Benson arrived home late that day.
He had to make up for the funeral expenses.
Even though it wasn't really a funeral—still, Benson had tried his best to give his little brother an appropriate final journey. He was still in a sour mood.
The older brother entered the rented terrace, calling out to his sister. "Melissa!"
No one responded.
He looked around some more.
"Melissa!"
After the second shout he started to feel a pang in his chest. Oh no. Please, no!
Benson lit the gas lamp that belonged to Klein before, the one he spent so much time working just so that he could continue his studies at home.
He twisted the valve a couple of times, and soon enough—light entered the room.
From the corner of his eye, the man in his mid-twenties noticed a written paper.
He picked it up and read it thoroughly.
Benson, I left for the Church
I'll be back soon.
Melissa didn't expand on the reason, she wasn't the most religious person, but still attended the Church's sermons every Sunday.
Only, it wasn't Sunday.
Nonetheless, at the small note, Benson let out a small breath of relief. She is safe. She is still alive. Don't worry.
He kept himself weary, careful to not make the same mistake with Klein again.
The man forced himself to calm down and get something to eat.
Some time passed, the stone-like rye bread dipped in 'soup' with some poor quality tea hit the spot like no other.
Before leaving, it seems like Melissa had prepared some dinner, she didn't wish to leave her working brother starving after a long day.
He wasn't sure how much time had passed, as the silver pocket watch was still broken, Melissa couldn't find the motivation to fix it.
They had half the heart of burying it with Klein's body, but Melissa thought otherwise—saying it would be a waste.
Sigh. Benson let out a heavy breath, he was still uneasy. The crimson moonlight had long shown its face across the heavy sky, making Benson's hair stand on end.
But not even two minutes after, he heard the handle twisting, and from behind the wooden door entered Melissa.
She wore her usual dark blue dress, but without a bonnet and no gloves. Her usual cheap accessories were also missing, as if she left in a hurry.
"Good evening." She said in an even tone.
"Where have you been at this hour? Do you understand how troubled this poor man's heart has been?" Benson wasn't used to raising his voice towards his younger siblings, but he felt that this time it was rather appropriate.
"At the church. Didn't you see the note I left?"
Her chin moved towards the only desk in the small apartment, the one that still looked somewhat usable and not worn down by humidity and time.
She hoped that he wasn't as mad, as there was no way to guess how much the Church would keep the young lady.
Benson was very trustful of his siblings, but this time it didn't feel quite right. "Are you sure that's where you've been?"
Melissa let out a long sigh, tired and rubbing her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure."
"Alright." He didn't press on, opting to stay quiet and let her do the explanation.
Instead, Melissa took out a few banknotes from the innermost pocket of her dress, displaying it to the man.
Benson looked at them, his eyes widening.
They were pounds!
Gold pounds!
"Wha—Where did you get such money?" Benson started panicking.
"Melissa! Return them this instant! We can't do such things!" He nearly raised his voice, grabbing the money and even thinking of throwing them out.
However, his small bit of greed stopped him in his tracks, and also Melissa's attempt at grabbing them back.
Her panicking voice rang out, as her changed instantly.
"No! No, wait! I can explain!"
"What can you explain?"
Huff! Huff! She finally got them out of his grasp."I got a job." She defended herself.
"What kind of job?" But Benson was still skeptical. It seemed he got the complete wrong idea.
Drowning in embarrassment, Melissa put her hands up in the air and started explaining thoroughly and slowly, so that no more misunderstandings will be formed.
Of course, she will only give the explanation that the church provided her with.
"I was given the job as a workshop assistant at the Church. I took the exam today and the examinators said I passed."
"Today? Why hadn't you told me? I've never even seen you prepare!"
"It wasn't written but more practical. I've been assembling and disassembling stuff my entire life!" She gave a reasonable clarification, and it wasn't exactly a lie either as her passion for machinery wasn't broken even by the countless classes at her school.
It would be crazy to say she didn't wish to be granted such a position, only—those of their class rarely got the opportunity.
"And this money..."
"They know of our current predicament so I was given an advance of two months. I need money for parts and tools, otherwise I won't be able to make anything."
"Isn't that given by the Church too?"
"W-well it is! But, I also need to fund my own. Don't worry, the pay is pretty lofty even with the advance."
The job itself wasn't that hard. Benson knew about the way the Church of Steam handled their workers and knew about the presence of workshops. A line of work which Melissa always wished to have.
Now, she was studying under a Master—this is what the owner of the workshop was called.
