Capítulo 372: Lydia
Fortunately, Klein remembered Mr. Tower's request the next morning and summoned him to the gray fog.
Sitting in the quiet, vast ancient palace, Ebner didn't see The Fool but knew he was present. He pretended to be engrossed in the Book of Constellations, flipping its pages while secretly "reviewing" intercepted information through the Pure White Eye.
"This is indeed information relayed by the God of Knowledge… It seems that the series of 'arrangements' following the Pirate Congress were largely about probing Maria's background.
"From the later description about 'daring to calculate even against gods,' it's likely that a 'Whisperer' stirred up the God of Knowledge's interest in Maria.
"However, the fact that Admiral of Pale Justice is a 'Wraith' like Miss Sharon… now that's unexpected.
"If the 'Pale Justice' sword symbolizes an extreme desire for justice, then it's her 'prison.' She's both a prisoner of the sword and of her own desires… Her pursuit of justice is, in essence, indulgence.
"But this act of 'acting' feels tailor-made for her. Other 'prisoners' wouldn't be able to pull it off because human nature is complex—it's impossible to set up a singular, overarching desire.
"Maria manages it because her body contains a sealed demonic characteristic… That so-called 'seal' likely absorbs her other desires to feed the demon.
"More likely, the 'Pale Justice,' the seal, and the demonic characteristic are in a delicate balance, which is why Maria appears relatively 'normal' despite her obsessive pursuit of justice.
"This seems to bear the handiwork of the Great Emperor. But why? How could he have foreseen Maria's situation over a century ago?
"She might have been created long ago but kept sealed until recently, or all the arrangements on her were premeditated to unfold now.
"Either way, her role won't be simple! Just as the God of Knowledge speculated, she's either a countermeasure against Farbauti or Tolzna—or a lure pushed into the open."
Ebner pieced together the situation surrounding Admiral of Pale Justice based on the received knowledge and couldn't help but mutter sarcastically:
"The God of Knowledge... Why are you deliberately telling me all this? Are you warning me to be careful when dealing with Maria?
"Sigh, can't you be more direct, like the Earth Mother? If I misunderstand your hints, what then?"
Hidden in the shadows, Klein noticed Mr. Tower lingering on a page of the book, occasionally frowning or showing sudden understanding. Curious, he used his authority above the gray fog to project the content of the open page:
"Constellations—Desires and Emotions. Constructing spell models to evoke desires and emotions in others using corresponding astrological symbols..."
---
In a dimly lit room, the vampire girl Lydia stared at the unconscious young man Terrance, her tongue brushing against her lips.
Her face flashed with inner conflict, but she eventually leaned down, bringing her face close to the boy's youthful cheeks.
Just as she was about to act, the "suggestion" planted in her mind activated, sending her into a state akin to a "sage's calm."
She froze for a moment, then looked down at the boy, her face flushing crimson. Hurriedly putting her clothes back on, she fled the room in embarrassment.
Moments later, Terrance groggily opened his eyes. After recognizing the room, he muttered in confusion, "Why did I fall asleep in Lydia's cabin?"
---
Around noon, after finishing his "online course," Klein discreetly returned to the house on 33 Iron Gate Street. To his surprise, the "Instigator" Shawke, whom he had forcefully communed with the previous day, showed no signs of vigilance. He was still searching for new targets.
This isn't normal behavior for a wild Beyonder; he must have been manipulated by someone's ability. A Marionettist likely wouldn't have such methods… Could it be a Puppet Master? Hmm, I'll have 'The World' ask during the next Tarot meeting which pathways specialize in such things.
In truth, Klein had already made Shawke recite The Fool's name the previous day. Using a Mystic Connection ritual, he could free Shawke from this hypnotic-like state.
But Klein didn't dare act rashly. If the Secret Order strongman manipulating Shawke noticed and investigated, they might trace it to Detective Sherlock Moriarty, invited by Mr. Thomas. Klein wasn't eager to face another Marionettist.
Shawke has already written to the 'Witch' Lina. Once she returns, perhaps she can help resolve the issue in his mind. With Lina as the scapegoat, the Secret Order shouldn't focus on me, a lowly detective.
However, Shawke's increasing "Instigation" range couldn't be left unchecked. If the Mandated Punisher had been alerted before Stuart had investigated, the Secret Order's scheme would have succeeded.
After some thought, Klein devised a plan. Since Shawke's suggestions compelled him to continue "instigating," Klein would make instigating more difficult and less efficient.
He returned to a nearby café, borrowed the restroom, and entered the gray fog after reversing four steps. There, he penned an anonymous "tip-off" letter claiming to have seen a suspect in the serial murders near Iron Gate Street.
Back in reality, Klein delivered the letter to the Bridge District police station.
This should buy a few days of peace. Even the Secret Order wouldn't want Shawke caught before their plan unfolds…
With this in mind, Klein, now in a new disguise, leisurely ate a Deesie Pie while taking the subway across the Tussock River to the southern district.
Walking to Rose Street, he quickly located the cramped Harvest Church.
Klein entered through the side, cautiously applying face paint instead of relying solely on illusionary abilities.
Inside the church hall, rows of chairs were neatly arranged. At the front was the grand symbol of life, flanked by lit candles.
Sitting in the front row was a tall man in his forties or fifties wearing a brown clerical robe—Bishop Utravsky.
Simply sitting there, he exuded an oppressive aura akin to a mountain.
By the pulpit stood a woman wearing long gloves, bent over her task, seemingly copying something.
Though Klein had only seen her face once, those long gloves left a lasting impression. He immediately recognized her as Miss Haziel Mahtr, one of Mr. Tower's friends who had purchased the Fire Raven Bow at the gathering.
Haziel noticed Klein's entry and instinctively reached for the short bow by her side. Seeing the archbishop remain unfazed, she hesitated before resuming her work.
However, her focus was clearly divided, part of it now on Klein.
Bishop Utravsky opened his pale blue eyes but didn't lift his head. His voice was deep and gentle as he said, "The Earth Mother's church does not turn anyone away. Why didn't you use the front door?"
Klein didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked about the archbishop's background. Surprisingly, Utravsky shared his past without hesitation.
Even Haziel seemed to be hearing these stories for the first time. She stopped writing, listening intently and occasionally casting the bishop looks of admiration.
A pirate redeemed by the Earth Mother… It's like the otherworldly version of 'laying down one's blade and becoming a Buddha.'
Klein mused wryly before getting to the point. "I heard you're looking to commission someone and are offering the Apothecary formula as payment?"
---
Meanwhile, on Damir Island, the vampire girl Lydia snuck up on Ebner, who was practicing his abilities. Shuffling her feet awkwardly, she asked, "Did you… use some kind of trick on me?"
"Why do you ask?" Ebner raised an eyebrow, his thoughts wandering. Don't tell me you already made a move on young Terrance? Looks like Karen was spot on with his foresight… It's a shame Roselle didn't heed his advice back then.
"Well… on this island, you're the only one capable of 'suggesting' something to me without my noticing!" Lydia stomped her foot indignantly.
"Actually… Karen was here before," Ebner replied with a vague smile, avoiding the question.
(End of Chapter)
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