Quickly controlling her slip, Audrey recovered her grace as best she could. But, even so, the corners of her lips still quivered a little.
While she was rich, spending that kind of money all at once was still somewhat bitter, but it was a sacrifice she was willing to accept. However, she found this curious.
'Mr World is Mr Fool's blessed as well as the one who stopped the ritual of the Fallen Creator in Tingen. He must be someone pretty strong to have pulled that off like that, so he must be Mid-Sequence. But it seems his resources are not as vast as Mr Chariot's if what he asks for in exchange for this valuable information is gold pounds...'
Alger looked out of the corner of his eye at the dark World and nodded to himself.
He had long since cemented the image that the Fool was an ancient existence that was slowly regaining its strength and slowly entering the physical world. His condition was not good and could even be considered 'weak'; his successful attempts were just a sign that, although he was recovering day by day, the speed was relatively slow.
Mr World must have had all sorts of responsibilities and jobs as a result of being Mr Fool's blessed one, so he was constantly on the move and most likely completing missions of vital importance to the Fool's recovery. So, while the World had resources, they were not enough for the kind of work he was doing. And with the Fool's suspected weakened state, it was not surprising that he was interested in money.
'As a blessed one and someone capable of stopping the ritual of an evil god, there isn't much that can be offered to gain his attention or interest... But it seems money is a good motivator...' Noting this for a future time, the Hanged Man sighed internally and did not enter the exchange.
Unfortunately, he didn't have the capital to pay the price for that knowledge. As interested as he was, his priorities were to complete Chariot's assignment and obtain the WindBlessed formula. It was because of this same lack of money that he had not also asked for the characteristics that the man most likely still held in his hands.
'I am still too far from the gates of Sequence 4. Knowledge about my adjacent paths can wait...'
'Sometimes it's impossible to hide that your pockets are empty. But that doesn't mean you have to let it get to you, we all have our lows...' Klein sighed somewhat regretfully in his heart of hearts.
Luckily, the only reason he felt sorrow was because his fellow was here and he knew about his lack of money, otherwise he wouldn't feel sorry at all.
His quick response as the World, as well as the little sign he had made as the Fool, was simply to make sure no one took this deal from him. With Joa here, who surely knew about the adjacent paths of the Spectator pathway, it was very likely that he would miss this opportunity for business if he wasn't quick.
'My head shake may as well have been directed at Joa himself, he sits next to me after all. Whether it was a signal to him or my Smurf account, how would they know... I wish....
'Why would a god like the Fool be interested in money? It's beneath him! That's what my smurf account is for, he can ask for as many gold coins as he wants for me...' Giving a slight smile, he kept his posture relaxed in his chair of honor and watched the short was given as he controlled some of the power of this space.
Watching as the other members disappeared into the gray mist, making this a private exchange, Audrey focused all her attention on the dark, heavy figure of the World.
Calmly and in a gravelly voice, World Klein replied, "The Spectator has four adjacent paths. The Reader Pathway, Sun Pathway, Sailor Pathway, and the Secret Supplicant Pathway."
'So many options?' Somewhat taken by surprise, the noblewoman murmured to herself, slightly dazed.
She had expected one or two at most, not four! Wasn't that a bit of an exaggeration?
'Secret Supplicant is the path controlled by the Aurora Order, so it's out of the question. I don't want to go crazy! Sailor and Sun are the paths of the Hanged Man and Sun, so it would be a competition for ingredients, not worth it... Then there would be the Reader, what kind of abilities will this path bring? Going by its name, it would make me smarter, wouldn't it?' She paused for a bit.
This needed to be thought through deeply, but she had time.
Remembering her manners, Audrey was quick to make a graceful bow, clutching the edges of her dress.
"Thank you very much for this information, Mr World. I am satisfied," Looking up, she added, "Do you have some time when you are free to send payment?"
