The archbishop of the Church of Steam? That would surely be a half-human, half-divine existence... and someone like that was actually killed by a demoness?
Upon hearing the news, "World," "Hanged Man," and the others all felt the "Demoness Sect" must have gone mad. They had just caused the "Great Smog" incident in Backlund not long ago, and now they were provoking the authority of the Church of Steam? Did they think they were in a position to act so recklessly?
You're demonesses, not hunters!
The "Magician" Fors had no sense of being a devout follower of the "God of Steam and Machinery." She wasn't angry or saddened—she simply showed a look of realization, finally understanding why those bishops had looked so grim.
"Which archbishop was it?" "Justice" Audrey asked with a touch of concern.
Although she was a believer in the Goddess, she had met Archbishop Horamick a few times. She had a very good impression of that kindly, knowledgeable old man and didn't want him to have been the one harmed.
"It was Archbishop Ramiel Surry of Tosque, Intis," "Judgment" Xio replied directly, without withholding the answer.
Surry… "Hanged Man," "Moon," and even "Justice" and "Magician" all turned their gazes toward "Tower." He had just asked about the Surry family's origins—was it for this very matter?
Klein, however, thought even further. He knew that the Surry family had originally been settled in Tosque by Roselle, and something had even been hidden within that family…
Could the demoness have been after something Roselle left behind? After all, the Emperor had some murky connections with demonesses. Who knows what secrets he might have spilled in bed…
But why is Mr. "Tower" looking into this? Did he receive some intel? Or is he simply planning to avenge Miss Fanny's kin?
While Klein was wildly speculating, Ebner didn't react to the others' curious looks. If it were only his own secret, he might have spoken up—but the matter in Tosque had been initiated by Edwina. Revealing a friend's secret without permission went against his principles.
At this point, the "Hanged Man" Alger spoke thoughtfully: "Through certain channels, I've heard something… Archbishop Horamick of the Church of Steam had a brief encounter near the border of Loen with an unknown demigod. The latter paid a price and managed to enter Intis, and Horamick did not pursue him further.
"I suspect this matter might be connected to Archbishop Surry's death."
It was likely a demigod from the Fless family, who had been escorting confidential embassy secretary Johnsen back to their homeland, that Horamick intercepted… Unfortunately, Fanny had already received a telegram from her family, confirming that Johnsen had safely returned to Trier… Horamick had ultimately failed to stop him.
Still, that might be for the best. Since Johnsen was one of Mr. Surry's direct enemies, it would be more fitting to leave him for Fanny to take revenge on herself.
With this thought in mind, Ebner saw that the others either knew little or nothing of value, so he didn't continue with the topic. Instead, he turned his attention to the "Sun" and asked about his progress.
Upon hearing Mr. "Tower" ask about him, Derrick instantly perked up. He eagerly recounted the detailed process of how he handed over the "compact powder case" Mr. Tower had given him, how the Chief had responded, and ended with, "The Chief told me to find a way to persuade the other members of the 'Six-Person Council'... Is that a hint?"
That was practically a direct indication… "Tower" had predicted correctly—the higher-ups in the City of Silver were also yearning for "contact"! The "Hanged Man" glanced at the "Sun" and subtly shook his head, silently sighing: He's made some progress, but he's still too green. Just a few words and the other side pried out everything about him… Luckily, that Chief is equally eager for him to serve as a 'bridge.' Otherwise, the Tarot Club might've lost access to the City of Silver's resources…
Ebner, on the other hand, had a different perspective. He felt that a straightforward and honest kid like Derrick would instead give Colin peace of mind. After all, in the "Demon Hunter's" view, the fact that their side had chosen such a kind and pure child to serve as a liaison was itself a sign of goodwill.
It was just like how Lilith sending Emlyn to join the Tarot Club had convinced Klein that she was "investing," not harboring malice.
If it had been some old schemer instead, Mr. Fool definitely wouldn't have accepted him.
