Under Ebner's deliberate misdirection, Pauli Derlau indeed shifted his understanding of what "Lust" described toward another being. His expression turned to realization as he said:
"So that's how it is… You've received His favor—no wonder…"
He didn't doubt Lust's words. After all, this city was closely tied to that Being Whose Name Must Not Be Spoken. If Lust had lied about something related to Him, the lie would have been exposed instantly.
However, what Derlau didn't know was that Ebner hadn't actually lied—he was referring to another great existence whose name couldn't be mentioned.
"Just a stroke of luck," Ebner replied politely, mimicking Owen's usual tone.
Although Owen was licentious, he was the type of "gentlemanly beast" who maintained refinement and grace in every gesture, befitting a noble of Intis.
At that moment, Derlau took the opportunity to expand on the topic, following the thread from Ebner's earlier words:
"Actually, what you said about the mask weakening after your lust was fulfilled—that's quite possible.
"The seven personality masks our organization provides amplify certain thoughts and emotions, so as to help each of you recognize your inner flaws and address them deliberately.
"When you gain insight or reflection through acting out that aspect of yourself, you naturally no longer need the mask.
"You used to suffer heavily from its corruption, letting the 'Lust' persona gradually consume your mind. I had thought you would stray down a dangerous path…
"Yet to my surprise, you had already accumulated enough inner strength and, with the aid of external power at the peak of lust, managed to completely purge it.
"It seems the results are outstanding indeed!
"Perhaps your method represents the true path toward enlightenment of the mind."
You managed to spin so many theories from a completely wrong premise—and they even sound halfway reasonable! But if anyone actually followed your reasoning, they'd probably destroy themselves, Ebner thought wryly.
Out of "kindness," or more accurately, to prevent unnecessary casualties among "allies," he replied tactfully, "It was only an experimental attempt—not something that can be generalized."
After all, I only succeeded because I literally replaced the 'core' with another person.
"I understand," Derlau nodded approvingly. "Still, that's a fine direction for further study."
Ebner was about to take the chance to discuss several matters related to the domain of the mind—he hoped to refine the secret technique that even generations of his past selves had failed to fully deduce—
When suddenly, his spirituality was stirred. He instinctively turned toward the cathedral's entrance and saw a figure walking in through the door.
The newcomer wore a three-piece suit, held a half-high silk top hat in hand, and had a mask identical in design to his own.
The only difference was that unlike the Mask of Lust, whose eyes seemed always to gaze upward from below, this mask's mouth stretched wide to the ears and gaped open as if trying to devour everything its eyes beheld.
From Owen's memories, Ebner immediately recognized him—this was the "Gluttony" he'd failed to capture earlier.
Though he wanted nothing more than to bundle the man up and deliver him straight to Mr. Azik, this was Adam's domain, so Ebner didn't dare act rashly. Instead, he planned to see if he could extract some information during the coming discussion.
Meanwhile, above the gray fog, Klein let out a quiet "huh?" and pointed at the newcomer.
"Who's that fat man?"
"Fat man?" Ebner was puzzled. To his eyes, Mr. Gluttony looked like a perfectly normal gentleman.
Realizing what was happening, Klein feigned a prayer to The Fool, and the illusion cloaking Gluttony began to peel away—revealing a body that weighed at least four hundred pounds.
"So he is a fat man! That must've been his 'virtual persona' projecting a slimmer image around himself… Hah, he even deceived himself!" Ebner couldn't help but remark.
Such a self-deceptive disguise—one so complete that even its creator believed it—wasn't something he could see through with his current ability, and the "Pure White Eye" couldn't be used above the gray fog.
"Ah, Gluttony…" Klein murmured thoughtfully, then explained, "He met with Ince Zangwill at Indore Port a few days ago—Daly and Dunn happened to witness it."
So Gluttony really was in Indore—my spatial reading from the 'Unknown Land' was correct.
But how did Ince get mixed up with him? Is he taking the place of that old dragon Pride in setting things up?
Still, with both of my enemies gathering in Indore, Mr. Azik will be delighted.
While these thoughts flashed through Ebner's mind, the scene shifted—the rest of the Psychological Alchemy Council's members were arriving one after another.
Soon, the full Supreme Tribunal was present: Pride, Wrath, Greed, Sloth, Envy, Gluttony, and, of course, Lust.
