From Rumors to Unofficial History

Neph stared at Klein for several seconds before she finally couldn't help asking, "Anything else?"

"What else?" Klein asked.

"Don't you have anything else to say?" Neph countered.

Klein thought for a moment, raised a hand to trace the symbol of the Crimson Moon over his chest, and solemnly declared, "Praise the Goddess!"

"..." Neph got up and left.

This time, Klein didn't try to keep Neph there. He had things to attend to himself, not to mention the Tarot Club gathering that afternoon. Since everything had ended so smoothly, the gathering could proceed as usual.

After some hesitation, Neph decided against approaching Saint Samuel Cathedral. Though she was curious about the Church of Evernight's current situation, she wouldn't be able to see much from outside, and she couldn't get inside.

Other than watching the commotion, she had nothing to do for the time being. Klein couldn't help feeling a little jealous, and at that afternoon's Tarot Club gathering, that jealousy found an outlet.

It began with a request from Justice Audrey: "I have an investigation I'd like to commission.

"Two incidents have occurred in Backlund recently. One is a case in which Baron Syndras was apparently framed, and the other is an attack on Macht, a member of the House of Commons, over air pollution control...

"In both incidents, a wealthy businessman named Dwayne Dantès was involved. He arrived in Backlund only about two months ago and recently donated shares worth over ten thousand pounds to the Church of Evernight, hoping to establish an educational assistance fund for the poor.

"I'd like someone to investigate this gentleman's true circumstances.

"The initial investigation fee will be five hundred pounds. If you encounter danger that makes the task more difficult, I will increase the payment."

Her tone made it sound as