After a few gatherings, she kept a portion of her savings in her bedroom closet, hidden where the maids would never find it. That way, when it came time to pay, she wouldn't have to go out looking for the money and draw attention to herself.
'Rich people are the worst... Spending over three thousand pounds without batting an eyelid. Converting that to Lenburg currency, that's 9900 sassem!' Ignoring the tightness of his heart, Klein checked his Smurf account.
The World nodded, "After the end of the Tarot Club, it's fine. If that's not possible for you, then in five hours at eight o'clock tonight in your area."
By the time it is eight o'clock in Backlund, here it would be six o'clock in the evening. So he would most likely be at his apartment.
Mentally reviewing her activities for the day and remembering that she had etiquette classes around that time, the first option was the one chosen.
"After Tarot Club is fine, Mr World."
With that, the short exchange between World and Justice ended, and the other members were released from their little 'silence'.
And with that, the Fool raised his head slightly and continued his short sharing of simple information.
"Now, only the last law I wanted to mention is missing- The Law of Convergence of Beyonder Characteristics."
Again, he did exactly what he promised - he mentioned it and explained nothing beyond that, leaving the members in the dark with a slight shadow of anxiety at the lack of explanation.
'Convergence...' Alger squinted a little, thinking he understood a little of what the Fool meant by this law.
As he progressed through the Sequences, the frequency with which he encountered others beyonders increased slightly. Could this be the meaning behind this law? That as one progresses through the sequences, one is bound to encounter more beyonders?
His gaze moved discreetly to the Magician, noting her lack of reaction. 'While she did join the exchange for the Second Law, Miss Magician showed no surprise or confusion. Either she is of a path that can hide her body language well, or she already knew all of this... The second case is most likely, being that she is sitting at this table, her background cannot be simple...'
Saving this for later consideration, the pirate placed his hand on his chest and made a believing bow, "Thank you very much for imparting some of your wisdom to us, Mr Fool."
Audrey was not far behind; she elegantly grasped the edges of her dress and bowed, "Likewise, Mr Fool, thank you for sharing a bit of your wisdom with us."
Fool Klein laughed a little, "No problem."
With that, silence returned to the hall of giants. The short explanation over.
'This never gets old. Wisdom, eh? Fufu~' With the corners of his lips curling upwards, Adryan just watched everything as if he was watching a very entertaining show.
If this were a show, the redhead would bet it would have a name that shared the ridiculousness of its premise, the Lampooning of the Poor God.
Klein sat in silence, extremely pleased with himself.
Today he had made 3,300 pounds! His wallet would finally have a good meal after so long.
After a few moments and seeing that no one was making a deal, the Sun Derrick took the opportunity and turned his attention to the end of the bronze table.
Raising his brow slightly and puffing out his chest a bit, he said rather excitedly;
"Mr Chariot, I already have in my hands the remains of the Shadow Predator's shadow. I also have the Doctor's potion formula and its main ingredients ready!
That said, he didn't finish, but added happily, "Tell me a day and time and I can deliver it!"
Derrick tried, but the smile on his face was uncontainable; he was finally going to pay for his artifact!
The hunt for the Shadow Predator was relatively quick and straightforward. Thanks to the commonness of the monster and that it was one of the first enemies they prepared for in basic education, he only had to worry about the container where he would store the remnant and transport it to be ready.
And being a standard material for rituals and various medicines made by the various beyonder of the Planther Pathway in the Silver City, no one would raise an eye to him taking a whole one - it was something considerably usual.
At that news, Adryan chuckled a little.
'Now Serena can advance to Listener... I wonder how quickly she'll digest the potion. Before the 15th or on the 18th?'
Today was the 8th of October, and he doubted that it would take Serena the whole month to digest her potion.
'In the end, the first one to ascend to Sequence 7 was the one who couldn't even read a month ago.'
Laughing another tiny bit, Adryan nodded to the young boy.
'"Looks like you've been busy, Little Sun, good job.