From her own knowledge and deduction, Melissa realized that her new teacher was an extraordinary, or a Beyonder by their terms.
Most likely a high level one too...
There were other aspiring assistants under him, and she will learn how to cooperate with them soon enough.
"I will formally start tomorrow, you can take this money and look for a better place to stay in."
"Melissa..."
He sighed again and plopped down on the wooden chair with a loud thud.
Then, he smiled. "A place to live? Weren't you the one who said we should save up?"
She nodded. "I did. But, my coworkers are all fancy people. If I invite them here I'll be a laughing stock!
"Moreover, what if you find a girlfriend? Will she live here with us too?"
The sister gave her best reasoning.
Also, if I wish to become a Beyonder I'll need a secluded space. This is a cramped apartment with many other tenants. What if I bring them misfortune?"
That inspector lady mentioned how dangerous her work is, and I do not wish to test that out!
She raised her head up high.
"So quit that nasty job of yours! I'm tired of seeing you work so much for so little!"
She finally removed a stone that had been stuck in her heart. Melissa knew how hard Benson worked for the two siblings, how late he came home and how little free time he had.
She was tired of it.
"You can look for a better job soon. I'm sure there will be better opportunities."
Benson didn't say anything, instead just stared at her tenderly.
"I always wished to study like the both of you."
He didn't truly have the opportunity, having to work every day of the week for his siblings and basic living conditions.
"Then what are you waiting for! Everything will pass if you don't grasp it."
"I'm already old, there's no way a fossil like me can learn something."
"A fossil? If you don't stop with the self-deprication I will punch you!" She was joking of course. But her brother's comments about himself really angered her.
He's not old at all. In fact, it's never too late to learn!
His smile widened. "But I never received any education. What if I make a fool of myself?"
"I'm seriously going to punch you."
"Hahahaha!" He laughed to his heart's content. Benson had never seen his sister's angry look before.
"You look like an angry kitten."
"Hmmph!" She snapped her head to the side, refusing to look at him.
She actually feels like a young girl now. I was tired of seeing Melissa act so much like an adult.
"But aren't you too young for a job?"
"That's why I'm an assistant! Also, they mentioned that it's better if you start young."
"Alright, alright. Just invite me over some time. I really want to see what you're doing there."
Hearing that, Melissa panicked internally. One of the clauses for being allowed to work was to not disclose this to anyone, especially people that aren't even affiliated with churches—such as Benson.
She thought for a second then came up with an empty promise.
"Maybe one day. I'm not sure if at the workshop, but when I'll have my own, you're immediately invited!
"Now, choose a nice suit and go look for housing tomorrow. I'll be at the church most of the day. But I'll be home by evening and see what you chose.
"Yes ma'am!" He laughed some more.
***
Amanises got out of bed, staring emptily at the rising sun.
Her sleep schedule was now all over the place as there was no need for midnight walks anymore for digestion.
She wasn't busy that day, continuing her mysticism studies alongside Old Neil, spending time with her teammates and eating out a couple of times.
Gradually, she felt her already small pouch growing smaller.
Why must everything good be so expensive!
Amanises hadn't taken much out of Evelyn's savings from Backlund, leaving them in the account.
So, if she spent all her money here Amanises would have to head back to Backlund to take some more.
I don't feel like going. I'm too lazy for that!
Luckily, her innate trait of saving money during college came in handy.
I should have enough.
As she was ruminating over her unnoticed spending problem, Amanises heard the sounds of footsteps approaching across the Spirit Domain' great hall.
It was none other than the romantic poet, Leonard Mitchell.
"Planning to leave?" His smile turned cocky a little, as if he pretended to be casual.
"Yes." She gave her signature greeting by bowing her back. "I want to head home for the day."
"Why do you want to sleep at night? A mere 4 hour nap in the afternoon is enough."
"How do you know I plan on sleeping? Maybe I just wish to read a book by candlelight from the comfort of my bed?"
Leonard froze for a second, but soon his easygoing smile was back. "Daly often talks about how you continue to sleep at night, despite not needing to."
Wasn't Daly the one who told me heading out after my digestion was pointless? Sir Protagonist, your excuses are getting worse.
"You were right anyway. I still wish to sleep at night. It makes it feel more—human." Her voice stopped at that word, as if it sounded alien.
Leonard let out an imperceptible sigh of relief. He was trying his best to dispel whatever doubts Evelyn's head could cook up.
"Anyways, your advancement has received a response."
