"Helmosuin?
Tulani von Helmosuin? The greatest scientist, mathematician, and mechanist after Emperor Roselle — the second father of the Difference Engine?"
Klein was no stranger to that name. Half a year ago, the major espionage case he'd been caught up in at Backlund had originated from one of Helmosuin's manuscripts — a case that had only ended when "Tower" assassinated the Intis ambassador, allowing Klein to escape.
Now this great scientist, once captured by the Rose School of Thought, had apparently escaped?
"That's right," said "Vice Admiral of Pale" Maria, her expression grave. "It's precisely that Helmosuin. Our goal in hunting Senor also includes rescuing this great scientist."
Indeed — if the Rose School, led by the faction of indulgence, had gained control over Helmosuin, it would be disastrous. They might rival the Aurora Order in wickedness, and with the most advanced technology in their hands, the results could be catastrophic.
Klein pondered a moment, then looked at the two female pirate admirals before him. Instead of responding directly to Maria's invitation, he said calmly:
"I have a few questions."
Maria met his gaze seriously, then nodded slightly. "Go ahead."
"First — if Senor is on Blue Mountain Island, why not report him to the authorities?" Klein asked.
Although he didn't have much sense of belonging to the Kingdom of Loen, compared to the Rose School, the kingdom was still more trustworthy.
Report him…? Maria and Edwina both froze for a second, as though the idea had never occurred to them.
Finally, "Vice Admiral of Iceberg" Edwina gave an awkward look before Maria replied, "We simply don't wish for that great scientist to fall into Loen's hands either."
Ah, of course. Maria was backed by the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery's royalist faction, while Edwina had ties to the Church of Knowledge and Wisdom. Naturally, neither wanted Loen to gain the advantage.
Klein nodded inwardly but kept his face impassive. "Second, why next Tuesday specifically?"
"That's from Edwina's 'prophecy'," Maria replied. "If we act too soon, we won't be able to take Senor down. If we act too late, it will be extremely dangerous.
"Also, the demigod I invited won't arrive until next Tuesday."
A demigod… which means Senor's side likely has high-ranking Beyonders too.
If not for his "mad adventurer" persona — and his acquaintance with a few demigods — Klein might have turned around and left right then.
Sensing his hesitation, Edwina's clear, spring-like eyes flickered as she added, "I'll also invite a demigod to join us — one you're familiar with."
A demigod we both know… that can only mean Ebner.
For some reason, hearing that "Tower" would be there instantly reassured Klein. After a short pause, he asked his final question:
"How many powerhouses does Senor have with him?"
"The Rose School of Thought places immense importance on Helmosuin… I'm not sure of the exact number, but there will be at least two demigods, plus three Sequence 5s."
Then Edwina solemnly reminded him, "By the way, among those demigods is a Sequence 3 'Whisperer'. Once you leave the Golden Dream, don't think too much about how to deal with him."
So it's safe to discuss it aboard this ship, then? Makes sense.
According to Ebner, the operation to block the 'Immortal King's' fleet had been Edwina's design. If she didn't possess some means to shield against prying, the Death Knell would have noticed her long ago.
At least two demigods… Why is the Rose School suddenly so focused on a scientist? And with me involved, will it be more dangerous? After all, the Mother Tree of Desire seems… unusually interested in me.
Still, the key lies with Tower. As long as he's coming, it should be fine. He has so many… connections.
Besides, Miss Messenger and Sharon will surely be intrigued by a hunt targeting the indulgent faction of the Rose School. With their help, our side would have at least four demigods — we wouldn't lose in strength.
And next Monday I'll be transferring the 'Dwayne Dantès' identity to Captain and Ms. Daly. Letting Sharon come to Bayam at that time would work perfectly…
Having made up his mind, Klein nodded lightly. "If that's the case, I'll participate."
He didn't say he'd "think about it" — the operation was still a week away. If divination revealed any danger, he could always cancel later, as a participant.
Besides, the idea of hunting "Admiral of Blood" had been his own in the first place. If he backed out now, the "Gehrman Sparrow" persona would collapse.
Hearing this, the coldly beautiful "Admiral of Pale" Maria nodded. "Then, let's meet next Tuesday morning in the woods west of Bayam."
She then added once more, "Try not to dwell on this matter in the coming days."
So that's why your plan is so vague — the more detailed it is, the easier it is to be exposed.
Klein nodded thoughtfully.
…..
Conston City, inside an inn on Playa Street.
Forsi, who had just finished combing her hair, stared incredulously at Ebner. "So all that talk about 'Gluttony'—you actually plan to use me as bait to lure his Sealed Artifact to eat me?"
"To be precise, as bait, yes," Ebner replied with a smile. "You're an Abraham apprentice, and you still bear the Full Moon Curse of Mr. Door. With a bit of misleading disguise, I can make that 'Gluttony' misjudge you and get close enough for me to uncover his secrets. He has a particular interest in the descendants of powerful figures — he even told Valentin to keep an eye out for such people."
"Isn't that dangerous?" Forsi asked skeptically.
"Don't worry," Ebner said confidently. "I'll swap you out halfway through. You won't actually face him directly."
Considering he carried an angel-level avatar, his nonchalance wasn't entirely unjustified.
"But this has nothing to do with me. Why should I help you?" Forsi said deliberately, testing the waters like a professional novelist negotiating her royalties.
"After we kill Louis Wayne, I'll give you his 'Traveler' characteristic," Ebner said after some thought. Then, knowing her well, he added, "And I can also tell Leon you're officially excused from your next manuscript deadline."
Forsi nearly agreed on the spot — but she swallowed her words at the last second, deciding to play it cool. After all, she wasn't the type who deliberately delayed drafts. She simply… lacked inspiration sometimes.
"As a friend," she said archly, "would you really not give me Louis Wayne's characteristic unless I agreed to play bait?"
Ebner gave her a meaningful look, a teasing smile curving his lips. "As a friend, of course I can give it to you… but have you thought about what kind of price you might pay?"
Forsi froze — that familiar smile, that familiar line — and managed a dry laugh before asking quickly, "So… when exactly do I play this bait?"
"Wednesday night, eight o'clock."
…..
Saturday, five in the afternoon.
The ball hosted by newly appointed Viscount Ebner Bryan began on schedule at his manor.
Though the Skard couple lacked proper noble etiquette, under Ebner's guidance they hired a professional butler — Mr. Ribach — and the event ran smoothly.
(The Skards, in truth, were clergy sent by the Church of the Earth Mother to assist Ebner, not trained servants. Their duty was primarily to look after the household and his daily needs.)
Mr. Ribach, age forty-eight, had previously served the Ngan family for many years as deputy butler and assistant, before becoming Baron Sindras's head butler through a later arrangement.
After Duke Negan's assassination, and with his term under Baron Sindras expired, Ribach failed to renew his contract and was left unemployed.
He was a mild-tempered follower of the Lord of Storms and a political conservative.
After interviewing him several days ago, Ebner hired him at an annual salary of 150 pounds — with plans to take him to his territory in Beldan later to handle administrative tasks.
To outsiders, hiring someone of such a background looked like an overture toward the Conservative Faction — though Ebner hadn't intended that at all.
Still, the misunderstanding had benefits: for instance, Emma's father, the idle Viscount Horatio, and her mother, Lady Norma — the late Duke Negan's sister — both accepted the invitation and attended the new viscount's ball with their daughter.
And the very moment Emma stepped into the ballroom, Leonard Mitchell — who had come mostly for free wine and food — suddenly sat up straight.
(End of Chapter)