Above the eternal gray fog.
"Everyone, there's been a serial murder case in Backlund recently. I was wondering if any of you had heard about it."
Mr. Fool's reading time had ended.
After finishing the exchange of transaction information, Justice Audrey eagerly brought up a topic.
Behind the bronze table, the Tarot Club members reacted differently.
A serial murder case. Oh right, the one involving demonic worship rituals.
The Fool, Klein, seated at the head of the table, quickly recalled the details from the newspapers.
He was somewhat curious why this matter would draw Justice's attention. Was it because it happened in Backlund, where she lived?
"I'm at sea, but I've heard about it too."
The Hanged Man, Alger, said in a low voice.
He'd been at sea recently, only occasionally docking at ports where he could receive news from the capital. "What, they still haven't caught the culprit?"
"So far, no."
Audrey shook her head. The large emerald gold earrings at her earlobes swayed gently, complementing her green eyes in an interesting way.
"That's a bit strange. The official Beyonders in Backlund shouldn't be that incompetent, right?"
Alger frowned.
The Sun, Derrick, listened to their exchange with a blank expression.
Backlund... that seems to be the capital of that kingdom called "Loen."
A capital is the largest city in a nation-state. From what they're saying, there's a case happening there...
He struggled to understand, relying on the knowledge other members had previously explained to him.
"...However, I now have some information obtained through secret channels. It's related to this case, but it might not be entirely accurate."
Just then, Justice Audrey suddenly threw out a rather enticing topic.
"If we want to know, do we need to pay a price?"
Alger's eyes flickered as he asked.
"No, because I can't guarantee the information is completely accurate either."
After glancing around the circle, Audrey said, "The serial murders might have two culprits. One of them is named Lanevus."
Lanevus!
The instant he heard that name, Klein felt his mind explode with a boom.
Isn't that the guy who tried to create an evil god's spawn in Tingen?
He's in Backlund now too?!
In that moment, Klein recalled his days in Tingen, his former colleagues, and the Captain.
Involuntarily, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, as if smiling.
"Is there something special about this name?"
Alger asked, puzzled.
"He's a wanted criminal. In the official report, he's described as a cunning fraudster who nearly swindled ten thousand pounds under the pretense of starting a steel company."
Audrey said. "I don't know what happened to him, but all the women he killed had their bodies burst open from the inside out by twisted masses of flesh."
After the incident ended, she'd naturally looked up the name Silas had mentioned and quickly discovered a wanted criminal with the same name.
From the results, the photo of the wanted criminal matched the face she'd seen on the flesh mass that day perfectly.
Several days had passed since the incident at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.
Because of her noble status, the official Beyonders hadn't made things difficult for Audrey.
They'd only questioned her about the situation at the time. With the help of her potion, Audrey claimed she'd fainted from fright and seen nothing, easily fooling them.
However, when Audrey's mother learned about her adventurous outing, the usually gentle Countess Hall became very angry and temporarily grounded her.
She wasn't allowed to go out for the time being and could only stay home obediently, studying etiquette, grammar, philosophy, and other courses.
Just when I learned about a major secret, at the critical moment to launch an investigation...
Justice Audrey thought regretfully.
It seems I can only rely on Xio and Fors.
Actually, she'd also wanted to take the opportunity to ask the Tarot Club members if they knew what pathway a Beyonder who excelled at manipulating flesh and blood and could hide in shadows belonged to.
But thinking of that man's bizarre and insane state, and the agreement not to reveal information about him, she hesitated and ultimately didn't speak up.
"Everyone, I brought this up today because I want to investigate Lanevus and would like some advice from you.
Lanevus is a cunning fraudster who's also being hunted by the authorities. Why would he commit serial murders, and why would he use such methods?"
Audrey asked.
Alger folded his arms and thought for a while.
"I've heard about rituals involving demon worship that include murders targeting specific individuals.
This aligns with Lanevus's behavior, but as for the flesh masses in the victims' bellies, I don't know about that."
He said hesitantly.
"Tap, tap."
Just then, at the head of the bronze table, Klein lightly tapped the edge of the table with his finger.
Swish. All three simultaneously stopped talking and looked toward the lofty figure at the head.
They heard Mr. Fool say softly from behind the ethereal gray fog, "The True Creator."
The True Creator?!
The three couldn't help but change expressions slightly.
So Lanevus's case actually involves an evil god!
"Mr. Fool, are you saying this matter has the True Creator's shadow?"
Alger lowered his head respectfully, showing his reverence.
"Lanevus carries the True Creator's aura."
Klein answered with a light laugh.
He wasn't lying. After all, Silas had transferred the evil god's divinity into that guy's belly. Come to think of it, could he actually be pregnant?
Thinking of the bizarre and comical image of a man pregnant with an evil god's spawn, he didn't know whether to laugh or not.
Everyone fell silent for a moment.
"If you launch an investigation into Lanevus, I hope you can notify me of the results in a timely manner."
Alger looked at Audrey and said seriously, "I can pay compensation."
"I understand. I will."
Audrey also nodded slowly.
She hesitated slightly about whether she should entrust this matter to Xio and Fors. Could they handle it?
Oh right, as long as I have Mr. Fool's words...
She quickly turned to face Klein.
"Mr. Fool, if there's progress in the matter, or if a situation arises that I can't control, may I pray to you?"
Audrey was delighted to see that after a moment of silence, the lofty figure nodded slightly.
"You may."
Klein also wanted to know the news and was worried about having no way to bring it up.
Though feeling somewhat guilty, he still maintained his mysterious and inscrutable image.
If worst comes to worst, I'll contact Mr. Azik...
He thought silently to himself.
---
Noisy sounds from outside the house woke the groggy Silas.
Opening his eyes, he found himself sitting on the living room sofa. He didn't see his sister.
The commotion outside continued. It was a young girl's immature but deliberately firm voice.
The voice was somewhat familiar, seemingly belonging to his new landlady. Besides her voice, there were more rough curses from men.
She got into trouble this quickly?
Silas lowered his head and used his teeth to bite open the belt restraining his arms.
Then, using his freed hand, he unfastened the straitjacket and stepped out the door.