Dinner without Surprises

Western District, Charles Cemetery

At Charles Cemetery, a modest gathering of officials from the Backlund "Punishers" Squad had assembled. Former team captain and now internal warden Kuhn, current captain McConaughey—who had recently advanced to Ocean Songster—along with a matured Evan and Matthew, who had recently recovered and returned to duty, were all present. Together, they bore Robert's coffin to its final resting place in the prepared grave.

This was a secondary funeral service, as Robert's initial ceremony had taken place over a month prior. At that time, his absence and the tragic reality of his fate as a marionette had been masked with illusionary means to protect his loved ones from further grief.

After Stewart, the "Mystic Instructor," recited the eulogy, the mourners shared their silent prayers as the grave was filled and the coffin gradually concealed beneath the earth.

With the burial complete, the Punishers Squad members gradually dispersed, although Kuhn lingered to approach Stewart. "Any news on Rosago?" he asked.

After learning from MI9 that Robert's death was due to the Intis ambassador's "Marionettist," the Punishers Squad had struggled with the urge to take immediate, even violent action against the embassy.

However, in the wake of Ambassador Bakerland's assassination and Rosago's disappearance, they had reluctantly waited, realizing that any rash actions could implicate them in Aurora Order's conspiracy.

Kuhn, however, who had endured the loss of his comrade while haunted by the effects of a relic's corruption, found the situation intolerable. He would have been out hunting by now if Rosago hadn't gone completely underground.

Stewart shook his head, sighing, "I haven't been withholding information from you; there truly is nothing. After his encounter with MI9 agents, he left Robert's body behind and vanished… I even tried divination, but the results were blocked by some interference. It seems the Marionettist is hidden well."

Kuhn scrutinized Stewart's expression, searching for any trace of deception. Eventually, he nodded, saying, "Understood… But I won't give up on hunting him down. I know that Old Reid and Evan will support me."

"I won't either. He's still my mission," Stewart replied, determination hardening his tone.

Kuhn looked at Stewart with surprise, then hesitated. "I thought your mission here was complete? Hasn't the Sacred Hall already issued a recall order to send you back to Paso Island?"

"I've requested a new assignment from the Sacred Hall… After all, my own oversight led to the tragedies here. I owe it to everyone to make amends," Stewart replied, clenching his fist.

"What mission?" Kuhn asked reflexively but quickly added, "If it's confidential, I understand."

"It's not. I'm going after Ince Zangwill," Stewart said, his tone unwavering.

…

Western District, Green Park Street

Ebner's carriage pulled up in front of a villa framed by spacious front and back gardens. Paying the driver, he stepped down and saw Miss Fanny waiting at the entrance. Dressed elegantly, she gave a polite curtsy.

Her attire was particularly striking: a yellow gown adorned with ruffled edges, delicate lace, and an open neckline that showed her fair neck and shoulders.

Ebner allowed himself a brief glance, then looked away, musing to himself, As expected of an Intis woman… In Loen, unmarried girls wouldn't wear this style.

I just hope they didn't invite me here expecting a peaceful night—if anything happens, it's out of my hands!

With an amused inner sigh, Ebner approached, exchanged a few pleasantries with Miss Fanny, and the two entered the villa's grand hall together.

Since this was a private family dinner without additional guests, Mr. Sarré had opted for simplicity, forgoing a professional orchestra and instead using an automated puppet at the piano, which played a continuous loop of "Canon."

This mechanical musician immediately piqued Ebner's curiosity, and he observed it for a moment.

"It's nothing remarkable, just a larger version of a music box," came a friendly voice from the staircase. It was Mr. Sarré himself, descending in a stately suit.

Such warmth contrasted with his more formal demeanor at work.

"Actually, it's quite an ingenious design…" Ebner said earnestly.

If this machine can play an instrument, it might also handle something as complex as loading a rifle or even a cannon.