When Greed and Sloth saw that Lust was also in attendance, they exchanged knowing glances with him.
Noticing this, even Klein, watching from "above," made a few mental associations, while Pauli Derlau below also came to a "realization." He believed he now understood what Lust had meant earlier by being "fully satisfied."
Ebner, however, was entirely unaware of these misunderstandings. Instead, he took the spare time before the meeting officially began to "educate" Klein on some of the organization's internal workings:
"The Psychological Alchemy Council's Supreme Tribunal members are rooted in groups of psychologists, psychiatrists, and enthusiasts of mental study. Their influence is concentrated in major cities rather than small towns or villages. Each member is responsible for one metropolis and its surrounding regions.
"For example—
'Pride' oversees Backlund, the capital of Loen;
'Wrath' oversees Essera, the capital of Lunburg;
'Lust'—that's me—oversees Trier, the capital of Intis;
'Greed' handles St. Milan, the capital of Feysac;
'Sloth' governs the city of Fenerpot, capital of the Fenerpot Federation;
'Envy' manages Delis, capital of the Intis Republic;
and 'Gluttony' is responsible for the Loenian city of Constant.
"As for President Derlau, he also bears the title of the 'Black Throne King,' so his jurisdiction covers the seas and the Southern Continent."
Klein nodded thoughtfully. "I see… everyone except the president operates in densely populated areas."
Meanwhile, in the dream-city's cathedral, Pauli Derlau, seeing that everyone had arrived, announced the formal beginning of the Supreme Tribunal meeting.
"The first topic," he began, "is still the old question—has anyone discovered the whereabouts of the Great Lighthouse of Intis?"
Because it was suspected that Roselle had dragged that colossal structure into the Sea of Collective Subconsciousness for unknown reasons, this had become a standing agenda item—he asked it every session.
Before his voice had even faded, Miss Sloth was the first to dismissively wave a hand. "That's an Intis matter. I'm not suited to interfere."
The others followed suit, shaking their heads and citing preoccupations. Only Mr. Envy said he might have found some clues but wasn't yet certain, so he wouldn't share for now.
Ebner glanced at him, wondering whether he'd discovered the entrance to the lower levels of the Dream Labyrinth Tower—but it didn't matter. The core region above the fourth layer was already severed from the earlier levels.
Seeing Envy's unwillingness to say more, Derlau didn't press the issue. Instead, his gaze shifted toward Gluttony.
"The second issue today," he said, "concerns our infiltration of Loen's Midsea County."
At that, Gluttony spread his hands helplessly. "I'm afraid, Mr. President, that's impossible for me to answer. I was attacked by an unknown powerhouse and forced to flee Midsea County. I have no idea how far the plan progressed…"
Liar! Your 'virtual persona' must have self-destructed and brought the gathered intelligence back to you!
You're pretending ignorance just to earn the president's help, aren't you?
While Ebner analyzed the situation inwardly, Derlau and the others listened silently as Gluttony spoke and displayed an image.
The portrait depicted a beautiful woman whose eyes gleamed with "wisdom"—at least, that's how Ebner perceived it.
It was unmistakably the face of "Miss Sisi," the fictional persona created by Fors.
Sloth, who was well-acquainted with Ebner, immediately recognized whose "trump card" that was. She smirked in amusement but said nothing, lazily turning her gaze away.
The others, however, all shook their heads, claiming they hadn't seen her before.
Derlau thought for a moment, then said to Gluttony, "As for the assistance you're requesting… I'm afraid I don't have the time. But you may commission another member to help you. As usual, I can officiate the contract as witness."
Gluttony nodded—he'd expected as much. The president was unlikely to intervene directly, and his real plan was to find another member as an accomplice.
Scanning the room, he said, "I wonder if anyone is free to visit Indore Port in Feysac?"
His eyes landed on Greed—after all, she was responsible for the Feysac region and lived the closest.
"If you can offer a price that moves my heart, I'll not only go myself, but also bring Sloth along," Madam Greed said with a sly smile, perfectly living up to her title. "My credibility is excellent, you know. If you doubt it, you can ask Lust—he was very satisfied with our last arrangement."
Very satisfied indeed! Though the original 'Lust' probably wouldn't agree…
(End of Chapter)