Above the endless gray fog, the majestic palace stood as still and calm as usual.
Irina blinked once as the familiar sight of the space greeted her once more. She was back, seated in her original place, as if nothing had ever changed.
Audrey greeted the Fool cheerfully as usual, "Good afternoon, Mr. Fool~"
She then turned her gaze slowly across the table, following with the other members' code names, but her voice trailed off mid-sentence as she noticed the seat beside her.
Not Fors, but a new member. No, she's familiar.
Irina felt it immediately, the way recognition bloomed on Audrey's obscured face and was quickly swallowed up by etiquette or, most likely, her sequence.
The Leonese clothes, the high ponytail, the faint air of amusement—none of that had changed. Nor had the thicker-than-usual fog that covered her figure. Mr. Fool never said anything about Ms. Hierophant's disappearance! He acted as if she never existed in the first place, but now she's back?! And in her original seat as well!
Audrey hesitated only for a second before recovering. No no! Bad Audrey, bad. You can't stare, let alone analyse The Fool's old acquaintance! She completed the round of greetings with elegance, her voice betraying nothing. "...and Ms. Hierophant~"
Across the table, Emlyn's eyes narrowed with a subtle judgment before realizing there was a new member at Miss Magician's side—no wait. That IS Miss Magician. The new member is seated between her and Miss Justice, in Miss Magician's seat nonetheless... why?
After a quick thought, he then redirected his gaze towards Derrick. No way she has knowledge as worthy of my time as Sun or Mr. Fool.
It's the 'not-a-vampire'! The doll collecting one! Irina stared openly at the hidden figure, catching how his gaze lingered on her before flicking away, uninterested. His mind has definitely already wandered off, maybe about some superior Sanguine history, church patients, or whatever new doll he plans on buying~ She couldn't help but smile at the thought. Emlyn will be Em—wait—FORS?!
Irina's eyes snapped to the side, sparkling, and not concealing her interest in the slightest.
The Fors Wall herself! In the flesh! Do I ask for an autograph now or would that mark the Fool's social death? Would he even mind? No right... maybe? It's not about him, it's about me! It's a favour for me, so it shouldn't ruin his persona—
Her internal fangirl spiralled as Audrey lifted a graceful hand, interrupting Emlyn before he could continue whatever he had begun saying; something Irina didn't even hear, too busy staring at her right side, at a very confused-looking Ms. Magician.
Why is she staring so openly? Did she somehow recognize me? Do I know her? And why did she take my place!
"We'll talk about this during the transaction period," Audrey said gently. "This is Mr. Fool's reading time."
Irina only barely registered the exchange, too busy planning the exchange needed for the signed copy. It would not break Klein's persona. Totally justifiable. I'll offer her the next sequence formula!
Miss Justice spoke again, her tone bright as usual. "Mr. Fool, I also have three new pages of Roselle's diary."
Fors mirrored Audrey's contribution with her own three pages. Irina noticed the slight confusion as she glanced toward her new seat.
Irina's eyes widened. RIGHT. She SAT here. Where I'm sitting now! Omg Fors—
Curious, Fors thought, why the seat change?
Irina offered her a bright, glowing smile. Miss Magician, I can ONLY rely on you to write fanfiction about Klein and all his personas! Please let's meet and trade ideas! I used to write them myself when I was still in my emo era! If we unite our forces, we'll be unstoppable—
Next came little Sun, "Honorable Mr. Fool, I've copied some legends of ancient gods." Turning to the Hanged Man, he continued, "I've also tabulated the list of monsters around the area."
Still too good for this world, Irina thought fondly, watching him, having finally stopped staring at Fors.
Alger, of course, took everything in with narrowed eyes and suspicion, his mind going off with some wild theories. Did Mr. Fool kick her out? Was there an argument? An agreement? Maybe a test? Does she know Ms. Magician? Why is she starting at her so much and so obviously?
Irina smirked slightly. Alger is thinking something absurd again, I can just tell.
