After Audrey concluded her private exchange with The World, she addressed the other members, "Everyone, do you still remember Raphael Collins, that Lunatic we discussed before?"
Some members, like The Hanged Man, nodded, while others simply hummed in acknowledgment.
"Today, someone from the Aurora Order went to recruit him," Audrey said. "He didn't know what kind of Beyonder organization it was, so he wrote to ask me. From his letter, I could tell that he's quite interested in the Aurora Order and actually wants to join them. How do you all think I should reply to him? And how should we handle this?"
She knew well that when it came to things she wasn't good at, she should humbly seek advice from the other members.
"There's actually someone who wants to join the Aurora Order?" Emlyn, The Moon, muttered, "Oh, right, that gang boss is already a lunatic. Joining an organization of lunatics seems fitting enough."
To everyone's surprise, The Hanged Man also chimed in, "I agree."
"Agree with what?" Emlyn was taken aback, "That Collins should join the Aurora Order?"
"Exactly," Alger said, "You may not know this, but precisely because the Aurora Order's members are all somewhat mad, it's extremely difficult to plant informants or undercover agents in that organization. I don't know about other churches, but I know the Church of the Lord of Storms has made several attempts, and every single time, either the agents were discovered or they themselves turned into a madmen."
Leonard, The Star, hesitated before saying, "I haven't heard of the Church of the Evernight Goddess having any inside agents in the Aurora Order either."
Alger leaned back in his chair and smiled, "So, this is a good opportunity. We can let Collins join the Aurora Order. First of all, the man is already somewhat mad. And since he has a cooperative relationship with Miss Justice, we can obtain intelligence about the Aurora Order through him."
As he spoke, he looked toward Miss Justice...
Audrey thought for a moment before saying, "I'm not confident I can predict Raphael's behavior. What if he reveals that I'm a Tarot Club member to the Aurora Order... or that I belong to a secret organization?"
Alger chuckled, "I don't think Collins will be loyal to the Aurora Order. His joining might even be a disaster for that organization. Moreover, while the Aurora Order might have a certain chance of possessing Beyonder characteristics from the Prisoner Pathway, they are unlikely to have the potion formulas for that Pathway."
He then looked toward the lower end of the bronze table, adding, "Meanwhile, one of the Tarot Club members can contact the Temperance Faction. Collins won't easily give up that channel."
'Mr. Hanged Man's analysis is, as always, quite reasonable...' Audrey nodded gently.
At that moment, 'The World' at the foot of the table also spoke in his usual hoarse voice, "I also have a Zombie characteristic here. I estimate he'll need it sometime in the near future."
It was clear he also supported letting Raphael join the Aurora Order.
Alger raised his hand, "That makes things even easier." He said to Audrey, "You can assign him the task of joining the Aurora Order and periodically reporting intelligence about that organization. Then subtly hint that you have a Zombie Beyonder characteristic that can serve as compensation for this commission. I believe the value of intelligence on the Aurora Order will quickly justify a Zombie characteristic."
After all, intelligence on that organization was far too scarce, and the intelligence world operated according to that proverb Emperor Roselle once coined: "Scarcity makes things valuable."
.
.
.
Soon, Wednesday arrived. After hearing Carter's report and receiving Audrey's reply, Raphael quickly formulated a rough plan.
On Thursday morning, Svetlan Wagner, the bear-like furniture merchant who had visited three days earlier, arrived as promised...
As soon as the door was closed, he asked, "Have you made a decision?"
Raphael stood by the window, smoking a cigarette, and said, "After careful consideration, I've decided not to rely on you to solve my immediate problem."
"That's a disappointing answer," Wagner frowned, "Does that mean you're not willing to join that organization?"
"When did I say I wasn't willing to join?" Raphael grinned.
Wagner scratched his head, "Pal, you're confusing me. What exactly are you planning?"
"It's simple. The organization you mentioned sounds quite good, and I very much want to join," Raphael said with a smile, "But I don't want to join while already owing a favor." He stubbed out his half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray, "Do you understand? I want to join that organization because I find its creed of standing against the entire world very appealing, not because I expect to get something from it. Likewise, I ask that the organization not restrict my freedom."
Wagner was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter, "That's the craziest thing I've heard lately. The Oracle was right. You definitely have potential." He paused, then said, "When you resolve your current predicament, I'd like to observe from the sidelines."
"No problem," Raphael nodded, "Come back at two in the afternoon. We'll go visit a few guests together."
After setting the time, Wagner immediately took his leave and hurried off, presumably to report to his superiors...
...
At 1:30 PM, Wagner returned. He smoked a cigar and chatted animatedly with Raphael like an old friend he hadn't seen in years.
At exactly 2:00, having made all the preparations, Raphael boarded a rental carriage and headed to West Borough.
He, Wagner, and Carter rode in one carriage, while four other Mafia henchmen followed in another.
After more than an hour, they arrived at a relatively secluded street in West Borough...
Stopping in front of a townhouse, Carter approached the door and knocked.
A maid answered, glanced at him warily, and asked, "Who are you looking for?"
"I'm looking for Councilor Wood." Carter replied.
The maid shook her head, "The Councilor isn't receiving guests right now."
At the same time, two burly bodyguards inside stepped forward and stared coldly at Carter.
From inside the carriage, Raphael explained quietly, "This is the residence Wood arranged for his mistress. It's not far from his office, so if he has nothing to do in the afternoon, he comes here to relax. Every time he comes, he only brings two bodyguards."
Wagner's expression turned somewhat grim, "If you harm a councilor, we won't be able to help you with the fallout."
"Relax," Raphael patted his shoulder, "Do I look like someone who enjoys engaging in illegal dealings?"
"Yes you do," Wagner said seriously.