When everything returned. Selina woke up once more in the day's wee hours.
Crimson light illuminated the room deprived of any light.
Once her thoughts settled. She murmured to herself. So 'pray' was actually that pronunciation from Mr. Fool's attempt.
Could it be that those first three sentences were His title used for prayers? Mr. Fool is attempting to contact us through such a method?
Selina propped herself from the bed, then rose to turn for the door, arriving at the familiar lounge.
At the desk, she produced a note torn from one of her paper bags.
It was the note containing only the pronunciation of Mr. Fool's task for them.
From there, she carefully inspected the wordings and took references from the documents she had obtained.
Thanks to her enhanced memory, though it leans more on medicine crafting, Selina managed to pinpoint terminologies to their exact language in due time.
In Hermes, it now reads: "The Fool that doesn't belong to this era;
"You are the mysterious ruler above the gray fog;
"You are the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck."
These three lined sentences were muttered in the language of Loenese, so as to not invoke the natural forces that would instant bridge her to this being.
Selina learned this in one of the entries of the document.
Seeing that it didn't actually led her to any unknown entities and that it proves her suspicion to be correct. Selina resumed on converting the remaining incantations to the best of her abilities.
"I pray for your help;
"I pray for your loving grace;
"I pray..."
...
When Selina finally completed the remaining paragraph. She let go of herself and slumped onto the high-back chair.
How exhausting...
Her eyes can be seen occasionally drooping, her mind hazy and clouding.
Seeing as though she about to experience another night dozing and sleeping in a place other than her bedroom.
Selina trudged her weary body back into the bedroom after setting her notes aside. Then steadily, she collapsed onto the mattress.
The offer of Mr. Dunn... Selina abruptly recalled her last visit in the Blackthorn Company, just as she was about to embrace the night.
The issue of the mysticism language has been resolved... I've also barely read a quarter of the documents sacrificed by my believer.
This meant that if things went accordingly, I would be able to delve deeper into the mystery of my transmigration without worrying in any gaps that might rise later.
As of now, there two things that might help me get back... The depth of mysticism and Mr. Fool's complete recovery. Selina listed inwardly.
From the documents, I've come across a paragraph which states that "the world is in a state where gods once dwell within its confines."
Mysticism may also have correlation with the transmigration. However, it may not as intimate as Mr. Fool's existence.
Leaving now or soon will aid me in accumulating more resources, invest time in actual growth that could help Mr. Fool in better recovery. However, I have also lack in the field for combat and actual battle experience.
Then, she recalled her potion's abilities and name. I'm an Apothecary. The next sequences to my potion might not have any battle prowess until much later and Apothecary is...
Clearly meant for support...
Feeling the toll of the day starting to stir. Selina yawned, her thoughts turning heavy.
Choosing to set her decisions for tomorrow, her sight waned until her eyes finally closed.
The hours resumed as any other. No dreams took place, only the sweet rhythmic noise of crickets and fleeting winds passed into this night.
...
Distant bell chime rang across the cityscape. A remainder of another day's toil.
After committing the night's work into memory. Selina went ahead and took note of the time, nearing 9 AM.
Ensuring that the house is secured with her papers well-kept. She briskly grabbed the key from her bedroom, returned to the entrance hall before exiting the door.
Warm, morning light paint her pale skin with vibrant hue.
On her porch. Selina first checked if Mrs. Heath was present.
The lady quietly tending her lively ornaments by her door, wore a simple Loenesian clothing, only with the exception of her upper dress as it show very limited design.
It was clear that this garment was one of her casual dress.
Upon noticing Selina in a conservative clothing featuring a lady's half-coat, a dark-blue dress with white frills by the collar and wrists. Martha asked pleasantly. "Heading for work again dear?"
Selina smiled wearily. "I'm sorry to inform you but... I was relieved from my work."
Concern raised from Martha's expression. "Pardon...?"
Selina didn't respond and only maintained her bittersweet impression.