As the diary pages appeared in Klein's hand and the reading began, Irina let her thoughts settle. She had missed this, the weird atmosphere, the various members, and little Sun looked like he had gained a couple of inches over the past months. They grow so fast... she thought, almost wiping an invisible tear from her eye.
Her gaze danced between the members, taking in the changes, the way they now portrayed themselves, the newcomers. It was starting to get crowded, and she couldn't wait to see all of them finally together.
Fors is really here... should I ask for a private conversation? But then Klein will listen to it... Her fingers twitched beneath the table as her thoughts couldn't help but wander back to the best writers of this era.
Audrey gave her a brief glance, then looked away just as quickly, thoughtful. She's so excited today. Almost like when she first joined... but last time she was here, she looked so... drained. I wonder what happened. Would she even reply if I asked?
The papers vanished from Klein's hand, his expression unreadable. Then he leaned back, gaze sweeping the table. "You may begin."
So adorably cute~ Irina tilted her head, a normal smile now fully in place. Let's see what I missed.
Audrey's eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Emlyn White. "Mr. Moon, do you have news about the fruit of the Tree of Elders and the blood of a Mirror Dragon?"
Emlyn gave a slight nod, lifting his chin. "A total of 750 pounds. Just pay this amount and they'll be yours. And of course, there's my payment. 100 pounds."
"Deal!" Audrey exclaimed, totally unfazed by the price. "I hope that the deal will be completed today or tomorrow."
"No problem," Emlyn replied, already savouring the sweet taste of the 100 pounds earned with little effort.
Alger leaned back, turning to the vampire. "Do you still want the inheritance of that Sanguine baron? 4,500 pounds, that's the best price I managed to get for you."
Irina tilted her head, stifling a chuckle. Alger, I know for sure that pirate was ready to sell it for 3,200.
Emlyn's expression twisted. "I... I'll think about it again."
Translation: I'm broke. Irina hid a laugh with a poorly timed cough.
Klein, at the head of the table, used the fog to cover his smile. Irina, I can't cover sudden sounds like that!
The Hanged Man didn't press the matter. Instead, he turned smoothly to Audrey. "My fair lady, the Artisan has completed the work. It's a rather mystical item; it changes your appearance and grants you three Beyonder powers: Flame Controlling, Damage Transfer, and Danger Intuition. It also improves balance and agility. It takes the form of a silver mask, but it can appear as a hat, an earring, or whatever you choose. You can even name it."
He paused. "Of course, it also has its own minor flaws. When you wear it, your emotions will be amplified, and you must learn how to control yourself. It costs 5,500 pounds."
Then, almost like an afterthought, he added, "The Beyonder characteristic you provided earned you 4,500. The Artisan's work was worth 1,000."
"I'll pay within two days of receiving the item," Audrey responded lightly, barely blinking at the cost.
Yep. Irina gave a tense smile. And here I am thinking twice before buying a new pair of shoes... the power of money.
So rich... Both Fors and Emlyn couldn't help but feel a bit of envy, and Irina could only sympathize. Being poor in the mystical world really sucks.
Klein, meanwhile, sighed internally, rejoicing at the prospect of receiving 3,825 pounds.
Derrick turned to the Magician, "Miss Magician, your Spirit Eater's stomach pouch is ready."
"Excellent!" Fors exhaled, brightening. "I'll pay 300 pounds in cash to Mr. Hanged Man."
Alger immediately asked the Fool for permission, which was granted in seconds. He conjured a piece of parchment, scribbling out the Solar High Priest formula. It was passed to Derrick, who accepted it with excitement.
Business moved fast after that.
Monsters, ingredients, lists, names, and numbers. Alger scanned beasts from the City of Silver's borders, and Fors reluctantly agreed to a transaction, clearly still bitter about some past loss.
Irina sat back and simply observed, basking in the peaceful atmosphere.
The World made a final transaction request: remnant spirituality of ancient wraiths and a pair of eyes from a six-winged gargoyle.
