Klein began to inform them how to create the ritual. Finally, when they asked for the incantation, he said in a grand tone, "The Fool that doesn't belong to this era, you are the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; you are the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck..."
Audrey began understanding the implications of this honorific name. She clearly understood that three lines meant a deity. She began wondering whether Mr. Fool was a deity that was meant to be avoided.
Alger, however, knew far more than Audrey and was shivering from the bottom of his heart. He was deeply glad that he did what Mr. Fool commanded and didn't do anything foolish. Alger began imagining just how terrifying Mr. Fool could be. Alger was deeply glad that he had referred to Mr. Fool as a 'Him' to avoid offending him, not knowing that Mr. Fool really didn't care.
Klein was happy that the power of a three-line honorific name was as powerful as he imagined! He then continued,
"I pray for your help.
I pray for your loving grace.
I pray for you to give me a good dream.
Moon flower, an herb that belongs to the red moon, please bestow your powers to my incantation!
Fingered citron, an herb that belongs to the sun, please bestow your powers to my incantation."
…
He finished describing the incantations that belonged to another type of ritual. After he was done, he smiled. "Lady, sirs, have you memorized it?"
Audrey, with the help of Spectator, quickly memorized it. Alger also memorized it quickly.
"When you recite it and complete the first ritual, we can streamline it to be simpler so it becomes more effective. I will request that it be done when you can, but do it before Wednesday."
"By your will." Audrey and Alger replied respectfully, collecting themselves. Klein also had been making Mr. World do appropriate actions to not cause suspicion.
"According to The Hanged Man's suggestion last week, we shall have a time for casual conversation after all official issues have been discussed. Who shall begin?" Klein gave a hand gesture signaling for someone to start.
Audrey began first, talking about the suggestion Klein had at the last Tarot Club meeting. She said the suggestion had received the approval of many members of parliament. Audrey also said she wasn't sure whether it would become a reality, but it was rather likely. She also said with the current efficiency the government has, it will only appear in half a year at best.
Audrey was thinking that there was no reason to fear Mr. Hanged Man or Mr. World from tracking her through this. She had intentionally and intermittently dropped hints and guided those proud wives to think that they had conceived the idea. Those ladies had rushed to tell their husbands, their fathers, and their brothers. To Audrey, it looked like golden peacocks showcasing their tail feathers. She was not naive to think she could hide from Mr. Time or Mr. Fool, of course.
That was true since Pallez had a somewhat simple method to find her rather easily. But since Mr. Fool had clearly decided to keep the Tarot Club members' privacy, 'He' didn't employ any methods to find their identities.
Alger and Mr. World both gave sarcastic responses of, "Let's hope so."
Alger said his tidbit was that there were more secret organizations popping up and their activities were increasing. Additionally, these secret organizations have a good number of Beyonders.
Klein saw that Alger wanted to know if Mr. Fool knew the answer. Klein did know and decided to give an overview response. "This is because the end of an era is happening due to the awakening or greater response of hidden powers."
Klein let that information sink into Alger and Audrey.
Klein also wanted to make Mr. World say something so as not to make him feel out of place.
Controlling Mr. World, "Tingen is a hot spot for dangerous activities. Much more than it normally is."
"Do you know the specifics?" Alger wanted to see if he could gain free information.
Audrey was also curious.
"A disgraced Archbishop of some church is wielding a powerful Sealed Artifact there. Additionally, there seem to be other hidden dangers that need to be found."
Alger had an idea of who that disgraced Archbishop was. This was because of the comment about a 'powerful Sealed Artifact'.
After letting them think for a bit, Klein swept his gaze toward The Hanged Man, then past Justice and said with a smile, "If there is nothing else to share, then let's end today's gathering here."
"By your will." Audrey, Alger, and Mr. World stood up together.