After a round of pleasantries, and following Miss Fanny's introduction, Ebner and Mr. Sarré proceeded to the main event: the meal.

More specifically, it was an authentic Intis feast, with dishes reputed to have been favorites of Emperor Roselle.

Ebner savored each bite, sampling the braised Daggeraya beef ribs, black truffle mushrooms, foie gras from Intis's Champagne Province, and taking small sips of Ormere red wine from 1340. He privately felt thankful for his "Heart of Omniscience," which allowed him to enjoy such rich fare without worrying about his cholesterol levels.

"The food comes from the Serenso Restaurant," Mr. Sarré commented with pleasure, noticing Ebner's enjoyment. With a nod, he produced an elegant gold card and motioned for his granddaughter to pass it to Ebner. "This is a Serenso Restaurant Gold Card. With it, you're entitled to one free top-standard single meal per day. Since you appreciate their food, consider this a token of thanks."

Serenso Restaurant? Isn't that where Dawn often dines in the future? The highest standard single meal there costs around fifteen pounds? Ebner mused, then replied politely, "This is too generous; I really can't accept such a valuable gift…"

Mr. Sarré waved him off, adding seriously, "You've been a tremendous help to me and to my son Pierre. If he were in Loen, he would have prepared an even grander reception in your honor. Besides, I hold shares in Serenso Restaurant; this gold card is a small gesture. I have a more substantial gift as well."

With that, he clapped his hands, and a two-tiered mechanical doll on a track rolled forward. It stopped near Ebner and presented a document folder.

Ebner expressed his thanks, accepted the folder, and, with permission, opened it to reveal a book and a neatly bound notebook.

The book's cover read The Book of the Zodiac in ancient Feysac, while the notebook held twenty pages of handwritten notes in Roselle's script.

Amazed, Ebner looked up at Mr. Sarré, who chuckled. "I heard from Fanny that you're collecting Roselle's writings. I hope you find these useful, although there may be some overlap with what Fanny has already given you."

"No, on the contrary, this is exactly what I needed," Ebner replied earnestly.

"Good to hear. But don't get too lost in decoding Roselle's script. It's a challenging endeavor—many scholars have tried and failed to make significant progress…" Mr. Sarré advised, though he knew that young people rarely took such advice to heart.

Observing his granddaughter's anticipation, Mr. Sarré turned his attention to The Book of the Zodiac. "This book is the real gift I intended. Fanny told me you're a learned gentleman, which is commendable… This is a copy I transcribed from the renowned White Tower Library in Luenburg, and it contains many fascinating insights."

"It's said that this text was transcribed by a high-ranking Abraham family member based on one of their family's own notes. Even though it's been diluted for safety, I've never managed to fully grasp its contents…"

Transcribed from the Abraham family's notes… Perhaps Mr. Door keeps an eye on anyone who dares probe too deeply into it?

Luckily, this is a copy, so the danger level is lower… Besides, Mr. Sarré has read it all these years without incident.

Though he resolved not to analyze the book with his Pure White Eye, Ebner immediately thought of a safer option. If I bring it above the gray fog and discuss it with Klein, with Mr. Fool overseeing, it should be manageable.

Accepting the gifts, Ebner stayed a while longer, sampling desserts and discussing a few academic topics with Mr. Sarré before finally taking his leave.

At the door, Miss Fanny met him with a warm smile, her eyes shining. Unfastening a ruby necklace from her neck, she pressed it into his hands. "This is my personal gift to you. Please accept it! I felt so lost before that day I came to you, but you showed me the way with just a few words."

My intuition has certainly developed… I feel my potion progressing as well… It seems this recent attempt to play the role of the "knowledgeable" persona was a partial success. Though it only earned me admiration from Fanny and, in a way, even misled her since she was only impressed by the good outcome… Still, I believe I'm on the right path.

Could it be that Vice Admiral Iceberg acquired her reputation from a fleet of admirers?

Ebner froze for a moment, then smiled warmly.

(End of Chapter)