Rewards and Requests

"The Sequence 1 title of the Hunter pathway is 'Conqueror'—just the name alone sounds bound to warfare… And from how casually the Emperor referred to that Sealed Artifact as something usable as a 'potion,' he likely knew how to break down Beyonder items into pure characteristics and remove their contamination."

Wonder if he'd write down those methods in his diary…

With another bit of Sequence 1 knowledge in hand, Klein's thoughts drifted from the diary. Across from him, Ebner noticed "The Fool"'s gaze still fixed on the pages he'd just offered and found himself considering:

Roselle might be right; the Sauron family likely had no angels by that time, or if they did, they were in a weakened state. That's probably why they got bested by an "awakened" Sealed Artifact, leading to their empire's downfall.

When thinking of the Hunter pathway, we often first think of its provocations… but we overlook that its high-level Beyonders are also top-tier "schemers." Ebner surmised that without an angel's protection, it's hardly surprising that the Sauron family could be undone by one of the most formidable schemers.

Returning to the present, Klein suppressed his inner musings and allowed the Roselle diary pages to vanish from his hands, resuming his composed, unhurried "Fool" demeanor. Knocking on the ancient table's edge, he turned to the side and spoke:

"Mr. Tower, you did well to eliminate Bakerland in less than a week. Both I and my servant are very satisfied."

Bakerland's dead? Already? "The Hanged Man" Alger, who had been away from his island for several days, was taken aback. While he'd never doubted Tower's abilities, the speed had surprised him; in his mind, assassinating Bakerland was no simpler than killing Qilingus.

"I'm honored to meet your satisfaction, Mr. Fool," Ebner responded, feigning humble gratitude.

At this point, "Justice" Audrey chimed in apologetically, "My apologies, Mr. Fool… I had only just begun coordinating my contacts when Mr. Tower had already completed the task. I regret that I was unable to be of much help."

"This was a commission, not a favor. No need to concern yourself," Klein chuckled softly.

Upon hearing this, "Justice" Audrey pressed her lips, taking a few seconds to gather herself. Her mind echoed with a resolute voice: Be honest, don't be greedy. Audrey, stick to your principles!

Finally, she exhaled softly, her lips curving into a faint smile as she said, "No, I still owe… no, I still owe your servant compensation. I had hoped to use this commission as a way to repay, but since that plan didn't work…"

Owe me a reward? Haven't I already claimed 2,000 pounds from her in my servant's name as an operating fund? Ah, "Justice" must mean that she kept the entire bounty for Qilingus? So even if we split it, I'm owed another 3,000 pounds?

"Justice" continued, "The cumulative bounty for Qilingus across various countries came to a total of 30,000 gold pounds. So, I owe your servant 15,000 pounds… However, withdrawing so much at once would definitely trigger a bank investigation, so I plan to pay 1,000 pounds right after this meeting, and the remaining 12,000 pounds in installments over the next four months… Is that acceptable, Mr. Fool?"

After saying this, Audrey felt a weight lifted from her heart.

Discussing money and calculating compensation before Mr. Fool is indeed somewhat inappropriate, but I can't overlook his servant's well-deserved share, Audrey thought silently.

As for the plantation valued over 8,000 pounds, she saw that as a private gift from Duke Negan and excluded it from the bounty total.

Fifteen thousand pounds to me? That's another thirteen thousand pounds! Klein was momentarily taken aback.

He then entered into a rapid internal debate.

Ordinarily, I'd give this reward to Mr. Azik. But since I can't contact him for some time, simply letting the money sit idle would be a waste. It'd be better to use it for self-improvement, and then repay him by offering my help in return later. After three seconds, Klein made his decision and nodded toward "Justice."

"That will be fine."

Hearing Mr. Fool's response, Audrey maintained her graceful composure, though she felt wholly at ease internally.

Perfect. Now I can still keep my 2,000 pounds of monthly allowance. While it's not as ample as before, it won't be too tight either.

Feeling a little lighter with the unexpected windfall of over 10,000 pounds—albeit staggered across a few months—Klein cast his gaze back at "Tower," grinning as he asked, "Now, as per our agreement, what kind of reward do you hope to receive?"

