On September 17th, at 2:30 p.m., the endless blue sea stretched out before them. The Azure Avenger tightened its sails, causing the once fast-sailing ship to gradually slow down.
Resting inside, Ashes sensed something was off. He stepped out of his cabin and onto the deck, where he saw Alger standing by the side.
"Is something wrong?"
"No." Alger shook his head. "We are still about six hours away from our destination, but the remaining journey lies outside safe waters. Sea monsters could attack us at any time."
"So, for safety's sake, we need to pause here for about an hour."
Ashes immediately understood. Every Monday at 3 p.m. was the scheduled time for The Fool to convene the Tarot meeting. It would be safer to stay within secure waters until then.
"This place isn't exactly safe either," Alger said with a resigned shake of his head. "The best scenario would be for someone to stand guard, but I don't trust the sailors enough to bring them here."
"That's easy to solve," Ashes replied calmly.
"Huh?" Alger was startled, but before he could react, Ashes stood in front of him, holding an urn in one hand and a bell in the other.
"Ding-ling-ling~!"
With the pleasant sound of the bell, several figures silently appeared on the deck of the Azure Avenger. These figures were much taller than ordinary people, clad in intricately patterned silver armor, each holding a large, ornately engraved bow.
But the most striking feature was their helmets, adorned with two horn-like structures—something Alger had never seen before.
[Silver Knight Ashes]
[Ashes inhabited by souls. Summons the spirits of three Silver Knights. In the past, when Anor Londo still existed, these knights served and protected the gods until the very end. The bows they wielded are said to have once hunted immortal ancient dragons.]
"They will keep watch for us, so you don't need to worry about safety."
Ashes calmly explained, noticing Alger's somewhat speechless expression.
"I'm actually more curious about what's in your hand," Alger said after a moment, half-jokingly. "That thing looks like an urn."
"You guessed right," Ashes admitted openly. "Inside are their ashes. With a specific ritual, I can summon their spirits."
"..."
Alger's mouth twitched slightly. Does this mean you turn all your slain enemies into ashes?
He wanted to ask but didn't dare. Of course, if he had asked, Ashes would have happily answered: Not every enemy gets the privilege of becoming ashes—only those who have once killed me.
"I'm going back to my room," Alger sighed helplessly and waved Ashes off. "You should head back soon too, don't miss The Fool's call."
With that, Alger returned to the captain's cabin without looking back.
Ashes shrugged and, after giving the Silver Knights the order to protect the ship, also returned to his cabin, waiting as the minutes ticked by.
Until, almost simultaneously, they both felt The Fool's call.
...
Above the gray fog, inside the palace resembling a giant's residence.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Fool! Good afternoon, Mr. Lovers! Good afternoon, Mr. Hanged Man! Good afternoon, Mr. Sun!"
With Miss Audrey's sweet and lively voice, the long-awaited Tarot meeting officially began.
"Mr. Fool, I've noted down a few more pages of Roselle's diary. I'll be submitting them to you."
Seeing Audrey routinely mention the diary, Alger immediately stood up respectfully.
"Mr. Fool, I've acquired 19 pages of Roselle's diary this time. I must thank you for sending your Blessed One to help me eliminate Qilangos. These diaries are the payment I owe in return."
"This is the principle of equivalent exchange," Klein smiled, subtly covering up the matter of his Blessed One.
Soon, the eleven pages from the two of them were placed before Klein. A long silence ensued, continuing until The Fool finished reading.
"You may now communicate freely," Klein nodded slightly, glancing at everyone.
"Miss Justice, Mr. Sun," Alger took the initiative to speak again. "Mr. Lovers and I are planning to explore a primitive island with a large number of Beyonder creatures. If either of you requires any Beyonder materials, we might be able to help procure them."
"Really?" Audrey's eyes lit up. She raised her hand slightly and responded honestly, "I need three materials: a pair of Mirror Dragon eyes, 50 milliliters of its blood, and the fruit of the Elder Tree."
Ever since advancing to telepathist, Audrey had acquired the formula for Psychiatrist from Ashes, but she had no leads on the main ingredients. Even though she had just recently advanced and still had a long time before fully digesting the potion, she was in no hurry to seek out the main ingredients—but she wasn't short on money! So, naturally, she seized the opportunity to make her request.
"Exploring an island?" Klein gave The Hanged Man and Lovers a thoughtful look, finding the situation somewhat amusing. Mr. Hanged Man was being cautious indeed.
"I'll keep an eye out," Ashes nodded slightly. "But I also have a favor to ask."
"What is it?" Audrey asked curiously.
"I won't be able to return to Backlund for a while," Ashes began slowly. "But it's already the 17th, and in six days, the full moon will rise. At that time, one of our friends will suffer under the Blood Moon. Although I've already informed her of The Fool's honorific name, I'm unsure whether she'll remember to recite it. Therefore, I hope you could look after her if possible—only if it doesn't endanger you."