"I'll prepare from my side everything necessary to receive them, I'll pray to Mr Fool so he can notify you." He said, giving a calm bow to the gray mist-covered figure in the seat of honor.
The Fool only nodded slightly—an unflappable figure.
The smile on Derrick's face grew, showing white teeth that seemed to shine brightly, "It was nothing, Mr Chariot! It was very simple!"
"Hehe. I can imagine. You're a strong young man after all, much more than I was at your age." Laughing at how tender and excited Derrick was, Adryan winked mischievously, "I'll be counting on your strength from now on, Little Sun. Keep it up."
"I-I..." slurring his words a bit, Derrick swallowed a bit of saliva, feeling his cheeks extremely hot, "I'll... do my best..."
Not wanting to look bad in front of one of his examples, the young man inhaled a little and, calming himself as best he could, continued more controlled.
"I won't be going out on another expedition for another 3 days, so when it's best for you, I can send it to you."
Watching the exchange, the corners of Audrey's mouth twitched a little.
'Even by Mr Chariot's standard of treating Sun, it's more than usual... He's in an excellent mood. Did hunting a demigod make him very happy?' The noblewoman unconsciously swallowed a breath of saliva.
What kind of person was happy to hunt a demigod other than a madman?
'It seems to be true what they say. If your teacher is bitter, it's because they didn't do anything last night...' Fors looked at her boss and her mind wandered a little aimlessly, remembering previous experiences.
Right now, she was somewhat inspired to write a short story, but it would be a bit risqué. But at that, the writer just rolled her shoulders internally.
It's not as if she hadn't written one under another alias before...
Alger pursed his lips a little, still unaccustomed to the ease with which the Fool could access the land of legends that even the Churches could not touch or find after thousands of years of failed attempts.
'If Mr Fool can accomplish something like this, what kind of miracles is the Scarlet Monarch capable of accomplishing? Being that He is much more active in the physical world, then His state must be better...' Alger quickly reigned over his thoughts, a shiver passing through his body.
'Stay out of God's business!'
'Being that the Forsaken Lands of the Gods is separate from reality. Wouldn't this count as smuggling? Well, if it is separate from reality, then the laws don't apply in this one. So there is no crime.' Klein thought curiously, still in a good mood from his earlier win.
While he found his fellow's attitude strange, he would ask about it later. His mind too happy to be troubled by it....
With his deal with the Tarot Club's biggest sun fulfilled, Adryan shifted his attention to the club's bench and smiled casually at her.
"By the way, Miss Justice. I have the Telpathist characteristics for your pet. In case you want to make a trade, I'm here."
The noblewoman had to hold back a sudden retch, a bit—the origin of those 'characteristics' more than clear.
Pretending nothing had happened, Audrey gave the man the best smile she could offer.
"I-I will keep your words in mind, Mr Chariot."
The idea of giving something to Susie that was once in a person was something she wasn't entirely comfortable with now.
'Now he's going after the Psychology Alchemist?'
Almost the same thought went through the minds of the founding members of the club.
Even a Demigod wasn't enough to satiate his hunger for hunting?
Ignoring the latter, the young lady who had not yet had her age entrance ceremony into the society, looked around her with crystal clear eyes.
No one said anything for a little over a minute. It was clear that they had finally entered the hour of free talk.
Taking note of that, Audrey blinked, and her eyes lost that gem-like sparkle.
"Lady and Gentlemen," addressing everyone present, she spoke in a calm tone, "I am looking forward to joining the Psychology Alchemists. Do you have any warnings or advice I should take before trying to make contact?"
She still remembered what Chariot had said two months ago, that all she needed to initiate contact with this organization was to request the spectator formula in some nobles' circles, and the Psychology Alchemists would come.
What she needed now was advice on what to avoid or be careful of.
'With Mr A's channel closed, I can only rely on my family's store, my brother's travels, and Glaint's Viscount storage for mystical materials... I need more beyonder connections apart from the tarot club.' Knowing of this weakness of hers, Audrey didn't want to sit idly by.
