Chapter 11 : Mr. Fool is watching everyone (2)

Xin Jian's point of view :

Lol. So, after creating another urban legend, I decided to go kill someone.

I think that there are too much people on earth…

Er… I mean, I went to Tingen to suddenly murder someone named Lanevus (who totally deserved it) when I never killed anyone before… (and murder isn't justifiable.)

But don't worry, I'm wearing a wig ! I won't get caught !

(Author : I don't think that's the problem here.

Xin Jian : I couldn't have brought Klein to kill someone that didn't do anything yet, could I ?

Author : No, I mean that Lanevus is a Beyonder.

Xin Jian : So ? I'm armed with one of Mr. Fool's sealed artifacts. That's not a problem. Why, are you worried about me~?)

However, while I was searching for Lanevus in Tingen, I saw two familiar figures.

Huh, aren't they Melissa and Benson ? I didn't think I would see them…

They had an unnoticeable sadness in their hearts. I mean, I don't know why but their smiles seemed fake. And I'm very skilled at interpreting smiles ! I'm 50% sure of myself there !

(Author : Huh. You know, 50% means that there's 1/2 chance that you're right or wrong…

Xin Jian : So what ? That's still high !)

I finally decided to ask them what was wrong since they were still Klein's family.

« Hello ? Miss, you seem a bit sad. Could I know what is on your mind ? Maybe speaking could relieve you a bit ? »

Of course, I am still a total stranger to them.

Benson looked worriedly at his sister.

Melissa noticed it and hesitantly replied me to reassure her brother.

« No, I'm fine. I just… »

She looked down and ended in a low voice.

« …miss my brother. »

Benson put her hand on her shoulder and the mood became awkward.

Ah.

I'm feeling a bit guilty.

After all, I'm the one who told Klein that he wasn't allowed to be in contact with them.

I put on a smile.

« Ah~. Could you be talking about Klein ? »

Melissa raised her head.

« You know him ? »

I nodded.

« Yes, we are colleagues. Maybe I could bring him a letter in your stead ? »

Melissa brightened up.

« Ah. Could you wait a little bit. We have to write the letter. It won't take long. »

She looked at me, worried that I would take my words back.

I nodded.

« Okay. I'll be waiting here. »

They hurried home and quickly wrote a letter. Even though not much time passed, they wrote a lot of things.

Then they came and gave me the letter.

After taking it, I began searching for Lanevus once again and killed him.

That is why I am now standing in front of Lanevus' body.

« Huhhhh… »

And thinking hard.

I mean, in theses cases, Klein usually does something cool like putting Tarot cards on the body so I would like to do the same.

Based on how Klein did it the last times, I guess that the Devil card and the Judgement card should be the most appropriate.

However.

Which cards are they ?

It isn't written !

I stared hard at the cards for a while when Mr. Fool (that seemed to know what I was thinking) sent down an oracle.

I saw gray fog appear in front of my eyes and Mr. Fool's figure saying :

« The Devil is the 15th card and The Judgement is the 20th. »

Okay…

« Thank you~. »

Here is the rise of the Tarot club !

I pulled out these two cards and emptied the deck on top of the body.

Ah~. That is so refreshing~.

Then, I put the two cards on Lanevus' eyes to make them obvious.

« All's done~. »

(Xin Jian : Letter-chaaan !

Author : Sht ! Don't spoil !)

After that, I went back to Backlund.

« I'm home~. »

Oh ? Someone is already there.

I saw Klein in the kitchen.

« Ah ! »

I remembered something.

« Klein, I have a letter for you… »

I searched my pocket.

Then my other pocket.

I frowned and searched again.

I'm pretty sure I put it in the same pocket as the deck of cards since I usually just stuff everything at the same place…

I began panicking.

I must have lost it when I was spreading out the cards on Lanevus' body.

I knew how important Melissa and Benson were to Klein, but I still lost their letter.

« I'm so sorry, Klein. Melissa and Benson wrote you a letter and I lost it. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. »

Tears were filling my eyes but I held them back.

Helpless, Klein reassured me.