As the deals wrapped up, Klein looked around and said with a chuckle, "Continue your free exchange."
Audrey opened her mouth, then closed it, thinking again.
Nothing to say today? That's rare for her as far as the novel goes. Irina watched her fold in on herself slightly, retreating into some unspoken thought. Probably something about her estate, her classes, or whichever noble event she recently attended.
Which means...
Irina slowly straightened her back and let her smile return, faint but unmistakable. Now that they're done trading, let's have some fun.
Surprisingly, it was Derrick who spoke first. "Ms. Hierophant, it's nice to have you back."
Back? The word echoed in Fors' and Emlyn's minds almost in unison as they turned toward the well-hidden figure. Only now did they notice how the fog around her was thicker than anyone else's. She was already a member? But left? Fors frowned. Doesn't the Fool leave the seat vacant when someone can't attend?
Her gaze drifted to her old seat, now occupied. Back or not, it's still annoying that they moved me further away. She suppressed the urge to pout. My old seat was closer, I liked being beside Miss Justice since she always felt somewhat familiar... but now... The silent presence of Ms. Hierophant, for whatever reason, sent a shiver down her spine.
A soft chuckle left Irina's lips, "It's nice to be back in the mortal world."
The choice of words was deliberate on her part. If Klein plays like that, why not tag along?
'Mortal world'? Audrey's mind immediately began picking apart the tone: relaxed, mostly amused but honest. No tension in her shoulders, and her posture is light. She looked more closely, trying to see past the grey fog, but nothing else was visible. Her gaze discreetly landed on Mr. Fool, but no change there as well.
'Back'... Audrey's heart fluttered. She was already walking among us, but left for a reason, left this world entirely, only to later come back. Her breath caught. Mr. Fool has a divine kingdom and is slowly regaining his powers, whereas Ms. Hierophant, his old acquaintance, doesn't have one as far as we know, but, compared to Mr. Fool, is able to... descend on the mortal world. A deity is walking among us, and only we know! To think the Tarot Club is privy to such divine secrets!
At the same moment, Alger's shoulders tensed, his pupils dilating. She said 'mortal world'... That's not a metaphor, is it? Ms. Hierophant descended... His thoughts spiralled from there. She and Mr. Fool—are they both gods? On par with the seven orthodox deities?
His hands began to tremble beneath the table. But deities don't descend anymore, not in this era. A chilling thought struck him. What if the other gods didn't even notice 'Her'? What if 'She's so powerful even 'They' can't sense 'Her'?! His breath quickened. Mr. Fool is bound to 'His' divine realm, but Ms. Hierophant... 'She' never claimed the same!
What are 'Their' plans? Why now? Why us? He barely registered his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. Could the past events be connected? During her absence, Backlund was struck by—
As Alger's mind spiraled, Fors suddenly felt like someone had soaked her in icy water. 'Mortal'... I was sulking over a seat that belonged to a high-sequence Beyonder—no, a being beyond that entirely, maybe even an angel?! Her stomach twisted. Thank the Goddess I didn't say anything aloud. Who knows what she could've done otherwise...
Meanwhile, Emlyn glanced around, confused. Miss Justice looked overjoyed while Miss Magician and Mr. Hanged Man seemed... agitated. Why the panic? What's so important about her? He frowned. She just showed up and said a dramatic line. So what?
Only Derrick seemed calm. He simply nodded, accepting Ms. Hierophant's return as another positive sign. Another powerful ally for the City of Silver. That thought settled in his mind as a welcome reassurance. But as he turned to speak to The Hanged Man, he paused. Why does Mr. Hanged Man look so shaken?
A low chuckle echoed through the silence. All heads turned to the figure seated at the head of the table. Mr. Fool.
"Yes, indeed," he said, voice tinged with amusement. "Ms. Hierophant's presence in the world is of great help."
Alger stiffened again. 'Help'? So the Fool is planning something. Something big! His throat dried up. And 'Her' presence in the physical world is part of it—perhaps even us!
