Klein said calmly, "We are members of the same Beyonder organisation."
Cattleya pondered for a few seconds. "Element Dawn?"
"Of course not, it's another organisation."
Cattleya was extremely surprised. As the leader of Element Dawn, it was truly unexpected that Queen Mystic had joined another organisation.
Klein noticed the curiosity in her deep violet eyes, and said calmly, "For specifics, you should ask Queen Mystic herself."
He paused briefly, then added, "However, I've heard that the Admiral of Star seems to have fallen out with Queen Mystic. From the looks of it, things aren't so simple?"
Cattleya lowered her head and said bitterly, "How could I have fallen out with her? I was merely exiled by her."
Exiled?
That was rather curious.
But given Germain Sparrow's identity, I couldn't ask further. It was truly frustrating.
"How much longer until we reach Rhasya?"
"At full speed, about a week."
Klein removed his hat and thanked her, "Then I'll trouble you for the rest of the journey."
"No, it's my good fortune."
If it weren't for escorting you there, I wouldn't have had the chance to return and see her.
———
Rhasya Island, Emerald City.
Bernadette wandered through the section of the castle specifically constructed for the mermaids to reside. Though it was said to be domesticated, their freedom wasn't restricted; rather, they were allowed free access.
However, the worsening living conditions still led the mermaids to voluntarily spend most of their time there. People often said freedom was more important than life itself, but when witnessing fellow kin being brutally slaughtered, even the most beautiful freedom seemed to lose its significance.
From afar, Bernadette saw figures sitting at the edge of the coast, playing and frolicking.
These beings had human faces, with pure yet somewhat alluring features. Their chests were prominently arched but covered in dark red scales. Their lower bodies were large fish tails, rhythmically swaying against the reefs, exuding an odd beauty.
As soon as they saw Bernadette, they wagged their tails and swam over. Some lay along the shore, others perched on the rocks, all looking at her with charming, captivating gazes, and began singing sweetly.
Bernadette watched them calmly, memories flickering through her mind. She took out a delicate little mermaid figurine and gently touched it, but unlike her childhood experiences, no illusion of a mermaid appeared.
After a long while, she sighed softly.
———
1160. 7 Rose Street.
As the red moon rose, night quietly descended.
Without the chattering Akasha, Edward enjoyed a rare quiet dinner. But platter after platter of steak and roast meat soon left him queasy. No wonder Roselle had gotten constipated not long after transmigrating.
Thus, he only ate a small piece of grilled meat and mostly fruits and vegetables.
The cook, Endili, looked worried and hesitated before softly asking if she had done something wrong.
"It's not you; my appetite has been poor lately."
Edward casually comforted her, pointing to the grilled meat on the table, "You can take this back and share it—don't waste it."
Just as the servants began clearing the table, Dubois hurried back, "Mr. Sparrow, I'm back."
"What did Roselle say?"
"He said he can't do anything either. The fact that Count Clair's grandson has been incapacitated is indisputable. Someone has to take responsibility."
"I see."
Though Dubois cared about Akasha, who had helped him control his spirituality, he didn't probe further, knowing Mr. Sparrow had his own plans.
"By the way, congratulations on becoming a Beyonder as you wished."
Edward remembered something and smiled at him, "How does it feel?"
He pondered and replied, "It's quite magical. After becoming a spectator, I realised I could detect many previously unseen things—by analysing subtle movements and expressions, I could deduce a person's general character and current thoughts."
"Then have you noticed anything about me?"
Dubois blinked. "Mr. Sparrow doesn't seem worried at all about Miss Akasha's current condition. Either you don't care about her safety in the slightest, or you already have a foolproof plan."
"Of course, I lean toward the latter."
Edward remained noncommittal and continued, "What about Roselle?"
"Thanks to your saving his daughter last time, out of obligation and face, he will certainly try his best to help you this time. But obviously, he won't pay too high a price for a mere housekeeper, though that's quite normal."
"I can't help but feel your analysis isn't derived from your 'Spectator' ability but rather conclusions based on your prior understanding of others?"
Dubois chuckled. "They complement each other."
"Alright, I wish you success on your Beyonder pathway and hope you ascend to a higher sequence soon."
"Thank you."
After exchanging a few more words about moving house, Edward returned to the bedroom upstairs.