« Don't worry, that's not a big deal… »

I continued.

« I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. »

Klein didn't know what to do.

(Author : Side story : Mr. Fool pulled out an historical projection of the letter, reproduced an identical one and handed it to Amanises to give it to Klein.

When Xin Jian calmed down and went to her room, Klein noticed the letter that Amanises had stealthily put in the kitchen.

« Huh ? The letter was just there. »

Klein shook his head, sighed and opened the letter.

That's how Klein still received his siblings' letter. All's well that ends well~.

Xin Jian : Except my mental state~. You could have told me this side story earlier ! *reproachful gaze.jpg*

Author : *shrugs shoulders*)

—————— I am the dividing line~

3rd point of view :

There was a hunted incident in Perse town so the church sent a team to solve it.

When they arrived, a middle-aged man in a black priest's gown walked over. He drew a crimson moon on his chest and said :

« Praise the Lady. Are you the friends that Saint Selena Cathedral sent to help us ? »

« Yes, Priest Pierre. May the Goddess bless you. »

Leonard jumped off the carriage and replied with a smile :

« We're here to take care of the recent paranormal incidents. »

« Seemingly. Seemingly. » The gray-haired, blue-eyed Pierre saw many townsfolk approaching as he quickly emphasized.

Leonard chuckled and said :

« Priest, don't worry. We're professionals. Look, we brought Holy Water, silver daggers, Dark Sacred Emblems, and also garlic. »

He took out the described items from the inner pockets of his clothes as though he was pulling a magic trick.

Pierre wore a look of confusion, and he even started to suspect that the church had sent over a bunch of frauds.

Meanwhile, the citizens who surrounded them revealed gratified smiles, as though they were finally in safe hands.

Leonard got close to Priest Pierre and explained softly into his ear : « They believe in these things… »

Then, they went to the villagers' house to exorcise the evil spirits.

Leonard's colleague, Jean, put the holy emblem on his chest, broke the garlic and threw it into the corner. While picking out the holy water with a silver dagger, he read the honorific name of the night goddess and completed the ceremony with a standard stick.

After that, the townspeople dispersed and they could finally begin.

Jean was the Seer that was recently assigned to their team. After this "exorcism", Jean divined the cause of the haunted incident.

When everything was done, Leonard went closer to him and brought his mouth to Jean's ear, whispering :

« There's something special about you. »

Jean took a step back, distancing himself.

"So he is really gay…" Jean thought.

(Xin Jian : No, Leonaaard ! So you told that to everyone !)

« Uh, I don't think so… »

Leonard cut him off.

« You are like me. We are the protagonists of our era. Don't you think it's beautiful ? It's like two protagonists meeting in a story. It must be fate. »

Jean took another step back, thinking of a way to get out of this awkward situation.

Pallez : *facepalms*

(Xin Jian : Leonard ! You betrayed Klein !)

That's how Leonard flirted without even meaning to.

That day, everyone's view on him changed.

(I should probably emphasize now that Leonard is straight.)

—————— I am the dividing line~

(Author : Wait, why can Xin Jian see these things that happened in the past when she wasn't even there ?

Xin Jian : It's because I am an omniscient angel.

Mr. Fool : *looks at Xin Jian*

Xin Jian : Ahem. Mr. Fool recorded it and He shows it to me every time I come to drink tea (orange juice) with Him. Sometimes Amanises and Lilith join us too.

Author : And I'm not even invited ?!)

Mr. Fool's point of view :

Today, on the gray fog, I am lazing around, as usual.

In the morning, I watch others through the crimson stars while sipping tea.

At lunch, I pull out historical projections and eat a grand feast.

In the afternoon, I pull out an orange juice in advance because I know that Xin Jian is bored recently. She should join me soon.

Xin Jian appeared, sat down and stared at her orange juice.

Then she stared at me.

Her monotone voice resonated in Sefirah Castle.

« Mr. Fool, I am so bored. What should I do ? »

I thought for a while then shrugged my shoulders.

« I don't know. Why don't we ask Amanises to come ? »

She nodded.

I called Amanises and She arrived soon after. I think She must be bored too.