"I so happened to remember," Irina said, her voice relaxing as she leaned forward, resting her chin on her interlaced fingers, "that I never took Mr. Fool up on his offer."
Emlyn almost scoffed. How disrespectful. That tone, that posture—leaning on the table, speaking so casually to Mr. Fool! Who does she think she is? Us sanguine have more dignity than that. How could she even be allowed to sit here and act like that?!
Across the table, Audrey and Derrick blinked almost in sync. 'Offer'?
Fors, despite the lingering unease, leaned forward slightly. Her curiosity had been piqued.
Only Alger remained motionless, stone still. His mind was a chaotic mess of ideas, conspiracies, ancient truths, and more.
With a graceful sweep of her arm, Irina gestured toward the Fool, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "I do hope the offer is still valid after all this time."
Klein winced internally. I forgot how unpredictable she is. He could already feel a headache forming. Still, with the control of a seasoned Clown, he didn't miss a beat. "Of course."
There's only one major thing I offered her long ago, he reminded himself. And if she brings it up, it won't ruin anything. On the contrary, it might just enhance my image, as the Fool whose 'acquaintances' are divine beings.
Irina sat back, hands folding in her lap, her posture deceptively casual. "I have never shared my name with you all," she said.
Emlyn nearly scoffed aloud again. Seriously? All this dramatic buildup for that? What's the point of code names if people just blurt out their real ones for no reason!
But Alger's heart almost stopped. Name... 'She' doesn't mean a simple name. 'She' means—
"The Warden who abandoned its Origin,
The Protector Mage who uncovers Time,
The Guardian of Knowledge surrounded by Void."
The table fell into a stunned silence.
A three-line honorific name on par with the seven orthodox Deities. Alger's suspicion was confirmed, and his chest could only but tighten. 'She' really is one of them. 'She' walks among us—and not even the seven seem to know.
Fors' brain short-circuited for a moment as the weight behind those three simple lines finally registered. I... I almost whined about my seat in front of a deity... Her face paled. A seat I thought was mine, stolen even, when it rightfully belonged to 'Her' all along... I sat where a god once sat?!
Emlyn's jaw had dropped, his lips parted in pure disbelief. Three-lined... honorific name... The phrase echoed in his head. As the savior of the Sanguine, I actually dared to— His mind cut off before it could complete the thought. He couldn't even bear to think about it.
Audrey's hands trembled under the table, tightly clasped in her lap. Despite her best efforts, her excitement bubbled up, almost ruining her composure. A Goddess... another deity is a member of the Tarot Club. And 'She' shared 'Her' honorific name with us. An excited thrill ran down her spine.
Across the table, Derrick looked practically radiant. His brow eyes sparkled, his whole figure almost glowing. He parted his lips, ready to speak, before hesitating, remembering the warning Mr. Fool had once given them all: 'You must not share my honorific name with anyone.'
He closed his mouth again. I may not be able to share this with Silver City. But to think that not one, but two gods are guiding us now...
At the head of the table, Klein sighed internally. If I don't intervene soon, the Hanged Man might actually have a heart attack. He glanced over at Little Sun, whose entire thought process had been clearly written on his face just moments ago, and let out a low, amused chuckle.
"Ms. Hierophant is willing to help you all," he said, meeting Irina's gaze for a long, quiet moment. "And if she's amused enough, she might share something I wouldn't."
Irina's smile widened into something sharp, teeth showing. "Oh, please do~"
Klein resisted the urge to facepalm. You're going to make them think you're an evil god if you continue like this...
His gaze drifted over the tarot club members. It didn't take long to notice Mr. Hanged Man's situation—rigid shoulders and unstable aura. His thoughts must be spiraling again... Internally sighing, Klein opened his mouth to divert the conversation, but Irina was a step ahead.
"Feel free to pray to me in case of necessity," she said smoothly, voice tinged with amusement. "Simply interacting with the mortal realm is entertaining enough for me."