Since it was confirmed impossible to rescue Akasha through conventional means, the only option left was to bring her out directly. He altered his appearance and was about to act when a voice reciting a Three-Part Prayer echoed beside his ear. It seemed to come from a man—whether it was Roselle, Pallez, or Medici, he couldn't tell.
Ah, the owners of Sefirah Castle all seem doomed to toil.
He immediately retraced four steps to enter the Sefirah Castle and sat in the small garden shrouded in grey fog. In the depths of the mist, Roselle's deep red star pulsated and flickered continuously.
"Roselle? What could he want at this hour? Could it be that Stiano failed to handle the attention of the Hidden Sage?"
It was no wonder Edward thought so; after all, throughout the entire Lord of the Mysteries, the God of Steam and Machinery, was notoriously incompetent.
As he infused his spirit into the star, Roselle's figure appeared within the Sefirah Castle. He first bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your reminder, Your Excellency."
"Has the Hidden Sage issue been resolved?"
"Yes. The Archbishop of Trier Cathedral told me that the God of Steam and Machinery had erased the mark left by that evil god on our family." He paused for two seconds. "But he also advised that we should frequently pray at the cathedral in the future, as that evil god might fixate on us again at any time."
Edward nodded. "Hmm, that makes sense."
"May I ask what method can completely prevent that evil god from watching over us again?"
"Oh?"
Edward leaned back. "Is that what you wish to ask me tonight in your prayers?" He paused. "Did you manage to get the item I told you to obtain?"
"..."
Rosell cleared his throat and nodded, "I have."
He looked at his empty right hand. "But it seems I couldn't bring it up here."
"Oh? How did you get it?"
Edward was genuinely curious. Didn't you go to the church this afternoon to pray to Stiano for help? How did you still have the audacity to swipe the archbishop's vestments on the side?
"Just a little trick."
In truth, he'd simply let his daughter Bernadette wander freely and pocket it. After all, it was only natural for a child, driven by curiosity and playfulness, to casually take a piece of clothing. Even if discovered, it would at worst be considered mischief.
"..."
After hearing his words, Edward fell silent. Roselle really does keep setting new lows for me.
"So, your question tonight is how to make sure the Hidden Sage never targets you again?"
Roselle hesitated. He originally thought that since this mysterious "evil god" had already "generously" provided the information that the Hidden Sage was watching over his family, this question would be answered offhandedly.
He hadn't expected to be "charged."
Really not acting like an evil god, more like a shrewd merchant!
Originally, Roselle had intended to use this chance to probe for information about transmigration. But now…perhaps he ought to prioritize his immediate safety first.
After much internal struggle, Roselle finally asked, "I want to know…is the Hidden Sage targeting me? Why?"
"Oh? Why the sudden shift in question?"
Roselle feigned an innocent smile and scratched his head. "Actually, I already asked the Archbishop of Trier earlier, and his answer was that only if the Hidden Sage died would the problem be solved."
"I worry your answer will be the same…Maybe that's a correct answer, but to me, it holds no significance."
"And for this newly asked question, I also asked the Archbishop, but he chose to remain silent. Though I suspect this implies tacit acknowledgement, I'm even more eager to understand why."
"Why would such a 'long-renowned' evil god be interested in me?"
What he didn't say was this: Could it be the Hidden Sage has discovered I'm a transmigrator, and intends to exploit me? Perhaps even use me to breach into Earth itself?
Ahhh, why is it that other transmigrators don't have their identities discovered until the story's conclusion?
Why must I be so unlucky?
Edward leaned back and said calmly, "I'm also not certain whether the Hidden Sage is targeting you. I can only tell you that the God of Steam and the Hidden Sage are natural mortal enemies. Only one can ultimately survive."
"But what does that have to do with me?"
"Perhaps because you are a follower of Stiano?"
"Uh, but I'm not the only follower."
"But you are the only one capable of helping Stiano stabilise His divine position." Edward chuckled. "Otherwise, why do you think He changed His name from God of Craftsmanship to God of Steam and Machinery?"
Roselle was stunned. He could feel the church's and the deity's recognition of him, but never thought he'd be so important to a true god.
According to the current speaker, the God of Steam and Machinery and the Hidden Sage were mortal enemies. Naturally, the latter wouldn't idly allow the former to stabilise their divine status and grow stronger.
Thus, they targeted Roselle, the "culprit"?
Truly…a senseless calamity.
———
[Note]: Don't forget to VOTE. It keeps me motivated.