Banquet and Curse

As his thoughts raced, Ebner nodded and said, "Although I can't pray for power from the Eternal Blazing Sun, I can design a ritual and use the Ring of Light's powers to enhance the effects of exorcism… However, I don't have any metal or flowers from the Sun domain on hand. I have to purchase them tomorrow…"

In fact, with Ebner's present powers, holding an exorcism ritual wasn't that troublesome. However, he had to wait for Klein to respond to Xio's "prayer" and confirm her crimson star before carrying out the exorcism ritual.

Otherwise, if he really ended the connection, wouldn't he have wasted his efforts?

Xio had no objections to this. All she said was, "Then Fors and I will come to find you tomorrow at noon."

"You can stay in this villa temporarily tonight. If anything happens, I can provide help in time," Ebner suggested after thinking for a while.

As long as he was worried that Xio would overreact in fear after Klein responded to Xio at night, wouldn't it be terrible if she reported The Fool's name to the Church or MI9?

Although Klein didn't care if there were no believers, organizations, or doctrines from the Three Gods, such actions might cause Xio to lose her chance to join the Tarot Club.

Upon hearing Ebner's words, Xio began to think seriously. She didn't feel shy about moving into Ebner's house. After all, they were on the ship that was traveling to Damir. They were staying in a suite, which was much closer to the guest room than the villa…

She hesitated because she was worried that the mysterious existence would target Ebner because of this.

However, after thinking about it carefully, Ebner had been saying that he was Blessed of knowledge, and he had clearly obtained the favor of the Earth Mother. With such a background, he should not be afraid of that mysterious existence…

With this in mind, Xio tersely acknowledged and said, "I'll tell Fors."

At this moment, Ebner realized that he had been standing outside the study. He was about to open the door and enter when he was stopped by Xio, who was blocking the door.

Ebner asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Xio pursed her lips when she heard that and replied in embarrassment, "Then… Um, Ebner, can you prepare another set of clothes? Yes, clothes that Fors can wear."

…

Because Mr. and Mrs. Macht were extremely experienced in hosting banquets and had a plan for the unexpected situations of the guests, they had prepared a few loose-fitting ladies' gowns in the villa. Although they did not fit well, as long as one's figure was not too extreme, they could still put them on.

In the banquet hall, Fors, who had changed into a beige X-shaped dress, held a plate and took a small cucumber sandwich. She took a bite and told Ebner, Xio, Roman, and Susan her true feelings in a half-joking manner,

"The style of the dessert at the banquet seems very unique. Be it carrot cake or cream muffin…"

Upon hearing this, Ebner shot a glance at Hazel, who was beside Bishop Utravsky, and explained, "It's said that Miss Hazel made it herself. Member of Parliament Macht was extremely gratified by this, so he placed these desserts on the table beside the main meal to share with everyone."

"Hazel?" Fors followed Ebner's gaze and immediately recognized the lady who had tried to steal her bracelet at the Daily Observer's headquarters dance.

So it's her… It's said that her right arm was severed by Ebner? Fors looked at the long glove on Hazel's right and nodded in thought.

As Ebner was surrounded by four young and beautiful ladies, he received quite a bit of attention. As for Portland Moment, who happened to overhear their conversation, he immediately laughed and said to Member of Parliament Macht,

"That doesn't sound like the Hazel I know."

Macht exchanged looks with his wife and said in satisfaction,

"Everyone will grow up, right?

"Hazel has really matured a lot recently. This is all thanks to Bishop Utravsky!"

Did Macht switch from a staunch believer of the Goddess to a half-giant bishop?

Ebner lampooned inwardly. Just as he was about to pick up a staple, he saw Madam Daly walking towards him with a smile without makeup.

"This is the bill for your expenses, Hero Detective." Without any further ado, Madam Daly took out an envelope and handed it over.

Ebner subconsciously took it and counted it. He discovered that there were ten notes worth ten pounds.

"Isn't… that too much?" That feast was clearly only about 50 pounds.

"The extra is the intelligence fee that Cesimir gave you. He's very satisfied with the service you provide." With that said, Daly looked at Xio and company beside Ebner. Her green eyes moved slightly before she chuckled.

"You don't seem to realize the seriousness of the situation, do you, Detective?"

"What?" Ebner said blankly.

"Including me, there are now five ladies accompanying you… Today, there are a few famous reporters. I'm afraid your reputation as a 'Hero Detective' will be published tomorrow. Yes, especially since I gave you money. I wonder what fanciful stories they will come up with," Daly said with a faint smile.

Ebner was shocked when he heard that. He turned his head and looked at Xio, Fors, Roman, Susan… He thought to himself, Daly's words might very well come true!

Should I immediately hypnotize those reporters? Although I haven't learned this ability, I can pray to "Knowledge and Wisdom" to create charms.

"Heh heh, you took it seriously! Don't worry. Only the bishop and the two girls behind you can see that I came to find you and gave you an envelope." The corners of Daly's mouth curled up as she shook her head and smiled.

"Ma'am, I have to admit that your joke almost killed me," Ebner said helplessly.

"If you really take action, you will probably have to enjoy the gentleness of the Nighthawks under Saint Samuel Cathedral tonight." Daly smiled at Ebner.

…

Tingen, West Borough.

At this time, the sky had completely darkened, and dark clouds had covered the crimson moon.

A two-story grayish-blue house on the banks of the Tussock River seemed to be hidden in this dark shadow. It was extremely quiet, and not a single sound could be heard. It was as if there were no worms or life.

Klein looked at this scene, his palms sweating as his body trembled.

He felt that there were countless terrifying things hidden there, waiting for a bloody feast.

Soon, he heard a violent gust of wind and could clearly distinguish the gunshot.

After a few minutes, he heard singing coming from the target building.

It was a folklore tune that Leonard often hummed. It was filled with vulgar words, and it was also the signal for him to meet up with Dunn and company!

But just as he took two steps, Klein suddenly paused. Then, he undid the silver chain in his sleeve and allowed the topaz pendant to fall naturally.

"The singing just now was an illusion."

…

After reciting it seven times, he opened his eyes and saw the pendant spinning counterclockwise.

"It's not an illusion…"

Klein felt relieved and quickly walked into the house.

Then, he saw Dunn putting down a puppet beside a destroyed altar. He turned around and said to himself,

"This is a terrifying curse ritual. Fortunately, we have already destroyed it… This puppet is cursing you. You can use it to communicate."

Realizing that he was no longer a burden, Klein subconsciously stuck out his chest and looked up.

"Yes, Captain."

But after he finished speaking, he came back to his senses and looked around. He realized that each puppet beside the altar had a different name and corresponding information.

"Who else was cursed other than me?" Klein subconsciously asked.

"And Leonard and me… The rest are survivors of the Alfalfa," Dunn said after a moment of silence.

The Alfalfa survivor… Was it Instigator Tris? No, according to the information provided by Tower regarding Demoness, she should be called Trissy now!

With this in mind, Klein was just about to report to the Captain when he heard the latter say in a mellow voice,

"Previously, Daly encountered a terrifying Demoness in Backlund, but she and Hero Detective killed her together… And later, Daly specially wrote to me and told me an important piece of information—the name of the Demoness pathway's Sequence 7 is Witch!"