Klein cut the connection. After thinking for a bit about the symbols he didn't pay attention to at the last meeting, he left Sefirah Castle with Pallez. He intended to bring his true body to the Holy Numerics Cathedral, to show his trust and to protect Melissa if necessary. Klein also felt that he needed to leave; otherwise, he would have stayed in Sefirah Castle for too long.
There is definitely a remnant will of the old Lord of Mysteries up there. I need to be careful about that. I wonder if Perran could help me with this. I also need to bring Melissa to the Holy Numerics Cathedral.
…
Backlund, Empress Borough. Audrey began thinking about the ritual Mr. Fool had given. She soon got out of bed and felt a gaze. She looked at a shaded corner of a balcony. Audrey realized that Susie was using Spectator powers. Observing her as she did a maid previously.
Audrey decided to begin acting on Mr. Time's advice.
…
In the Sonia Sea, Alger woke up. When he noticed nothing had changed, he began pondering about ancient existences.
…
Klein pondered the contents he received from Roselle's diary. Mainly, he built a profile of Roselle. It wasn't flattering. He decided to stay at home and wait for Melissa to come back. But he also wasn't just going to sit at home doing nothing, or at least not all of him was going to do nothing. Klein brought down the avatar/marionette. He decided to send it to the Divination Club and act through it while waiting. He intended to use it as a marionette to act as Seer and Marionettist.
Sending his marionette off to the Divination Club, Klein got comfortable at home. When the marionette arrived at the Divination Club, it saw Angelica; it was obvious that Angelica had taken Klein's advice. More importantly, it worked.
Angelica gave some banter and, importantly, gave feedback that helped digest Klein's Seer potion. Klein was thinking about his potion digestion when Angelica asked for his drink preference. Klein responded and asked where Mr. Vincent was.
Klein and Pallez still needed to wait for that more ideal moment to kill Hanass Vincent.
Angelica gave a response that he wasn't always here and took the day to give a lecture at Enmat Harbor. She asked whether Klein was looking for him.
Klein gave a quick excuse.
Then he saw a familiar person, Glacis!
Glacis was reading some information before realizing he was being looked at. He saw Klein, and joy suffused his face.
Glacis gave a response of greetings and wondered when Klein would come today. He also said that he learned Klein wasn't a doctor but a fortuneteller good at face-reading.
Klein smiled and said that face-reading wasn't all he was good at. Klein knew the ailment had passed and asked, "You cured your ailment?"
"Indeed, since I followed your instruction because of a divination I did, my wife managed to get a miraculous medicine from an amazing apothecary," Glacis replied with great emotion.
Klein, due to being a Nighthawk, was curious. He believed this 'amazing apothecary' was a Sequence 9 Apothecary. He began asking for information from Glacis. Soon, Angelica came with Klein's drink. When Klein put down his drink, Glacis decided to ask Klein for a divination. Klein agreed and brought them to the Topaz room. Glacis wanted to know whether he should invest in an opportunity.
Klein began constructing an astrolabe to keep up appearances. He also asked for more information to create the astrolabe and to make his dream divination more effective. Soon, Klein finished and said that it was a scam.
Pallez, who sent an avatar with this marionette, sent a thought to Klein. I believe this, Lanevus, is a Sequence 8 Swindler. This is likely an attempt to act and is also a likely part of 'His' story. Do you want me to send an avatar to monitor him?
Yes.
Glacis was clearly disappointed and said he would consider it. Klein already knew what would happen and simply decided to let it run its course. Klein had already made a divination that Glacis wouldn't suffer from it too badly.
Just as they left, Angelica told Klein he had another customer. Klein learned his reputation was spreading, to his joy.
The customer was Anna's fiancé, Joyce. After some banter, Joyce requested a divination. They went back into Topaz and clarified that he wanted a dream interpretation. Klein asked for some more information and gave consoling advice. Joyce gave a recounting of his nightmare, to which Klein periodically gave an answer. Klein began realizing there was an issue. Joyce also realized that the hero who saved them, Mr. Tris, was an issue.
