Edward immediately looked at the Hanged Man and asked in confusion, "What's wrong, Mr. Hanged Man?"
"Mr. The Tower."
Alger looked as though he found it difficult to speak. "Something unexpected happened."
"What?"
"The Beyonder Characteristic you wanted to buy was snatched away."
Resentment and shame colored Alger's voice.
Edward said, "...What about my money, then?"
"I paid in advance."
"..."
Edward fell silent for a moment. "So where does that leave us?"
Alger gritted his teeth. "Don't worry. I'll repay the full amount, but... I'll need some time. If... I can get that Beyonder Characteristic back, then... I'll sell it to you at half price. No! A third of the price!"
The latter half was nothing but an empty promise.
Edward asked, "Who took it?"
"I'm not sure yet. They seemed to have been after the person selling the Beyonder Characteristic in the first place. I just got caught up in it."
Edward thought for a moment, then asked, "Do you need me to help?"
"No!"
Alger answered without hesitation, sneaking a glance at Mr. Fool as he did so. Losing the item and the money was humiliating enough. If he also needed another member to sort things out for him, how was he supposed to hold his head up in the Tarot Club afterward?
"..."
All right, then.
"I'm sorry."
Alger pressed his right hand to his chest and bowed slightly. "I promise I'll return every last one of the 7,500 Pounds you paid me!"
At worst... I'll use the coordinates of that mysterious island to cover part of it.
Chapter 284: The Operation Begins
Edward offered some reassurance. "All right, but don't put too much pressure on yourself, Mr. Hanged Man. Your safety comes first."
"Thank you."
Alger looked at Mr. Fool. "Mr. Fool, thank you for