Devotion

This was Prince Edessak Augustus, Earl of Lasting, the fifth child of Loen's current king, George III.

The Fool's answer left Audrey aghast. She hurriedly turned to Neph and asked:

"Miss Pure White, I remember you saying that this meant two evil gods would descend-"

She simply could not understand how a prince had become entangled in a Descent Ritual.

Fors was glad someone had asked before she did, so she merely watched Neph nervously. Neph nodded lightly, confirming her earlier words, and stroked her chin in thought.

"Cheek's Divine Descent Vessel is ready. As for-heh, given Mr. A's fanaticism, I'm afraid he won't give up unless the Church's forces are right in front of him-"

"Who is Cheek?" Fors asked instinctively.

Neph smiled at her without saying anything. After a brief silence, everyone in the Tarot Club turned pale, even Derrick-from the context, he could tell that this was an evil god's true name.

No one spoke again. The Fool leaned back gently in his chair, his tone as calm as ever.

"Ladies and gentlemen, see you next week."

The other figures faded away at those words. Neph withdrew her gaze and looked toward the head of the Bronze Long Table. Mr. Fool, who had been so lofty a moment ago, leaned forward, displaying a curiosity quite at odds with his bearing.

"What is Rose Redemption? I remember it appeared at the beginning of that poem you recited to me back then. 'The left hand of God lowered wings woven of shadow, planting roses of redemption amid the fissures of starlight'-"

Neph frowned slightly.

She said nothing, merely watching Klein quietly as though considering something. Gradually, fresh uncertainty diluted his curiosity.

"What's wrong?"

"You don't know about Rose Redemption?" she asked with a frown.

According to the original plot,