Mr. Tris is an Instigator, Sequence 8 of the Demoness pathway. He's likely a part of the Demoness Sect or some related organization. Pallez gave 'His' opinion.
Indeed, can you track him?
I will.
Also, can you further explain the Demoness Sect?
The main points are that they were once known as the Demoness Family. This is important because the members were in fact related to the Primordial Demoness.
Judging from the fact they are now called the Sect, they began recruiting Demoness outside their family?
Indeed, the numbers they had and the weakening of their deity forced them to begin recruiting. Though the descendants are still in complete power for obvious reasons.
They are based in Intis, and I wonder whether they caused Intis's current culture or whether they are based in Intis because of its culture.
Klein, knowing of Intis's reputation, chuckled at this. He thought about how Intis is this era's France.
The other stuff is that they hold a lot of powerful artifacts and believe the Primordial Demoness is the true inheritor of the Creator. Other important information is that the idea that they abandon boys is false; in fact, it is the opposite. This is because it is apparently dangerous for true females to take the pathway of Demoness for some unknown reason. I believe it is likely due to a ritual in the high-sequences.
The pathway turns men into females?
Indeed, and its related pathway, Hunter, does the opposite.
I wonder if Tris knows this.
He likely doesn't.
Heh.
Klein and Pallez soon ended their conversation about the Demoness Sect. Klein also decided to inform Dunn about Tris. He got paid two soli, which caused Klein to think Joyce and his fiancé were rather similar in how much they paid.
Klein, once it was clear, hid his marionette in Sefirah Castle.
Soon Melissa and Benson came home.
"Klein, you're bringing me to the Holy Numerics Church soon?" Melissa was filled with nervous excitement.
"Yes, yes, there's no need to be in a panic; we can go as soon as you're ready." Klein fondly teased her.
"I'll go make dinner while you take her to church," Benson replied.
Klein and Melissa's expressions froze.
"I'll go buy dinner on the way back." Klein quickly shot it down.
"My cooking isn't that bad-"
Klein and Melissa both said, "It's bad."
After some grumbling and protests from Benson, Melissa went to prepare for her interview. Once she was done, Klein brought Melissa to the Holy Numerics Cathedral. Pallez didn't go to avoid issues.
The Holy Numerics Cathedral was in the eastern suburbs.
Klein and Melissa entered the Holy Numerics Cathedral; they were noticed by an angel. Klein noticed the angel and said to Melissa, "Ah, there he is."
When Melissa looked, she saw a tall, handsome young man with long chestnut hair and blue eyes. The man was wearing a monk-like gray robe and white apron.
"He's . . . handsome." Melissa didn't consider herself as immature as other girls her age, but the man was quite handsome.
Klein noticed Melissa's reaction and his protective instincts as a big brother kicked in. I need to stop this! Wait, that's a bit too controlling. I'll step in if it gets bad! Klein's impression of the angel dropped immediately.
Klein and Melissa soon got near the angel before 'He' motioned them to follow 'Him'. 'He' took them into a private space.
"Hello, Mr. Moretti, it is good to see you. I assume this is your younger sister; she is like a soon-to-bloom flower that will become beautiful."
"Tha-Thank you, Mr.?" Melissa was stammering in embarrassment, a blush creeping up. She hadn't expected the history consultant Klein had talked about to be so, well, handsome and well-mannered.
Klein was currently in slight shock that Melissa was showing such a reaction. I thought she wasn't into, or would fall for, handsomeness! I need to take this into my own hands!
The angel noticed Melissa's reaction and recognized Klein's anger as that of an older brother and immediately tried to damage control. "Ah, I see the issue with my response. I'm Bornova Gustav. I apologize if my comment seemed inappropriate. I grew up in Intis, so my comments tend to be freer than those compared in Loen. Please accept my apologies."
"Melissa, please step outside the room for a moment; I need to speak to my friend for the moment." Klein tried to stifle his rage.
