The wind chime acting as a doorbell was being shaken rapidly. It was clear that the person outside the door was quite agitated. The fact that they hadn't broken in yet was probably a sign of restraint.
Klein couldn't help but laugh. He put down the newspaper he was holding, walked to the door, and opened it. Standing there with a forced smile was Lynn Sotos.
Klein displayed a puzzled expression and asked, "What's wrong?"
Although Klein was ready to make Sherlock Moriarty an open follower of the Fool, he still had to play his part. Who knows, maybe he could bluff his way through.
"I want to talk about the will..." Lynn said in a halting manner, looking both angry and awkward, as if he wanted to punch Klein's face.
Naturally, he was acting.
The two "actors" stared at each other at the door for a moment. Then Klein stepped aside and said, "Come in. We can't talk at the door."
"Hehe, I thought so too," Lynn chuckled and entered the house, heading straight for the sofa.
Klein expertly poured coffee for both of them. He sat down on a sofa, slightly farther from Lynn—just in case the coffee ended up flying his way.
"Sherlock, what do you think of the Fool?" Lynn sipped his coffee, looking at Klein with a resentful gaze.
Don't know, don't understand, not familiar!
Klein denied it three times in his mind, but outwardly he smiled and said, "I don't think he is some evil god."
"Funny, I think the same now," Lynn nodded seriously, then his gaze fell on Klein's left hand with the "Creeping Hunger" glove. He nonchalantly said, "I heard that Admiral of Hurricanes Qilangos was recently killed in Backlund by an unknown Death pathway powerhouse. Do you have any clue about that?"
News sure travels fast, detective... Klein glanced at Lynn, and after a moment of thought, he said, "That person is my teacher."
No lie there, history teacher counts too.
"Oh, I see..." Lynn nodded as if he suddenly understood. The next moment, he stood up and threw his coffee cup at Klein, cursing, "Damn it! You really are a follower of the Fool. Enjoyed watching me make a fool of myself? Friendship over! I'm done with you!"
Klein, who was prepared, easily dodged the coffee and even caught the cup. He stepped back, still smiling, "I never said I wasn't. You just never asked."
"So, it's all my fault?" Lynn wasn't surprised that Klein dodged it. In fact, he threw the cup because he knew Klein was prepared. Enjoying the act, he feigned anger and said, "I was considering introducing you to an artisan since you didn't seem to have any offensive extraordinary weapons. Now forget it!"
"You can go die with your stupid glove!"
Klein's smile froze slightly. He looked at Lynn in surprise and asked, "You know an artisan?"
"I know a lot of people!" Lynn folded his arms, looking smug.
Klein found Lynn's attitude amusing and couldn't help but laugh, "You're right. It's not appropriate to reveal one's faith in a mysterious existence casually. You know that."
Lynn's expression paused. He seemed convinced but still looked angry, "That doesn't excuse you laughing at me. You could have given me a hint."
"I did hint at you," Klein shook his head seriously. "Remember? I said, 'I have friends who also believe in mysterious existences.' Just like your excuse of having a friend, it was my way of hinting."
Wow, nice save, Fool. Lynn was sure that Klein didn't mean it that way when he first said it, but now it sounded perfectly reasonable.
Lynn decided to go along with Klein's explanation, looking hesitant and somewhat convinced. He reluctantly said, "Maybe you did hint... but this can't just be brushed off."
"What do you want?" Klein sighed in relief, seeing that Lynn was no longer very angry.
"I need to visit some schools for certain reasons. You'll come with me as my assistant, a temporary helper," Lynn revealed his true intentions. He acted this out not just for fun but also because he wanted Klein to join him in visiting schools to learn about teaching methods.
Why bring Klein along? Because Lynn wanted to see if Klein's knack for trouble would lead to something interesting.
Otherwise, it would be boring work.
"Visiting schools?" Klein was puzzled but agreed, "Sure, when do you want to go?"
"Tomorrow morning," Lynn replied, "We'll be visiting many schools in Backlund, so be prepared. This won't be a one-day job."
What exactly is he up to? Klein grew more curious, "Did you get a commission to investigate the schools?"
"You could say that..." Lynn responded vaguely.
Klein gave him a look but didn't push further, "So about that artisan you mentioned..."
"I don't know any artisan," Lynn said coldly, then added, "Maybe after we finish the school visits."
Detective, your personality is quite something... Klein didn't know how to comment on Lynn. He could only smile and nod, "Alright. Is there anything I need to prepare?"
"Bring paper and pen; there might be a lot of paperwork. And bring weapons, there might be combat."
Given your knack for trouble, something is bound to happen.
Combat? Are there dangerous Beyonders hiding in the schools? Klein was startled and nodded solemnly, "I will."
(End of the Chapter)