What? You want me to investigate myself again? Klein almost suspected that this was a test on purpose.
An organization symbolized by tarot cards is indeed interesting, I agree, but I don't want to betray myself... By the way, Capim's case is clearly not simple. He has four Beyonder protecting him, so there must be a considerable force behind him. What's the difference between investigating this case and getting involved in the power struggles of high society? Uh, this isn't something Sherlock Moriarty should know... Klein looked thoughtful and carefully said:
"Finding a mysterious organization is not easy, and it's extremely dangerous."
Talym seemed to have anticipated his answer, and chuckled:
" Sherlock, you don't need to take any risks. That important person means you should pay attention and gather relevant intelligence or rumors. Here's five pounds in cash, his operating funds. Even if you don't get any valuable information, he won't ask you to return it. But once you get a useful clue, he will pay you for each clue and reimburse your expenses throughout the process."
Such good terms? That big shot really values this matter... Is he connected to the forces behind Capim, or does he hope to find a mysterious organization codenamed after tarot cards to work for him? Reimbursement... It's been so long since I've heard anyone promise me something like this... The other party has gone to such lengths, if a private Detective still refuses, it would seem too suspicious... Besides, investigating me is something I should clearly be in control of... Klein hesitated for a few seconds and said:
"Okay, I'll try my best."
He accepted the five one-pound notes Talym handed him without ceremony, intending to provide a dubious clue every week or two.
The Aurora Order is looking for " The Fool," isn't it? " The Fool " is clearly a Tarot card! Hopefully, that important figure will track him down and eliminate Mr. A... Klein gradually had some ideas in mind.
The underground section of Saint Samuel Cathedral.
" The Spirit Warlock " Soest gathered his team members to discuss what to do next.
He glanced at Leonard Mitchell, with his dark hair and green eyes, and asked, half-questioningly and half-testingly:
"If I were to put you in charge, how would you plan to investigate those two cases related to tarot rituals?"
Leonard raised his hand to comb his hair and smiled:
"First, following the previous line of thought, trace back to the people or organizations searching for ' The Fool.' They might know something. Second, re-examine the previous two cases, putting everyone involved on the list, regardless of whether they are suspects! Then, rely on ' Nightmare's' abilities to question and eliminate them one by one. The Demon might be hiding in the details, in seemingly impossible people."
Soest chuckled:
"I've reviewed the files. These two cases involve a large number of people, each living in different places. It would be extremely difficult to reinvestigate them. Moreover, some of them are Beyonder active in the underworld, very adept at concealing themselves. We simply have no way of tracking their whereabouts. If we investigate according to your plan, it will require more than just our small team. The Church would need to deploy at least five more Sequence 7 Nighthawks and corresponding support personnel."
"Our focus is on the case involving the summoning of Devil," another Red Gloves reminded Leonard.
Leonard didn't seem annoyed; he just chuckled softly.
"I know I'm just offering my opinion; whether to adopt it, and to what extent, is Captain Soest's prerogative."
He paused, a puzzled look on his face:
"I don't understand why those two cases related to tarot rituals aren't given a high priority. The former involved an attempt by an evil god to descend, which is many times more serious than simply summoning Devil."
Soest picked up his coffee, took a sip, and slowly replied:
"The number of Nighthawks is limited, so cases must be prioritized. The Concealment organization represented by the Tarot cards has not shown any obvious malice towards us so far. In a sense, their actions have actually helped us. For example, they disrupted the descent of the ' True Creator,' and they made us realize that Capim, this human trafficker, is not simple and is hiding a great secret."
At this point, he curled the corners of his mouth and said:
"Perhaps they can help us uncover even more bad things."
"Of course, necessary investigations are definitely needed; no one can guarantee that that Concealment organization won't become our enemy in the future."
"I understand, Captain Soest. Let's focus on the case of summoning Devil," Leonard said earnestly.
Winters in Backlund are always inseparable from fireplaces and fog, and time flies by in this cold and gray atmosphere.
It seems like only yesterday that the New Year was approaching, and now there are only two weeks left.
Klein extinguished the charcoal in the fireplace and put on a double-breasted wool coat over his crimson wool vest.
Nearly three weeks ago, Leppard finally obtained the patent for the bicycle and began looking for suitable second-round investors. Steam- powered vehicle tycoon Franky Cagg expressed some interest in the project.
After several meetings, the three parties agreed to hold final negotiations today.
For the past month or so, Klein has lived a uneventful life, using the investigation as a pretext to meticulously and painstakingly process the Potion. Now, all that's left is a major, proactive performance to complete the task.