Melissa blushed in embarrassment, realizing the implication of what was being spoken. "Ah, a, alright." She quickly left to save her dignity. Klein, knowing that she may try to eavesdrop, concealed the area and used an illusion to not cause any suspicion.
"..." Klein was glaring at Bornova. He hadn't registered Bornova's last name yet.
"... I do apologize if I came off as inappropriate." Bornova understood how powerful the archangel before 'Him' was and how important 'He' was to the God of Steam and Machinery. Because of that, 'He' was trying to placate 'Him'.
"I better not see anything funny between you and Melissa- wait, your last name is Gustav?" Klein, after calming down, finally registered Bornova's last name.
"Indeed, I'm the son of Roselle Gustav. Why?" Bornova instantly caught on to the fact that this archangel had a connection to 'His' father.
"I guess I should call you nephew." Klein began thinking of the ramifications and how much he should tell.
Bornova's eyebrows went up in surprise. "You . . . know my father, I mean you're 'His' brother?" Bornova didn't think this archangel was connected by blood, but was connected differently.
"Not by blood, more of, well, I guess you deserve to know since he was your father. We are connected by 'That' and culture." Klein didn't bother to say what 'That' meant; he believed if Bornova knew, he knew; if not, he wouldn't bother saying anything.
"I see. Let me assure you that I have no intentions of doing inappropriate things to your sister; if I came off as that, I assure you I didn't mean to." Bornova was struggling to control 'His' expression with new information on 'His' father. What does he mean by 'That'? Additionally, what is this culture 'He' speaks of?
"Alright, I assume you don't want me in the room while you teach my sister?"
"Well, not really, but if you desire-"
"No need, but I better not see or detect anything. More importantly, you, nephew, better not let any harm come to her." Klein felt that he was being a bit extreme, but it felt humanizing. Klein rather liked the feeling of being an overprotective brother.
"I assure you I won't, uncle?" Bornova tried to gauge how friendly Klein was by calling 'Him' uncle.
"Uncle . . . " Klein pondered on that and dispelled the concealment and illusion. Smiling, "I better not see any funny Intis business I've heard of, nephew; I can only hope you inherited your father's charm and not his shamelessness." Klein chuckled at his joke.
In total embarrassment of being reminded of 'His' father's embarrassing ways, Bornova struggled to control 'His' expression.
Klein left the room and, when opening the door, hit Melissa since she was trying to eavesdrop.
"Ack!" Melissa gracelessly hit the floor and was rubbing her forehead.
Klein looked at her on the floor. He arched an eyebrow. "You can enter; he will test you; I'll be in the main hall." Klein then left for the main hall, preparing to protect Melissa if necessary. He had already ordered Pallez to bring Leonard over discreetly if he needed Pallez's help.
Melissa got off the floor and tried to do some last-minute preparations before going in.
…
Leonard in the eastern suburbs.
"Old man, why are we in the Machinery Hivemind's section?"
"I'm doing a mission, punk. Since it isn't too dangerous, I brought you along so you can learn and improve." Pallez didn't bother to say the mission was from Klein; he simply let Leonard assume it was from the Church of Evernight.
Leonard did assume it was from the Church of Evernight and began preparing.
…
Melissa entered the room again, but this time she had regained her composure. ". . . Hello, uhm, Mr. Gustav?" What should I say? Why didn't Klein tell me he was so handsome? I might not be easily influenced by beauty, but I'm still human! And his last name . . .
Bornova sensed her nervousness and gave her a calming smile, "Call me Bornova. My last name is indeed Gustav; I'm indeed related to the famous Roselle Gustav; in fact, I'm a direct descendant."
"Are you related to his youngest child?" Melissa asked curiously.
Bornova smiled, "Let's say yes for now. First, let me ask you something: what is your opinion on mysticism?"
"It doesn't exist, or is simply a phenomenon that can't be currently explained," Melissa replied automatically.
Bornova chuckled at that. "Humor me: if you believed in mysticism, how do you believe it would work? You can currently treat this as a mental exercise that is training you to expand your mind."
