Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

"Miss Judgment? This matter is really connected to Miss Judgment? It seems Fors has indeed recognized her identity… Should I try to subtly probe Fors about it the next time we meet? But wouldn't that be inappropriate? If it ends up upsetting Miss Judgment, that would be bad…" Audrey, "Justice," was first intrigued but soon found herself mired in indecision.

As I suspected, the Judgment card is a symbol of identity. The Emperor card, meanwhile, either represents her lineage in reality or symbolizes Mr. Fool's Blessed.

But who exactly is the Hero Bandit Black Emperor? Is it Mr. Fool's Blessed, or Miss Judgment herself? However, since Mr. Fool said his Blessed played only a minor role, does that mean the Black Emperor who killed Capim was actually her? Could she be Xio's superior, Lady Vera?

As her thoughts raced, Fors, "The Magician," glanced at Miss Judgment beside her, hesitant to voice her questions.

Alger, "The Hanged Man," recalled how Miss Judgment had expressed gratitude to Mr. Fool at the start of the meeting. A hypothesis formed in his mind.

"Miss Judgment likely struck a deal with Mr. Fool's Blessed to secure their assistance. Moreover, she must have been deeply involved in the entire affair and might have even met that Blessed in person."

Weighing his words carefully, Alger looked toward Xio and asked, "Miss Judgment, could you share the details of this matter with us?"

While curious, he had no intention of paying for the information. Besides, if it involved Miss Judgment, it was likely that Mr. Tower was already aware, and he was generous with such intelligence.

Xio didn't plan on charging for it either. Since the case might be tied to her father's wrongful conviction, she was eager to hear Mr. Fool's perspective. After all, Ebner had told her that avenging her father and clearing his name wouldn't be possible without Mr. Fool's help.

After organizing her thoughts, Xio skipped over the Daisy family's plea for help and focused on her own role in the incident. She spoke about Mr. Tower's advice, the intervention of Mr. Fool's Blessed, the subsequent investigation, and her own suspicions. She concluded with:

"In short, the four Beyonders protecting Capim were likely affiliated with MI9, either as informants or spies. They have powerful backers, which is why I had to accept an overseas assignment and leave Backlund for the time being."

That fits. Among the female MI9 personnel who left Backlund after the Capim case, the only ones I saw at the steam train station were Xio and Lady Vera. So, Miss Judgment's identity is almost certain—she can't possibly be Xio herself, can she?

Fors discreetly studied Miss Judgment's demeanor again, finding nothing remotely similar to Xio.

Perhaps I can ask Konstan about which female MI9 leaders recently left Backlund. Audrey also started forming plans in her mind.

Meanwhile, Alger lowered his head, contemplating the connections between the Witch Sect, certain military leaders, the disappearance of colonial populations, and the slave trade. What's the link between all of this? Or is there a deeper conspiracy behind it?

Ebner, on the other hand, wanted to offer some hints but swallowed his words at the last moment.

What's the point of revealing the truth now? No one in the Tarot Club holds significant power. Without concrete evidence, they would only face suspicion or investigation. Worse, if the information leaks, it could provoke retaliation from the royal family, the Aurora Order, or the Demoness Sect.

Unlike Klein later in the original timeline, they can't directly report to "The Servant of Mysteries" as one of the Goddess's Blessed.

Even if the churches launch an investigation, it would only force those secret organizations to act prematurely, potentially triggering the Great Smog Event ahead of schedule. That would be of no benefit to anyone.

If the timeline remains unchanged or is even delayed, I might have the chance to stop the Despair Nightingale in the East End. At the very least, I could prevent some tragedies and save a few lives.

Of course, that's assuming I can successfully refine the Bone Dragon and gain some level of self-defense.

Sighing inwardly, Ebner leaned back into his chair.

Xio cast a hopeful glance at Mr. Fool, hoping he might add something, but the enigmatic presence showed no interest and remained silent.

Slightly disappointed, Xio pulled herself together and shared her experiences in the Berserk Sea. Her stories fascinated Audrey, Fors, and Derrick, who had never been to sea.

Even Mr. Fool appeared to listen with genuine interest.

After more exchanges, Klein spoke in a calm tone:

"This concludes today's gathering."

"As you wish." Audrey, Alger, Ebner, and the others stood up and saluted in unison.

One by one, beams of crimson light dissipated, and the ancient palace above the gray fog returned to its tranquil state, leaving only "The World" facing Mr. Fool.

"Good luck." Klein nodded, then allowed the marionette representing "The World" to vanish, leaving behind only the All-Black Eye on the table.

At that moment, the crimson star corresponding to Derrick, "The Sun," flared brightly, spreading ripples that coalesced into an illusory, mystical door. The gray fog stirred, and its powers began to flow like water.

Hearing the layered prayers, Klein extended his spirituality, guiding the flowing gray fog to push open a crack in the mysterious door and stabilize the transmission channel.

He placed the All-Black Eye into an iron box and sent it through the gap in the door. Casually, he added, "Do not touch the item directly."

Next, he activated Miss Judgment's crimson star and informed her of the transaction between himself and Mr. Tower, instructing her to hold a ritual to accept the bestowed item.

Soon after, the illusory door reappeared. Klein, now adept with this process, tossed the Judge characteristic through the portal.

With everything done, Klein did not linger. He knew that young Derrick wouldn't find an opportunity to act anytime soon. He also wasn't sure when Miss Magician would finish transcribing the first two chapters of Glimpses Beyond the Spirit World, or when The Hanged Man would gather enough funds to purchase the characteristic.

With his spirituality stretched, Klein's figure vanished from the gray fog.

...

Bayam, Fragrant Manor

Ebner received the first two chapters of Glimpses Beyond the Spirit World just before dusk. Having already read the book at Fors's place, he decided against reviewing it in the gray fog. He assumed Klein had likely made a copy for himself.

"This could come in handy as a gift or a reward for subordinates…

"Hm, the Red Maid at the manor has been working hard; a little reward seems fitting.

"Also, Edwina would likely appreciate this as a present. It would also settle the debt of her helping me, even though she always claims to have gained more in our knowledge exchanges…

"Perhaps I can even trade it for something from her collection."

With one hand holding Glimpses Beyond the Spirit World and the other stroking his chin, Ebner began to plan his next steps.

(End of Chapter)