"Miss Fors?" Audrey immediately understood who Ashes was referring to. Slightly surprised, she nodded earnestly. "I understand. If necessary, I'll lend her my ring."
"…That's not what I meant," Ashes paused for a moment, then shook his head with a sigh, pulling out a ring and handing it to Audrey. He hadn't originally intended to involve rings—after all, Fors's problem could be solved by reciting The Fool's name—but since Audrey had brought it up, he didn't mind providing one. It wasn't like the ring was valuable—it was one of the most useless ones he had, not worth much at all.
"…"
Audrey blinked but said nothing, quietly slipping the ring onto her finger.
"Promise me you'll use a sacrificial offering next time, okay?"
Klein, though growing numb to the situation, could only watch expressionlessly as it unfolded.
"Mr. Lovers," Alger hesitated, "How many more of these rings do you have?"
"Plenty," Ashes replied nonchalantly. "Do you want one?"
"…"
The corners of the Hanged Man's mouth twitched slightly. He wanted it, but he couldn't afford it! If he had a choice, who wouldn't want such a life-saving magical item? But the condition was that he could buy it in the first place! If he could afford it, he would have slapped the money on the table right away—why ask such a question?
"Gentlemen."
Audrey suddenly asked curiously, "I want to acquire a Beyonder item for myself. Do you have any good recommendations?"
Almost simultaneously, everyone's gaze turned to Ashes. When it came to wealth in the Tarot Club, Audrey and Ashes were the richest. The former held the most cash, while the latter possessed a vast collection of Beyonder items.
"What kind are you looking for?" Ashes asked, pondering over Audrey's inquisitive glance.
"What types are there?" Audrey responded, thinking for a moment before explaining, "Hmm, I mean, I might buy a few, so I'd like to know the types available. Of course, preferably for self-defense."
"Buying several..."
Klein silently hung his head, thinking of the huge debt he still owed, and felt a pang in his heart.
"I do have a few spoils," Ashes said after thinking. "But these magical items are highly recognizable, so they aren't suitable for use in the short term, especially in Backlund. They'd only put you in danger."
Everyone in the Tarot Club understood that the "danger" Ashes referred to meant the royal family, and it was obvious these spoils came from MI9 (Military Intelligence 9).
Alger suddenly chimed in, "When I return, I can introduce you to a craftsman who can modify the appearance of these items. Modifying their appearance won't affect their functionality but will avoid some unnecessary troubles."
After a pause, Alger added, "Of course, the craftsman charges a high fee."
"No problem." Ashes responded without hesitation, "Money isn't an issue."
"Is there anything that won't attract attention?" Audrey asked, puzzled.
"There is," Ashes nodded gently, "but most are weapons. As for defensive types, the only one I have is full-body armor, which I assume you wouldn't like."
"..."
Audrey puffed out her cheeks—indeed, she didn't.
After all, she couldn't walk around town in a suit of armor. What she wanted was something small, discreet, and portable. The only items Ashes had that fit this description were rings. But the problem was, though Ashes had many rings with a wide range of functions, not many suited Audrey.
She wasn't adept at close combat or magic, and many rings were designed to enhance those skills. The only one that could serve her for defense was the Sacrifice Ring, and she already owned one.
"Mr. Lover,"
The usually quiet "Sun," Derrick, raised his hand and hesitated, "I want a weapon."
"What kind?"
"Any weapon that can increase my combat power."
Ashes thought for a moment and took out a plain-looking greatsword. "This is just an ordinary greatsword, with little difference in power from normal weapons. However, with a special transformation, it can have unique enhancements, making it a Beyonder item. I can offer you two options for the transformation."
"First, the lightning transformation, which adds a lightning effect to its attacks."
"Second, the blessing transformation, which gives the weapon a glowing feature. Holding this weapon will slowly restore your stamina and injuries, and its attacks can kill enemies that can revive."
"Both of these have bonus damage against dark creatures. Which one do you choose?"
Derrick hesitated for a long time, clearly torn between the two. In the end, he decided, "I'll choose the blessing transformation!"
What swayed him was not the strength of the lightning effect, but the glow—being able to light up was a more appealing feature to him.
"But," Derrick added, unsure, "I don't know how I can repay you." He didn't have any gold pounds and could only offer supernatural materials, but "Mr. Lover" clearly didn't lack those.
"I have a suggestion," Audrey, who had been listening attentively, spoke up. "If two members of the Tarot Club want to trade, but one party can't meet the other's needs, I can help cover the cost—at least where gold pounds are concerned. Afterward, the party who couldn't pay immediately can compensate me later. The value should match what I paid, with no additional interest."
"This offer doesn't only apply to Mr. Sun but also to Mr. Hanged Man and any future members if needed."
"..."
Alger raised an eyebrow, "Miss Justice, may I ask, was this idea suggested to you by someone?"
"No, I came up with it myself," Audrey smiled gently. "I have a relative who is a brilliant banker."