Audrey recovered first, her tone calm and composed. "We're extremely thankful for the offer, Ms. Hierophant. We won't waste such a privilege."
Derrick nodded in earnest, voice almost reverent. Fors stumbled out a half-coherent thank-you, while Emlyn followed stiffly after, clearly still in shock. Alger's reply came last—low, hoarse, and ragged.
Irina blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Did I... scare him?
She tilted her head, studying his expression with curiosity. Then, smiling faintly, she raised a hand to cover her mouth in a polite attempt not to laugh outright. Oh no. I am starting to make a hobby of scaring or beating Mandated Punishers~
In an effort to steer the conversation to safer ground—or perhaps to ground herself—Fors piped up, "Backlund's as tense as ever. Don't do anything reckless unless you're an official Beyonder."
Across the table, Emlyn frowned. As a vampire with a perfectly structured life, he couldn't really relate. The Hanged Man gave a few practical warnings to The Sun, who nodded along and, for a while, the conversation shifted to the City of Silver.
Her attention drifted just a bit, but she didn't interrupt them, waiting for the perfect moment to drop some other interesting new piece of information on them.
And then, the World began, "I just happened to hear about something at sea."
Irina sat up straighter.
"Ladies, could one of you buy me a radio transceiver?" he finished.
She glanced at Audrey and Fors as they responded. The former refused politely while the latter agreed without paying the deal too much attention.
"It has to do with the Church of Storms, an old custom which revived within Bansy Harbor. Heresy. Even a bishop got corrupted. I heard that the matter has been resolved, but quite a few people died."
Something to do with the Church? Why didn't I receive any notice? Is it not required for them to pass it down to people at my level? The Hanged Man frowned but explained the local myths, nonetheless. The living sacrifices. The so-called God of Weather, even the evil spirits clinging there.
Then, laughter.
Deep and slow. A sound that sent a ripple through each member's emotions.
Mr. Fool... The Hanged Man suddenly turned his head.
Bansy Harbor isn't as simple as it seems! Audrey immediately looked at Mr. Fool, who was sitting upright on his high-backed chair.
"This reminds me of a King of Angels," he said, as if reminiscing about old memories.
A light chuckle escaped Irina's lips before she could help herself. He's so good at this fake God stuff! It's genuinely fun being in on the joke and playing along~
Audrey turned, blinking. Others followed soon after. One by one, every gaze slid to the figure cloaked in a thick fog, Ms. Hierophant.
A King of Angels? Audrey's expression filled with wonder. And she's laughing?
Alger looked like he might faint. Audrey leaned forward, gleaming with fascination. Even Derrick straightened in surprise.
Klein chuckled softly and turned to her. Their eyes meeting for multiple seconds as mutual understanding bloomed between the two.
"Medici," she said at last, her voice tranquil as if discussing the weather. "The one who founded Rose Redemption. 'His' bloodline still lingers in Binsy."
The effect was immediate. Audrey gasped softly while Alger's knuckles whitened under the table.
A King of Angels... Fors took a deep breath, her expression somewhat bitter. Also, why is it that all we talk about at the Tarot Club is the descent of the True Creator, the awakening of the Primordial Demoness, and the reappearance of a King of Angels? One of the members is even a Goddess! I'm only a Sequence 9! She wanted to look up at the sky and sigh.
"That's the old name of Bansy," Alger confirmed through clenched teeth.
The conversation spiraled from there: Rose Redemption, Ouroboros, the True Creator. Alger sank into another one of his spirals of deduction, theories stacking upon theories, until he landed on a staggering realization: The World might be Mr. Fool's adorer.
Audrey sat upright in her seat, blue eyes flicking toward the Hanged Man. She could tell he was sorting through thoughts rapidly. His mental agility impressed her, but not as much as the revelations happening at the table.
Rose Redemption is a secret organization created by Kings of Angels? And it's tied to the True Creator? Her heart fluttered at the discovery, delighted to hear it confirmed by both Mr. Fool and Ms. Hierophant.