"With your traits, a lady of stature and clearly well-educated background. Not to mention your beauty, I'm really concerned as to why you were dismissed." Martha probed with a hint of worry.
Choosing not to dwell any further. Selina let her voice trail off. "It's a matter of inconvenience. Mrs. Heath, the reason why I'm going out is to seek another opportunities."
And maybe accept to become an officer...
Selina continued with a reassuring smile. "I won't have any issue when it comes to this."
Martha did not take her words lightly. However, since she's in a place to force her into certain matters. She decided to shrug it off silently. "Alright, be careful dear."
Just when Selina waved farewell. Martha quickly tried to add. "Oh, I forgot."
Hmm? Selina stopped promptly.
Martha used her few seconds to muster her memory fragments, until finally she said. "Dear, lately there had been cases of missing persons, most of them were tramps living in the lower street.
"Be extra very careful when going out okay? Also, sightings of gun strapped individuals have increased as well. Take careful note of those around you!"
A corner her mouth twitched as Selina sighed. "Rest assured Mrs. Heath. I'm very grateful for your concern."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries and more warnings from the lady, who Selina almost saw a reflection of her mother.
She donned her mocha-shaded sunhat and finally bade farewell to Martha.
...
The four-wheeled carriage halted before a 36 Zouteland Street, across Blackthorn Security Company.
When Selina step foot onto the buildings entrance. She saw that it had finally been rebuilt, its exterior, however, have no paint and only the door was carved with intricate patterns.
How... efficient...
Selina felt a light awe, gazing forward. In a span of just a few days... They're able to fix that destroyed wall?
From her experience as a secretary. Paperwork often flood the director's office, the majority was given to her to tend.
When another department was being added. The construction would last for a month that only require an additional room to be built. Manpower was the large piece of the fund usage pie.
So seeing a ruined part of another company, albeit small, being rebuilt with a destroyed part similar to a size of a room. Made Selina thought of how the world's unbalanced perception of the lower class workers.
After a short inspection. She pressed and turned the doorhandle, taking a whiff of that particular scent of refined wood.
Over the reception hall. She saw the brown-haired Rozanne muttering a few incoherence while focusing on a newspaper:
"The Alfalfa Express, an ocean tragedy occurred with passengers meeting brutal ordeals from invasion, mass genocide and instigations without a lead finally led to an identity known as Tris... How horrible, a voyage ending to a massacre? This Tris person should be condemned to a life in prison!"
"No, it should be counseled for death penalty!" Rozanne read with a furious look as she gave her utmost opinion to herself.
Chester County Weekly Post... Selina silently took note of the newspaper's production origin from the cover.
While in her little session, Rozanne noticed a skirt, accompanied by intertwined hands holding a sunhat pressed below the abdomen.
This made her lowered the newspaper, expecting a person behind the counter. From there she saw Selina, politely waiting until she's finished.
"Oh!" Rozanne was both surprised and startled.
"Miss Roy. I apologize for not noticing you sooner." She said, slightly ashamed of herself.
Selina didn't mind it at all as she actually finds the article to be quite interesting. Alfalfa Express... Mass genocide and invasion?
Is it perhaps a work of pirates?
She smiled softly and didn't harbored on the matter. "It's alright, you seemed to be very immersed enough to refrain me from interrupting you."
Rozanne felt strange ease from her words that it promptly made her share with thoughts and opinions, "Well, as you can see, this Tris person was found to be the reason behind the large massacre and yet he's still active when they arrived in Enmat Harbor, undetected by the police!"
Tris... Instigation... Selina posed another question. "Does the newspaper have a sketch?"
In this world in Victorian era accompanied by steam revolution. A manipulation of light to cast a cemented moment in a form of pictures may not have yet exists.
Rozanne took a glance at the newspaper again. When she ensured that there's a person's sketch as a wanted poster, she nodded and replied. "Mhm, this heinous man have his face painted in ink, it's so surreal I could just punch it!"
Selina refrained herself from unnecessary facial movements as she tilt her head to appear amiably. "Mind if I take a look?"