Melissa considered hard for a moment, "I would assume that mysticism is still a phenomenon that operates on rules. The difference is that they would be very loose rules and do things that simply don't make sense logically."
Bornova smiled, "Very good, what would your reaction be if I told you you aren't wrong?"
"What do you mean? Surely you don't believe mysticism is real? You're a member of the Church of Steam and Machinery!" Melissa was getting very confused.
"Do you consider yourself to have a flexible mindset?" Bornova decided to prod at a different angle.
"Well yes, we as human beings need to be flexible in our mindset to understand the world around us," Melissa spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Then can you explain this?" Bornova lifted his hand and created false constellations.
Melissa gaped at the fake Starry Sky Bornova created. "How? Surely there is a phenomenon that explains this, or, or, is this why you were asking me about mysticism?"
Bornova smiled, 'He' rather liked this young lady, "There is a phenomenon, mysticism. The Beyonder system."
"Is mysticism real?" Melissa was in disbelief, but was slowly considering it. Realizing how possible it could be once it was shown. Her acceptance was helped along by the blessing of the God of Steam and Machinery.
"Indeed, but unlike popular opinion, it isn't as chaotic as many believe; there are structured rules it follows. While what it can do looks chaotic, there is an order in the madness. That is what you must see to understand."
"I see, but why are you showing me this? Wait, is my brother, Klein, connected to this!?" Melissa astutely realized that this wasn't something that was just shown around; there was a reason behind it. The reason why Klein brought it up.
"Indeed, 'H'-he is connected to mysticism. To be more precise but respectful to his privacy, he is connected to an ancient deity. Before you become concerned that this ancient power is related to an orthodox god, the Evernight Goddess. You can say this ancient deity that is currently going by The Fool is the consort of the Evernight Goddess. Or at least that's what I've learned. I can at least confirm The Fool and the Evernight Goddess have a very positive relationship. For your brother, he came into contact with an artifact related to the Fool and awakened him. Or perhaps he gave The Fool the ability to interact with the Physical Realm." With that last term, 'He' looked at Melissa to gauge her response.
"My brother isn't in trouble, or I-"
"Your brother isn't in trouble; in fact, he is in the same situation you are going to be in. A bet, to be blunt. You can say that your brother Klein Moretti is the bet the Evernight Goddess has on 'Her' . . . 'consort'. You are going to be the God of Steam and Machinery's bet on The Fool."
"Bet…" Melissa ruminated on the word. Both deities have realized that The Fool is awakening and is likely going to be a very good ally to have. So they intend to put a stake on him. An analogy is a good investment opportunity. If an investment opportunity has very high rewards, and is even a very safe bet, one would bet on it, no? So then, the question becomes: how does one place a bet or stake?"
"Since my brother is already a bet and is related, the God of Steam and Machinery intends to use me…"
"That is correct, but I would like to remove some fears you have. It isn't like you have nothing to gain from this. You will benefit from this just as much as the God of Steam and Machinery. You are already a Blessed of 'His' and stand to gain much in the Church. You will gain a chance at our complete pathway, Savant, and will be assisted in climbing it."
"Pathway?" Melissa noticed that the word pathway was important. Also, Blessed and Savant caught her attention.
"Yes, pathway refers to the rules or one of them that mysticism follows. The twenty-two pathways of the divine are the way that humanity gained the power to defeat the creatures in the Second Epoch."
"Wait, do I even have a choice?" Melissa understood that she was in a game of gods. From that, she understood that she likely didn't possess any choices.
"You do have a choice. If you want to, the God of Steam and Machinery will remove your status as a Blessed and let you remain as an ordinary girl. But-"
"Does my brother have a choice?" After confirming she could, she worried for her brother.
"...No." Bornova delivered it as softly as 'He' could.
"I see, you don't need to convince me to join; I will for my brother, my family."
