Applying for a bodyguard job

What Miss Justice said is pretty much the same information Hugh got from the masked man...

[The Magician] Fors listened to their conversation and nodded thoughtfully.

Although she already knew the whole story, hearing about that insane massacre again still frightened her. Mr. Anderson's subjective purpose was to save the victimized girl, but his methods were so extreme that they inspired awe.

Mr. Fool's followers are in great danger!

Fors glanced furtively at the tall figure at the head of the long table, thinking to herself. By now, she was convinced that Anderson was a follower of the Fool. However, since Mr. Fool didn't intend to say it publicly, she naturally wouldn't tell anyone else.

So Fors remained silent and listened quietly to their discussion of the matter.

Did the deaths of high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen affect the power dynamics within Backlund? How did the upper classes view the brutal killing of their peers?

"[The Hanged Man] "Alger asked.

"Hmm, I haven't considered that yet."

[Justice] was taken aback upon hearing this. "However, those people didn't have a good reputation in upper-class circles to begin with. I guess most people would be happy to see them suffer misfortune, right?"

"Uncertain."

Alger shook his head slightly and said calmly.

Even if there are conflicts among the upper classes, they remain internal. Once an external attack occurs, they will only feel insecure and fear for their own safety.

There was a moment of silence above the Gray Fog.

"Everyone, I've actually run into a bit of trouble lately..."

After the discussion on this matter concluded, [The Sun] Derrick asked for everyone's opinions again.

It turns out that the ruins of a "Fallen Creator" have been discovered in his city, "City of Silver." He has been assigned to a team to explore the ruins and is about to set off.

Moreover, the leader of the exploration team was none other than Elder Lovia, the Shepherd of Sequence 5, an extraordinary Secrets Suppliant Pathway. He was somewhat worried, wondering if this mission would be dangerous.

My advice is, don't go!

The Hanged Man bluntly stated, "Unless you want to die."

Next, he began to teach [The Sun] how to play dirty tricks, such as feigning illness and losing control to avoid going to war. Seeing the other party hesitate, [The Hanged Man] skillfully used moral blackmail, elevating his avoidance behavior to the level of protecting City of Silver, completely fooling [The Sun] Derrick.

Listening to their conversation, Fors felt an urge to cover her face.

Although Mr. [Sun] is very tall, he seems quite young and rather naive. He's been completely outmaneuvered by Mr. [Hanged Man]... Well, of course, it's for his own good.

By the time Alger had settled things with Derrick, it was almost time for the party.

"Well then, let's conclude our gathering here."

Klein said calmly.

Your will is our standard.

Audrey, Alger, and the others rose at the same time and bowed to the head of the long table.

The crimson light dissipated, and the ancient Palace Above the Gray Fog returned to its tranquility once more.

Fors opened his eyes and stretched from the chair behind his desk.

Although she had attended the gatherings two or three times already, she was still filled with awe and shock at the world Above the Gray Fog and the Mr. Fool presided over everything.

To be able to so easily transport one's mind to such a strange place, perhaps only a god could do that... Right, I should quickly tell Hugh about that.

Fors pushed back her chair, walked out of her bedroom, and went to Hugh's room.

"I have some good news that I forgot to tell you."

She knocked on the door, went in, and said with a smile.

"So, is there any progress on your new book?"

Hugh, engrossed in maintaining his triangular thorn in his room, asked without looking up.

"... That's not yet."

Fors's face darkened for a moment, then she rallied. "It's good news for you. I've joined a new circle of extraordinary individuals, and someone there is selling extraordinary ingredients for the 'Sheriff' Potion for 600 pounds."

Xiu paused in his wiping of the triangular thorns, then suddenly looked up.

You're not kidding?

Of course not.

Seeing his friend's shocked expression, Fors smiled and said, "The organizer of that gathering is capable of distinguishing the authenticity of Beyonder Item; he's very reliable. The only problem is that the selection process is rigorous, so I can't bring you in yet."

"Very good!"

Hugh tossed the triangular thorn onto the bed and exclaimed with delight, "Six hundred pounds? I can buy it! Miss Audrey's payment is more than enough!"

Although the investigation into Lanevus's whereabouts wasn't ultimately successful, Audrey still paid the full amount of her reward.

The 1500 list was given as compensation for the danger the two had suffered.

"Okay, give me the money, and I'll bring the stuff back later."

Fors was also happy for her friend. Hugh didn't know the connection between Beyonder Characteristic and Potion ingredients, so she could explain it to her once they were back.

Speaking of Miss Audrey, Fors quickly recalled another matter.

"I say, should we take Miss Audrey's new commission?"

She asked Xiu.

Hugh, who was excitedly pacing back and forth on the ground, suddenly stopped. After a moment, she looked at Fors hesitantly.

Since it was Miss Audrey's commission, the money was definitely enough. The only problem was that it was too dangerous. They were either being chased by Pirate Admiral or suffering Curse from the offspring of Evil God's Offspring.

But she gave a lot of money...

The two looked at each other with conflicted expressions.

"However, she said this mission is very easy," Fors said. "Perhaps we can ask for more details first before deciding whether to accept it?"

"You're right."

Hugh nodded immediately.

Buying Potion ingredients costs 600 coins, which will reduce her cash reserves significantly. She'd be happy to replenish her funds if given the chance.

The two arrived in a carriage at the Count Hall's Villa in Empress Borough.

Previously, their meetings with Miss Audrey had always taken place at Viscount Glaint's mansion or the horse farm outside. But this time, for some reason, Miss Audrey invited them directly into the villa.

With Audrey's confinement over, Hugh and Fors successfully got past the gatekeeper and met each other.

"Bodyguard job? £20 a time? We'll take it!"

After hearing Audrey's description, Hugh and Fors agreed without hesitation.

Following behind Miss Audrey, attending balls and salons—it sounds perfectly safe, and you get 20 each time.

Pounds, what a steal!

The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with fervor and emotion.

This time, finally, I have an easy and profitable commission!

"I'm glad you agreed."

Audrey, dressed in an exquisite green gown, smiled demurely, then continued after a moment, "However, my mother has some requests of you."

What are the requirements?

"She said... she's not confident in your abilities and wants our family's guards to test you."

At this point, Audrey became a little embarrassed.

Their smiles hadn't lasted long before they froze because of those words.

... the Earl's family's guards?

Can we win?

A few days had passed since the Kaping Case, Luther finally saw the news of the gathering in the newspaper. Ernst Trading Company had started buying goods again, indicating that the gathering would be held the following night.

I'm going to check out what the Beyonder Gathering in Backlund is like... I got news from Klein that the Extraordinary materials have been sold. That's great, faster than I expected...

I've been lying low for a while now, and since the regulations have been relaxed, what else can I do besides attending parties?

Luther prepared to analyze the current situation.