Audrey began explaining how the king, premier, and other related gentlemen think that the government is too chaotic. She further explained how every time there is a change in the ruling party, there will be massive changes in personnel, top to bottom. This causes massive messes and annihilates efficiency. The mess is so bad that they lost the battle in Balam because of this, and it inconveniences the civilians.
Klein understood that there was no example to reference; the Loen Kingdom had yet to evolve into a system that examined public servants. The political situation was still in its preliminary stages; therefore, after every election victory, many so-called positions would be awarded to members and supporters.
Just like the governments back in the Pre-Epochs. Like the U.S.A. Klein couldn't help but throw some shade at governments where he came from. Hmmm, why didn't Roselle do anything about this? This should be something up his alley? Perhaps he was stopped, or he didn't have the time.
Alger began insulting the king, premier, and related gentlemen. "They believe? Then their beliefs are a little slow. Perhaps they will only feel the itch a year after they get bitten by black mosquitoes."
To Klein's knowledge, he knew black mosquitoes were horrific. Perhaps I can use my powers to exterminate those useless excuses for an animal. Though there may be issues with the ecosystem after . . . I'll need to consider this more.
Klein also had his marionette insult those gentlemen. Out of principle, of course, how could Klein consider himself a good person if he didn't insult the government? Even Pallez joined in.
Audrey had to resist laughing at Mr. Hanged Man and Mr. World's remarks. Then came Mr. Time's insults, and she just started laughing.
They began talking about the government being so bad even angels had to insult it. Pallez even stated, 'He knew angels from orthodox and nonorthodox churches frequently insulted the government.
While the rest of the group continued to insult the Loen government, Klein was pondering a solution. This was because the topic was under his domain of expertise. He smiled faintly and said, "This is a simple problem."
China and the decadent countries that studied China had very advanced experiences of success.
"Simple?" Audrey returned with a question in puzzlement. She was confused at how it could be simple. Though politics wasn't a part of her education, from her family and those around her she garnered some level of experience.
Pallez was also looking curious; 'He' even turned 'His' head to Klein.
Klein felt proud he could use his knowledge of the Pre-Epochs. "Hold an entrance examination similar to that of a college. This exam must be open to the public, not only the privileged. This exam should be broken into multiple sections, with each section decreasing the number of participants to the necessary amount. Use the most objective method to gain the most talented participants."
Audrey stammered that there would be mass objections. Though before she could explain. . .
"Using the most talented participants, have them fill the Cabinet, the county government, the city government, and the various towns. Yes, the positions that are directly handling matters, such as the Secretary of the Cabinet. Different positions should be given different requirements. The second or third rounds can be tested based on locale and region. Professional matters should be left to the professionals. As for the nobles and similar, they will be given political positions. Of course, these political positions will be left to the parties that win the election. This is the slice of the pie we will begrudgingly give them.
Alger, who originally didn't care much about this, turned his head to carefully listen and ponder what was said by a deity. Audrey was also in deep thought and considering the wisdom of a god. Pallez had in fact heard of this once, but never had it been done. Pallez theorized that wherever Roselle and Klein had come from, this was done and it was apparently effective.
Klein then went into a more careful explanation. "There's no hurry in replacing everyone at once. The cabinet and various agencies in the civil service will be crippled if that happens. You can have an examination every year or every three years. They can be gradually replaced. Finally, in light of the kingdom's expansion and the salaried civil servants' resignations that will bring in vacancies, you can systematically allot spots." Klein was very happy that he could use his professional experience as a keyboard politician (redditor). He then faced his palm outwards and grandly said, "Such a design can bring the kingdom's insightful elites into the government. Regardless of the party in power or who the minister is, the civil service will allow the kingdom to maintain its basic and effective operations."
Unfortunately, this will breed the devil that is bureaucracy. The devil that plagues most countries, like the U.S.A. or any country that uses this method.
"I do have something to offer about this." Pallez, having thought about this, remembered that Trunsoest once proposed this. 'He' couldn't remember clearly, but 'He' believed Mr. Door backed 'Him' in this idea.
Klein, Alger, and Audrey looked at Pallez.
