While Fors was imagining a grand drama of a noble girl playing innocent to outwit her foes, The Fool, Klein, finished reading today's batch of Roselle's diaries.
The six pages were authentic, covering several topics. First, Roselle's thoughts on his children, including a mention of Zaratul congratulating him on the birth of his youngest son, Bornova, and a prophecy about the eventual rift between Roselle and his daughter, Bernadette. Second, Roselle's views on the Sauron family. Third, his participation in the Twilight Hermit Order. And fourth... the part that caught Klein's attention... Roselle's creation of the Blasphemy Cards.
Unlike the original story, where Roselle lacked high-level knowledge and was unaware of Sequence 0, Klein, tutored by Alaric and Mr. Door, was well-versed in such matters. The existence of Sequence 0 didn't faze him. Instead, he couldn't help but wonder: Aside from the cards left to his children, where did Roselle hide the remaining Blasphemy Cards meant for the destined?
Klein was undeniably intrigued, but the Tarot Club meeting had to go on. He set the diaries aside, smiling at the members. "You may begin."
Before anyone else could react, Derrick eagerly raised his hand. "Mr. Fool, City of Silver is ready. When will His Excellency Lucifer arrive?"
Lucifer? Arrive in City of Silver?
Except for those in the know, the Tarot Club members froze.
Audrey and Alger, aware of Lucifer's existence as an angel under The Fool, immediately linked "Lucifer" to "Helel."
So, Mr. Fool is sending His Excellency Helel to City of Silver? Is he finally moving to save them? Audrey's eyes sparkled. She'd always trusted The Fool's benevolence and power, but this was beyond her wildest imagination.
An angel of The Fool can enter the Forsaken Land of the Gods? That's not surprising, but what does City of Silver have that's worth Mr. Fool's attention? Alger, ever skeptical of divine kindness, was more wary than awed.
City of Silver? Fors, new to the club and clueless about the place, was lost but sharp enough to latch onto a key detail. Lucifer… His Excellency? The title "His Excellency" was reserved for royalty or, in the Beyonder world, angels. So, Mr. Fool, a deity, is sending an angel to this City of Silver?
Fors's heart raced with excitement and nerves. She hadn't expected to witness something involving an angel so soon after joining the mysterious Tarot Club.
Alaric, maintaining his persona, put on a hesitant expression, perfectly playing the part of someone in the know who wanted to spill but didn't dare.
As for World, being a mere puppet, it had no thoughts at all.
Klein, The Fool, noted the members' excitement. He looked at Derrick and, without dragging it out, said calmly, "Before today ends, you'll meet Lucifer."
This was what Lucifer had told him earlier.
Derrick's eyes widened, gleaming as if they might actually glow. "Praise you, Mr. Fool! I don't know how to express my gratitude…" His voice trembled with barely contained excitement, though he tried to rein it in. Beyond thanks and praise, he seemed at a loss for words.
"It's just an equivalent exchange. No need for excessive gratitude. In truth, this wasn't my directive... helping you was Lucifer's choice. He's a kind being. If you want to thank someone, thank him." Klein said unhurriedly.
He had no intention of stealing Lucifer's credit. Honestly, piggybacking on the faith was already embarrassing enough, so he opted for the truth in the face of Derrick's gratitude.
"We're equally grateful to His Excellency Lucifer, but no matter what, your permission for him to help us… City of Silver's people won't forget your kindness…" Derrick's words were a bit jumbled, but his meaning was clear.
Klein felt a touch helpless. Using his World alt, he sneaked a glance at Alaric, who winked back before speaking. "I know a bit about this. My teacher, Lucifer, once told me that without Mr. Fool's approval, he wouldn't have chosen to help City of Silver. So…"
"Praise you, Mr. Fool!" Alaric declared, his voice brimming with emotion, almost operatic.
With his lead, the other members, still reeling from the shock, snapped to attention and chimed in, "Praise you, Mr. Fool!"
"..."
Thanks, I'm covered in goosebumps now.
It wasn't his first time being praised, but there was a stark difference between ignorant adoration and his friend's teasing, all while pretending to be earnest. Klein was sweating bullets.
Relying on his formidable expression control, he forced a smile that didn't look strained and chose silence. He knew anything he said could be twisted by Jack into an embarrassing memory.
Seeing The Fool clearly wanting to implode but stuck with a smile, Alaric was inwardly delighted.
As for how Derrick or City of Silver viewed their upcoming salvation, Alaric honestly didn't care. In his eyes, City of Silver's value lay solely in providing faith for him and Klein and in turning his Lucifer persona into reality.
In that sense, Alaric was undeniably cold.
***
Every 100 Power Stones and 5 Reviews will earn you a Bonus Chapter.
And if you want to read up to 50 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)