The way a Prometheus peered into other people's thoughts was an advanced application of the "Decryption" ability. At its current stage, it could only "see" the memories that the other party treasured most and that left the deepest impression.
And what the man downstairs, who had given up on committing violence, cherished most was naturally his wife and children, which was why Hazel had been able to notice the anomaly.
In fact, Hazel's guess was not wrong. In the original course of events, this man had indeed attempted to assassinate Councilor Macht, but happened to be stopped by Fors, who was protecting Dawn at the time, and thus failed.
"Still, I didn't expect him to be Alex's father…" Ebner sighed inwardly, but he had no intention of helping much more. After all, Alex was merely the former fiancé of one of his classmates. He was not familiar with him in the first place.
Next, after discussing matters related to the "film company" with Hazel, Ebner glanced through the window at Vogt, who had just exited the stationery shop next door, and then smiled and said, "I still have things to attend to, so I won't continue watching how you interview that gentleman."
"No matter whether he is suitable or not, I will help him pay for his son's surgery," Hazel said. Although she very much wanted to help the man, she was still clear about the boundary between public and private matters. She could not bring an unsuitable person into the company simply to help someone.
"Pay attention to the method," Ebner reminded her with a smile.
After all, Hazel was nominally the daughter of that man's "enemy." If she mishandled it, a good deed could easily turn into a bad one.
"I know…" Hazel nodded.
If it were her in the past, she definitely would not have considered such details and trivial matters, but her experiences at the Harvest Church over the past year had truly made her grow a great deal.
After taking a few looks at her "River of Fate" and confirming that there were no major problems, Ebner bade farewell and turned to leave. Then, with a single step, his main body crossed over to Intis, while the Owen avatar, under the enhancement of "Psychological Invisibility," swaggered toward the headquarters of MI9 at No. 9 Bellotto Street in the West District.
It was worth mentioning that after Alvin's revival, as long as a Worm of Spirit was attached to the psyche of the Owen avatar, it could remain "connected" to the main body at all times… simply put, Ebner's control over the "Owen" avatar was no longer restricted by distance.
With the Owen avatar's Sequence 4–level "Psychological Invisibility," it was invincible against low- and mid-sequence Beyonders, but it was somewhat insufficient when facing demigod-level Chaos Hunters and Law Mages.
Moreover, Ebner had no intention of deliberately erasing the traces he left behind, so his arrival quickly drew the attention of those who were watching closely.
However, Ebner paid it no mind and headed straight for Vera's office—his purpose in coming here was precisely to inform the Loen royal family that "Owen" had arrived in Backlund and could meet with George III at any time.
This was the agreed-upon method of meeting that he and Vera had settled on that night.
Princess Vera, who was working at MI9 headquarters, naturally also noticed Ebner's arrival. She opened the door and ushered him into the office, then smiled and said:
"'Master,' welcome back… would you like me to serve you now?"
Looking at the princess before him, who was gradually "getting into character," Ebner helplessly shook his head and said, "Your Highness, stop playing around."
He was absolutely certain that the Loen royal family was incapable of monitoring the movements of this former archangel… or rather, whatever they managed to monitor would only be what Vera wanted them to know.
"One has to leave some traces in the office, after all… otherwise, how would they believe that you really are 'Lust'?" Vera joked as she personally stood up and brewed a cup of tea for Ebner, then continued, "Those people from the Loen royal family will probably have to wait until after dinner before they can summon you.
"After all, the fact that Zaratul is attached to you must have exceeded their expectations. They are surely in an emergency discussion right now, adjusting their strategy toward you.
"So, we have plenty of time…"
Ebner nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this, then sternly rejected the princess's suggestion.
As for the issue of "traces," as a Cognizer, what traces could he not fabricate? What information could he not falsify? Even if the main body was absent, he could simply have Alvin, disguised as Zaratul, pull out a projection.
…
Queen's District, inside the luxurious mansion of Earl Hall.
Audrey, who had just returned from watching Titanic of the Ice Sea at the cinema, was enthusiastically discussing the plot she had just seen with her mother and brother. At this moment, Earl Hall, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly turned his head and looked at his daughter:
"Audrey, you should know that I have already discussed the matter of the 'Academy Awards' with the Viscount of Berdan…
"And at the end of that discussion, the young man proposed holding a ball this weekend—first, to announce the formal establishment of the 'Academy Awards,' and second, to organize a charitable fundraiser…
"Mm, he plans to use all the proceeds from Titanic of the Ice Sea and The Snow Queen to establish a 'Charitable Foundation.' The total value will definitely exceed one hundred thousand pounds, and I also plan to contribute ten to twenty thousand pounds…
"Didn't you say before that you wanted to work in a charitable organization?
"Are you interested in joining this foundation?"
"Huh?" Audrey had actually already sensed that her father might have such an idea. At this moment, she appropriately displayed surprise and confusion.
"Father, the reputation of Ebner Bryan is not very good," Audrey's elder brother, Hibbert Hall, interjected.
His impression of Ebner had never been particularly favorable, and at that ball, after his companion was perceived as a "Demoness" by Ebner's female companion, Hibbert's impression of him worsened even further.
In his mind, if the other party had not been meddlesome, he would not have embarrassed himself so badly or been scolded by his father.
Earl Hall smiled and shook his head:
"The personal reputation of the Viscount of Berdan is irrelevant. Moreover, as an unmarried young man, he has the right to choose his own lifestyle. There is no need for others to interfere…
"In addition, quite a few people have already come through me seeking an invitation to the 'Academy Awards' ball!
"Why do you think so many nobles, councilors, and wealthy individuals are eager to participate?"
Hibbert Hall frowned slightly and said while thinking, "Advertising or improving reputation?"
At the same time, Audrey also gave her own view:
"Because of the influence of films?"
Earl Hall nodded and sighed:
"Films, as carriers of information, are easier for people to accept and identify with… and they can even reach the illiterate poor!
"And as suffrage continues to expand downward, the nation will sooner or later include all citizens within the scope of elections."
He looked at his eldest son and shook his head inwardly, then looked back at Audrey and said with a smile:
"You don't need to force yourself. It's just a suggestion…
"Also, you don't need to worry too much about the Viscount of Berdan's poor reputation. He will not take a position in the foundation. Only an agent will be stationed there long-term. I will instruct him to arrange a female one."
"Father, I'll think about it," Audrey replied seriously.
In fact, Audrey was not opposed to the industries of Mr. "Tower," but she also could not appear too enthusiastic, lest her father grow suspicious.
…
At night, inside a secluded room of the Soderak Palace.
George III sat upon the throne, looking at Owen, who walked in with an arm around Vera. He curled the corner of his mouth and said bluntly:
"Owen, long time no see… aren't you going to introduce us to the new friend attached to you?"
(End of chapter)