As these thoughts turned in his mind, Ebner praised Derrick with a "Well done," then carefully added:
"You don't have to worry about persuading the Six-Person Council. I've already prepared the materials—at the latest, I'll be able to pray to Mr. Fool tomorrow morning to have them delivered to you."
The secret technique course for the "Violet Perfect Recovery Method" had already been recorded, and the Impressions of Backlund documentary series was nearing completion. Once he bought another dozen or so Dissie pies to "send" along with it, the "meeting gift" would be substantial enough.
"Alright, Mr. 'Tower'." The "Sun" Derrick responded with a mix of anticipation and unease.
He was looking forward to the "secret arts lessons" from Mr. Tower helping the Chief and the others truly realize the goodness and benevolence of Mr. Fool and the Tarot Club members.
But he was also uneasy… afraid that he might end up ruining everything.
While "Tower" and "Sun" were speaking, the "Hanged Man" merely listened without interrupting. Once their conversation ended, he gave Derrick some additional guidance on a few details. After receiving Derrick's heartfelt thanks, he changed the topic and said:
"Lately, the Sonia Sea has been relatively calm.
"Only the First Fleet of the Rorsted Archipelago Navy, while pursuing 'Vice Admiral of Ailment' Tracy, encountered a detachment under the 'King of the Five Seas' and engaged in battle.
"In the end, Admiral Emelius Levitt was ambushed by a newly emerged 'Witch of Fire' and then emotionally triggered by a 'Witch of Wind,' which caused him some injuries and forced him to retreat."
Witch of Fire? Don't tell me that's my fault? Ebner silently apologized to the admiral he had only met once in the dream labyrinth tower.
But even though I have confidence in my work, those transformed 'witches' shouldn't be capable of truly injuring a demigod…
Did they have other powerful sealed artifacts on them? Or… did Emelius deliberately hold back, using this incident to set something in motion?
Or perhaps he was set up by someone from the Twilight Hermit Order? Hmm, that's very possible. If I recall correctly, in the original story, around this time, his brother got involved in something the members of the Twilight Hermit Order didn't approve of, and they even sent someone to warn the admiral.
Taking a bold guess, maybe that Hermit Order member saw an opportunity when the two 'witches' with magic wands appeared and gave a little push from behind the scenes to trap Emelius…
Once the admiral was injured, he naturally wouldn't have the ability to interfere with his brother's plans.
Thinking it over, it's quite the 'coincidence' for the admiral hunting Tracy to run into pirates returning with the 'magic wands.' It fits the style of that organization.
While Ebner reconstructed the event in his mind, Klein pondered for a moment and then had the "World" speak in a hoarse voice:
"I also happened to hear of a major incident at sea."
Then, after hesitating for a few seconds, he solemnly asked the Fool at the head of the table:
"Honorable Mr. Fool, may I share the matter regarding Bansi?"
Mr. Fool tapped the edge of the ancient long table a few times with his fingers and, with a tone tinged with reminiscence, replied leisurely, "You may. Medici currently poses no threat to you."
Originally, Klein had intended for Mr. Fool to bring up the "Red Angel" matter, which would prompt Mr. Hanged Man to report it, but considering that both "Temperance" and "Tower" had been present during the encounter with that evil spirit in Backlund, if the explanation sounded too similar, it could arouse suspicion. So, it was safer for "World" to handle it.
Bansi… must be Bansi Harbor. The "Hanged Man" Alger recalled the situation there, and while "World" was organizing his words, he took the opportunity to explain to the confused "Justice" and others:
"That place has a tradition of live sacrifices, with the offerings made to an evil spirit called the 'God of Weather.'
"In the overseas colonies and on the Southern Continent, there are still many similar evil spirits. On the surface, they seem to have been wiped out, but in reality, they still survive in strange forms. Many people drop dead in those regions…
"But what Mr. World is about to mention likely has little to do with those rituals."
After all, what kind of evil spirit could truly deserve Mr. Fool's attention?
This Tarot Club meeting ended here. The rest of the meeting content mostly followed the original storyline, so it was omitted and would only appear in future recollections.
(End of Chapter)