Seeing that there were no harms in sharing such public news. Rozanne agreed and gave the newspaper to Selina.
While in doing so she gave an advice. "If you see him walking around, shout his name immediately! Officials won't hesitate on a walking bounty."
This Tris man have a bounty...? Selina muttered to herself silently.
When she settle her gaze onto the paper. From amongst the overwhelming texts, on the right was a specially drawn area for an image.
The man in the picture had a round and amiable face. The sketch may not as accurate, however, it seems that he had a black hair and similarly colored eye.
Just like what Rozanne had commented, the image was surreal that it made Selina questioned the artist.
How fascinating... A talent at this level shouldn't limit themselves in a matter for officials...
Once Selina got a vivid visualization of the man in memory. She didn't too much time reading the newspaper and quickly returned it to Rozanne.
Afterwards, she gave a resigned smile. "Well, at least now they have a name to refer right? Hopefully they will caught him sooner or later."
Rozanne sighed. "Hopefully... Um, changing the topic. Ms. Roy, here to meet the captain again?"
She readied her clipped attendance paper from behind the counter.
Selina nodded. "Yes, I'm just here to settle trivial matters."
"Application for being one of our civilian staff as well?" Rozanne lit with anticipation as she quickly wrote Selina's name onto the paper.
After signing her signature. Selina gave a weary smile and replied. "Hmm... Maybe...?"
"You're being cryptic Ms. Roy. However, unlike yours, Miss Daly was bundled with profound truth." Rozanne commented.
Are you... Nevermind. Selina almost suspected the girl's words.
Instead of engaging in sophistry, she pointed out and asked. "Who is Miss Daly? You seem to really put her on pedestal with how you describe her."
Rozanne quickly replied. "Daly is really mature and a figure for inspiration. She is mysterious in such a way that it's reliable!
"Do you know?" At this moment, Rozanne lead in for Selina.
"Miss Daly is an actual 'Spirit Medium'!"
Spirit Medium? Selina subconsciously arched her brow.
Perhaps... Another name for a sequence potion?
Seeing Selina's backed expression, Rozanne finally snapped from herself and pinched her mouth.
She quickly gestured for the hall as a way to dismiss her acts and said. "Y-You may go ahead to the Captain's office."
Her hand then raised to her mouth, cornered her left cheek while adding quietly. "I didn't told you anything, alright?"
Selina doesn't know what face to make. She could only squeezed out a smile to ensure the girl's secret is kept and made her way to the descending staircase.
The confined path formed by arched cobblestones made the lighting from the lamps all the more valuable.
Distant bristles and echoing droplets appearing from short crevices made the atmosphere heavy and mystique.
When Selina crossed the intersection, turning afterwards. A familiar wooden designed door greeted her way.
As usual, she first gave three consecutive light knocks to prepare the person for her visit.
Upon hearing Dunn's voice from beyond the wooden pane. She quietly opened the door.
She saw Dunn, not seated on his usual high-back chair. A pipe was held by his right hand while his back turned from the entrance, facing the window that led to the Chanis Gate.
He appears as though he's contemplating silently on matters unbeknownst to Selina.
When he finally heard the lady's footsteps halted. He withdrew his pipe, emitting frail smoke and said in a deep voice.
"Have you finally made your choice?"
Selina didn't answered right away. Instead, she fixed her posture, caressed her sunhat and displayed resolution.
At this point, if she agreed, she will become an official or rather an official beyonder. Equipped with benefits and allies from the faction she had applied to.
The implications, however, is her freedom now limited to an area she was assigned by the higher-ups.
Selina already had the Child of God's faction for resources, information, and manpower through anonymous means. Her actual meeting with them is restricted but it doesn't limit her for the time being.
This meant that her only motive for joining had apparently been resolved by recent events. Rendering her of any actual reasons for accepting.
In silence, for a span of a full half a minute. Selina had been weighing her choices with great practicality.
When the clock finally strike a minute. She quietly sighed and said.
"Alright."