Miss Justice ultimately purchased the "Dragon's Eye" earrings smoothly for 400 gold pounds.
While gentlemen present like "The World" and "The Hanged Man" were also tempted by the "Dragon Might" ability, the earrings were ultimately feminine accessories unsuitable for them.
As for "The Magician" and "Temperance"?
The former certainly coveted them, but after purchasing "Deep Sea Spearfish Blood" from "The Hanged Man," her savings had dwindled to less than 50 pounds—400 was far beyond her means.
The latter already possessed spiritual attack methods like "Wraith's Scream" that rivaled "Dragon Might," so she had no need for this item.
With this transaction completed, "Judgment" Xio dismissed the earring projection and manifested a new item for sale.
It was a conical "gemstone," its refracted light revealing layer upon layer of complex symbols extending into the void, as if perpetually bridging reality and illusion.
Even just viewing this projection, Tarot Club members felt an illusory stinging sensation in their spirituality—a phantom pain that testified to this conical object's extraordinary nature!
"This is a quasi-high-level charm. Mr. Tower calls it the 'Psychic Breath' charm. When activated, it directly assaults and damages the target's mind and spiritual body—like a thunderbolt tearing through their psyche, as if pierced by a spiritual spear!"
"Its difference from true 'Psychic Dragon's Breath' lies in its smaller range and inability to penetrate demigod-level mental defenses. Consider it a weakened version, hence 'quasi-high-level.'"
"Nevertheless, it's a top-tier treasure below demigod level."
"This 'Psychic Breath' charm also has an 8-month validity period, single-use only. Price: 3,000 gold pounds, plus an additional task."
After reciting Ebner's instructions verbatim, Xio turned her gaze to "Justice" and "The World"—according to Ebner, these two would be most interested and financially capable, especially the latter.
To craft this quasi-high-level charm, Ebner had nearly exhausted his stock of demigod dragon blood. Yet he harbored no regrets—since being removed from the twilight-shrouded dream garden, the blood's divine properties had been rapidly dissipating. Even if unused, by the time he completed his bone dragon, it would only serve as ordinary mystical material.
Meanwhile, as "Judgment" finished her introduction, "Justice" Audrey's eyes gradually brightened.
No longer novices in mysticism and the extraordinary, members easily recognized this charm's value. Even single-use, it could serve as a trump card to reverse desperate situations.
At 3,000 pounds, such an item couldn't be considered expensive—if anything, it was a bargain.
The most eager purchaser was none other than "The Fool" himself.
Ever since "The Tower" had entrusted this charm to "Judgment" through him, Klein had been coveting it.
Having faced multiple life-threatening situations in less than half a year in this world, carrying a high-level charm would provide much-needed security.
Moreover, with "Justice" paying him 3,000 pounds monthly as the "Zaratul bounty," Klein's finances were far better than in the original timeline despite additional purchases. 3,000 pounds for a life-saving charm was manageable.
As for the task, Klein—already informed—was prepared, confident others couldn't compete.
Though I wonder why "The Tower" wants that particular intelligence...
"The Hanged Man" Alger sighed helplessly at the charm projection. Currently cash-strapped, he also considered 8 months too short—it might expire unused, making the purchase wasteful.
"The Sun" Derrick was similarly tempted but lacked pounds. Under surveillance, he couldn't freely "offer" City of Silver materials either, so he reluctantly averted his gaze.
"The Magician" Fors stopped contemplating impracticalities upon hearing the price, instead studying the charm's appearance for novel material.
As for "Temperance," she remained statue-still in her high-back chair, an exquisite doll revealing nothing.
Miss Justice raised her hand slightly:
"Miss Judgment, what exactly is the additional task?"
"Collect information on sword and seal-type mystical items crafted by Roselle," Xio reiterated Ebner's condition.
Roselle-crafted swords and seals? Audrey immediately felt stumped—she'd never noted such intelligence nor knew where to inquire.
Perhaps the Psychological Alchemy Society has answers... but I need 2-3 more weeks of evaluation before formal membership... Biting her lip, she suspected others wouldn't grant her that time.
Sure enough, after brief deliberation, "The World" rasped:
"I know of two swords confirmed as Roselle's creations. With 'The Fool's' witness, you needn't doubt their authenticity."
He manifested paper and pen, transcribing details learned from Roselle's diaries.
Xio, surprised by "The World's" fortuitous knowledge, paused before accepting the parchment:
"Mr. Tower and I naturally trust 'The Fool's' impartiality."
Scanning the contents—"'Pale Justice'... Bruna... 'Golden Serpent Sword'... Cullen..."—she confirmed these weapons' well-documented origins satisfied Ebner's requirements before finalizing the "Psychic Breath" transaction with "The World."
