Investigation

Every word will be known… Miss Judgment was silently repeating this phrase to herself, and given what she knew about Ebner, a new possibility occurred to her:

Perhaps Ebner's habit of leaving half his intel unsaid was out of concern for this ancient organization…

It's even possible that my father's wrongful execution is somehow related to them… If that's the case, perhaps Ebner isn't hiding the truth from me just because I'm too impulsive… but because he genuinely doesn't dare to tell me…

But if that's true, how has he managed to carry such a secret without being discovered by this organization?

It must be due to Mr. Fool's protection! That would explain why Ebner devotes himself so sincerely to honoring and believing in Mr. Fool… even more so than in the Earth Mother, who has helped him multiple times…

As for Ebner's claim to be a "Servant of Knowledge"? Miss Xio had long since forgotten about it.

And if Xio could reach such conclusions, so could Alger. After a brief moment of contemplation, he arrived at a similar thought and felt a sudden understanding:

No wonder Mr. Tower has been so determined to aid Mr. Fool in overcoming difficulties. He likely attracted the attention of that organization long ago, and he's actively seeking Mr. Fool's blessing, working to become one of His chosen to find protection...

No, I should say, it's very likely that Mr. Fool accepted him into the Tarot Club with precisely that consideration in mind… it aligns with His philosophy of "equal exchange"…

Indeed, every move of a deity carries purpose! The Sun's case is no different, nor is Tower's… then what deeper reason could there be behind Mr. Fool first inviting Justice and me to this hall?

While pondering this, the Hanged Man Alger heard the soft sound of Mr. Fool tapping on the edge of the bronze long table from his seat at the head, and he looked up, as did the others.

Seeing all eyes on him, the Fool Klein chuckled lightly and said, "It's not only speaking their name aloud—even writing it down will be noticed, no matter the language used.

"In fact, learning about them prematurely will bring no benefit to you."

Klein specifically highlighted, "even writing it down will be noticed," as a veiled reminder to Tower, cautioning him to be extra vigilant and avoid accidentally drawing the organization's attention. Though he had a feeling Tower's "background" likely made him less afraid.

The Hanged Man Alger found himself fully in agreement with Mr. Fool; there are times when the more one knows, the more danger they're exposed to… unless they have a deity's protection, as Tower does.

At this, Audrey realized she might have asked an overly bold question, so she thought it over before saying with poised humility, "Thank you for your explanation, Mr. Tower… However, regarding that organization's name, I'll wait until I've contributed enough and then consult Mr. Fool."

Based on Mr. Fool's previous aloof attitude, she was convinced He surely had a way to avoid detection by that organization.

Ebner, who had no intention of sharing further secrets, mentally gave Miss Justice a third nod of approval and, following her lead, said, "As you wish, Miss."

However, Klein couldn't help but be amused, silently griping Miss Justice, you'll be waiting quite a while to build up that contribution… when it comes to whether it's enough or not, I'm the final authority on that…

Once the topic had wrapped up, Derrick, who had been silent until now, raised his hand hesitantly, imitating Miss Justice, and asked:

"I'd like to obtain the Sequence 8 potion formula for the 'Bard' Pathway… but I don't have any of the 'pounds' you all mentioned."

Originally, he'd intended to exchange information about the world Justice and the others lived in, so he'd be less confused each time, but since his digestion of the potion was nearly complete, he prioritized his advancement instead.

"You could use equivalent materials to trade… Hmm, some of Silver City's unique historical knowledge could also work," the Hanged Man offered in a seemingly friendly tone after a swift calculation.

"What kinds of things do you all need?" Derrick thought for a moment and asked in return.

Appearing to ponder the question briefly, the Hanged Man then suggested, "We're not fully certain about what we could get from you either… How about this: make a list of the materials from common monsters in the area around Silver City and compile an index of your myths, legends, and significant historical events. That way, we can select what we need more easily."

"No problem. I'll work on it as soon as this meeting ends." Derrick visibly relaxed.

Though Klein wanted to cover his face upon hearing this, inwardly he couldn't help but praise Alger with a mental, Well done! as he'd also been curious about the common monsters and corresponding materials near Silver City.

I do have the 'Light-Supplicant' formula, and while I could wait until the Sun prepares a list and index to exchange for it, there's a risk Tower and the Hanged Man might steal the business…

Thinking this, Klein glanced over at Tower, who seemed poised to pull out the formula and trade with the Sun. Klein didn't hesitate further. He tapped on the ancient long table's edge, temporarily blocking the senses of everyone except the Sun.

Directly trading with members isn't dignified for Mr. Fool, so of course, others can't eavesdrop! As for the Sun… he's not one to overthink it.

Ebner's mouth twitched at the sudden "screening" sensation. Instantly guessing Klein's intention, he thought to himself, Truly a "God of Poverty!"

After about a minute, the screen lifted, and the Hanged Man eyed the somewhat excited Sun suspiciously. Taking a deep breath, he set aside his own speculations and once again repeated his previously mentioned request:

"I need a pair of Storm Wren Dragon's eyes."

As expected, no one had any leads on the item.

Having mentally prepared himself, Alger wasn't too disappointed and merely sighed without speaking further.

The members exchanged a few more words before the week's Tarot meeting formally came to an end.

...

Upon returning to his room, Ebner first performed a "sacrifice" ritual, transferring the Serial Killer's Beyonder characteristic to Alger through Mr. Fool. Then, he turned to look at Xio, who had stepped out from the adjacent room with her disguise removed.

"You're really going to attempt to assassinate the Intis ambassador?" Xio looked at Ebner, thought for a moment, and then added, "Need any help?"

"I was just about to bring that up." Ebner nodded with a smile and explained his request. "I need all the information you can find on the Beyonders stationed as security officers at the embassy… the more detailed, the better."

After a moment's contemplation, Xio replied, "I'll compile it and have it for you tomorrow."

Since she was currently investigating a related espionage case, accessing embassy intelligence would be straightforward.

After briefly exchanging a few words, they headed out together in full attire.

Shortly after, Xio headed to the Bridge District, where she would be carrying out a task that evening.

Ebner, meanwhile, disguised himself and changed carriages several times en route until he reached the Intis embassy in West Borough.

With the effects of "Shadow Concealment," "Psychology Invisibility," and "Witch Stealth" activated, Ebner circled the embassy—a three-story garden villa—several times, continually using his Pure White Eye to analyze it. He ultimately confirmed that the villa was imbued with at least three Level-2 Sealed Artifacts, creating a delicate ritual that, when triggered, could unleash powers at the Sequence 5 level.

"Additionally, although I'm not yet certain of the ritual's specific effects, it's almost certainly able to detect 'intruders' and counter invisibility! No wonder even someone as powerful as Mr. A in the original novel had to infiltrate first, manipulate the ambassador's orders, and then proceed with the assassination.

"Hmm, I'm afraid 'Psychology Invisibility' would be directly targeted… After all, both the Marionettist and the ambassador's Sealed Artifact allow control over spirit lines, which would counter both the 'Hidden Shadow' of the Hermit and the 'Invisibility' of the Witch.

"It's precisely because 'Psychology Invisibility' isn't true invisibility that it might pass undetected by the Marionettist's eyes… This ritual in the embassy, then, has likely been designed to address that weakness.

"Indeed, the ritual is quite intricate… but, in the eyes of a Master of Rituals like me, your ritual can easily become my ritual!"

Having completed his preliminary recon, Ebner settled into a nearby café, enjoying his dinner while analyzing the situation in his mind.

(End of Chapter)