"Really?" She raised an eyebrow. "That early?"
"Well, of course! How long did you think it would take?"
Days, maybe even weeks...
"So, when can I drink the potion?"
Leonard put his hand around his chin, giving the impression of a thoughtful man. "Hmmm, we first need to acquire the ingredients from the Castle of Elpahel and get an available higher-up to supervise you."
Couldn't the one who accepted it supervise me? How busy can these guys be?
She wore an annoyed expression.
Leonard let out an awkward chuckle. "Hehe, ahem! It won't take more than two days, I promise. I can't supervise you since I'm not that trusted within the organization yet."
Figures, I don't trust yo ass either!
He put a hand on his chest as if reciting poetry. "But do not worry! I'm diligently building it up! Even the Leader Himself will see me as trustworthy. Given enough time, of course." He spoke the last part in a hushed voice.
Had it been for me, I would've had eyes on you twenty four hours everyday!
She quickly scanned the area, not noticing anything suspicious.
I better hope that He didn't share my train of thought, hehehe… The nervous laugh in her mind almost seemed to echo.
"Well then, I shall be here in two days time for my advancement. Thank you for your notice!"
She quickly gave a small bow as a goodbye, then left abruptly. Not letting Leonard get another word in.
What a hurried woman. He thought with a chuckle.
***
The clock showed way past midnight as Amanises quickly put on a black fluffy robe over her camisole, one that almost doubled as a bath robe.
She headed for the pantry.
Eyeing the stacked goods, she let out a sad sigh while her gaze moved to her feet.
Taking out the small charm, the woman assumed a praying position and chanted The Fool's name.
"Mr Fool, I have memorized another diary page."
Without leaving her a second to spare, she was quickly pulled above the gray fog.
…
Standing at the side of the long mottled table, Miss Death straightened her back and offered a small greeting to the one sitting at the head.
Should I say good evening? Or perhaps it's morning already?
She didn't finish that thought, as a yellowish page was materialized before her.
The illegible characters appeared one after another, and then flew right into The Fool's hand.
After He was done reading, He turned back to Lady Death as if waiting for her words.
She stammered for a bit, then cleared her throat. "I'm being watched."
"I'm aware."
He gave nothing but a small sentence. It seemed like He was already informed of Amanises's intentions.
She was testing Leonard.
He told me that he wasn't trusted by the organization, and also emphasized building trust with the Leader Himself!
What if he wants to bring me to Him as a traitor!
Amanises's plan was to bring Mr Fool to know about this. Perhaps He could even take measures!
Make him forget ever interacting with me!
"Everything will pass given time."
Is he telling me to just let it go? Perhaps I misunderstood Leonard's intentions?
His words then turned into a breathy chuckle, "If we keep our heads up, of course."
Her agitation was brought to an end by The Fool's words. Tranquil entered her nerves, and her breathing took a regular pace.
"Alright. I trust your insight."
Mr Fool offered nothing but a smile.
She took it as a cue to initiate some small talk, bringing Him up to date with her affairs.
"I solved the mystery regarding Klein Moretti, however we can't do anything regarding the notebook since the initial mission was done by the Church of Steam and Machinery."
"Did you glance at the contents of the notebook?"
"I haven't." She shook her head then recalled something. "But I was able to grasp something from Klein's internal monologue.
"He believed that it was written far longer than the Fourth Epoch, perhaps the Third or even the Second.
"Moreover, the contents were written in Roselle's writing system."
She paused and then found the courage to ask. "Mr Fool, are you interested in this notebook? Perhaps I can steal it from the Church? We're building an informant for now."
He chuckled and then shook his head. "That notebook has no use for me. Do not burden yourself with it."
"Oh, alright." She could've put in some effort to get it, that would sure amount to a crazed total of information from Him.
What a shame! Well, it would be useless if He doesn't want it.
"Also, since my digestion of Sleepless was completed, I submitted an application for advancement to Sequence 8. It got accepted quickly and in two days I should be able to consume the potion."
"Well done. Your progress is significant."
"Thank you." She once again lowered her neck in reverence.
Mr Fool sighed. "It's time for you to leave now. The eyes left."
The eyes?! He didn't follow me in person? How cautious!
"Thank you, once again!"
The deity waved his hand once and the connection was cut instantly, the woman exploded in a wave of crimson light and vanished.
…
Amanises appeared back in the pantry, putting away the charm back in her inner breast pocket and going back to bed.
The shadow that stretched over the window retreated back as if it got all it needed.