In the ancient palace Above the Gray Fog, Audrey felt her thoughts grow unusually clear. Images flashed through her mind.
They showed Hvin Rambis hypnotizing her in the carriage just moments ago.
At the same time, his words rang in Audrey's ears again, and she remembered everything that had happened.
When the crimson light faded, fear, horror, and panic flooded Audrey's heart. It took her several seconds to rise. Lifting her skirt, she curtsied to the great being at the head of the table:
"Thank you for protecting me, Mr. Fool."
Klein nodded slightly and smiled in approval.
"You handled it well."
Hearing that, Audrey felt reassured. No longer so frightened, she sat down and calmly described her ordeal from beginning to end.
As the Fool, Klein could not discuss the matter with Miss Justice directly, analyze it with her, or offer advice. He could only smile and say:
"This is Fate's test for you."
A test? Only by passing it will I be worthy of becoming a Demigod and able to protect the people I want to protect in Backlund's tangled situation? Interpreting Mr. Fool's hint, Audrey nodded earnestly.
"I understand."
Klein said no more. With a smile that was half sigh, he said:
"Go back and face it."
Audrey was about to thank him again when crimson light surged before her eyes and everything blurred.
In an instant, she returned to the Real World. This time, she neither forgot nor overlooked anything.
Fate's test? Does that mean I have to deal with the danger posed by Hvin Rambis without exposing my secret? Even if Hvin Rambis dies, the Psychology Alchemists mustn't suspect me afterward? How can I do that...
With those questions on her mind, Audrey entered the villa at 28 Kinster Street, surrounded by her servants.
Whatever