The Forsaken Land of the Gods

"Mr. Hanged Man, did you and Mr. Tower take part in the Pritz's assault on Hell Admiral? Could you tell me what happened? I can pay for the information." Audrey forced down her excitement and asked Alger with ladylike restraint.

Alger glanced at the Tower. Seeing him intent on writing out the formula and apparently having no objections, Alger replied:

"Miss Justice, thank you for your generosity, but this isn't particularly valuable information to members of the Tarot Club. There's no need to pay."

Audrey slipped back into her Spectator state. At his words, she smiled and said:

"A lady doesn't casually owe a gentleman a favor, Mr. Hanged Man. The matter you asked me to confirm last month has been settled. The prime minister persuaded His Majesty not to retaliate against the Feysac Empire on the Balam East Coast anytime soon. I think that's enough to pay for the information."

"Thank you again for your generosity, Miss Justice. That puts one of my worries to rest." Alger thanked Audrey, then fell silent for a few seconds before continuing:

"I don't know much, actually... Last Wednesday morning, Mr. Tower had Mr. Fool tell me that the Black Tulip would pass through the waters off Pritz Harbor early Thursday. He asked me to report it to the Church. I used some connections to inform its senior members... Then, late that night, the Pritz intercepted the Black Tulip off Pritz Harbor and sank her.

"The papers say Hell Admiral Ludwell jumped into the sea and escaped, and that his whereabouts are unknown... But the Numinous Episcopate has already begun absorbing his branch fleets, and he hasn't appeared. I suspect the authorities captured or killed him."

Abner had finished writing the formula. He smiled and corrected Alger: "The authorities didn't capture Ludwell. Someone