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Chapter 17 - # Chapter 17: The Busy Mr. Devil

Having received Mr. Devil's response, Klein's mind became active. In truth, what he most wanted to ask was about the 'Spectator' pathway, but that would seem far too deliberate. After a brief thought, he spoke, "I'd like to ask... do you know of any sequences that can 'create coincidences'?"

Hearing Klein's question, Snow's expression shifted slightly, and he intentionally wore a mocking look as he said, "Why do you think a mere Sequence 9 like me would know something like that? Don't you think you're holding me in a bit too high an regard?"

'You weren't saying that earlier!' Klein grumbled inwardly, but he understood that such knowledge likely wasn't something handed out freely to new acquaintances. He suppressed his disappointment and said with feigned nonchalance:

"I was merely asking. By the way, regarding Lanevus--do you have any of his personal belongings?"

"Unfortunately, no. Although I found his former residence, he is clearly a clever fellow and left no clues behind. The reason I wanted to find a Diviner was to see if anything could be found from that nearly-emptied house." Snow spread his hands helplessly. Klein immediately pressed, "Where is that house?"

"62 Howes Street." Snow provided the intelligence he had gathered from his 'future knowledge', then gave a meaningful smile. "I still have a criminal record with the authorities, so I won't be going with you. If you find any clues, please come to Room 203 of the Fragrant Tree Inn on Champagne Street to find me. Oh, and here are the funds."

With that, he pulled two gold coins with a beautiful luster from his breast pocket and placed them on the table. He donned his silk hat once more and turned toward the door.

Watching Snow walk away, a sense of realization suddenly dawned in Klein's mind--'He mentioned before that official Beyonders don't know the Acting Method. In other words, in his eyes, I am actually a member of some secret organization? Right, the Secret Order! Mr. Devil must have mistaken me for someone from the Secret Order! So, his goal is actually to pass Lanevus's intelligence to the Secret Order? He mentioned the Captain earlier, and on the surface, he's still a member of the Aurora Order... what exactly is he trying to do?'

Klein could vaguely sense a thread connecting everything, but due to his lack of mystical knowledge, he couldn't quite bring them together.

After a moment of hesitation, he stood up. Although he didn't know what Mr. Devil was plotting, he knew that investigating Lanevus's house should be fine. Well, he'd have to divine for danger first.

With this in mind, Klein prepared to leave the Divination Club. Before departing, however, he turned back and picked up the gold pounds from the table.

'Mr. Devil is truly generous--two pounds in one go!' Klein carefully tucked the two gold coins into the inner pocket of his formal suit, then gathered his belongings and headed out. But before he could leave, a familiar figure entered through the doorway--it was Mr. Glacis, who had previously come to him for a divination regarding Lanevus's investment.

...

'Everything is going smoothly.'

Ordering afternoon tea at a restaurant across from the Divination Club, Snow sat quietly in a spot where he could see the club's entrance. It wasn't until a young girl wearing a lotus-leaf hat appeared that he finally relaxed.

He pulled a gold coin from his pocket and tossed it high into the air. As the coin landed in his palm, he stood up and left the restaurant.

Returning to the inn, Snow completed his routine physical training. After a quick wash, he returned to his room and began writing a letter:

"Respected Mr. A:"

"You will never believe what I have discovered! Although Hanass Vincent was an idiot, he managed to do one thing exceptionally right! That swindler, he succeeded!"

"While I do not know how he accomplished it, today I caught sight of a lady--please forgive me for being unable to find a more suitable way to address her, for she is carrying the Lord's child!"

"You do not need to verify this again; I can guarantee that everything I say is true! As you know, as a Secret Supplicant, my intuition in this regard is absolutely reliable! That lady is undoubtedly carrying a child of God, one possessing the Lord's divinity!"

"Praise be to our Lord! I cannot wait to see the scene of the Lord's child being born!"

"However, amidst such good news, there is an unforgivable interference!"

"That lady carrying the Son of God has actually come into contact with a Nighthawk pagan! Although the Holy Son's majesty prevented him from looking directly, you must understand that this is, after all, a hidden danger."

"I am merely a Secret Supplicant and have no way to protect the safety of the Son of God. Therefore, I implore you, O Oracle, to come in person to ensure the Son of God can be born smoothly."

"Your Lord's faithful servant, Snow von Pandrax."

...

As Snow watched Mr. A's messenger carry the letter away, he let out a long sigh of relief. Based on the speed of Mr. A's messenger, he would arrive in Tingen the day after tomorrow at the latest.

An evil god's child in Tingen would be a massive disaster, but if it were in Backlund, it would be nothing more than a common occurrence.

Stretching his body, Snow drank a glass of warm milk to relax his mind and body. Then, he began the final task of the day:

"The Fool that does not belong to this era; You are the mysterious ruler above the grey fog; You are the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck..."

The honorific name, recited in Ancient Hermes, echoed within the spiritually sealed space, turning into layered whispers that spread toward the astral world. In this environment, Snow clasped his hands together against his forehead and, in a respectful tone, began his daily prayer before sleep...

...

'Mr. Devil has started praying again! Having such a devout believer... I really don't know whether to be happy or sad!'

At 2 Daffodil Street, Klein--who had just finished his bath and was preparing for bed--heard the repeated murmurs in his ear. He immediately knew it was Mr. Devil praying again.

Even so, he didn't just ignore it. He returned to his bedroom and took the four steps to enter the grey fog.

He had heard the story of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf'. If he really ignored it and one day someone else actually sought help at this time, what would he do?

Arriving at the head of the long bronze table, Klein watched the crimson star that was constantly contracting and expanding. He sighed inwardly, 'Truly a Devil,' and extended his spirituality to touch it.

Intending to listen to the "recording" and then head back to sleep, Klein listened to a few sentences. Suddenly, he froze. The face hidden behind the grey fog began to turn serious...

[Translated and Rewritten by Shika Kagura]

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