The moment Angel entered the gray fog surrounding Sefirah Castle, she felt it begin to resist her arrival. Previously, while the fog could hardly be called welcoming, it had never shown any hostility toward her.
She could tell from the gray fog enveloping her, which was even thicker than that around Klein, the Fool.
When I came here after my previous advancements, the gray fog changed a little, but this is by far the strongest reaction... That wariness and resistance almost seem to come from the sefirah itself. Is it because I've grown stronger? No, it's probably related to the Original Creator... Angel pondered, her gaze resting on Klein. Seeing that he, too, was looking curiously at the surrounding fog, she smiled and said:
"I only missed one Tarot Club gathering. Why does it seem like none of you recognize me anymore?"
"It's the fog, not me."
Klein hastily defended himself, simultaneously willing Sefirah Castle to disperse the gray fog. As its master, his command was faithfully obeyed, and the mist enveloping Angel, along with its faint hostility, rapidly dissipated.
Yet he sensed a trace of "hurt" in the gray fog lingering around the palace's perimeter, unwilling to vanish completely.
An illusion. It's all an illusion... He gathered his thoughts and looked at Angel. Her appearance had changed little, but her bearing was more flamboyant and alluring. Once again, he confirmed that she was no longer a Demoness of Catastrophe.
"Welcome back, Miss Empress."
He tapped his knuckles against the long bronze table and spoke in a deep voice.
So we're being this formal, are we... Angel froze for a moment before standing up. Suppressing a laugh, she bowed her head and curtsied.
"Good evening, esteemed Mr. Fool. Having missed the last Tarot Club gathering, I wonder what punishment awaits