"...I suggest you be cautious."
After hearing Silas's words, Klein fell silent for a while before slowly speaking.
"You know, according to internal Nighthawk records, after praying to unknown entities, in the vast majority of cases, only miserable outcomes await."
"Of course I know that."
Silas nodded.
He couldn't tell Klein that his golden finger could resist spiritual erosion, allowing him to freely call upon various evil entities.
Only that [The Fool] seemed different, actually conflicting with his illusory sea tide.
Perhaps that [The Fool] was more powerful than the other evil gods.
"I mean, if I truly reach a point where I have no other options, I'll try to grasp this one chance.
The True Creator's influence is making me more and more insane. I'm worried that one day I'll lose myself and completely become His believer.
If that happens, I'd rather pray to His enemy and gain the power to resist Him."
"...Hope it works."
Klein's eyes flickered. Only after a long pause did he speak slowly.
At this moment, he finally confirmed that Silas was serious and had the resolve to sacrifice everything to oppose an evil god.
"Don't look so tense."
Seeing this, Silas couldn't help but smile at Klein.
However, due to his mental instability, his smile only lasted a few seconds before it started twitching and transformed into an angry, twisted expression. "Who knows, maybe that [The Fool] is actually a friendly deity who'll selflessly help me?"
As soon as these words left his mouth, he amused himself.
How could such a thing be possible?
"It will happen. It definitely will."
But unexpectedly, Klein replied with utmost seriousness.
Silas was stunned, then simply smiled and didn't take it seriously, assuming the other was just offering his blessing.
The two fell quiet for a few seconds.
What Silas didn't know was that Klein across from him had already considered a codename for him in the Tarot Club.
He was just waiting for Silas to pray to him, establish a connection, and then reasonably pull him above the gray fog.
The only problem before Klein was not knowing whether that strange sea tide would affect his summoning of Silas.
Better to wait until Silas sends out his prayer first, then see how things go.
Klein thought to himself.
Just then, he noticed Silas across from him seemed to remember something and looked at him.
"Speaking of which, there's actually something else."
Silas said, "Don't you think it was too much of a coincidence that we discovered Lanevus?"
Lanevus's tracks were exposed because of the missing obstetrician, and that obstetrician's colleague, Dr. Allen, just happened to be a friend Klein met at the Cragg Club.
Through a series of coincidences, the three of them became connected.
"You mean that thing is influencing events?"
Klein knew what coincidence Silas was referring to.
Naturally, it was Sealed Artifact 0-08 in Ince Zangwill's hands, that magical quill pen that could create coincidences and influence others' fates through writing.
"Right."
Silas nodded.
"It shouldn't be. I've performed divination."
Klein shook his head.
Of course he'd also felt something was suspicious and had specially used the high status of the gray fog's mysticism to perform divination.
But the result showed everything was just ordinary coincidence. Previously in Tingen, he'd successfully used the gray fog to discover Ince Zangwill's hidden whereabouts, so under the same circumstances this time, not divining anything meant it wasn't 0-08's influence.
"I see. That's good then."
Silas cautiously believed Klein's words and nodded.
After this, they chatted casually about other matters.
Klein had originally only come to deliver the diary, but unexpectedly ended up chatting with Silas for quite a long time.
Seeing it was nearly 10 a.m., and not wanting to be kept for lunch, he quickly stood up, made an excuse, and left.
It wasn't that he didn't want to try the Londor family's cooking.
It was simply because today was Monday, and he still had to host the Tarot Club in the afternoon, which would be inconvenient at Silas's home.
"So cold..."
After leaving Silas's front door, the damp, cold air made Klein instinctively tighten his trench coat.
He hunched his body as he descended the steps and stepped into the muddy, wet street.
What should I eat for lunch? If I return to 15 Minsk Street, it'll probably be 11 o'clock already. Might as well find a restaurant on the street.
Thinking this, he walked toward the street corner, trying to find a public carriage there.
---
Queens District, in Earl Hall's luxurious villa.
Audrey Hall wore a tender green dress. Emerald gemstones hung from her ears, embedded in the center of golden earrings, sparkling with crystalline light.
The golden-furred large dog lay at her feet, tongue hanging out as it panted, looking with simple expression at the two people in the studio.
"Miss Islant, how is it?"
Audrey asked this of a lady with a doll-like face.
The other party was nominally her psychology course instructor, but in reality, she was Audrey's contact in the Psychology Alchemists.
"There's a result."
Islant smoothed her hair and answered calmly. "From your description, his condition should be quite serious. We can provide help, but he'll need to pay a certain price."
"What are the requirements? Please speak frankly."
Audrey asked with a smile, though she felt relieved inside.
Honestly, she was somewhat suspicious of Silas's motives.
After all, in her understanding, she'd already considered Silas one of Mr. Fool's blessed, yet he hadn't sought help from Mr. Fool.
Instead, he'd actively sought medical treatment and was communicating with the Psychology Alchemists through her.
Perhaps it's because Mr. Fool wants to use this opportunity to establish contact with the Psychology Alchemists?
She speculated inwardly.
Regarding Silas's situation, the Psychology Alchemists were quite vigilant, but fortunately they'd ultimately decided to provide treatment.
"Treatment fee: 1,500 pounds, or a reasonably effective Beyonder item."
Islant said seriously.
"That's a bit expensive."
Audrey said. If it had been her from before, naturally she wouldn't have any concept of this price.
But after witnessing everyone's transactions at the Tarot Club, she roughly knew that 1,500 pounds was enough to buy one of the main ingredients for a Sequence 6 potion.
"It is somewhat expensive, but the expert we're dispatching specializes in treating similar problems. It's absolutely worth the money."
Islant said, "Don't discuss the price with me. I'm only relaying the message. If it's unacceptable, we won't change the price either."
"If you can guarantee a cure, 1,500 pounds is acceptable."
Audrey nodded.
She'd already made up her mind that if Silas didn't have enough money, she could temporarily lend it to him.
After all, this matter was related to Mr. Fool and the Tarot Club. She should have a sense of ownership.
Mr. Fool isn't interested in vulgar money. I can only help with small matters.
She thought with some regret and said to Islant, "Alright then, I'll agree on his behalf. I hope you can prepare quickly."
"Good. We'll confirm the treatment date and location as soon as possible."
Islant said.
After that, they began the formal psychology course, with the golden-furred dog Susie observing throughout.
It wasn't until nearly time for the Tarot Club to begin that Audrey, using dizziness as an excuse, sent the other party out of the villa.