She glanced at the World next, but he was as unreadable as ever.
How does he always know so much? she wondered. Formulas, ingredients, Beyonder characteristics, he always has something with him. Is he always hunting someone? Or does someone feed him this information?
She shook the thought away and began turning to Ms. Hierophant before ultimately choosing to ask Mr. Fool instead, "Honourable Mr. Fool, what's the title of the King of Angels, Medici? Or rather, what is 'His' pathway?"
Klein leaned back and said with a low chuckle. "Red Priest."
Audrey's eyes sparkled with intrigue. Red Priest? It had the same gravity as a Sequence 0 title, just like the Dark Emperor.
Red Priest... Derrick mouthed the title silently. There was no record of such a figure in the City of Silver's history, not in what he'd read anyway.
Across the table, Emlyn and Fors leaned in with open curiosity, the latter already mourning the fact she couldn't publish any of this. But I could maybe take some inspiration...
Then, a soft voice laced with ease and certainty explained. "You all may know it as the Hunter pathway."
Audrey smiled brightly, pleased. "Thank you, Ms. Hierophant!"
Alger stiffened. Why offer this information for free? Unless... did we amuse 'Her' enough? Or will 'She' ask for payment later? But a deity has no need for money, what could 'She' ask of us... perhaps a sacrifice. Blood or... someone's life?
Meanwhile, Derrick simply beamed up at the knowledge. Ms. Hierophant is just as generous as Mr. Fool!
Irina didn't respond. She simply tilted her head slightly in acknowledgment, the movement smooth. This is so much fun! Look at Alger, omg, this is almost better than making fun of the maid Danitz!
Klein smiled faintly, fingers tapping the table, working to keep Alger from thinking he uncovered too much too soon—or rather, getting a heart attack in the middle of the meeting.
The moment passed, and Emlyn, recently recovered from his private crisis as a so-called messiah, raised a hand. "Everyone, I have a question."
What followed was a roundabout tale involving a powerhouse, a hidden mission, and the mental gymnastics of gaining continued support from said entity without disclosing the sensitive information obtained.
Irina stared at him, unimpressed. 'Cause you're not talking about yourself in third person, sure... and I'm a beyonder of the Error pathway.
Alger, with barely veiled amusement, replied, "Let's assume it is you."
He outlined a simple strategy: act suspicious, get monitored, and let the powerhouse help you more in the process. There were risks, but the reward outweighed them.
Irina didn't react, but a thought crossed her mind. It works if your opponent isn't sharper than you. If they are, you're just playing into their hand.
She let the others talk, enjoying the atmosphere. At some point, Emlyn even offered Alger some anesthetic gas he needed, quoting the price without shame.
It was all so humane, so calming when compared to what had happened not long ago. She really liked taking part in the Tarot Club meetings, especially if it entailed playing the part of some all-knowing God, something that came quite easily to her.
Then, Klein tapped the table. "I can foresee," he said, voice light and amused, "that everyone will present a new version of themselves next week."
The conversation paused, each member preparing themselves to bid each other farewell.
Irina's lips twitched instead.
It wasn't the words—it was the tone. That cheeky little bit of confidence. The atmosphere it created. Everything that had transpired during the meeting. All the times Mr. Fool had 'talked' with Mr. World, it all came together to this.
Before she could stop herself, a soft laugh escaped her lips.
"Hehe..." She brought a hand up to cover her mouth. "Cute Mr. Fool~"
Silence.
For a moment, the gray fog felt heavier.
No one moved.
Audrey and Emlyn blinked, trying to make sense of the words. Derrick stared at the scene with his mouth wide open. Alger stiffened instinctively, his heart pounding in his chest. Fors glanced between Mr. Fool and Ms. Hierophant as if wondering if some divine boundary had been crossed.
Klein... simply sat there.
Irina didn't even flinch when she realized her mistake. Her hand still covered her mouth, eyes glinting behind the fog. The smile never left.