Kai walked out of the train, boots touching the dusty platform with a slow, lazy confidence. He gave the attendant a half-hearted wave as the train screeched away, leaving a cloud of smoke drifting through the cold morning air.
He opened his worn notebook, flipping to the latest page.
He read silently, lips barely moving
"Byron Whitmore. You now live a happy life, putting behind the terrible things you have done. And now pretend to be a pastor."
Kai let out a breath through his nose — a mix of amusement and annoyance — then snapped the notebook shut and slid it back into his coat.
He walked toward the city center, taking in Clockspire's tall iron street lamps, ticking clocktowers, and cobblestone paths that echoed every step. As he reached the plaza, a cheerful man blocked his way and said:
"Hello, sir. What brings you to Clockspire?"
Kai smirked, eyes cold.
"Unfinished business."
The man raised a brow.
"So you're a businessman."
Kai responded only with a smile and a small nod as he started walking.
"What's your name, sir?" the man called after him.
Kai didn't slow down.
"Leonardo De Luca."
"Well, Leonardo," the man said proudly, striding up beside him, "I am your tourist guide. Clockspire's finest."
Kai sighed internally.
"I'm sorry, but I don't need one."
"You can refer to me as Klaus," the man continued, ignoring him, "and there is no other choice. You have to have a cicerone since you're new in town."
Kai stared at him for a second.
Should I just brainwash this idiot… or let him be?
It wouldn't be bad to have a temporary friend, he finally decided.
Out loud, he said
"Show me the way to go then."
Klaus brightened.
"Where do you want to go first?"
Kai didn't hesitate.
"I would like to see the Pastor of the East."
Klaus burst out laughing.
"You're joking, right?"
Kai's gaze snapped toward him , cold, and unmoving like a mountain lion deciding on its prey.
Klaus swallowed.
"Okay—okay. He's… not available currently. He's on a baptism tour."
Kai chuckled under his breath.
"That's what I came here for."
Klaus led him through narrow alleys and up stone steps until they reached the tall white structure of the Church of the Orient. Its stained-glass windows glimmered with early sunlight, colors dancing on the floor.
As they reached the heavy church doors, Kai turned to Klaus, meeting his eyes one last time.
"You shall forget ever meeting me. Go home, Live your life."
Klaus blinked once, his expression going blank, then turned and walked down the road without a single question.
Kai watched him disappear, then adjusted his coat and walked toward a nearby stall. He bought a 0097 Fedora and a dark waistcoat, slipping into them like slipping into a new skin.
Then he pushed open the church doors.
Inside, the air smelled of incense and old hymn books. Kai slid into a pew beside an old lady with shaking hands.
He leaned back, forcing a warm smile, and murmured
"What a beautiful day."