Investment and Cost

After hearing Will's words, Altair began to ponder what fate meant. Even in the Original World, some people had their own understanding of "fate." For example:

"Fatalism" appears in the teachings of some religions. Its adherents believe that fate is predetermined and follows an unchangeable course.

"Free will" holds that fate is shaped by a person's choices and efforts, together with their circumstances. People possess agency and can change the course of their lives through their actions.

"Compromise Theory" holds that fate consists of both a "set framework" and "room for change." For example, one's birth and talents are conditions granted from the start, but within that framework, a person's decisions and hard work can still broaden the possibilities of their life.

But in the "Lord of the Mysteries" world, "fate" was something else. It was not a fixed, unchanging course, but a torrent woven from countless possibilities.

Beyonders could use their Sequence abilities or divination rituals to glimpse fate's course or interfere with it to a small degree. But trying to overturn the fate of someone at a higher level would invite an unbearable "Fate's Backlash."

After finishing his ice cream, Will looked at Altair, who was still deep in thought, and said, "Actually, you don't need to think so much. What's destined to happen will happen. It's just a question of how. Heh, that's where people's choices come in."

"It's just like how I 'prophesied' that your family would inevitably rise to prominence. When that happens, and how, is up to you to work toward."

Hearing that "prophecy," Altair asked curiously, "About the prophecy concerning my family—you said we'd rise to prominence by a Pathway other than the Hunter Pathway. But the family once had a lot of people choose other Pathways, and before long, they all died under mysterious circumstances."

"Mm." Will nodded, then shook his head. "That's basically right."

"But one thing's not quite right. Those people didn't die under mysterious circumstances. The main reason was that your family wanted the 'prophecy' to come true sooner, and that led to those people's deaths."

"Fate's gifts always come at a cost. Those people couldn't bear the cost of fate arriving ahead of time, and death became the best escape."

After hearing Will's explanation, Altair tapped his fingers against the table over and over. Then he suddenly stopped, as if he'd thought of something, and asked, "What do I need to do for you?"

Will smiled. "I was wondering if you'd figure it out. It's nothing major. I just need you to help me out in whatever ways you can in the future."

"Although you're special, you still can't block other people from probing you. When the Storm Church investigated you back then, I happened to find out and took care of it for you. I'm glad I made that decision."

"Of course, I know that wasn't a big deal for you. It would've been easy to handle. I can give you some additional compensation."

Will looked up and thought for a moment before telling Altair, "You'll rise to prominence through a single transaction. As for what kind of transaction, I don't know."

"Is that a prophecy?" Altair blinked and asked curiously.

Will nodded.

What kind of prophecy is that? Altair thought to himself.

Altair refused to give up and asked, "Any other hints?"

Will didn't say anything. He only shook his head.

Before Altair could ask anything else, Will had already stood up. "I've already taught her the Method of Acting. Just let her carry on acting normally from now on."

"If anything comes up, you can contact me through a Paper Crane. Try to avoid meeting in person. I have to go back, or my mom will worry about me. Goodbye."

Not long after Will left, Vera woke up. Looking alarmed, she said to Altair, "Count Altair, I just dreamed about a Great Serpent. He explained a lot about acting to me. Could that be dangerous?"

At her words, Altair turned to look at Vera, his "lucky" maid. He felt an indescribable envy. Little Snake had personally taught her the Method of Acting—what kind of treatment was that?

Seeing Altair's strange expression, Vera quietly lowered her head. Her eyes began to redden, and she looked as if she were about to cry.

This was mainly because Altair was afraid Vera might be affected by the Monster's heightened spirituality and see something she shouldn't, so he'd often told her stories about how curiosity killed the cat.

Seeing Vera's expression, Altair lost interest in teasing her. "It's fine, Vera. The Great Serpent was just teaching you how to act. He didn't mean you any harm."

"Really?" Vera, who had been quietly feeling sorry for herself, looked up at Altair and asked, "Is that true, Count Altair?"

Seeing her like that, Altair felt sorry for her. "It's true. Don't worry."

Once Vera had calmed down, she immediately noticed that the ice cream she'd ordered had melted completely.

Then she looked at Altair, silently pleading with her eyes: she needed to order another portion of ice cream to soothe her wounded heart with something sweet.

In the end, Altair had the waiter bring her another portion. Vera happily ate the ice cream in her bowl.

By the time Vera finished eating, it was almost noon.

Altair decided to pay the bill and leave. Altogether, they'd had eight portions of ice cream, three little cakes, and two pots of iced sweet tea. It wasn't much; it only cost nine soli and eight pence.

The biggest expense on the bill was the ice cream, which often cost around one soli per serving. But considering how beautiful the ice cream looked, Altair felt the price was reasonable. It came with elaborate decorations, along with pastries and toppings.

When the carriage arrived home, Altair got out and entered the hall. A servant informed him that Vivian was waiting in the dining room to eat with him.

After taking off his outer coat and Top Hat, Altair entered the dining room and saw Vivian in her pajamas, propping her head up with one hand as she sat there, bored and lost in thought. As he walked over, he said, "When did you get up? If you're hungry, you don't have to wait for me. You can eat on your own."

Vivian came to her senses, straightened up, and smiled at him. "I didn't get up that long ago. Besides, you said you'd be back for a meal when you left this morning, so I waited a little longer. I asked the kitchen to make your favorite Fepot Noodles."

When Altair came closer, the two of them kissed passionately. They only broke apart when the servants brought lunch into the dining room, then began to eat and chat.

As Vivian stirred the Fepot Noodles with her fork, she asked, "Was the person you went to see today someone special? You seemed to have a lot on your mind when you left."

Altair nodded and answered frankly, "Very special. They're connected to my ancestors, and we haven't been in touch for a long time. Their sudden invitation surprised me."