« Amanises ! »

With a straight face, Xin Jian jumped from her seat and hugged Amanises.

And me…?

Why are we treated so differently ?

A look of unfairness appeared on my face but they didn't notice it (or just ignored it).

In Amanises's arms, Xin Jian mumbled :

« Hmm. You smell good. »

Amanises patted her head.

When did you two get so close ?

« Amanises, Amanises. I am so bored ! What should I do ? »

Amanises had a calm smile on Her face and said as if it was obvious :

« Of course, why don't use Zhou Mingrui to look at the TV ? »

Xin Jian had a look of realization on her face and turned to me.

So I am a tool now ?

Defeated, I made some sofas appear with a TV and maintained the historical projections with one of Amanises' sealed artifacts and the energy above the gray fog.

« The snacks. » Xian Jian ordered.

My lips twitched but I still made snacks appear.

Xian Jian took a candy and talked to Amanises while watching TV, completely ignoring me.

You do know that it's supposed to be my Sefirah, right ?

Amanises remarked :

« But why do you call me by my name and not Zhou Mingrui ? »

I perked up.

It's true. After all, she calls Amanises by Her name and always calls me Mr. Fool.

Xin Jian looked my way and smiled faintly.

After a while, she mumbled.

« It just… wouldn't make sense. »

*Mr. Fool doesn't understand.jpg*

—————— I am the dividing line~

Xin Jian's point of view :

Since I was bored I decided to visit everyone I knew to ask what to do.

I began by Mr. Fool, then Amanises, and now I'm going to see Will.

With Ice cream-chan 2.0 in hand, I asked Arrodes to show me the way to Will's house.

Then, I went in by the window.

Will looked at me coming by the window, deadpanned.

« What it is ? »

I stretched out my arm.

« Here, I have ice cream. »

Will looked at me with a look that seemed to say : "So ?"

I didn't move and waited for Him to take the ice cream.

In the end, Will took it.

« Seriously, why did you come to me for ? »

I explained.

« So, I was bored, and I thought that as the generous person that you are, since you have already accepted the ice cream, you would tell me what I can do to not be bored. »

Will retorted.

« If you're really visiting everyone you know to ask this question then you already found a way to spend time, no ? »

Oops, I was seen through.

« Since you're so keen, can't you spend time with me ? I would like to learn Tarot divination. »

I sat down.

Will sighed but still complied and we played together.

After all, I also spent time with Azik at a museum, watched Daly try clothes in nearly every shop of Backlund, spoke of some life problems with Lilith, tailed Klein to see if I could escape the spiritual intuition of a pseudo sequence 1 (I could not) and I returned to help Will deal with some things in the Life School of Thought.

Time passed by very fast and Derrick soon joined the Tarot Club.

I should really search for a way to go to the abandoned land of the gods…

After all, it would be so fun to scare the residents of the City of Silver… And I would like to go to Moon City to make them believe that I'm the Fool's divine envoy too ! I have to do it before Klein !

—————— I am the dividing line~

Evernight church, currently in a meeting, 3rd point of view :

Leonard watched as someone reported their investigations :

« To resume, there have been no news on the spread of the belief in The Fool in the slums.

However, in Tingen a corpse littered with Tarot cards has been found. It may be related to this. »

Leonard choked.

« Cough ! Cough ! »

A colleague was worried.

« Are you fine ? »

Leonard nodded, trying to calm down after the bomb he just heard.

"Belief in The Fool ? Corpse with Tarot cards ? Why did I not hear of it ?"

His pupils were shaking.

Then he remembered something.

"Wait." He thought.

The reason why he joined the Tarot Club was because of the goddess's oracle.

"Did the goddess not speak of it to the church ? Why ? There must be a reason that it is kept secret."

Leonard wondered about the attitude of the goddess.

Then he thought.

"As expected, I really am the protagonist of the era."

(Xin Jian & Pallez : Leonard, wrong conclusion !)

The people continued talking.

« A belief in a secret existence ? Is it not dangerous ? »

« Yes, but we have no clue other than its honorific name at the moment. » The one who reported it answered.

