Audrey opened her eyes to see herself in the world above the gray fog. In front of her was not the familiar long bronze table; instead, there was a small confession box. This box was similar to the ones used by the Church of the Evernight Goddess.
She looked around, a hint of puzzlement in her eyes.
Is this...
As she slowly opened the door to the confession box, she heard a familiar voice.
"Come inside and sit down."
Audrey was startled for a second, but then followed the instructions of the familiar voice. She was sitting in a small chair, four walls surrounded her—it felt slightly claustrophobic. On the left wall, there was a small window covered by a metal lattice.
So this is what Mr. World had in mind, huh...
"Miss Justice, can we get started?"
As much as Klein wanted to enjoy the company of someone else after being alone for so long, he still had to maintain the image of Gehrman Sparrow.
"Ah, yes, Mr. World. You said you had mental health problems. What's the matter?"
"Well, you see..."
...
So his mental health was weakened by Amon's words, huh... Is that just how powerful the words of a King of Angels are? Mr. World also suffers from identity disorder. He didn't mention exactly how many identities he thinks he is, but I know for sure that he uses the identities of Dwayne Dantes and Gehrman Sparrow.
When Mr. Star, Mr. World, and I went to the Hall of Truth, I was able to listen to Mr. Star's thoughts. He called Mr. World "Klein" in his mind... Is this another identity of Mr. World?
Mr. World, just how many identities do you use? Which one is the real you? Audrey furrowed her eyebrows.
The more she dug into Mr. World, the more she began to be concerned for him. Handling this many identities was not something that someone should even attempt to do, especially Beyonders. Unlike mundane people, Beyonders can lose control!
He also mentioned the extreme loneliness he feels in the Forsaken Land of the Gods. Mr. World is still able to "teleport" outside via having Miss Magician summon him through the Historical Void, but that only lasts about fifteen minutes. It must be very lonely to only see people for such a short amount of time every day!
" Time is up, Miss Justice. We've used up all of the allocated time."
"R-Right, uh, let me just use Placate before we leave. I want to make this a routine to slowly mend your mental health."
The World looked to his right, where he could see a faint outline of Miss Justice through the small window.
"Very well."
Sigh, I wish this could've lasted longer. It felt good to talk to someone for a long time, even if Miss Justice only listened the entire time. Too bad I have an image to maintain. I have to end it now Klein thought.
He received Placate from Miss Justice and then dismissed her. He was once again alone in Sefirah Castle.
...
Backlund, Empress Borough, inside the Hall family's luxurious mansion. Audrey Hall's room.
Audrey came to her senses after being dismissed from Sefirah Castle and immediately called out for a maid.
It wasn't even five seconds before a maid rushed into the room.
"I need a collection of newspapers with dates spanning from last year to the current day. Also, bring me a report of the latest trends in Backlund."
"Yes, my Lady," said the maid as she slightly bowed before quickly leaving the room.
...
Backlund, West Borough, Williams Street.
"Sir, one newspaper please. Also, do you happen to have any copies left from previous months?"
A petite maid stood in front of a small store. This store sold many goods, ranging from high-end coffee to exotic fruits that couldn't be easily found anywhere else. This store also happened to sell newspapers, the kind that was geared towards the nobles of Backlund.
"From past months? Of course! I keep a few copies in the back."
The young man gave her a bright smile and turned around to check the storage room. He began to whistle a silly tune as he made his way to the back.
A few minutes later, he came back with a stack of newspapers.
"Thank you very much, sir. This should be enough, keep the change, my Lady was quite generous."
The maid placed three gold coins on the counter. Audrey collected a large amount of gold coins for a deal with Mr. World and now needed a way to get rid of the excess coins. Giving out a few extra coins to a local shop owner is a good way to give back to the community!
The maid bowed and left the store.
"Thank you!" The man thanked her and waved with his left hand. His words trailed off, but he hoped the maid still heard him as she was leaving the store..
He picked up the three gold pounds, and a smile crept up his face. He could already see himself spending all this money. The reflections of the gold coins shone brightly on the monocle on his right eye.
...
A few days later.
Sefirah Castle, inside the confession box.
Justice sat just on the other side of the iron lattice, fingers laced in her lap.
Klein hadn't spoken in a minute… or five. The silence pressed on like a storm waiting to break.
"You're quieter than usual," she finally said.
"I've run out of clever lies," Klein replied, a dry edge covering something softer.
So everything he's been telling me was lies? Why? To protect himself? Audrey blinked. "You're now going to tell me the truth, then?"
Klein let out a low breath, a half-laugh without humour. "Unfortunately."
To Klein, opening up was something he wished he could do, but found it incredibly difficult. This would be the first time he tried opening up to someone after his transmigration.
"Unfortunately? That sounds ominous," she pointed out.
"It is," Klein admitted. Then, after a pause that lingered far too long: "But less so when it's you."
Hmm? Audrey's heartbeat betrayed her Spectator's usual calmness. "That sounds dangerously like a compliment, Mr. World."
Klein let out a light chuckle.
...
Forsaken Land of the Gods.
It's been a few more days have passed since Miss Justice and I started our one-on-one meetings. I already feel better mentally. It's not close to being back to a healthy state, but at least it's progress…
I'm starting to open up to her, something I haven't been able to do since I came to this world… it feels... liberating, as if something was lifted off my chest. I should be better in a month or two. As for the Tarot Club meetings... There isn't much interesting being discussed
Klein stood up and raised his head to admire the lightning storm in the sky.
I've been stuck here for quite a while, but looking at the beautiful streaks of lightning never seems to get old
That's when something on the corner of his eye caught his attention. It was light!
Light? A fire? An expedition team of the City of Silver? Amon?
The light source appeared to be over a dozen kilometers away.
At least something interesting will happen. Deciding to investigate, Klein's attitude brightened.
He jumped off the roof that he was standing on, or at least the ruins of one.
His army of marionettes followed his footsteps as they began their journey to this mysterious light source.