As fellow Tarot members and lacking urgent need for high-level charms, Audrey ultimately abstained from bidding, regretfully watching the charm's projection vanish above the table.
With no further business, after "The Hanged Man" reiterated his "Ocean Songster" formula request, the Tarot meeting progressed to free discussion.
"Justice" Audrey surveyed the long table before sharing: "The environmental protection bill addressing atmospheric pollution and worker safeguards in heavily polluting factories has been submitted to parliament. The New and Conservative parties are currently engaged in heated debates."
I'm aware of this - that Mrs. Mary who hired me for infidelity investigations even received a threatening letter over it... My initial assessment was correct; the letter was clearly a setup by her own faction to manipulate public outrage and steer the pollution investigation's direction.
As Klein reflected behind the gray fog, he nodded thoughtfully. Wasn't that New Party ball in Tingen also related? According to my follow-up research, Audrey's brother Hibbert Hall attended as chief secretary of the Air Pollution Investigation Committee...
Though apparently he danced with what might have been the "White Saintess," a demigod-level witch... Should I mention this to Miss Justice? The Church of Evernight did secretly verify he's unaffected...
Noticing tepid reactions to Audrey's update, Xio carefully segued into mentioning the "White Saintess'" infiltration of Baron Hoy's Tingen ball.
Tingen? The familiar name instantly grabbed Klein's attention. Controlling his reaction, he subtly leaned "The World" forward - coincidentally mirroring "Temperance" Sharon's glance toward his avatar, their shared experience in the "Dream Labyrinth's" fifth floor making her aware of Sherlock's Tingen connections.
"'White Saintess'? The mother of 'Vice Admiral of Ailment' that Mr. Tower mentioned?" Audrey's shock at learning her brother danced with someone even MI9 took seriously was quickly masked by her "Spectator" composure.
Having consulted Vera earlier, Xio confirmed: "Indeed - Katarina, the 'White Saintess,' is a Sequence 3 'Demoness of Unaging' who's lived since the Fourth Epoch!"
Sequence 3? An ancient witch? The revelation made Audrey, Alger and Klein collectively marvel at how increasingly lofty Tarot's discussion subjects had become.
Why would such a terrifying witch infiltrate a routine New Party gathering? Surely not just to seduce my brother? Audrey voiced her confusion aloud.
"She likely pursued Baron Larry - who appeared in Tingen carrying something that attracted her," Xio explained. After obtaining "The Fool's" permission, she projected the Dragon Bar underground market scene, deliberately omitting herself and Vera while showing Baron Larry's clash with three Psychology Alchemists.
"Baron Larry may hold secrets to 'Daniel's Treasure,' with multiple secret organizations and foreign spies pursuing him. He's extremely dangerous and may have infiltrated Backlund. If encountered, please report to authorities or inform me."
Baron Larry? The kingdom's wanted man returning to Backlund? Using Roselle's "hiding in plain sight" principle? Audrey relaxed slightly knowing the witch wasn't targeting her brother, though new questions arose.
The man who might know the "Ghost Empire's" location? No wonder the pursuit... His prolonged evasion suggests he's gained substantial benefits... Though the muted official response implies deeper schemes, Alger mused, recalling Prince Montbatten's church protection.
Meanwhile, "The Fool" fixated on the girl Baron Larry had used as a human shield in Xio's projection, barely containing his fury. With the scene frozen at that moment, he desperately needed to know the outcome.
Masking his agitation with gray fog, he had "The World" ask hoarsely: "How did Larry escape between two assassins?"
Xio found the question odd but explained: "I intervened to protect civilians, repelling the assassins while Larry escaped underground using a mystical item."
Exhaling in relief, Klein briefly muted members' senses to whisper unheard: "Thank you... Miss Xio!" before having "The World" nod formally: "Understood. Thank you for clarifying."
Noticing "The World's" unusual behavior but choosing not to probe, members moved on. Alger withheld discussion about the Church of Combat's "Iron Man" and "Doctor Strange" bounty out of respect for "The Tower's" absence.
After Derrick updated on the City of Silver's surveillance changes, the gathering concluded.
...
Back at 15 Minsk Street, Backlund, Klein examined the "Psychic Breath" charm before storing it above the gray fog. Removing his spiritual barrier, he headed for dinner at the Quelaag Club.
Spotting equestrian instructor Talim Dumont brooding in a corner, Klein approached: "Talim, I've collected more intel on the 'Black Emperor' vigilante for after dinner."
"Ah... no hurry..." Talim started before adding urgently, "Actually Sherlock... I have a new commission for you!"
(End of Chapter)