonder pets? Wait... don't tell me... Oh now I definitely feel pathetic for being the boss of a "heretic cult" with two of them as members...
"Mr. Fool, I found another page of Emperor Roselle's diary." Audrey said not long after.
I got this from Fors Wall.
"Great, you have repaid what you owed," Klein replied, regaining his mood.
"Great, you have repaid what you owed," Klein replied in a good mood.
"I am sorry, but there's not much content on this page of the diary." Audrey was conjuring the content she remembered onto the piece of goatskin.
Klein raised his hand and made the goatskin parchment appear in his palm before saying, "That doesn't affect my promise. Furthermore, the parts of the diary you handed me previously had two pages."
The pages collected by Justice and The Hanged Man were not originals. They were copied by researchers. Some would copy it on one page for recording purposes, while others kept the original look of the diary for convenience.
But on the heels of that. Miss Lovers had yet to bring a page herself. This quickly made Klein felt an odd intuition that he looked at her with Spirit Vision.
Her emotions are in chaotic. So Miss Lovers is aware of this and ashamed that she couldn't produce a page yet? I wonder how she's doing now... well at least her ally is safe with me... He turned his gaze back and look down. All while he secretly emphasized.
Yes, she'll be safe...
"December 20th. A new year approaches, but the feedback I received is making me very confused and troubled.
"There is no crude oil in this world! There's no crude oil to be found!"
...
After his nearly twenty seconds of silence, Klein reined back his thoughts and let the diary in his hands vanish into thin air.
"You can start your discussion now."
Selina drew a silent sigh and collected her thoughts out from wandering. Since she had finished the majority of the documents and was in luck that it mentioned a certain organization. The only thing left for her to complete her rewards for the Tarot Club was to discuss them now.
Only Mr. Fool's reward is left... I wonder when will this admirer for His give me the details of his account? deliberating her words. She took over Audrey, who's about to speak her mind.
"Miss Justice. How would you like for me to tell the whereabouts of the secret organization, Psychology Alchemists?"
She meant to either tell it across the table, which includes Mr. Hanged Man who had already received his reward or in person through Mr. Fool after the gathering.
Audrey's heart was tugged with a sudden bout of excitement.
"Here!" she blurted out. "I-I'm mean... It's alright. Mr. Hanged Man had shared with us the reward of knowing the details of the incident. I think it would be fair to share as well."
Selina didn't mind that. "Very well."
After deliberating her words and with an adjustment of her intertwined hands. She began explaining:
"The Psychological Alchemists are a group of enthusiasts covering the field of academics about the heart and mind. They're quite active and would appear as audiences under a grand setting. Their activities as of the moment are unknown. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they're not seeking to widen their scope of members.
"Just ensure that you're well acquainted with the beyonder circles around for them notice you. As Spectators, it wouldn't be an issue to distinguish a fellow beyonder of the same pathway among a crowd."
That is good news! Audrey was so excited, she nearly broke out of her Spectator state. With the pace I'm going after meeting Madam Fors. Coming to contact with the specialists of the Spectator pathway will guarantee me the next Sequence formula!
"That is more than what I could've hoped for, Miss Lovers. Thank you." on the spur of her arousal. She almost failed to comply with manners fitted for her status.
Thank the Goddess... Selina let out a draft of breath before nodding. "I'm glad."
Alger waited until the explanation ended before sharing his thoughts out. "The Psychological Alchemists consists mainly of Spectators. So it wouldn't be surprising to meet a majority of them in a courthouse flocked with different painted faces like they're accessories."
"After becoming a Spectator. I believe you're now aware of the charades circulating among the people surrounding you. In such cases, it would easily make a Spectator immerse into a play that it may lead to the play itself sweeping you."
Play itself sweeping you... Audrey ruminated over the terms of becoming a Spectator. Thinking about it for a short while, she shook her head and anchored herself.
"Thank you for the advice Mr. Hanged Man. It is a valuable insight you gave me." she smiled with reflective content.
While sitting next to her. Selina have encapsulated to herself the meaning of Hanged Man's thoughts.
Acting is also associated with dangers. This means that behind all of this acts, is still a person vulnerable in a world of play.
So in the end, you're only acting...
After the discussion regarding the Psychological Alchemist ended, with it as her reward. Audrey let out a sigh and adjusted her state. She smiled faintly and said, "I'd like to know if there are any Sequence potion named Tribunal, or a kind of Beyonder that can go through wooden doors or make locks ineffective?"
Tribunal? Walk through walls? Selina instinctively thought of a game she used to play as a child and her manager spouting about during transactions.