If there's nothing too urgent, there's no need to take risks. Another month should be enough... Klein, lost in thought, took the half-high silk hat from the coat rack and smoothed out the wrinkles and removed the dust with a brush and handkerchief.
The badge left by Lanarvus pointed to the gathering on January 4th, but he didn't necessarily intend to attend.
During this time, the " Tarot Club " continued to meet weekly. Klein obtained several pages of Roselle's early diary, witnessing how Russell transformed from a weakling who only dreamed but dared not act into a playboy who actively hunted.
Aside from that, he gained almost nothing else. Although the " Werewolf " Beyonder Characteristic was sold through "The World" to " The Hanged Man," a deal involving more than a thousand pounds was clearly not easy to complete, and the cursed nature of the " Werewolf " also deterred many interested parties.
However, at Tarot Gathering a few days ago, " The Hanged Man " told "The World" that he had contacted a " Artisan " from Church of Steam, and the other party was clearly somewhat interested.
"Hopefully we can get it sorted out this week... We still don't have a clue about the ' Wind-blessed ' recipe that Mr. ' The Hanged Man ' needs..." Klein packed his belongings, grabbed his cane, put on his hat, and walked out of the room—the " Wind-blessed " Potion recipe is Sequence 6, and it's not easy to come across. " The Hanged Man " Alger has been waiting for more than a month, but he hasn't heard any good news.
After enduring long observation and testing, " Justice " Audrey finally gained the approval of the " Psychology Alchemists." She reported to Mr. The Fool that she should be able to officially join the Concealment organization this week and hoped to receive protection in advance to avoid any accidents. To this end, she planned to collect at least ten pages of Roselle's Diary from the " Psychology Alchemists " and offer them to Mr. The Fool, without asking for any reward.
As for the Dragon specimen in Duke Negan's vault, she has confirmed that it is the " Thousand-faced Hunter," but the problem is that it is just a specimen, without any corresponding Beyonder Characteristic or flowing blood.
She owed Mr. The Fool's Blessed £2,000, which she could not repay until February or March of next year. After she officially came of age at the New Year's ball, although she would have some control over her property, she would still be subject to her parents' supervision and could not sell it at will. Moreover, she still owed Viscount Glaint the final payment, so she needed ample time to secretly raise the money.
With the help of the Hanged Man, " The Magician " Fors finally obtained " Deep-sea Marlin blood," paying him £320 for it, which reduced her savings to £120.
To make up for the losses and to satisfy the "stomach of the Spirit Eater," she began frantically working on her manuscript. The new book quickly took shape, telling a story that combines elements of adventure, love, travelogue, Storm, and pirates.
Her correspondence with Dorian Gray had continued uninterrupted, and he recently indicated that he would be visiting Backlund to pay respects to Anlisa, Labol, and Lawrence.
Following the advice of the " The Hanged Man," " The Sun " Derrick behaved as if nothing was amiss, continuing his daily patrols and accumulating merits without attempting any rituals.
During each Tarot Gathering, he would skillfully pretend to be asleep, temporarily concealing any problems. He would also take intermittent naps to avoid any patterns that might arouse suspicion.
According to him, Elder " Shepherd " Lovia did not leave the bottom of the round tower seven days later and is still imprisoned there for unknown reasons.
Mr. A of the " Aurora Order " failed to obtain any valuable clues in his search for the followers and Blessed of " The Fool," despite Klein's deliberate attempt to keep a low profile. Those Beyonder who knew the name " The Fool " understood that such things should not be recited casually, and they certainly did not have the courage to pray to a being that resembled an evil god unless they were in dire straits.
" Emlyn said last time that he had a lead on the relevant materials, and we might be able to confirm it soon, but the problem is, I don't have enough money right now..." Klein muttered silently, picked up his cane, and walked to the Jurgen's Lawyer.
After ringing the doorbell, he instinctively took two steps back.
Not long after, the door opened, and the sprightly old lady Doris opened her arms to give Klein a warm hug.
"Oh, that Doctor you introduced me to last time was wonderful! I haven't been this healthy in almost ten years!" Seeing that the Detective was standing quite far away, Doris could only lower her arms and express her joy and feelings in words instead.
Klein sighed, feeling both amused and helpless:
" Doris. Doris, this is the ninth time you've said something like that."
He saw the black cat Brody perched atop the coat rack behind him, seemingly teetering on the edge, yet maintaining its balance.
"I can do it too..." Klein assessed himself.
"Really?" Old Mrs. Doris asked doubtfully.
She immediately put the question out of her mind and said with a smile:
"Are you here to see Jurgen?"
Klein immediately smiled:
"Yes."
Negotiations definitely require the help of a professional Lawyer.