New Member

New Member

In the early morning, Hobart left his room and came down to the first-floor dining room. His younger sister and brother were already having breakfast.

His adoptive father, Christine Jeffrey, was a commodore, but he did not seem to be particularly valued.

Even if he was not valued, a commodore was still a high-ranking military officer and a member of Backlund's upper class. He owned a spacious two-story villa in Queens, along with a fairly large garden.

Furthermore, his adopted son Hobart, his daughter Donna, who was one year younger than Hobart, and his son Tyrone, who was three years younger than Hobart, could all attend Backlund's first-rate public primary and secondary schools. They could also easily gain admission to Backlund University, reputed to be "Loen's foremost institution."

Of course, that was still far inferior to the residences and treatment enjoyed by nobles.

Hobart judged that his adoptive father Christine was not valued because his adoptive parents' household was not particularly well-off. He remembered that Aymilus, who was also a general, seemed quite wealthy.

And yet, the private savings Hobart had accumulated recently amounted to only 15 Pounds. It was probably not even a fraction of Justice's allowance.

Still, compared with Klein, Hobart's starting point was much better. He remembered that Klein's initial funds had seemed to be only around 1 Pound, and that had included food expenses for all three siblings.

Donna, who had golden hair with a slight natural curl, guarded the milk and sweet bread roll before her and said, "Hobart, you don't seem to be in very good spirits."

Hobart sat beside the dining table and casually replied, "I had insomnia last night."

A maid brought Hobart his breakfast: salad and fried eggs. It was quite lavish.

Hobart glanced at the Black Tea and said, "Bring me a glass of milk instead."

Having transmigrated here only recently, he was still not used to drinking tea or Coffee first thing in the morning.

However, he had quickly gotten used to being waited on at breakfast.

Just as the three of them were nearly done eating, Hobart's adoptive mother, Monlisa, appeared on the second floor. "Hobart, come home early this afternoon. Your father is returning today, and he said he has something important to discuss with you."

Hobart rose to his feet. "All right, Mother."

Donna said happily, "Father is coming back today? I wonder what gift he brought me."

"Oh, dear, you actually still have hopes for your father's gifts?" Monlisa rubbed her forehead. "Believe me, after being married to your father for so many years, I've never received a single gift I liked."

Donna laughed. "That's because Father doesn't have a good personal male servant."

Amid idle chatter, the three siblings finished breakfast. They then returned to change clothes, gathered their school supplies, and took the family carriage to their respective schools.

Hobart attended the Law Department at Backlund University. That afternoon, he secretly skipped class and found a secluded equipment room to prepare for the upcoming Tarot Club.

As soon as Three O'Clock arrived, Hobart seemed to abruptly enter an impenetrable grayish-white fog. Then, a grand hall and a Bronze Long Table took shape before his eyes.

Justice, Audrey, gave a curtsy. "Good afternoon, Mr. Fool. It's a pity there's no wine here... otherwise, we could raise a toast to your successful attempt."

The previous week, she and Hanged Man had tried using Mr. Fool's three-part Honorific Name to pray to him, and both had received Mr. Fool's response.

This refreshed their understanding of Mr. Fool's power once again. What they did not know was that a certain new member had repeatedly used the three-part Honorific Name, disturbing Mr. Fool's pleasant sleep.

Justice's pause was because she had noticed the new member. As she spoke, she habitually began observing him.

The new member was male and not very old. He Looked energetic, probably a Young Man who enjoyed sports. He appeared calm, without the nervousness or surprise of someone attending the Tarot Club for the first time. His clothing was somewhat blurred, but she could vaguely make out that the materials were exquisite and the style novel, with a distinct Loen Kingdom flair.

Justice concluded that he had likely been born into Loen's upper society and probably lived in Backlund. Though young, he appeared composed and calm.

Justice's living circumstances were a whole level above Hobart's. She and her two brothers had tutors come to their home to teach them; they did not need to attend Grammar School or university at all.

Only Earl Hall's illegitimate sons, or children of family members who had not inherited the title, would receive an education on the same level as Hobart.

That was precisely why she had failed to immediately Guess that Hobart was a university student.

On the other side of the long table, Hanged Man, Alger, also followed with a compliment for Mr. Fool. "Your power far exceeds our imagination."

He had also noticed the new member, and it made him frown deeply. Although Mr. Fool was very powerful, he should have notified Justice and him before bringing in a new member.

If he had not just witnessed Mr. Fool's power, he certainly would have protested.

Mr. Fool said, "Very good. This shows that we are on a fruitful path. In the future, if you have matters to attend to and cannot make it on Monday afternoon, hold a Ritual in advance and inform me."

He added, "As you can see, the Tarot Club has a new member."

Then Mr. Fool began the introductions. "This is Justice, this is Hanged Man, and the new member is Emperor."

"Good afternoon, Emperor." Justice greeted him with a smile.

This Emperor was very likely a member of Loen's upper society, which gave Justice a certain sense of familiarity toward him.

"Good afternoon," Hobart said. "It is an honor to join your gathering."

Hanged Man did not greet him. He merely observed Hobart for a while.

The gathering officially began. Justice first gave Mr. Fool a page from Emperor Rosell's diary, then kindly reminded Hobart, "The notes written in the special symbols left behind by Emperor Rosell turned out to be his diaries. Mr. Fool is very interested in them. You can collect those diaries and trade them with Mr. Fool."

"Thank you for the reminder," Hobart said politely.

I already know that—it's Simplified Chinese! Still, Justice really is warmhearted.

Just as he thought that, he realized something was wrong with the atmosphere in the hall. Justice, Hanged Man, and even Mr. Fool were staring intently at him, as though he were some kind of monster.

This is bad!

Hobart belatedly realized, When I heard about Emperor Rosell's diaries, I didn't show enough surprise. Even showing a little surprise would have been better.

What should I do now? Should I hurry up and explain, or act like I have a powerful backer?

He soon realized that whether he explained or not, the result seemed to be the same: his identity would appear very mysterious.

Then I won't explain. Let them fill in the blanks themselves.