Klein only stayed silent for a moment before asking, "So, have you made up your mind?"
"I..." Lynn pursed his lips, his expression still hesitant and struggling, but eventually, he seemed to make a firm decision.
"Yes, I've decided."
He forced a smile at Klein and said, "After all, there are many who believe in hidden existences and live well, right?"
"There are indeed many who live well..." Klein couldn't refute Lynn at this moment. He sighed and said, "Was it that strange person you mentioned who made you do this?"
"How did you... Oh, right, besides that weirdo, no one else would make me do this," Lynn was initially surprised by Klein's insight, but he quickly nodded, admitting Klein's guess.
"Why does he want you to do this? Did he give you any reason?" Klein couldn't help but ask further. The fact that the Angel of Secrets wanted Lynn to pray to the Fool shocked him initially, followed by wariness.
Regardless of why the Angel of Secrets wanted Lynn to pray to the Fool, this action clearly showed Klein that the Angel knew about his true identity as the Fool, unveiling his greatest secret.
Honestly, this made Klein uncomfortable, feeling like his hidden cards were entirely exposed. But considering he might have been under the watch of powerful figures since his transmigration, perhaps even the Evernight Goddess herself, Klein found some solace.
Exposure or not, the Fool's persona was mainly a tool for deception at this stage. Being seen through by a higher power wasn't a significant loss.
Instead of feeling down, Klein was more determined to understand why the Angel of Secrets wanted this. Why reveal knowledge of the Fool now? Why push Lynn towards him in this manner?
Considering Lynn's personality and their close friendship, Klein was sure the Angel of Secrets anticipated Lynn would confide in him about this dilemma.
In essence, the Angel was playing with open cards, telling Klein, "Yes, I'm watching you. I know you're the Fool. It's me who wants Lynn to pray to you. Whether you respond or not is up to you."
This was both bold and transparent, fitting the Angel's usual style.
But why wait until now? When Lynn was desperate and in trouble before, getting him to pray to the Fool would have made more sense. So why now? Klein thought deeply and suddenly had an epiphany.
Could it be that Lynn only learned the Fool's honorable name yesterday? Before that, even the Angel of Secrets might not have known the Fool's exact title?
Klein considered this plausible. Only a few members of the Tarot Club knew the Fool's name, so the Angel of Secrets being unaware was quite possible.
This also indicated the Angel of Secrets wasn't omniscient. There were things even they didn't know.
"Maybe... just maybe, the Angel of Secrets only recently figured out the Fool's existence through the title," Klein mused internally.
If the Angel of Secrets only recently deduced the Fool's identity through the title, they might be testing Klein through Lynn.
This meant the Angel wasn't entirely sure about Klein's true nature. They might be watching him but still had many unknowns.
This thought gave Klein a boost of confidence and a firmer resolve to ascend in rank.
No matter what, he needed to reach higher levels to truly control his destiny.
Should I simply ignore Lynn's prayer? Pretend nothing happened?
This idea briefly crossed Klein's mind but was quickly dismissed.
Klein wasn't one to deceive himself. The Angel of Secrets might not have known about the Fool before, but after learning the title, they could easily confirm Klein's association with the Fool through simple observation.
In this context, self-deception was pointless.
"But this doesn't mean I must respond to Lynn... Hmm, I'll consult the gray fog later to see if bringing Lynn into the gray fog is beneficial or not." Klein thought, weighing the pros and cons of bringing Lynn into the gray fog. Ultimately, he made a decision:
"If there's no obvious downside, I might as well do it. At least then, Lynn might become a bridge between me and the Angel of Secrets. I could gauge the Angel's intentions through Lynn's reactions."
"Judging by the current situation, the Angel of Secrets doesn't seem to want direct contact with me."
Klein sighed inwardly at this thought.
While Klein pondered many things, only a few seconds had passed in reality.
So, on the opposite couch, after hearing Klein's question, Lynn's expression turned complex. He finally said, "He mentioned it would be good for me... Though I don't see how praying to a hidden existence could be beneficial. Could I become a follower of that hidden existence?"
"Honestly, I'm starting to suspect he's a follower of that Fool. Otherwise, why would he previously mention terms like 'not belonging to this era'..." Lynn vented his frustration, sounding both resentful and resigned.
No, the Angel of Secrets and I have no such relationship, except that we're both transmigrators... Klein thought but chose not to correct this misunderstanding.
After all, if Lynn truly believed the Angel of Secrets was the Fool's follower, and the Angel didn't deny it, it might be something Klein could exploit.
Of course, Klein wouldn't actively affirm this either.
Don't ask. If you do, it was all in your imagination. What does it have to do with me, the Fool?
(End of Chapter)