"No wonder." Alger was suddenly enlightened—if it came from a banker, it made sense.
Klein, watching all of this, felt his heart ache. Everyone was benefitting from this arrangement—except him. He was the high and mighty Fool, and unlike the others, he couldn't owe Miss Justice any favors.
The deal between Derrick and Ashes concluded smoothly, with Audrey covering 500 pounds. Derrick received the "Blessed Greatsword" and was delighted to have a glowing weapon specialized for dark creatures. Ashes, too, was satisfied, having sold off something he considered useless. Audrey, for her part, felt a strange sense of joy, seeing her money being put to good use and helping her fellow Tarot members grow stronger.
Though the transaction was a win for all involved, Klein, sitting as the Fool, felt nothing but pain. He could see the benefit of such no-interest "loans" to strengthen one's position, but unfortunately, this opportunity was forever out of his reach.
"Oh, by the way, Mr. Lover, I forgot to tell you two things," Audrey said seriously after the deal was concluded. "Your friend paid 450 pounds to get a Beyonder characteristic from me and has successfully advanced to Sequence 8 as a 'Sheriff.'"
"And also, it seems that Mr. A is not dead and has started operating in Backlund again. In fact, he just held a Beyonder gathering last week."
"But I didn't personally attend the gathering, so I can't be sure whether this Mr. A is the same person."
"…"
The Hanged Man opened his mouth, wanting to speak but holding back. He wanted to remind Miss Justice that the Beyonder characteristic of a Sequence 8 was at least worth 600 pounds. Selling it for just 450 pounds—wasn't she doing charity? But after thinking it over, he chose to remain silent. Forget it, it's none of my business.
"It's likely the same person," Ashes said after some thought. "The aurora's envoys only inherit the code name after their predecessor dies. Since Mr. A clearly isn't dead, there wouldn't be a new 'Mr. A' to inherit the title."
And how was Ashes so sure that Mr. A wasn't dead? Of course, it was because he hadn't received his soul. Although Mr. A pushed him into the world of the painting by self-destructing at the last moment, he clearly had some backup plan. Some of the blood and flesh scattered during the self-destruction likely contained his true form.
However, even if he miraculously survived, Mr. A must have been near death at that time. A normal person would likely have left Backlund, or at least kept a low profile. But Mr. A not only stayed in Backlund but continued to act as boldly as ever. This behavior was indeed courageous, though considering the aurora were all lunatics, this seemed strangely "normal."
"Has he done anything unusual recently?" Ashes asked after a moment's thought.
Audrey recalled carefully and said hesitantly, "Aside from holding the Beyonder gathering, Mr. A hasn't done anything particularly noteworthy. At least, there haven't been any major news events in Backlund in recent days."
"If there's anything unusual, it would be that Mr. A seems to be short of money lately. He not only switched to a more rundown venue for the gathering but also made no secret of his financial needs during the event, subtly hinting that attendees could approach him with gold pounds for his services."
"Lack of money is normal," The Hanged Man speculated. "After being hunted by Mr. Lover, although he survived, his operations in Backlund must have suffered significant losses. If he wants to rebuild his intelligence network, money is essential."
"Short of money?" Klein, The Fool, was struck by a sudden thought upon hearing this.
It wasn't because he too was short of money, though he could certainly relate. The main thing was that he saw this as an opportunity!
"Hum!" Klein silently worked out his plan, then lightly tapped the edge of the long table with his finger.
"The Fool has something to say!"
The group immediately focused their attention on The Fool.
"I'm going to issue a mission," Klein said, looking at Audrey with a smile. "Miss Justice, you can choose to accept it or not."
"Me?" Audrey was momentarily stunned, but soon an overwhelming sense of happiness filled her. This was the first time The Fool had officially issued a mission, and he was specifically asking if she would accept!
"Mr. Fool, what's the mission?" Audrey tried to keep her emotions in check, though her voice still betrayed her excitement.
"Assassinate the Ambassador of the Intis Republic to the Loen Kingdom, Bakerland Jean Madan," Klein said casually. "This task was originally meant for one of my dependents, but now I've changed my mind. I hope Mr. A will carry it out."
"Assassinate the ambassador?!" Audrey couldn't contain her shock. Killing an ambassador would undoubtedly lead to severe diplomatic fallout, possibly even war between two nations!
"Miss Justice, I don't think there's any need to hesitate," The Hanged Man interjected. "Assassinating an ambassador won't necessarily lead to war. It all depends on the intentions of the higher-ups in both countries. Besides, this ambassador isn't a good person. He's been secretly conspiring to destabilize the Loen Kingdom."
"And furthermore, the assassin would be from the Aurora Order. Even if the Intis Republic holds anyone accountable, it won't be the Loen Kingdom."
"More importantly," The Hanged Man added with a chuckle, "I'm curious why it must be the Aurora Order that acts?"
The Fool cast a deep, approving glance at The Hanged Man. Well done, Hanged Man!
(End of the chapter)