Regarding Roger's confidence, while Hanass was somewhat surprised, he also found it reasonable.
After arriving at the Divination Club today, he'd heard that a powerful astrologer had recently registered as a rotating Seer, even setting divination prices twice as high as his own.
Since he knew all the other Seer in the club, seeing the unfamiliar Roger wearing a Seer's cufflink naturally identified him as that newcomer. Hanass subconsciously wanted to test the newcomer's level.
After all, Hanass was quite confident in his own divination abilities. He didn't mind others charging higher fees than himself, but that person needed to demonstrate qualifications commensurate with their prices.
"You should know that the astronomical phenomenon of Saturn opposition has recently occurred. May I ask—combining this with the current overall social situation—what enlightenment can such a stellar aspect give us?"
Saturn opposition refers to the astronomical phenomenon where Saturn, Earth, and the Sun align in cosmic space, with Earth positioned between the other two celestial bodies.
Recently, various newspaper media including "Tingen Morning Post" and "Tasok Post" had reported on this phenomenon, well-known among stellar enthusiasts despite receiving minimal coverage. Roger naturally knew about it.
"Saturn represents contraction, loss, and restraint, while the Sun relates closely to everyone's self-esteem," Roger spoke unhurriedly and eloquently.
"The opposition aspect creates a tense, confrontational relationship. This indicates that the economy and people's lives are about to enter a relatively difficult period, with a duration cycle of at least several months."
Hearing his interpretation, quite a few listeners showed panicked expressions.
Recently, relations between the Loen Kingdom and Feysac Empire had grown quite tense, with many voices pointing out the risk of large-scale war breaking out between them.
Seeing this reaction, Roger added, "But I don't consider this entirely negative. During difficult times, people have more opportunities to organize themselves and listen to their inner voices—especially those aspects usually suppressed and avoided, what some psychology papers call the 'shadow.'
"This way, we all gain more opportunities to understand ourselves and become more 'authentic' people."
Roger clearly sensed Hanass Vincent's particular attention to him, which was why he'd initially set his divination fees at exactly twice the other man's rates.
At this moment, he borrowed astrological interpretation to secretly convey remarks quite aligned with "True Creator" faith.
Hearing these words, Hanass Vincent's originally somewhat contemptuous gaze shifted to approval.
He couldn't help but applaud. "This gentleman speaks correctly. Indeed, life isn't entirely satisfactory, but as long as we listen to God's teachings and regularly reflect on ourselves, we'll always find a way forward."
Then he continued, "You are indeed a learned person. May I ask how to address you?"
Roger was secretly delighted, knowing his earlier maneuvers had gained Hanass Vincent's recognition.
"Metes Bonway. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Vincent."
The two shook hands amicably, which restored the originally somewhat dampened atmosphere.
Quite a few people kept glancing at this newly arrived "Mr. Bonway," momentarily even ignoring the strange cat on his leg.
After all, Seer who could earn Mr. Vincent's praise weren't common.
After the sharing session ended, Hanass Vincent actively approached Roger, who stood in response.
"Mr. Bonway, at this current time, many Seer are either limited in knowledge—deceiving and swindling—or they deliberately speak comfortingly and blur the truth after foreseeing a client's unfortunate future.
"But I feel these approaches are inappropriate. As you said, things always have bright and dark aspects. Sometimes listening to the darkness is also a necessary attempt."
After speaking, he produced a business card and handed it to Roger. "This is my card. I heard you recently came to Tingen from Backlund. If you encounter any difficulties here needing assistance, please contact me anytime."
"Much obliged," Roger nodded.
"You're welcome. By the way, your cat is very charming."
Hanass donned his hat, smiled slightly at Bandit on Roger's shoulder, then lightly touched his hat brim with the top of his walking stick, politely bidding farewell to person and cat alike.
"The first contact was very successful."
Facing Hanass's challenge, Roger had cleverly used rhetoric to guide the astrological question toward hidden faith issues, causing the other party to abandon his hostility and show goodwill instead.
He examined the exquisite business card in his hand, knowing this was a signal that Hanass was willing to maintain further contact and assess whether he could be developed into an Aurora Order member.
"Once I join Aurora Order, I'll have access to mysticism gatherings where I can buy and trade potion materials."
Although Roger had brought as many auxiliary materials for the "Judgment Star" pathway Sequence 8 "Clamorer" as possible before leaving the family station, he was still missing two rather rare materials.
Considering his lack of official Beyonder background, he could only purchase through mysticism gatherings.
After all, as an unofficial Beyonder, subsequent advancement relied either on oneself or connections.
"Speaking of which, the 'conspicuous' potion is just one step away from complete digestion."
Roger had just summarized another acting rule for "conspicuous":
Being conspicuous isn't entirely negative; on the contrary, truly conspicuous people know how to attract others' goodwill and admiration at appropriate times.
Just as he pondered this, he suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind.
"Meeting again, Mr. Bonway."
Roger was slightly startled. Turning around, he saw Klein Moretti, who had apparently entered at some unknown time.
The other man's cuff also bore a cufflink marked with "Seer" in Hermes language roots.
"Right, Klein has already become an Beyonder," Roger realized, though he maintained surface composure while shaking Klein's hand.
"I didn't expect you to also be an excellent Seer. Your discourse on astrolabe divination just now was exquisite—I was almost entranced listening."
Klein smiled, but Roger detected a trace of wariness beneath it.
"What I said earlier could easily be associated with evil god faith. Could this fellow countryman be suspecting me out of professional instinct?" Roger mused briefly before responding.
"You flatter me. I simply feel that our current era contains many ignorant and backward thoughts. Ordinary people's minds still need enlightenment and civilization."
Roger again deliberately emphasized the words "current" and "era."
Hearing this, Klein's expression shifted from calm to serious.
"Earlier at your home, I had a question I wanted to consult about, but I'm uncertain if it's appropriate to discuss."
After a moment, Klein spoke carefully.