Chương 390: Stewart Takes Action
"The Black Emperor card...
"It contains the potion formulas and associated rituals from Sequence 9 Lawyer to Sequence 0 Black Emperor...
"No wonder Mr. Tower said the Blasphemy cards hold the mysteries of divinity. This truly is the secret to godhood!
"However, considering Mr. Tower's knowledge of Sequence 0 and his understanding of the Blasphemy Slate cards, could he possibly possess one of these cards himself? Which one might it be?
"Additionally, the Black Emperor's ability to exploit the loopholes of death—so long as the established order maintains even a fraction of its existence, it's possible for resurrection even if all nine constructed mausoleums are destroyed...
"Mr. Tower mentioned in Baron Ramde's investigation report that Roselle forcibly advanced to the Black Emperor pathway in his later years, paying the price of partial madness...
"If... if Roselle truly reached Sequence 0, does that mean he never truly fell? Could he be lying dormant in one of those mausoleums, awaiting 'resurrection'?"
As his thoughts churned, Klein glanced again at the Black Emperor card. The image showed Roselle seated on an ancient stone throne, wearing a black crown adorned with gemstones, dressed in pitch-black armor with a matching cape, holding a scepter, and gazing coldly ahead.
Suddenly, Klein chuckled to himself:
"Did he really use his likeness for every Sequence image? How narcissistic...
"I wonder what the Witch card would look like. Heh, I'm genuinely curious."
After entertaining himself for a while, Klein composed himself, adjusted his posture, and used his spirituality to activate Justice's crimson star.
In the guise of the Fool, he answered her earlier questions. Then, pretending to be the Fool's Attendant, he thanked her for her assistance and reduced her debt by 3,000 pounds.
Of course, that 3,000 pounds was from the final installment due in January next year. As for this month's installment, the Fool's Attendant still intended to use the funds to purchase the Sun Brooch from Old Mister Eye of Wisdom.
---
Empress Borough, Earl Hall's Residence
After breakfast, Audrey learned from her father that the police had identified the serial killer. While she prayed for the witness—who had been shouting "murder!" and "help!" in the streets—hoping they wouldn't have nightmares, she also instructed her maid Anne to prepare afternoon tea invitations for Glaint, Cons, Murray, Christine, Emma, and Amusia.
Most of them are interested in mysticism and wouldn't be unfamiliar with Roselle's manuscripts... Under my guidance, Emma and Amusia might express interest in purchasing or collecting them... If everything goes well, I'll have a valid excuse for Fors. I wouldn't even have to lie—after all, I truly wouldn't have Roselle's manuscripts anymore!
That settles it. Just as Audrey finalized her thoughts, her vision filled with dense gray fog, and the silhouettes of the Fool and his Attendant appeared.
"That bookmark turned out to be a Blasphemy card?! And they obtained it so quickly... At the same time that the witness was frantically shouting for help, the Fool's Attendant managed to retrieve the Blasphemy Slate card from the heavily guarded museum without alerting anyone! How impressive!" Audrey thought, filled with admiration. She paid little attention to the matter of her 3,000-pound debt reduction.
---
Bridge Borough, Near Iron Gate Street
Disguised as Kay Shaw, former police officer Stewart glanced at Thomas Corsen, a burly man in blue overalls, and asked in surprise:
"You hired a detective to investigate your wife?"
Thomas's expression immediately showed guilt, but he still nodded and said, "Yes, teacher... I was worried she'd been deceived... I didn't know she was following your guidance. It's all my fault."
If one could "influence" the wives of workers to file for divorce, one could also "influence" their husbands to deal with their wives more "rationally." After all, for those who resorted to violence, "reasoning" was something they rarely practiced.
As for whether this suited the Witch pathway's acting principles, Stewart didn't care. He wasn't actually the Instigator; he was merely mimicking their abilities.
Thinking this, Stewart shook his head and said with a slight allure, "You're not at fault. Caring about your wife is undoubtedly the right thing to do... But why didn't you have an honest conversation with her? Hiring a detective to uncover the truth is like, as Roselle the Great would say, confusing the roots with the branches."
"You're absolutely right, teacher!" Thomas humbly accepted. "I'll visit Detective Moriarty this afternoon to terminate the investigation."
"Good!" Stewart nodded in satisfaction before changing the subject. "Tell me in detail—how did you find this Detective Moriarty?"
"Through an advertisement in the newspaper, teacher..." Thomas began, and Stewart listened attentively, noting the name Sherlock Moriarty.
After the morning session concluded, Stewart visited the Chorwood District police station, using his official identity to access the files on this detective.
Soon, he discovered that Sherlock Moriarty was the one who had exposed the Intis Embassy espionage case and had been interrogated by MI9.
Interrogated by MI9? Stewart mused. Interesting... It seems this Moriarty has become an MI9 informant. When Thomas approached him, Moriarty likely uncovered the Instigator and even my involvement. He must have reported this to that petite lady from MI9...
After investigating, MI9 likely noticed traces of the Mystic Assembly and Aurora Order, which led them to inform me through the petite lady. This wasn't an official notification but a personal favor. Perhaps she—or someone behind her—has their own agenda.
Alternatively, MI9 or the Church of the Storms might have compromised members who decided to alert me indirectly.
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Stewart set the file down, choosing not to examine the attached sketch of Moriarty.
---
Afternoon
After a short nap at home, Klein prepared to visit the circus for inspiration on acting as the Magician.
As he donned his coat and hat, he reflected on the two consultations he'd received that morning while practicing marksmanship at the Quelaag Club.
The first came from his friend, the "Equestrian Instructor" Talim, who sought advice for "a friend who loves someone they shouldn't." Klein, lacking a better solution, suggested reading romance novels, though he himself doubted the effectiveness of this advice.
The second consultation, about "a streak of misfortune," came from the "Surgeon" Allen. Here, Klein, as a former "professional," offered a unique solution: pray to the Church. Essentially, report the matter.
Allen gratefully accepted the suggestion and decided to meet with a bishop to request divine protection.
Or rather, with the bishop's report, the Nighthawks can start investigating your abnormalities... Klein thought as he reached for the door to leave his home at 15 Minsk Street.
But just then, a knock sounded on the door.
Using his Clown abilities, Klein sensed the visitor's identity: his client, Thomas Corsen.
Why is he here? Could he no longer wait? Or has something changed?
Speculating, Klein tossed a coin for divination. Once assured there was no danger, he opened the door and invited Thomas in.
After some pleasantries, Thomas requested to terminate his commission. He explained that he planned to win back his wife's love through effort, sincerity, and devotion. Somewhat sheepishly, he added:
"I won't ask for the deposit back... but could you reduce the remaining payment?"
Klein was surprised by the sudden change of heart. He agreed to reduce the payment but asked casually while amending the contract, "Why not continue the investigation?"
Thomas's face turned reverent as he solemnly said, "Because I've met a teacher... Her name is Kay Shaw..."
Klein's pen paused mid-stroke. Using his Clown abilities to maintain composure, he suppressed an exaggerated reaction.
Kay Shaw? So Stewart has started reverse-"influencing" the workers now? How clever of him!
Judgment had informed the Fool yesterday that Stewart had been notified.
---
Meanwhile
In the fifth-floor dreamscape of the Maze Tower, Ebner, only partially recovered by noon, once again sought out the Bellman to inquire about the "Elven Trial."
(End of Chapter)
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