Alger's narrowed eyes betrayed a storm behind their calm surface. The turbulent seas he had crossed, both real and metaphorical, did not compare to the gravity of what he had just heard. Even though 'The High Priestess' seemed to be a scholar, it seemed he wasn't very street smart. Alger shook his head as if disappointed and re-evaluated 'The High Priestess's' image in his heart.
How could he not have noticed that the Nighthawks were involved the moment he gave that statement. They were even living with him in his own house! No, perhaps it was a good thing he didn't notice that as knowing that could result in him acting unnatural, quickly getting exposed.
As for the dream interrogation, he can't think of any way to avoid that. After all, no one can control what they see in their dreams. Yes, the approach taken by 'The High Priestess' was a good choice and the only option given his situation, but it was useless.
The Nighthawks are surely involved. He practically invited them by dropping that detail about the mirror. Not a bad move, though, it was smart, in a way. But… dreaming of an object? Hoping to outmaneuver a professional beyonder by influencing your own subconscious? That's like playing a song and hoping the conductor doesn't notice the wrong notes.
After all, in Mr Priestess's own words, beyonders from the Sleepless pathway could guide his dreams by influencing his subconscious. That would make his method useless, only acting as a means to show that there was nothing wrong with him initially.
Depending on the experience of the beyonder team assigned to him, this would even look suspicious! He understood 'The High Priestess's' thought process and knew that this was basically a huge gamble, depending on the interrogator asking the right questions. It was extremely risky!
Alger also has another big concern in his mind. Did the Nighthawks know about the existence of 'The Tarot Club'? They were bound to know even if they didn't notice during the dream investigation, they would surely find out about it when they would proceed with the memory wipe process. Would this organisation be dismantled just as it was in its very earliest moments?
No, said Alger after calming down, thinking with reason. They had used code names instead of their real ones. 'The High Priestess' shouldn't have seen their appearance just like he couldn't see his.
Thinking this way, even if the existence of 'The Tarot Club' is exposed to the Nighthawks, he was certain he would not get caught. After all, he was a member of the Church of the Lord of Storms. Not only was that a perfect disguise, he was also confident in his ability to not expose himself as a potential member should a witch hunt begin.
It turned out that Mr Fool had thought out everything, he was worried for nothing. Alger sat motionless, the mist curling faintly around his boots as he stared ahead. Inwardly, his thoughts stirred with a rare flicker of gratitude. So, this was your intention, Mr Fool… Calling this matter to light before it was buried. Subtle, but deliberate.
As for 'The High Priestess' he wasn't concerned anymore, after all there's nothing he could do. If he actually managed to survive till the next meeting he would follow his instructions to tell his future self about what he told them. If he didn't then he would be 20,000 pounds richer.
He glanced at the main seat from the corner of his eyes and saw Mr Fool sitting nonchalantly. This confirmed his guess. After a few moments, he spoke, his tone sharp, analytical.
"I would say that you did the best thing you could given the situation. I promise to remind your future self by telling him what you told me" said Alger looking at Arthus as if he had one foot in his grave. Of course Arthus couldn't see The Hanged Man's facial expression and thanked him genuinely.
"Thank you Mr. Hanged Man!"
On the other hand,
Audrey was frozen in place, her bright green eyes wide with disbelief beneath her elegant golden curls. Despite her training, despite her efforts to mature and think like a true Beyonder, this was the first time she'd heard such a vivid and harrowing account from someone her own age, someone sitting just across from her in this mysterious, mist-wreathed hall.
Her first instinct was to pity him. Burned alive? Survived? Lied to the authorities and walked a razor's edge between concealment and exposure? He's lucky to be alive, she thought, tightly gripping the edge of her seat.
Audrey couldn't help but admire his courage. Or maybe it was desperation. Either way, it struck a chord within her.
He must be terrified, and yet he came here with a plan and a request. That's more than many could manage under such a pressure.
She glanced at Mr. Fool, wondering if this was all part of some greater intention. Did you summon us today for this? To help him? Or to prepare us for what lies ahead…?
Resolving herself, Audrey gave a small, graceful nod. No matter what happens, I'll help. That's what companions do.
Her voice rang softly through the fog, calm but firm. "Don't worry, Mr. Priestess. I'll remember your request"
High above the fog, on the throne that suited his station, Mr. Fool remained motionless, his hands steepled before his mouth, his eyes obscured by the weightless mist that never touched him. He said nothing, as always, but inwardly Klein's thoughts stirred.
The Demoness Sect, the Nighthawks, subconscious interrogations… He couldn't help but feel lucky as he saw himself in 'The High Priestess', after all it was very similar to his own situation. However, he had a way to stay lucid during the dreams, perhaps due to his connection with the mysterious grey fog, unlike Mr Priestess. Not only that, he was now an official member of the Nighthawks, Mr Priestess didn't have his luck and would probably lose his memory of the incident. Could he try to cure his memory loss with the help of the mysterious grey fog? Thought Klein to himself.
Soon an awkward silence enveloped that great hall. This time lasting a minute. After staying silent for a while, no speaking after Mr Priestess finished sharing his story perhaps lost in their thoughts.
Soon, he brought this matter to the back of his mind and spoke, breaking the silence while maintaining his unfathomable image as The Fool and caressing the side of the bronze table with his fingers.
"Since we are sharing some interesting stories, I also want to share one. The Secret Order just lost an Antigonus family notebook"
This news was not only known by the Nighthawks from Tingen City. The Secret Order as well as Beyonders with close ties with them similarly knew.
"An Antigonus family notebook?" Alger repeated before smiling with a shake of his head. "I'm really curious as to what reaction the Church of the Evernight Goddess will have if they learn of it"
Why would he mention the Church of the Evernight Goddess? Klein acutely sensed a problem, but it was not appropriate for him to ask.
That would shatter his image as the mysterious and profound Fool.
At that moment, Audrey asked out of curiosity, "Why are you curious? What sort of special reaction would the Goddess's church have?"
Alger smiled and said, "The Antigonus family was destroyed by the Church of the Evernight Goddess.
I'm not really sure if it happened at the end of the Fourth Epoch or the early stages of the present epoch"
This... Klein's pupils constricted as a chill suddenly swept through him.
From the looks of it, the value the Nighthawks have placed on this Antigonus notebook far exceeds my imagination!
The reason why they nominated me as a Beyonder having some contribution and to prevent danger to me are likely negligible reasons, is that they wish for me to raise my spiritual sensitivity to aid them in finding the notebook.
This was not kept from me by Captain. He had mentioned it, but I just didn't pay much attention to it...
After hearing The Hanged Man's explanation, Audrey said with deep interest, "I never imagined that such a thing would happen…
Alright, my turn. Let me think of what I have to share"
She cocked her head and held her head up with her hand before chuckling trying to lighten the solemn mood that had spread across the great hall.
"Yesterday, my etiquette teacher taught me how to faint, how to faint elegantly without any faux paus. It's a practical skill used at social events to avoid awkward situations or nasty guys... Heh heh. I was just organizing my thoughts"
Then she started speaking again in a serious tone saying "What I really wanted to say is that ever since the failure of the battle on Balam's eastern shore, the king, premier, and gentlemen are under immense stress. They eagerly wish a change to occur"