The feathered hat was elegantly designed and meticulously crafted, unmistakably the work of a master artisan.
Ebner recognized it instantly, as he was the one who'd arranged for Callun to gift it to his younger sister…
So this lively young lady must be Callun's younger sister, the one who's barely a hundred years old? Is she out here on an adventure? And does Carun know about it?
Questions flashed through Ebner's mind, but he refrained from staring at the girl or revealing her identity, letting his gaze pass over her to the young man standing beside her.
The boy appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen, with fair skin that looked even healthier than Miss Gwyn's. His sharp features were complemented by vivid blue hair and steel-gray eyes, which were currently studying Ebner and Gaston with a scrutinizing gaze.
Seeing Ebner's interest in her companions, Miss Gwyn stepped forward with a warm smile. "These are my new friends, the new 'shareholders' of the Aarunheim…"
"Shareholders?" So that explains all the ship's new armoring and cannons—looks like you've got some well-funded backers on board.
Hmm, Callun's kind always has deep pockets, as long as they aren't like Emlyn, who spends it all on "hobbies," they're bound to be wealthy…
And this boy, with his refined demeanor and manners, clearly comes from a privileged background. But why would someone like that choose to take up life at sea…?
Or is he a young runaway, defying his family?
As Ebner's mind wandered, the girl with the feathered hat cut in before Gwyn could finish, cheerfully approaching them with a friendly tilt of her head. "I'm Lydia. Nice to meet you both."
She then reached over, tugging the boy by his arm with a mischievous grin, "This is Terrance. He's kind of shy, doesn't talk much, and isn't great with people. So be nice to him, alright?"
Terrance immediately broke free from her grip, his face reddening. "Who are you calling shy?! And stop grabbing me when you spout nonsense!"
They get along well… though she might be a bit overly spirited. A century-old young lady giving a hard time to a teenage boy… this looks awfully familiar…
Ebner's mouth twitched at the scene, but he maintained his composure, greeting them with a smile, "Pleased to meet you both as well."
Gwyn, slightly exasperated by her friends' antics in front of guests, put a hand to her forehead before ushering the two apart.
Not long after, with the time for the Tarot Gathering drawing near, Ebner excused himself and left for a private cabin Gwyn had arranged for him, accompanied by the sullen Terrance.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gaston opted to remain on deck, admiring the ocean view.
Standing at the cabin door, Terrance hesitated before saying, "Mr. Bryan… please don't listen to Lydia. It's not that I'm introverted or antisocial; I just… don't really know how to interact with the sailors."
You do care about what others think—a young man in need of validation. Could this need to prove himself be why he set out to sea alone?
Without letting his musings show, Ebner replied with an understanding smile, "I get it. They just aren't interested in the things you're into, right? Probably, Lydia and Miss Gwyn are the only people you can relate to on board, which would make the sailors feel even more distant, maybe even say things behind your back."
"How… how did you know?" Terrance's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't told anyone, not even the captain, about his discomfort around the crew.
"It's simple reasoning." Ebner chuckled, his voice calm.
"Yes, of course. You're that famous detective, aren't you? There's no way someone as skilled as you wouldn't notice…" Terrance murmured.
"There's no need to force yourself to fit in," Ebner said, aware of what a boy like Terrance might endure in such an environment.
Terrance bit his lip, his expression obstinate as he stood in silence. Finally, he said apologetically, "Sorry for holding you up, Detective Bryan."
He turned and made his way back to the deck.
He's polite and well-mannered, even if a bit headstrong. It's probably Lydia who's been watching out for him on board, making sure he doesn't get bullied by the crew.
And her playful jab at him in front of us was likely a way to nudge him to loosen up without hurting his pride…
It was well done—enough to make a point without embarrassing him. Though it seems I was a part of her plan… I wonder if she wore that hat deliberately, knowing I'd recognize it…
She certainly has a mind of her own. Carun might think of her as a young girl, but she's had nearly a century of experience…
Watching Terrance walk away, Ebner shook his head, glancing briefly at the bat concealed in the shadows before closing the cabin door and erecting a spiritual wall to secure the space.