Bornova nodded and proceeded to tell her about what she was getting herself into. When getting to what pathway she wanted to go on, she asked for information on the pathways she had as options. From that information, she decided to choose Savant. This was likely influenced by the God of Steam and Machinery and perhaps another.
Bornova told her that they would prepare the potion next time they met. 'He' told her they would arrange a schedule the next time they met.
After a while, Klein got up and went to the room. He knocked on the door and said, "Melissa, we need to go home soon; Benson will begin to worry."
"Alright." Melissa's voice sounded condemned.
This crushed Klein's heart.
Melissa prepared to leave and bade Bornova goodbye. "Thank you, Bornova."
Bornova smiled sadly, "There is no need for that. For next time we meet, ask your brother when an opportune moment is. If after a week goes without you coming, we will seek you out after your schooling."
Melissa spoke her affirmation, and Klein nodded in understanding. Melissa and Klein quickly left the Holy Numerics Cathedral.
Pallez noticed that Klein had left and told Leonard they could go now. Leonard was surprised and asked questions, but Pallez just ignored him.
On the way home, Klein and Melissa went to buy food for dinner. When they arrived back at their home door, Melissa turned to speak to Klein.
"There's no need; I'll tell you later. Let's keep Benson happy for now." Klein smiled, hiding the pain.
Klein didn't know how Melissa acted so perfectly and didn't bother to ask. Benson asked how the interview went, to which Melissa animatedly said it went well. Benson then began starting up a banter, to which Melissa and Klein went through hiding the pain. When night fully came, the Morettis each bade each other goodnight. Two were condemned, one innocent, soon to be condemned.
…
Tuesday morning.
Audrey and Alger began the preparations to perform the ritual Klein requested them to do. Audrey did it sometime in the morning. She used Mr. Time's advice and commanded Susie to guard her door while she prepared. After taking a bath, which caused her to fall asleep, she prepared the ritual and completed it.
Alger didn't want to do it on the ghost ship from the Tudor dynasty. This is because it was related to Blood Emperor Alista Tudor, and doing the ritual might cause issues. So he decided to sail to the Rorsted Archipelago to the cheers of his men.
…
Klein, on the way to Blackthorn Security Company, heard Miss Justice's prayers. He had switched places with his avatar/marionette, so his main body was in Sefirah Castle.
She was quick. I'll wait to give her a response for now. Actually, you know what, no, I'll be a procrastinator.
He soon entered Blackthorn Security Company, and before he could even greet Rozanne, Captain Dunn walked out and held up a paper.
Klein learned that Tris was indeed a Sequence 8 Instigator, but had already pretty much confirmed it. He also learned about a secret organization called the Theosophy Order.
Theosophy Order is just a branch of the Demoness Sect. Pallez scoffed.
Why didn't you tell me about that?
It's such a minor part I forgot.
Hmmm.
"Captain, I know one of the witnesses. He might very well be an important witness." Klein immediately said that without much thought.
"I know. Joyce Meyer. My help was requested by the Machinery Hivemind last night. I saw you in Joyce's dream. Many details have led to the confirmation that the Alfalfa tragedy was a result of Tris." Dunn's gray eyes looked unperturbed as he chuckled.
Klein lampooned on how close he was to being caught skipping work. Wait, what does it matter if I skip work? I'm an archangel. Dang it, my identity though would screw me over. Heh, acting is really a lot of work.
"Captain, what kind of organization is the Theosophy Order?" Klein hoped to gain more information about secret organizations since heavy-hitters like Pallez and Perran likely wouldn't pay too much attention to the new secret organizations unless they became powerful.
Dunn considered for a bit and said, "Coincidentally, it's about time for you to learn the relevant information regarding Beyonders and the mysterious organizations. You shouldn't be ordered by Old Neil to keep reading the historical documents all the time."
Well, that was my assigned job, which I totally didn't skip. Well, I used an avatar, so I did do it.
Klein didn't comment on the historical document parts and said, "Alright."