This was all part of Alaric's scripted plan... out of concern for his friend, he'd grown increasingly curious about the Fool, prompting him to dig into the matter. Didn't that perfectly suit Jack Jones's persona?
Surely, Justice Audrey would report today's events to the Fool. Given Klein's character, even if he didn't pull Alaric onto the gray fog, he'd likely have Audrey share the Fool's honorific name with him.
Of course, if the Fool didn't take that step, Alaric had backup plans ready.
Mr. Jack seems sincere. I wonder who his friend is... could it be a real-world follower of the Fool? Audrey assessed Alaric's emotions, forming her own conclusions. After a moment, she offered comfort. "The Fool might not be some evil god. Your friend could be fine…"
"I know, but it's still tied to a hidden existence, so…" Alaric gave a wry smile, sighing. "If only I could learn the Fool's honorific name. At least then I'd have some basis for judgment."
I'm sorry, Mr. Jack, but without the Fool's permission, I can't share His honorific name… Audrey apologized inwardly, seizing the chance to observe Xio and Fors. Their lack of surprise suggested they were already aware of Alaric's inquiries.
And Fors seemed particularly interested in the Fool... why?
Audrey's curiosity stirred, but she kept it hidden, planning to probe later.
The group soon moved on from the topic, focusing on the Beyonder gathering. After it ended, Audrey returned to her family's villa, excused herself to her room, and began praying softly to the Fool.
In Tingen, Klein heard the faint prayer and quickly found an excuse to slip into the washroom. Ascending to the gray fog, he received Audrey's prayer.
"Mr. Jack, from an ancient family, a Seer, with ancestors tied to the Fool, and a friend connected to Him…" Klein's expression turned peculiar. Recalling Alaric's mention of returning to Backlund, he rubbed his brow. "In a way, it's a miracle Jack hasn't been nabbed by official Beyonders or dragged into some secret organization's mess. He's got some luck."
Amused yet exasperated, Klein felt a touch of warmth. He knew Alaric's zeal in investigating the Fool was for his sake.
"Fine. Instead of letting him poke around blindly, I'll give him some information. It might throw off his investigation, but…" Klein thought of the Antigonus family details he'd uncovered, the dangerous Secret Order, and Alaric's reckless nature, shaking his head.
He wanted more information on the Antigonus family's Fool, but he genuinely worried that Alaric's continued digging would land him in trouble. Before, he'd assumed Alaric was mostly checking old texts, which seemed safe enough. Now, knowing better, Klein wasn't about to let it continue unchecked.
"When Jack gets back from Backlund, I'll have him stop investigating the Antigonus family…" Klein decided, resolving to have Justice Audrey find a way to pass the Fool's honorific name to Alaric.
"But the Tarot Club? Not yet. Pulling him up there would be…" Klein's expression grew odd, thinking of the Roselle and Zoroast diaries. It wasn't quite social death, but having the Fool read others' diaries in front of someone who understood them would be awkward.
"…Is the Fool planning to recruit Mr. Jack as a new Tarot Club member?" After receiving the Fool's response and her new task, Audrey whispered excitedly.
As one of the Tarot Club's founders, she felt a strong sense of belonging and was eager to see its ranks grow.
Alaric had made an excellent impression on her during their meeting.
"But why? Is it because of Jack's friend? Or… he mentioned an ancestor tied to the Fool. Could his family have been followers of the Fool in the past?" Audrey's excitement grew, feeling she'd glimpsed a piece of the Fool's real-world influence.
As a Spectator, she quickly calmed herself after the initial thrill, focusing on how to fulfill the Fool's task.
"I could just tell Mr. Jack the Fool's honorific name directly, but that would expose my connection to Him…" Audrey mused, then her eyes lit up. "Wait, the Glaint family has plenty of old books. I could have Glaint invite Mr. Jack and Miss Fors to browse them, then slip the Fool's honorific name into a book they're likely to read…"
"It might still risk exposure later, but for now, they probably won't connect it to me. And if Mr. Jack joins the Tarot Club, it won't matter if it comes out."
With a rough plan in mind, Audrey began refining the details.
"Audrey's likely reported my activities to the Fool by now. If all goes well, I'll soon have the Fool's honorific name." Alaric thought, stretching as he parted ways with Fors and Xio. He boarded a trackless carriage to a certain street.
Recalling the original story's description of the underground structure where Medici resided, Alaric quickly pinpointed his target: a long-abandoned mansion.
Infiltrating the mansion was child's play for him. He navigated the cluttered living room and descended to the basement, where a search revealed a hidden door leading to Medici's lair.
"I hope this goes smoothly. Though, if it doesn't, no big deal?" Alaric chuckled, opening the secret door and stepping into the passage. After traversing a lengthy tunnel, he reached a stone door.
Instead of opening it immediately, Alaric reached into the air, pulling out a shadowy figure that merged with him.
Pushing the door open, he entered a vast hall teeming with venomous snakes. As he stepped inside, the snakes sensed danger and scattered, leaving the floor largely clear.
***
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