I know about this... Enveloped in the grayish-white fog, The Fool Klein was going to reply, but The Hanged Man answered first.
"Considering the advice I gave you was on a whim. This time however is different. I need you to help me investigate something in return."
"What is it?" Audrey asked with interest as well as with puzzlement.
Alger glanced towards The Fool and said, "I'd like to know if the King has the intention of taking revenge on the Feysac Empire and launching a new war on the East coast of Balam within this year or before June of next year."
The Tarot Club was currently using the Loen language, which was confirmed by the quartet's accents at the first Gathering. Hence, Alger knew that Miss Justice was a noble in the Loen Kingdom while he also believed that Miss Justice knew that he was a Loen.
And considering Miss Lover's stature as well, he hoped for a more detailed and thought out answer than the initial person asked.
As for The Fool, Alger believed that His behavior as a Loen was merely a disguise, a disguise that would ease the discussion.
Ever since the ritualistic magic, Alger started using 'Him' to address The Fool politely.
The King's intention regarding the matters of the Feysac Kingdom's occupying the Sonia Island... Selina wasn't behind in the discussion's turning point.
Even though she lack knowledge on this world's field in politics. She is aware of the Loen's current state and the trends it was heading.
Sonia Island is valued for its geological location in the Sonia Sea. Allowing for an occupying country to have an advantageous strategic military position...
While noting the prominent reason behind Hanged Man Alger's question. She noticed Audrey glanced at her before saying confidently to Alger, "No problem, but I would need sufficient time to be certain. Miss Lovers, can I trust that you'd verify my words and perhaps add more yourself?"
Selina's hands jolted underneath the table. She smiled unsteadily and calmly said, "I'll look forward to it."
No way no way! I don't have that kind of position even as the original Selina! A standing required to be informed with things like that are astronomical for me to obtain.
Her intertwined hands were clenching her dress. How can I help when I'm nowhere near my status?
"I can wait." Alger smiled and said, "With Mr. Fool as a witness, I believe you wouldn't go back on your promise."
Audrey looked towards the quiet yet mysterious Fool engulfed in gray fog as the corner of her mouth curved upwards.
"But I think the value of this information is worth more than both questions put together."
"When you confirm the answer, I'll provide compensation depending on the situation," Alger replied with an answer he prepared beforehand.
Miss Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, do you need virtual currency to determine value?Klein smiled and leaned backwards while he looked at the two people before him.
Audrey relaxed and cheered for herself in her mind.
Well done! Audrey, you learned how to negotiate! She was so excited that she nearly broke out of her Spectator state. She quickly thought of something and asked, "Oh right, Mr. Hanged Man, did you receive the one thousand pounds?"
"I'm sorry, I'm still sailing. I have yet to return to land." Alger wasn't willing to bring it up. He answered her original question, "The Beyonder that can go through wooden doors and foil locks would probably be Sequence 9 Apprentice. The secret organization, Theosophy Order, has its formula. However, don't ignore the possibility that it was obtained through other channels, such as an ancient tomb of the Fourth Epoch."
The Theosophy Order... I believe this organization has ties with the Demoness Sect... Selina slowly eased her hands and relaxed.
Seeing that Mr. Fool didn't refute what was said, Audrey couldn't help but sigh.
"If I had found the formula for Apprentice before, I might not have opted for Spectator."
The performance was simply outstanding!
Alger didn't bother with Miss Justice's remark but continued his explanation, "There is also a Sequence potion that is entitled Arbiter. I think you should be familiar with it, because it is the Sequence pathway that the Augustus and Feynapotter Kingdom's Castiya family has. Of course, the low Sequence formulas were used as rewards in ancient times. Some nobles might have received it before."
The Augustus family was a royal family of the Loen Kingdom while the Castiya family was a royal family in the Feynapotter Kingdom.
It turns out that the Augustus family are all Arbiters... Audrey was enlightened and felt that it cleared up her suspicion.
She sighed and thought, It's no wonder I've always gone along with their arrangements, always uncomfortable, always willing to admit defeat, like I'm never myself when I'm before them! I thought it was because I was timid...
"The Arbiter has a convincing charm and considerable authority, as well as outstanding combat ability that can deal with the unexpected," Alger described the situation simply.
Audrey nodded slowly and leaned backwards. She then spoke elegantly, "I have no more questions."
The churning noise of the gray fog resounded from across the table.
Just then, as Alger thought and looked towards the seat of honor. He was suddenly interrupted.
"Mr. Fool." said Selina with a strange internal conviction. "If I may... I would to discuss a specific matter with you.
"And If possible... I would like for it to be private."