"Mr. Time?" Audrey prodded.
"Back in the Fourth Epoch, I remember that Trunsoest once proposed something rather similar, though obviously there were differences. There were even other prominent nobles that backed it, like the ancestor of the Abraham family. The issue was that more people didn't want it, mainly the nobles. But since it was backed by powerful people, the Black Emperor allowed Trunsoest and supporters to implement it in their jurisdiction." Seeing that no one was stopping 'Him,' Pallez continued, "I believe Trunsoest and supporters reported good things from this method."
Audrey was considering how the backing of Mr. Time proved this method was likely feasible. Meanwhile, Alger was considering the information that Mr. Time gave about the Fourth Epoch.
Miss Justice seems to be thinking hard. Mr. Hanged Man, though, looks like he's overthinking. I should thank Pallez for backing me up; I wonder whether what he said was true? Should I make Mr. World say something?
Klein decided to use Mr. World to give Mr. World's opinion mainly to flesh out his marionette. "The system believers of Mr. Fool use is also similar to this, and it does work. Though you do need to be wary about the devil of bureaucracy. While this isn't too bad for us because of Mr. Fool's wisdom, the government of Loen doesn't possess Mr. Fool's or similar wisdom."
Everyone began considering that.
"Isn't bureaucracy already in the government though?" Audrey felt like bureaucracy was already in the government, but perhaps not as bad as if this method was implemented.
"Unfortunately, bureaucracy will breed more in this type of method. Or at least that's my opinion." Klein made Mr. World use some hand motions to flesh him out.
Alger proceeded to mention that it was better than what was already here. Audrey and Alger entered a conversation where they compared the current government to curly-haired baboons.
After their conversation, Klein wondered whether Mr. Hanged Man had a terrible superior.
After Audrey and Alger ended their conversation, Audrey looked at Mr. Fool and said, "It sounds like it actually might work… It's a very simple but effective solution!" She looked at Klein and sincerely marveled, "Mr. Fool, you must be an elderly person with outstanding intelligence who is very experienced in life!"
... The corners of Klein's mouth twitched a little as he looked at the Hanged Man and Justice for a few silent seconds.
"Let us end today's gathering here."
If Miss Justice can promote this method, I can guide Benson to study ahead of time! I wonder whether this is similar to insider trading? Anyway, Benson is well suited to being a civil servant. Though Justice isn't likely going to promote it herself since that would tip off Hanged Man on who she is. She should likely use her Spectator powers once she drinks the potion to come up with a roundabout plan.
"By your will." Audrey and Alger stood up together. Klein made Mr. World do the same to not cause any issues.
Klein leaned back slightly and severed the connection. He saw Justice and the Hanged Man's illusory and blurry figures instantly shatter and dissipate.
"Pallez . . ."
"Yes?"
"Is what you said true?"
"Indeed."
Pallez wanted to ask whether the method Klein came up with came from wherever 'He' came from, but knew to refrain from asking.
Klein separated some Worms of Spirit and left them in Sefirah Castle. Then he took Pallez by the arm and pulled them back down.
"Pallez, how should we help Melissa benefit from her status as a blessed of the God of Steam and Machinery?"
…
Back in the luxurious mansion of the Hall family, Backlund, Empress Borough . . .
Audrey saw herself in the mirror and was bright with excitement. She quickly wrote down the formula of Spectator. Audrey sighed in relief and was absolutely giddy with excitement. She wanted to celebrate with dance, but quickly restrained herself. Audrey began writing chemical names around the potion formula to hide it. Audrey praised herself for her intelligence. Audrey further began planning how she intended to gain the corresponding materials.
After some thought, Audrey closed the notebook and placed it on a tiny bookshelf. Following that, she briskly walked to the door and pulled it open.
A golden retriever was sitting obediently outside.
The corners of Audrey's mouth curled as she revealed a radiant smile.
"Susie, you completed the mission perfectly!"
"In the serialized stories in the newspapers, detectives would often have a capable assistant. I think there should be a huge dog supporting a real Spectator~. Perhaps I can even give you a potion."
"Woof?"
