At the Tarot Club gathering.
After Justice Audrey finished her private exchange with the World, she addressed the other members. "Everyone, do you remember the 'lunatic' Raphael Collins we discussed before?"
Some members, including the Hanged Man Alger, nodded, while others murmured their assent.
"Someone from the Aurora Order approached him today to recruit him," Audrey said. "Since he didn't know what sort of Beyonder organization it was, he wrote to ask me.
"From Raphael's letter, I could tell that he was very interested in the Aurora Order. He actually hoped to join it.
"How do you think I should reply to him? How should I handle this?"
She knew perfectly well that when something lay outside her expertise, she ought to humbly seek advice from the other members.
The Moon Emlyn muttered, "Someone actually wants to join the Aurora Order? Oh, right, that Gang boss was a lunatic to begin with. Joining an organization founded by lunatics would suit him rather well."
To everyone's surprise, Mr. Hanged Man agreed. "That's what I think, too."
"Think? Think what?" Emlyn was momentarily taken aback. "That we should let Collins join the Aurora Order?"
"Exactly," the Hanged Man Alger said. "You may not know this, but precisely because the Aurora Order's members are all somewhat insane, it's very difficult to plant informants or undercover agents in the organization.
"I don't know about the other churches, but I know the Church of Storms has made some attempts. Without exception, they were either discovered or became lunatics themselves."
The Star Leonard hesitated before saying, "I haven't heard of the Church of the Evernight Goddess having anyone inside the Aurora Order, either."
Alger leaned back in his chair and smiled. "That makes this an excellent opportunity. We can have Collins join the Aurora Order.
"First of all, the fellow is already a little mad, and he works with Miss Justice. We could certainly get some intelligence on the Aurora Order through him."
As he spoke, he looked toward Miss Justice.
Audrey considered this briefly before saying, "I'm not very confident about what Raphael might do. What if he tells the Aurora Order that I'm a member of the Tarot Club... or rather, that I belong to a secret organization?"
Alger smiled. "I don't believe Collins will be loyal to the Aurora Order. Perhaps his joining will be a catastrophe for them.
"Besides, while there is some chance that the Aurora Order possesses Beyonder characteristics of the Prisoner Pathway, they're unlikely to have its potion formulas."
As he spoke, he looked toward the foot of the Bronze Long Table. "One member of the Tarot Club, however, can contact the Temperance Faction. Collins won't readily abandon that channel."
Audrey nodded gently. Mr. Hanged Man's analysis made a great deal of sense, as always.
At that moment, the World at the foot of the Bronze Long Table said in his hoarse voice, "I also have a Zombie characteristic. I imagine he'll need it in the near future."
Clearly, the World also supported having Raphael join the Aurora Order.
Alger raised a hand slightly. "That makes things even easier."
He told Audrey, "You can give him a mission to join the Aurora Order and report intelligence about the organization to you regularly.
"Then subtly let him know that you have a Zombie Beyonder characteristic available as payment for the commission.
"I believe intelligence on the Aurora Order will soon be worth enough to exchange for a Zombie characteristic."
After all, intelligence on this organization was extremely scarce, and the intelligence trade followed a proverb coined by Emperor Roselle: scarce things were more valuable.
Wednesday soon arrived. After hearing Carter's report, Raphael also received Miss Audrey's reply, and he soon formed a rough plan.
On Thursday morning, the furniture merchant who had visited three days earlier, the brown bear-like Vesta Wagner, arrived as agreed. As soon as the door closed, he asked, "Have you made up your mind?"
Raphael stood by the window, smoking a cigarette. "After careful consideration, I've decided not to rely on you to resolve my current troubles."
Wagner frowned. "That's a disappointing answer. So you don't intend to join that organization?"
Raphael smiled. "When did I say I didn't want to join?"
Wagner scratched his head. "My friend, you've got me confused. What exactly are you planning?"
"It's simple. The organization you described sounds very good, and I'd very much like to join," Raphael said with a smile. "But I don't want to owe them a favor before I've even joined."
Raphael stubbed out his half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray. "Do you understand what I mean? I want to join because I find the idea of standing against the whole world appealing, not because I hope to get something from them. In return, I'd also ask that the organization not restrict my freedom."
Wagner froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. "That's the craziest thing I've heard lately.
"The Oracle was right about you. You really do have potential."
He paused. "I'd like to watch as you resolve your current predicament."
"No problem," Raphael said. "Come back at two this afternoon. We'll go visit a few people together."
After settling on the time, Wagner immediately took his leave and hurried away, presumably to report to his superior.
Wagner returned at half past one that afternoon. He smoked a cigar and chatted cheerfully with Raphael as though they were old friends who hadn't seen each other in years.
At precisely two, with all his preparations complete, Raphael boarded a cab and headed for the West Borough.
He, Wagner, and Carter rode in one carriage, while four other Mafia subordinates rode in another.
It took them more than an hour to reach a relatively secluded street in the West Borough.
They stopped outside a terraced house, and Carter went up to knock. A maid answered the door. She gave Carter a wary look before asking, "Who are you looking for?"
Carter replied, "I'm looking for Senator Wood."
The maid shook her head. "The senator isn't receiving visitors at the moment."
At the same time, two tall bodyguards inside the house stepped forward and stared coldly at Carter.
Inside the carriage, Raphael explained quietly, "This is the residence Wood arranged for his mistress. It's not far from his office. If he has nothing to do in the afternoon, he comes here to enjoy himself, and he only brings two bodyguards each time."
Wagner's expression grew somewhat grave. "If you hurt a senator, we won't be able to sort things out for you, either."
Raphael patted him on the shoulder. "Relax. Do I look like someone who enjoys breaking the law?"
"Yes," Wagner said earnestly.
Before you continue