Strictly speaking, both the Guiding Light Hermitage and Apna Library were neutral Ring Arcanist organizations. But the former preached doomsday theories, which truly counted as "heretical nonsense" in this idealistic world, while the latter had recently come under strict Church scrutiny because of its cooperation with The Truth Society. On top of that, the documents in the suitcase concerned the Chosen Ones, so this transaction really was an illegal underground deal.
"I've become a villain too."
Since the operation had gone so smoothly, Shade joked to himself. Her laughter was still so pleasant and gentle, putting him in an even better mood.
Did you think something unexpected would happen?
She whispered beside Shade's ear again. Keeping an eye on the path beneath his feet, Shade replied. Walking through a cemetery shrouded in Great Fog, the most dangerous things were not ghosts, but inconspicuous stones:
"For example, someone might try to rob us. Since the transaction involves the Chosen Ones, perhaps others have their eyes on these documents. Even if The Truth Society is working with Apna Library, I'm sure other organizations are interested in them too."
At that thought, Shade halted and warily looked around:
"Oh, I must have lost my mind. How could I think about such things before the mission is complete?"
Is this that ridiculous "superstition" of yours again?
She whispered beside Shade's ear. Shade raised a hand and touched his ear, though he was actually checking whether anyone stood behind him:
"No, no, this isn't superstition. Luck Conservation is superstition."
Shade answered with considerable stubbornness:
"Before a mission is complete, I absolutely cannot think about such things. But it seems my luck is pretty good tonight. Look, no one tried to rob me. If they really had, I could have made Old John pay more."
At