…
In the basement of a Lord of Storms cathedral, Alger was pondering how he couldn't find any way of figuring out how Mr. Fool brought him up.
Mr. Fool seems like an awakening god or something rather similar. 'He' even had an angel already! Mr. Time, an archangel; if I recall, archangels are Sequence 1! Mr. Fool is truly powerful! There was also Mr. World, though he doesn't seem too troublesome since, from what I've heard, he's the representative of Mr. Fool's hidden believers."
Alger then looked at a potion formula... Sequence 7 Seafarer.
…
"We could just drop her off at the 'His' church; didn't you say your spirituality said it was good?"
Klein quickly performed a divination to double-check. Klein was still worried and asked, "Couldn't he just interfere with my divination?"
Pallez remembered that 'He' forgot to tell Klein about honorifics, but decided it didn't really matter. "Since you have Sefirah Castle and because of your sequence, it's essentially a part of you as its owner, not really. If 'He' interfered, you would likely not receive any revelation, but it would be obvious something was interfering. Additionally, you don't need to worry about 'Him' having underhanded intentions since 'He' needs your help."
"Right, Perran, oh right, can't say her name. Anyway, she said she wanted to avoid a fight with me as much as possible because she needed me to gain access to her corresponding sefirot. Likely he also needs me to do that."
Pallez, despite knowing Klein knew the Lady's name and forgetting to tell Klein about honorifics, still felt shocked.
"Hmmm, alright, whenever we can, we can guide Melissa into his church."
After a bit, Klein left his house. Klein switched into different clothing because it was the afternoon and there was a scorching sun. While Klein was a mythical creature that didn't care about temperature, his clothing did!
Klein isn't the danger, whether you sweat?
It's a matter of principle.
As he went down Daffodil Street, he strolled toward Iron Cross Street. When he passed by the square around the corner, he subconsciously took a glance. The tents had already vanished. The circus troupe from before had left after finishing their performance.
Klein remembered that he had sent a marionette to tail her. He recalled the marionette and, with Pallez's confirmation, she was someone who was born a half-sequence 9. Klein began wandering the streets before meeting Wendy. She was advertising sweet iced tea, which reminded Klein of home, so he got some. While Klein was conversing with Wendy, Pallez stole a cup of iced tea to try. 'He' liked it. Klein noticed Pallez stealing, but because it was offered for free, he didn't say anything. Eventually, Klein left and began walking the street he knew best.
This is a hot spot for evilness since all of the negative emotion can be used for rituals.
I wonder why I didn't feel it originally?
Probably because you weren't the most stable and just ignored it. While the gloom is strong, it's only strong for those under a certain sequence.
Klein began walking and remembered why he decided to come out; he intuitively decided to do Dunn's mission!
I think the time to enter that Divination Club has arrived.
Indeed.
He entered the main foyer to see a beautiful female attendant.
The woman with coiled brownish-yellow hair sized up Klein before saying with a smile, "Sir, do you wish to have your fortune told, or do you wish to join our club?"
"What are the conditions for entry?" asked Klein casually.
The woman explained the conditions rather familiarly. She also expanded and explained some additional useful information.
Since Klein had money to spare, he decided to get a membership. Klein got out some money and paid for a membership. Then Klein remembered something.
Wait a minute, I can get this counted off as a work expense!
Klein, it's five pounds-
It's a matter of principle, Pallez; if I can get it written off, I need to! This was Klein's culture coming out. It also likely came from Klein's greed and need to save money when he could be bothered to.
Meanwhile, while Klein was paying, he asked the attendant where he could get his fortune told.
The attendant excitedly explained about the members performing fortune telling. She then provided a list where Klein decided to choose the last one, Mr. Glacis. The attendant wanted to confirm whether Klein was sure since he was new. Klein confirmed since he felt his spirituality say he was a good option, but more importantly, he was cheap! Meanwhile, Pallez felt a premonition that 'He' wasn't in danger but would soon be in fright.
About two rooms from the meeting room, the attendant gestured for Klein to stop. She sped up her pace and entered the room. She shouted gently, "Mr. Glacis, someone wishes for your divination."
OH THE LADY HELP ME! Pallez screamed in fear, seeing that Glacis had a monocle.