« And the incident in Tingen ? Who was the victim ? »

« It was Lanevus. A scammer. When the corpse was found, it had Tarot cards on it like a strange ritual. The Devil and The Judgment cards one the eyes were separated from the rest. »

« Could be a demon's ritual ? Since there is The Devil card. » Someone else remarked.

« Not necessarily. There weren't any signs of the usual demon's rituals. »

« That Lanevus shouldn't have been either so we don't have to worry about their assaillant. We should simply focus on finding the culprit, it doesn't seem to have much to do with a secret existence. »

Soon, they ended the meeting.

Leonard, who just listened, didn't know it but he would be the one to propose the name "Tarot Club" for the culprits of the next murders with corpses littered with Tarot cards on it in the future.

While everyone went their way, one of the Nighthawks had a strange smile on their face.

The man reached into his pocket and pulled a crystal single glasses.

After putting the monocle on his right eye, the young Nighthawk said :

« The Fool, huh ? »

He pinched his eye socket and his smile widened.

« Interesting, interesting. »

(Leonard : Old man ? Why are you staying silent ?

Pallez, hiding : Shut up. I am not there.)

—————— I am the dividing line~

3rd viewpoint :

Inside the Evernight church, Dunn Smith was currently facing Crestet Cesimir.

« We are lacking manpower in Tingen. You have to temporarily return there.

Dunn nodded.

« Until when do I have to stay there ? »

Crestet Cesimir answered :

« It will take a while to find a replacement and deal with all the paperwork needed to transfer people to Tingen but it shouldn't exceed one month. »

That is how, without Klein and Xin Jian knowing it, Dunn went back to Tingen.

Meanwhile, on Klein and Xin Jian's side (Xin Jian's point of view) :

Klein has already digested most of his potions under sequence 6.

That's why we took a boat to go to the nearest the church that had mermaids~.

The church would then bring us to the mermaids and Klein would listen to them and unlock his sequence 5's Beyonder abilities !

I felt the wind hitting my face.

« Say, are you sure you're fine after eating so much ? »

Klein shook his head.

« That's fine. It's free. »

So it is.

I changed the subject, no, reminded :

« Be careful, mermaids are scary ! They're very beautiful but their teeth are actually very scary ! »

Klein had a thoughtful look on his face.

« Have you ever seen mermaids ? »

I shook my head.

« No. "Someone" made me close my eyes when they appeared. »

Klein : What ? Appeared ? And why are you emphasizing "someone" ? Can't you be any vaguer ?

(Mr. Fool : *Atchoum*

Mr. Fool : Is someone talking about me ?)

Klein's lip twitched.

We continued chatting for a while and Klein laughed.

« It really is fun being with you. »

I paused what I was about to say and froze.

I slowly turned my head to Klein who was looking at the horizon while goosebumps appeared on my arms.

I finally realized that something was wrong.

Because what he had said was "exactly" what I wanted to hear.

Indeed. Since I arrived here and met Klein, everything had been going how I wanted it to.

But that's impossible, how can I convince gods even if I know a bit about psychology ? Why would everyone immediately take a liking to me ?

I was feeling cold.

Nothing ever went my way before, all the plans I made always went wrong.

There was always one variable that would mess up everything, but now… Wasn't everything perfect ?

Wasn't everything unreal ?

Doesn't it feel like a dream ?

I'm scared.

I'm scared that I will suddenly wake up and be alone once again.

Everything seems far too beautiful to be true, it gives me a very bad feeling.

It's like there was someone behind the scenes that was pulling the strings and I was one of the helpless puppets.

It's like my fate didn't belong to me and I could lose everything I had now at any moment.

I'm scared.

« -ian ? Xin Jian ? »

I snapped back to my senses.

« Yes ? »

Klein had a concerned expression on his face.

« Are you alright ? »

I smiled.

« Yes. I'm just… »

I gripped my arm.

« …a bit cold. » I mumbled.

It feels so cold.

I have a bad feeling.

I sighed and turned back.

However, when I did, I crossed the gaze of a stranger that was scarily looking at us without blinking.