"Huh?"
After hearing Five of Clubs' "suggestion" about impersonating a Mandated Punisher, Klein almost thought he had misheard. Even with a Clown's control over his facial muscles, he nearly failed to contain his reaction.
You want me to impersonate a Mandated Punisher? Aren't you sending me to my death? At least the Nighthawks can be reasoned with. The Mandated Punishers are a bunch of people who act without thinking! If I impersonate them, one wrong word could get me blasted into the afterlife with lightning and storms! Even Mr. Azik might not arrive in time to save me...
Five of Clubs seemed thoroughly pleased by the sight of Klein desperately holding back his complaints and let out a soft chuckle.
"Just kidding!"
That joke wasn't funny at all... Klein silently grumbled while discreetly bringing his expression back under control.
"All right, enough teasing. For a newcomer, you did well this time." Five of Clubs' tone became serious, carrying a hint of approval. "You actually escaped from Crestet Cesimir. That deserves a reward."
"You flatter me. I was merely lucky." Klein bowed slightly, adopting a humble posture.
"No, credit is credit, and it deserves a reward." Five of Clubs waved a hand, took a rather thick envelope from his coat, and held it out.
"There's a thousand pounds in cash inside, along with Gift Redemption Vouchers worth three hundred pounds. You can use them at any shop belonging to the Society."
Over a thousand pounds! Five of Clubs is actually quite a good boss when it comes to material rewards. I misjudged him. Delighted, Klein quickly reached out to accept the envelope.
However, when he took hold of it, he discovered that the other man had not loosened his fingers. He tried pulling it toward himself, but his superior's fingers remained