The Fool and Judgment

Ian? He was probably one of the street children Detective Zeriel had taken in. In the original story, Ian had hired Klein to investigate Zeriel's disappearance, setting off the whole "five pounds to kill an ambassador" affair.

Though that was what Abner thought, he had no intention of seeking Ian out to ask about it.

For one thing, Detective Zeriel was probably long dead by now. Whether Abner joined the investigation or not would make no difference. Besides, he and Zeriel had never been close enough for Abner to risk his life for him.

For another, if Abner got involved, Klein might lose Rosago, that "treasure-delivering boy." It would be one thing if Mr. Fool failed to learn the later potion formulas; Abner still remembered them. But "The World" might not appear on schedule, and that would have far greater consequences.

If I hold up Klein's growth, the Goddess might even intervene... After that private warning, Abner decided to keep an eye on the matter while maintaining his distance.

After resting for a while, Abner sent his servants to deliver some Enmat Harbor specialties to his neighbors, letting them know he had returned. Then he took a carriage to Bravehearts Bar on Iron Gate Street in Bridge Borough.

He gave Kaspars a note with the "cow's" location and a charm he had made to verify his identity, asking Kaspars to pass them on to Miss Sharron. Then Abner left for his villa on Kinster Street and resumed his studies.

It had been over a week since Abner became a Polymath, and he had yet to start looking for the next potion formula. He was in no hurry, though. The Dream Labyrinth Tower remained another source of knowledge and intelligence.

When he and Xio had accompanied Mr. Gaston through the ninth,