It took all of Klein's angelic Clown powers not to betray any shock. While Klein was conversing with Glacis, he was trying to speak to Pallez about what shocked him since he didn't feel any danger. What happened? Where's the danger?! Klein was tensing up for a fight.
That monster of a man is wearing a monocle!
Klein was immediately dumbfounded. Klein was also very thankful for Clown because if he didn't have it, his face would have long betrayed him.
Amon typically always wears a monocle; in fact, it's even one of his anchors! A good rule of thumb is that if a person is wearing a monocle, it's likely Amon! Though it should be a crystal monocle.
Don't scare me like that.
Klein and Pallez continued to have a conversation about Amon and monocles while Klein was simultaneously doing a divination with Glacis. When asked what he wanted to divine, he decided to ask whether he could find the Antigonus family notebook. While his divination would be levels higher than Glacis', he felt he should give it a try, especially since they were using tarot cards. Klein also saw with Spirit Vision that Glacis had a lung problem; Klein decided to use that to act as a Seer. When Klein was done shuffling, Glacis took the top card and pushed it in front of Klein. The card was facing down horizontally.
"Turn it clockwise until it sits vertically. Then flip it open. If the card is inverted, which means the picture on the card is facing away from you, it indicates that the item cannot be found. If the card is upright, then we can continue the divination and seek its actual location."
Klein followed his instructions and turned the horizontal card vertical.
He clasped the end of the tarot card and flipped it over.
It was the inverted Fool!
Hesitation from fear and acting recklessly without thinking of consequences. . .
Pallez, though, realized that 0-08 may have had something to do with this.
Klein, I believe 0-08 may be causing us to act recklessly.
How come?
I can't tell you because then it will know you-
Adam, I see.
So you do know . . .
"Can it be divined whether the item is already in the hands of others?"
"Of course. Follow the same procedure and do it again." Glacis nodded with rich interest.
Klein revealed the inverted Star.
"From the looks of it, the item has not been taken by others yet," Glacis interpreted with a smile.
Klein, with his spirituality, confirmed that this was true to an extent. Klein also decided to pay two pennies to act out the reverence to fate for his Seer acting.
Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly turned his head and made a terse sound.
"Mr. Glacis, I suggest that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Focus on your lungs."
"Why?" asked Glacis in surprise.
Are you cursing me because you aren't pleased with the divination results?
Klein gave an excuse and had Pallez assist him. Glacis soon realized there was an issue and, with the help of Klein, divined that there was an issue!
Klein then decided to head back to Blackthorn Security Company. He saw that Rozanne wasn't there, and Leonard, who was there, explained why. Klein then left since Leonard had nothing else to say. Leonard, though, was still scared of Klein. While going down to the shooting range, Klein stumbled across Rozanne and Bredt talking. Rozanne and Klein talked a bit about becoming a Beyonder since Rozanne heard from Neil that he had become a Beyonder of the Seer pathway. He then talked to Bredt for a bit, then explained to Rozanne that he needed bullets. After Klein got the bullets, he began practicing to shoot. This was extremely easy for him to do, and he even practiced using historical void projections by getting the bullets back as historical void projections. After that, he decided to go home.
Klein saw Melissa return home with a big bag of groceries. When she saw Klein's surprise, she explained she assumed Klein and Benson would get home late, so she took some money and bought groceries. Pallez then advised Klein to press the topic of why she didn't take the public carriage. Though Klein was already intending to do so. After a long, hard battle, Klein finally managed to convince Melissa, mainly with the help of Pallez's skill.
Phew, I've finally suckered her into doing it. No, how can I call it suckering? This is called convincing... Klein lampooned before taking over the groceries that Melissa had bought. He said with a sigh, "Remember to buy beef or meat like mutton and chicken. Eat until you're full and enjoy yourself. Only then will you be equipped with a healthy body and a clever brain to match the demanding requirements needed for your studies."
What did I do nothing in this battle?
Oh sorry, Pallez, thank you for your help in convincing her.
Thank you.