It was only a matter of time before the money she had would not be enough for the exchanges that take place here. She needed more networking.
"Start slow, don't rush. Backlund is in no rosy situation to say the least." Adryan said with his cheek resting on his palm.
Alger nodded at that, "The Churches are at maximum security. The Psychology Alchemists won't risk getting caught if they see you're not wise to what you're looking for.
"Start in small, very small circles. The nobles are always in search of extraordinary power; mention that you look for the Telepathist formula in these. The Spectator one, while it will get their attention a little bit, the real hook will be the Telepathist.
"Only mention it every three or so circles you attend; if it's too frequent, change it to every five. Discretion is what they're most interested in, don't try anything extravagant."
As someone who knew how to move in turbulent and violent waters after a storm, Alger didn't skip a detail or piece of advice.
Justice joining the Psychology Alchemists would open up another channel and greater resources to the Tarot Club and thus to him. That she would win was the same as he would.
These were thoughts shared by Klein who controlling his smurf account, gave his bet as well.
'This place is capable of keeping me from falling asleep after sitting in Joa's seat, as well as resisting the assault of a true Sequence 0... Taking care of Miss Justice would be just a matter of observing her condition and spirit body, any disturbance, I can use the healing aspects of this place to fix it...' Reversing his plan of action, he continued his movement.
So, as soon as the Hanged Man stopped talking, his 'puppet' moved.
Turning to look at it, the World nodded calmly.
"In case of trouble or you find anything strange, you can pray to Mr. Fool."
Inevitably, Audrey let out a sigh she didn't know she was holding back. World's words a better painkiller than any tea.
That the leader of the club, whom she suspected was an ancient god, had her back was enough to comfort any ailment.
Truly, having experienced people she could consult was something she was grateful for.
Smiling sweetly, she gave a respectful bow, "Thank you very much for your advice, gentlemen. It will be most helpful."
Not forgetting, Audrey also showed her respect to the top of the table, "And also thank you very much for looking after me, Mr Fool, you certainly are very kind."
"Not a problem." Fool Klein smiled simply.
How could he not take care of someone who gave him so much money? It was basic courtesy.
At that moment, a voice added calmly.
"By the way, Miss Justice, it is very likely that one of your friends is in contact with a member of the Psychology Alchemists."
Immediately, all the members' attention was focused on Chariot, who right now had a big smile on his face.
'Why does he always wait until the end to say the most important thing?!' Audrey wanted to scream out of frustration, but restrained herself.
She couldn't help it, this had already happened several times and each one more frustrating than the last. First, he offered her one of the paths that would change her gender, then he mentioned having the Telapathist formula, and finally, he said that Susie would learn to speak....
Groaning in her heart with a twitching eyelid and unable to keep the Spectator State, Audrey pressed her lips together tightly.
At this point, they both knew their true identities. So it was pretty sure he knew about her circle of friends.
But who exactly? Of the several names that ran through his mind, none stood out or seemed to be in contact with one.
'Unless they don't know that it's one...' This organization liked nobles; it was apparent they couldn't go about their business.
Opening her mouth, Audrey asked a little more aggressively than she would like.
"And who would Mr Chariot be?"
Smiling somewhat mischievously, Adryan laughed softly, "The one who looks like they liked to bite the pillow. The dainty one."
While that description was... Curious to say the least. A quickly blushing Audrey understood very embarrassingly quickly what the man meant by 'pillow biter' thanks to readings of forbidden books by her mother.
And with that understanding, a name immediately leapt into her mind.
'Glaint?'
Just as she was about to ask what made him say that, the noblewoman stopped dead in her tracks.
Chariot knew who she was, so while it was awkward, there was no problem talking about her social circle, but the other members did not!
If she said Glaint's name while not being in the private exchange, everyone would hear her, and then it would be possible for them to narrow down the circle of Backlund nobles and find out what her true identity was!