On the deck, Lydia skillfully tended the sails, her eyes lingering on the cabin door and occasionally glancing worriedly toward Terrance.
…
With the room secured, Ebner checked his watch. Still having some time, he set up an invocation ritual and summoned Silica.
Perhaps it was his imagination, but Ebner thought Silica's ethereal feathers looked slightly more solid, as if upgraded from "projector" to "AR" quality…
After giving her a vial of Amanda's elixir, Silica took the letter Ebner had hastily written and vanished.
…
At exactly three o'clock in Backlund, faint crimson light illuminated the grand and ancient palace, revealing indistinct figures seated around a table.
"Justice" Audrey rose and led the others in greeting, "Good afternoon, Mr. Fool~"
During this time, Ebner glanced across the table at Xio. She had once again come dressed as a noble lady, though this time in a new, elegant gown with refined jewelry. She really did look like a proper young noble now. Fors, seated beside him, probably wouldn't even recognize her…
I wonder where she got that outfit?
As he pondered this, "Justice" finished greeting everyone and then, with a poised smile, turned to "The Fool" and said,
"The 'simple' task you assigned has been completed."
She emphasized "simple," hoping Mr. Fool would confirm if Lanevus's execution was indeed the work of his Blessed and if the scene full of tarot cards was a symbol of their organization, something Viscount Glaint had eagerly shared with her earlier that morning.
Of course, she was also curious about the "Iron Man" who aided the Nighthawks—was he also one of The Fool's Blessed?
Feigning nonchalance, Klein smiled back and said, "I am already aware."
After a pause, he added with a sigh, "In times like these, in a city like Backlund, in places like the East End, the dockyards, and factory districts, it's all fertile ground for the descent of an evil god."
What? "The Hanged Man" Alger was startled, momentarily doubting his hearing.
How did a simple mission end up being about the grounds for an evil god's descent?
Could it be that the "simple" task masked a deeper purpose, perhaps an unspoken contest between deities?
The Hanged Man quickly suppressed his urge to question further, deciding to first check in with Storm's Church for any recent major events in Backlund.
Meanwhile, under Klein's direction, "The World" chimed in with details of the grim lives of East End's impoverished, leaving Audrey visibly shaken. She was unable to maintain her "Spectator" facade, her face pale with sympathy and shock.
When she regained her composure, she resolved to do everything in her power to help influence her father toward reform.
As "The Fool" and "The World" held their theatrical discussion, Ebner, who knew Klein's intentions well, quietly reflected: An evil god's breeding ground, indeed… but, Mr. Fool, you're effectively assisting King George III with this.
He had considered speaking up but refrained; if these reforms could help those in need, perhaps he shouldn't interfere. Besides, these social changes are practically inevitable… a masterful maneuver by George III—or rather, Adam.
"Thank you, Mr. Fool, for saving Backlund. And thank you, Mr. World, for opening my eyes to many things I hadn't known." Audrey's expression was earnest as she thanked the two gentlemen sitting at the ends of the grand table.
"Saving Backlund?" Just what had happened?
"The Hanged Man" Alger frowned as he glanced around, noting that "The Tower" and "Judgment" were unfazed. It seemed they already knew…
Am I the only one here, aside from "The Sun," who has no idea? Alger thought with a wry smile.
Xio then interjected, "I've heard that during the thwarting of this evil god's descent, an Envoy of the Aurora Order managed to escape Sir Cesimir's pursuit… Given their nature, it's highly likely they'll seek revenge in the coming days. If any of you reside in Backlund, be extra cautious."
So there really was an attempt at a godly descent… and it was the True Creator, was it? Mr. Fool's task was aimed at the True Creator, then?
No wonder. I thought it strange that someone as grand as Mr. Fool would pay attention to an insignificant conman like Lanevus.
It appears that The Fool and the True Creator are archenemies.
Thinking this, Alger glanced at "Judgment," noting her familiarity with the details. She must be an official Beyonder, he speculated, likely from either the Nighthawks, Machinery Hivemind, or MI9.
And her close relationship with Mr. Tower… just what kind of connections do they both have?
(End of Chapter)