What Miss [Justice] is saying is pretty much the same as the information Xio got from the masked man...
[The Magician] Fors listened to their exchange, nodding thoughtfully.
Although she already knew the full story, hearing someone else recount that scene of frenzied slaughter still made her feel somewhat frightened.
Mr. Anderson's subjective goal was to rescue the victimized girls, but his methods were truly extreme, inspiring awe and fear.
Mr. Fool's favored one is way too dangerous!
Fors stole a glance at the lofty figure at the head of the long table, thinking to herself. By now, she had determined that Anderson was the Fool's favored.
However, since Mr. Fool didn't plan to openly explain this, she naturally wouldn't tell anyone else about it either.
So Fors remained silent, quietly listening to them discuss the matter.
"Will the deaths of these high officials and wealthy merchants affect the upper echelons of Backlund?
How does the upper class view people of the same class being slaughtered like this?"
[The Hanged Man] Alger asked.
"Well, I haven't really considered that."
[Justice] was somewhat taken aback after hearing this. "However, those people already had pretty bad reputations in upper circles.
I'd guess most people are happy to see them meet with misfortune?"
"Not necessarily."
Alger shook his head slightly, saying flatly.
Even if there were conflicts among the upper class, they remained internal. Once an external attack appeared, they would all feel endangered.
The gray fog fell silent for a moment.
"Everyone, I've actually run into a troublesome matter recently..."
After the discussion of this matter ended, [The Sun] Derrick turned to everyone for their opinions.
It turned out that "Silver City," where he lived, had discovered ruins of the "Fallen Creator." He had been assigned to the team exploring the ruins and would be departing soon.
Moreover, the leader of the exploration team was none other than that Beyonder of the Secrets Suppliant pathway, the Sequence 5 Shepherd Elder Lovia.
He was somewhat worried, unsure whether this operation would be dangerous.
"My advice is, don't go!"
[The Hanged Man] said bluntly. "Unless you want to die."
Next, he began teaching [The Sun] how to pull some tricks, pretending to lose control or fall ill to avoid the expedition.
Seeing his hesitation, [The Hanged Man] skillfully employed moral manipulation, elevating his evasive behavior to the noble height of protecting Silver City, fooling young Derrick completely.
Listening to their conversation, Fors had the urge to cover her face.
Although Mr. Sun is quite tall, he should still be young in age, making him seem rather naive.
He's being completely played by Mr. Hanged Man... Well, of course, this is also for his own good...
After Alger dealt with Derrick, the gathering time was almost up.
"Then, today's gathering will end here."
Klein said in a calm tone.
"Your will is our principle."
Audrey, Alger, and the others simultaneously rose and bowed in respect toward the head of the table.
Streaks of crimson light scattered one after another. Above the gray fog, the ancient palace once again returned to tranquility.
---
"Phew..."
Fors opened her eyes and stretched from the chair behind her desk.
Although she had already attended two or three gatherings, she still felt awe and shock at that world above the gray fog and Mr. Fool who presided over everything.
To casually pull one's spirit to such a strange place, probably only a deity could do such a thing... Right, I need to quickly tell Xio about that matter.
Fors pushed back her chair, left her bedroom, and came to the front of Xio's room.
"I have some good news I forgot to tell you."
She knocked on the door and said with a smile after entering.
"What, you have a lead on your new book?"
Xio was concentrating on maintaining her triangular-edged thorn in the room and asked without looking up.
"...Not that yet."
Fors's face darkened for a moment, then she rallied. "It's good news about you.
I've joined a new Beyonder circle, and someone there is selling Beyonder materials for the 'Sheriff' potion. It's 600 pounds total."
Xio's motion of wiping the triangular-edged thorn paused, then she suddenly looked up.
"You're not joking?"
"Of course not."
Fors said. Seeing her friend's shocked expression, she couldn't help but smile.
"The organizer of that gathering has the ability to distinguish the authenticity of Beyonder items and is very reliable.
The only problem is the assessment is strict, so I can't bring you in for now."
"That's wonderful!"
Xio threw the triangular-edged thorn onto the bed and said with delight. "If it's 600 pounds, I can buy it! Miss Audrey's payment is enough to cover it."
From the previous matter of investigating Lanevus's whereabouts, although it wasn't ultimately successful, Audrey had still given them the full payment of 1,500 pounds as compensation for the danger they'd faced.
"Alright then, give me the money and I'll bring the item back later."
Fors was also happy for her friend.
Xio didn't yet know about the relationship between Beyonder characteristics and potion materials.
She could explain it to her after bringing it back.
Speaking of Miss Audrey, Fors soon remembered another matter.
"Say, should we take Miss Audrey's new commission?"
She asked Xio.
Xio, who had been excitedly pacing back and forth on the ground, pumping her short legs, suddenly stopped. After a moment, she looked at Fors with some hesitation.
Since it was Miss Audrey's commission, the money would definitely be sufficient. The only problem was it was too dangerous.
They'd either be hunted by pirate generals or encounter curses from evil god spawn.
But she gives a lot of money...
The two looked at each other with conflicted expressions on their faces.
"However, she said this task is very easy," Fors said. "Perhaps we can first go ask about the details, then consider whether to accept?"
"You're right."
Xio immediately nodded.
Purchasing the potion materials would cost 600 pounds, which would significantly reduce her cash. If there was an opportunity to replenish it, she was quite willing.
The two took a carriage to the Count Hall's villa in Queens Borough.
Previously, direct meetings with Miss Audrey had been at Viscount Glaint's residence or at outdoor horse tracks.
But this time, for some reason, Miss Audrey had directly invited them inside the villa.
Since Audrey's house arrest had ended, Xio and Fors successfully passed the gate guards and met with her.
"Bodyguard work? 20 pounds per time? We'll do it!"
After hearing Audrey's description, Xio and Fors agreed without hesitation.
Following behind Miss Audrey to attend some balls and salons sounded completely safe, and they'd get 20 pounds each time. What a windfall!
The two looked at each other, their eyes full of eagerness and emotion.
This time, there was finally an easy and profitable commission!
"I'm glad you can agree."
Audrey, wearing an exquisite green gown, smiled reservedly. After a moment, she continued, "However, my mother has some requirements for you."
"What requirements?"
"She said... she's not confident about your abilities and wants to have our family's guards test you."
Saying this, Audrey became somewhat embarrassed.
The smiles on their faces had barely bloomed before they froze at these words.
The Count's guards?
Can we win against them?
---
A few more days passed after the Capim incident. Silas finally saw news of the gathering in the newspaper.
Ernst Trading Company had started purchasing goods again, indicating the gathering would be held tomorrow night.
I'll go see what Backlund's Beyonder gatherings are like... Klein's side has news, saying the Beyonder materials were sold.
That's really great, even faster than I expected...
I've been lying low for a while now. Since surveillance has relaxed, besides attending the gathering, what else should I do?
Silas prepared to review his current situation.