May the Goddess bless me that his request won't be too difficult… Ideally, it would involve knowledge within my current capacity. Klein prayed silently, fully aware that, due to the barrier of the gray fog, the Goddess couldn't actually hear his plea… Also, "Tower" might very well already know more than he did on certain matters.

If I simply asked for 10,000 pounds outright, would he cry on the spot? Ebner held back a chuckle at the thought, glancing briefly at Xio, giving her a reassuring nod, before speaking respectfully to Mr. Fool:

"I would like to request a private conversation."

Klein had caught "Tower's" subtle nod toward "Judgment" and, after a brief consideration, surmised what "Tower" might be planning. Feeling relieved, he rapped his fingers lightly on the edge of the ancient table, temporarily obscuring everyone's sight and sound of "The Fool" and "Tower."

"Justice" Audrey and "The Hanged Man" Alger both noticed "Tower"'s nod toward "Judgment," each becoming quietly curious about what sort of request would require secrecy.

With the opportunity, Audrey glanced at the others: "The Sun" was as usual somewhat dazed, as if out of sync with the rest; the newcomer, "The World," concealed his emotions and body language so well that he offered no useful information at all.

As for "Judgment," Audrey noticed her friend appeared moved, a bit frustrated, and then seemed to regain her confidence. What a changeable girl.

Xio, meanwhile, was indeed feeling deeply touched by Ebner's gesture, knowing how indebted she now was to him. Bringing Forsi into the Tarot Club has been my goal for ages, but in the end, it's only through Ebner that it'll be achieved.

Well, debts only matter when you stop trying to repay them, Xio reassured herself.

…

"It's done," Klein nodded toward "Tower," indicating they now had privacy.

"For my reward… I have two requests," Ebner stated respectfully.

Two requests? Well, I guess it won't be that easy… It makes sense. Resolving the problem for the girl under the full moon alone doesn't quite balance with assassinating a national envoy… Besides, I had already agreed to shelter her.

Klein settled back into his seat, signaling his readiness to listen.

"My first request is that you consider allowing Ms. Xio's friend, Ms. Fors, to join the Tarot Club," Ebner said sincerely, having chosen his words carefully.

I knew it… I'd accept in a heartbeat if I could, but I just don't have the capability right now… Fortunately, there's still some time until the next full moon, so she's safe for now.

With "Justice"'s funds, I should be able to gather the main materials for "Magician" soon enough. By the next full moon, I should be advanced and able to bring in an additional member.

After mulling it over, Klein nodded slowly and smiled. "If she passes the assessment, I will give her an opportunity."

I'll offer her an opportunity. If I haven't advanced by then, I'll merely screen out the whispers without inviting her to the Tarot Club.

Ebner understood Mr. Fool's meaning well, but he hadn't expected Fors' acceptance to be instant in any case. This promise meant that barring any major mishaps, Fors joining the Tarot Club was as good as secured. The butterfly effect my presence caused here has finally been nudged back onto its original path.

Feeling relieved, Ebner genuinely praised, "Thank you for your mercy, Mr. Fool."

Dodged that one… Klein relaxed inwardly and in a neutral tone replied, "And what is your second request?"

"I have a book that may pose certain dangers… so I'd like permission to read it within your divine realm… if that's acceptable?" Ebner was careful with his wording, aiming not to startle Mr. Fool into a flat rejection.

"What kind of danger are we talking about?" Klein furrowed his brow, wondering what might pose such a serious risk that "Tower" himself would be wary.

"The book is merely a handwritten copy, and even that was copied from another version, not the original… But its 'source' is tied to the same one behind Fors' whispers. My research indicates they both originate from the Abraham family's ancestor, 'Mr. Door'!"

With his memories now restored after coming above the gray fog, Ebner was aware that due to the Evernight barrier, the Outer Deities had limited ability to influence the world directly. Roselle survived years of contact with 'Mr. Door' without any catastrophic outcomes… And this handwritten derivative should be safer still, as long as I don't attempt divination or backtrace it.

On the other hand, Klein's first reaction to "Tower's" request was: Mr. Door? I've seen this name in Roselle's diary. It seems he's not as powerful as the Evernight Sun, nor as strong as the True Creator… So it shouldn't be a big issue?