…
The next morning, after ensuring Melissa took a public carriage, Klein couldn't let that battle yesterday go to waste; Klein and Benson went to work. When Klein got to work, Neil asked how Klein was. After confirming he was fine, Neil said they were going to learn something.
Klein soon realized they were going to do pendulum dowsing. Klein had already learned this from Pallez; he simply lacked a pendulum.
"I'll have to create or buy my own, right? Or can I get it from the Nighthawks?"
"You can apply for one directly. This is a standard issue for Beyonders, especially Beyonders like us who take on a support role. There's still a topaz and pure silver spirit pendulum in the armory."
"Alright."
After the lesson on pendulum dowsing, they went into mysticism studies; Klein realized they weren't too important, or Pallez went over it with him. After the lesson, Klein went to type out a report listing expenses he had.
Klein, after finishing the report, left to give it to Dunn. Dunn was waiting for lunch to be delivered. When he saw Klein hand him the document, the corners of his mouth curved up.
"Did Old Neil teach you this?"
"Yes." Klein did not hesitate to betray Old Neil. He also did it to hide his contract with the church since he didn't think Dunn knew of it. Or at least didn't fully know of it.
Dunn picked up his dark red fountain pen and signed it. Then explained when he could take it out. Klein, though, was questioning the budget.
Before bidding Dunn farewell, he asked casually, "Shouldn't the budget for July, August, and September be applied for by June?"
Why are you applying for July's budget only in July?
Did you forget Sequence 7 Nightmare? Pallez teasingly reminded him.
Dunn then soon confirmed Pallez's tease.
Klein then left and began walking routes to see if he could remember where the notebook was; he also bought groceries on the way.
…
Meanwhile, Audrey was brewing her potion at her home. After succeeding in creating the potion, how she knew, probably intuition. Though before she could drink, Audrey heard Susie barking. After hearing Susie barking, Audrey investigated. She learned that Anne was bringing an invitation from Duke Negan's wife. She managed to refuse the invitation before thinking she heard something. After making Anne leave, she rushed back and saw Susie drinking the potion!
…
Alger was preparing to head back to sea. Though another believer of the sea questioned why he was heading back to sea. Alger then gave a semi-religious response.
…
Audrey thought that after seeing that Susie was fine quickly brewed a second potion and quickly drank it.
…
Friday. A storm befell Tingen. The heavy rain pounded on the windows of every household.
Klein, Rozanne, and Bredt were eating in the lounge. While eating, they began discussing gossip.
…
Around this time, Pallez's main body with the Sequence 1 characteristic was being moved. Pallez was filling in Klein on the details. The Evernight Goddess had decided to ensure Amon couldn't claim Pallez's characteristic 'She' would have 'His' main body go to the Cathedral of Serenity. That was 'Her' main cathedral, and not even Amon would dare steal from there. If Amon did dare, the Evernight Goddess laid a trap that would at least guarantee that Pallez's characteristics wouldn't be stolen. At most it might even trap Amon, allowing them to take 'His' characteristics. At the time of the conversation, Arianna had arrived to personally escort Pallez's main body to safety.
…
While Klein, Rozanne, and Bredt were eating, they heard knocking. It was from a man who wanted to entrust them with a mission. They had to reject him, though, because they didn't have any personnel. Klein decided to wait because his spirituality said he should stay. He began killing time by conversing with Pallez about 'His' main body being moved.
Later, the same man came back asking to wait for their personnel to come back.
"Sure. Please have a seat." Rozanne pointed at the sofa nearby.
Klein asked out of curiosity, "Where did you hear about our security company? Who introduced you here?"
Had he made two trips despite the heavy afternoon storm while still willing to wait? Something feels off.
0-08. Pallez quickly realized something was off.
After hearing Pallez say that, Klein went on high alert. Though strangely, he felt his spirituality tell him to stay. This only made him worry more because he feared 0-08's powers. From Perran, he learned about what Angel of Imagination Adam could do; after Pallez commented about 0-08, he realized they had similar powers. With his spirituality and then a divination, he confirmed that they were both from the same pathway, Spectator, or otherwise known as Visionary.
From Pallez's comment, Klein realized at what sequence 0-08 was: Sequence 1, Author of the Spectator pathway.