Chapter 73: Come to My House Tonight
He composed himself and turned his gaze toward Audrey and Alger, beginning to process the genuine diaries they had submitted
Then, some time passed in immersion.
Klein looked up: "Sorry, I got absorbed in reading."
This time, Audrey did not say, "I look forward to the day I can exchange for the contents of Emperor Roselle's diary from you," as it had originally developed.
She just sat there quietly, her emerald-green eyes occasionally glancing at Mr. Lover.
Clearly, Nairn's previous evaluation of Roselle's "indiscreet private life" in Backlund had successfully planted a seed of doubt and independent thinking in her heart.
Her glorious filter for Emperor Roselle had almost completely fallen away.
Now, as she listened to these diaries, she thought more about what kind of complex and real person this historical great man actually was.
She was even guessing whether the diaries submitted this time would contain more content about Roselle's indiscreet image that would subvert her worldview.
Seeing Audrey's transformation, Nairn, across the long table, curled his lips into a smile that only he could understand.
Thus, Nairn cheerfully spoke to Mr. Fool on her behalf: "I can understand. I look forward to the day I can exchange for the contents of Emperor Roselle's diary from you."
After all, he felt that since everyone around him was submitting diaries, he could submit one himself.
Even as a fixed weekly routine.
It would make it convenient to communicate and collude with Mr. Fool before each Tarot Club meeting.
A sort of "meeting agenda"?
Of course, that wasn't the main reason.
Mainly, since he was already up here, he might as well put on a show for everyone.
Klein was slightly speechless—only taking it as Senior Nairn faithfully playing the role of a hype man.
What exchange! Nairn can decipher it himself, okay!
Klein's mouth twitched, and he decided to ignore this fellow.
Afterward, the Hanged Man used information about the second Blasphemy Slate and the Antigonus Family as payment for one page of the diary.
Klein noted down this information, planning to study it slowly after the meeting.
Soon, the Tarot Club entered the free discussion segment.
After the free discussion began, Audrey did not actively share the interesting stories she heard in Backlund's social circles or ask questions about mysticism as she usually did.
She had Nairn as a guide, so many of her doubts had already been resolved in private.
As for Susie's upbringing and subsequent advancement?
She could just go directly to Mr. Lover in private for that.
At this moment, she just sat there quietly, her gaze occasionally drifting toward Mr. Lover, her beautiful green eyes filled with expectation, curiosity, and a hint of a young girl's unique fervor.
She wondered what new surprise Mr. Lover would bring her after this Tarot Club meeting. Would it be that novel suitcase, or something else?
Her mind was no longer on the Tarot Club's exchange at all.
Klein noticed Miss Justice's distraction, but he didn't point it out. He knew it mostly had to do with Nairn.
He turned his attention to the other side.
The Hanged Man, Alger, was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his words, then spoke in a deep voice: "Mr. Fool, everyone. I've noticed a phenomenon recently, and I wonder if you've perceived it."
"In recent decades, the frequency of activities by various secret organizations seems to show an increasing trend. There have even appeared some new organizations never heard of before; they are organized, disciplined, and possess a certain amount of Beyonder power."
Are you trying to pry the reason out of me? Klein's heart stirred, but he had only recently joined the Nighthawks, and his contact with "illegal organization" materials was limited; it was impossible for him to know the deep-seated reasons behind this.
He just smiled and didn't comment directly on the Hanged Man's news, instead saying in an ambiguous yet profound tone: "Some ancient powers are awakening."
For example, the power represented by the Antigonus Family's notebook you just mentioned, Klein added in his mind.
After listening, Alger nodded thoughtfully, but clearly, this answer was still too general for him.
His gaze involuntarily turned to Mr. Lover, who always provided startling insights, hoping for some elaboration.
Nairn felt his gaze and originally wanted to mention the prophecy about the approaching Apocalypse and the imminent return of the Outer Deities.
But as the words reached his lips, the "Troublemaker" "nature" within him suddenly flared up, and a strong urge to stir up trouble surged.
He wore a playful smile and said lightly, in a tone as if announcing the opening of a stage play: "Because the protagonist has taken the stage!"
"Is that so—" Hearing this answer, Alger was clearly stunned for a moment and sat back dejectedly.
In his view, Mr. Lover was joking this time, or using this method to hide some key information he didn't want to reveal.
After all, the word "protagonist" sounded far too unserious.
Klein shared the Hanged Man's thought, his mouth twitching slightly.
This Senior Nairn is really down-to-earth, even using a word like "protagonist."
However, thinking of his own status as a Transmigrator, the word gave him a subtle, strange feeling.
Yet, unlike the two men, Audrey's eyes instantly lit up upon hearing this.
In her understanding, Mr. Lover was the embodiment of wisdom; every word he spoke must have a profound meaning and would never be a groundless joke.
The protagonist has taken the stage—
Does this mean that an extremely important existence, one that could even influence the direction of the entire era, has "taken the stage"?
And the activity of various secret organizations and the awakening of ancient powers are all chain reactions triggered by the appearance of this "protagonist"?
Just like in a play, as soon as the protagonist appears, all the spotlights and plotlines converge on him!
Then who would this "protagonist" be?
In Audrey's mind, Mr. Lover's incomparably handsome face, with its hint of a cynical smile, immediately surfaced.
Is it him?
Very likely! With his mystery and power, he could fully bear the title of "protagonist"!
Or perhaps, it's Mr. Fool?
That's also possible; after all, Mr. Fool is the convener of the Tarot Club, the source of everything.
Or maybe it's someone closely related to Mr. Lover?
Related to what Mr. Lover wants to do?
Audrey's thoughts began to wander uncontrollably, and she even began to imagine a magnificent epic of the era unfolding around Mr. Lover.
She didn't guess at all that the "protagonist" Nairn originally referred to was actually Klein, who was sitting in the main seat, trying his best to play the charlatan while frantically complaining in his heart.
Klein looked at the varying reactions of the three members and nodded with satisfaction.
Hmm, the effect is good; it's time to end.
He cleared his throat and announced in a steady tone: "If there's nothing else to share, then today's gathering will end here."
"As you wish." Audrey and Alger bowed respectfully.
Deep red light flared, and the figures of the two began to turn illusory.
However, just as Klein was also preparing to leave, he discovered that the figure of "Lovers" Nairn still sat there clearly, with no sign of intending to exit.
It's like this again.
Klein sighed in his heart, but for some reason, he seemed to have grown accustomed to it.
He asked calmly: "Senior, is there anything else?"
Nairn looked up, a mysterious smile on his face, and said to Klein: "Tonight, come to my house."