'Be more careful, Audrey! You can't have such slips at this point! This world does not forgive them!' Alarmed, but hiding it as best she could, she straightened up and gave a slight nod to the man.
'"I see, Mr Chariot. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
"Hehe. Anytime~" As if he knew he almost slipped up, his tone became playful.
Her eyelid and a part of her cheek twitched, noticing what happened.
'He did it on purpose,' Audrey breathed slowly, very slowly....
It wasn't in keeping with her etiquette classes, but Audrey really wanted to 'slap' him with her knuckles when he did that.
Seeing that his fellow student was making up for lost time with his absence last week and no one else was saying or making any requests, Klein tapped the edge of the table with his finger.
"That's it for today." The Fool stated calmly.
...
Blinking a little to remove the remnants of the crimson flash, Audrey Hall's emerald eyes were greeted by her lonely room.
She didn't rush to open the door to let her furry friend in, but still sitting in her desk chair, she thought about everything she had learned in today's Tarot Club as well as the last thing Chariot had said.
'I'm sure he means Glaint. But he hasn't been out much lately, how could he be in contact with a member of the Psychology Alchemists...'
Since everything that had happened with Dutch Wilson, as well as the Moonless Night, her now only male friend who was not of her family, did not make many appearances to the public, only a few days ago, he had reappeared to the public at a few rare parties...
There was only one place he frequented often, going once a week at least. And this she knew, since before the whole debacle, he had mentioned going there to recover from the Party of the Witches in June.
"The hospital..." She murmured in an almost non-existent voice, no more than a whisper on the wind.
Audrey raised a gloved hand and lightly held her chin.
'Glaint's psychiatrist is the one whom Mr Chariot was talking about?'
The modern name for sequence 7 of the Spectator Pathway is Psychiatrist. If someone wanted to act, the best thing they could do would be to open an office or work in a hospital.
It made the most sense.
Sighing a little, the golden-haired girl got up from her chair and walked to her dressing room. While she waited for the World's notice, it was better to take advantage of the time and prepare the money in advance.
'The last thing I need is for Mother to come in while I'm placing money on an altar clearly not belonging to the goddess...'
...
Back in the room that did not belong to this era, sitting on the couch that was once again bigger than before, Klein looked flatly at the fellow next to him.
"Why are you so happy? What did you do now?"
Adryan laughed sweetly, and winking, said, "I finally get to see my favorite clown after a long time, how can I not be happy?"
Controlling his expression with his Clown skills, Klein ignored how sorry those words made him feel and put a hand to his forehead, "I don't even know why I bothered, seeing you as you are, it's obvious it was easy."
Why did he have to get such an open fellow?
Already satisfied with embarrassing the poor god, Adryan crossed his legs and rolled his shoulders with little interest. "The preparations made it easy, facing a Demigod without a plan and prior preparations can only end in death."
Of this, there was a strong example in the original story, the events within Groselle Travels with the dragon Ulyssan, who, despite only being on the level of a quasi-demigod, almost rose to victory. The only reason he lost was that he had no intelligence; he was a wild animal driven by instinct.
Smiling slightly, he tilted his head to the left, amused, "I can tell you how it happened if you like?"
Knowing this was a golden opportunity to learn how to deal with a demigod, Klein's answer was clear.
"I have a little time." Nodding, Klein settled back to look directly at the redhead, not at all sorry to have agreed so quickly.
'This is part of his ritual for Sequence 4, and listening to him would help to complete it. Hence, the fair and just exchange is completed.' The Fool thought calmly.
Giving himself an idea of what was going through his friend's mind, the corners of Adryan's mouth turned up a little higher.
"First of all, information is power. If it's right and proper, you have a step in victory. If it's wrong, one step to defeat and one foot in the grave.
"The same with divinations. But with these, it's even worse, as they are usually trusted too much, so when they are wrong. The steps are much, much bigger... Able to lead you to your death much faster."