The following afternoon, in a luxuriously decorated villa in Queens.
In the parlor, guests mingled with one another, enjoying afternoon tea and exquisite pastries. The ladies discussed the latest fashion trends and amusing gossip, while the gentlemen shared their thoughts on music and literature.
The study door remained firmly shut, isolating the four people inside from the lively chatter beyond.
Audrey Hall, dressed in an elaborate lace-trimmed gown, gracefully reached for a plump envelope beside her and handed it to the two women seated across from her.
"Thank you for your generosity, Miss Audrey."
Hugh Dilcha, wearing knight's practice attire and sporting a head of unruly blonde hair, accepted the envelope and opened it to inspect the bills inside.
This was their payment for risking their lives investigating "Hurricane Lieutenant General" Qilingos—crisp new pound notes that still carried the scent of fresh ink.
Beside her, Fors Wall leaned in to examine one of the bills Hugh had pulled out, confirming it was a large ten-pound note.
Ten pounds per note, and with the envelope so thick, how much could there be in total...
Clutching the envelope that clearly contained far more than the originally agreed-upon sum, Hugh stared at Audrey in bewilderment. The latter wore a gentle smile, her hands folded elegantly in her lap as she regarded the two "investigators" she had hired to look into Qilingos.
"I'm truly sorry for the dangers you encountered during your investigation. There's eight hundred pounds here in total, including compensation for the unexpected risks. You may divide it between yourselves as you see fit."
Eight hundred pounds... Even split evenly, combined with my savings, I could afford the "Sheriff" potion formula.
Hugh squeezed the envelope again, half-convinced she must be dreaming.
She wanted nothing more than to tear open the envelope right then and count every single note. This wasn't because she doubted the beautiful and generous Miss Audrey—it was just that... what if the person who had counted the money had made a mistake?
Beside her, Fors was quick to press down Hugh's hand before she could lift it.
To do such a thing in front of two nobles would be utterly graceless!
Her eyes conveyed this warning clearly.
Viscount Glaint, seated on the sofa nearby, cleared his throat lightly, drawing their attention before speaking.
"What about the 'Apothecary' formula I need? Was there any new information at yesterday's gathering?"
Due to the irregular scheduling of Extraordinary gatherings, he and Audrey didn't attend every one of Mr. A's meetings, instead having these two Extraordinaries represent them.
"My apologies, Viscount Glaint. Your purchase requests are still posted at the gathering, and it appears no members possess these formulas. However, we've recently made contact with someone from the Psychology Alchemists," Fors reported on yesterday's gathering details before turning to Audrey. "Perhaps we'll soon have leads on the 'Spectator' formula."
"I truly look forward to the day I become an Extraordinary," Audrey replied with a gentle smile, her eyes revealing a trace of excitement—subtle, yet perceptible to everyone present.
The group continued chatting about rumors from their respective circles and sharing mysticism knowledge. Compared to the noisy salon outside, this felt more like a small gathering of like-minded individuals. Viscount Glaint rarely put on noble airs, and Miss Audrey was remarkably approachable, allowing the initially reserved Hugh and Fors to quickly relax into the friendly atmosphere.
...
Using her "Spectator" abilities to subtly guide the conversation, Audrey led her two Extraordinary friends to express curiosity about the viscount's book collection. Once they had begun browsing the shelves, she quickly massaged her somewhat stiff facial muscles before resuming her perfect smile.
Through multiple interactions with Fors and Hugh, she had grasped both women's preferences and made corresponding arrangements in Glaint's study in advance.
Soon, these two candidates she had selected for the "Tarot Club" would come into Mr. Fool's view. Through His confirmation, it would be determined whether they were qualified to join this more elite and secretive Extraordinary gathering.
Observing the two women by the bookshelf without showing any sign of her attention, Audrey finally breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Hugh take down that copy of The History of Ruen Kingdom's Nobility.
Inside the book was a page from Emperor Roselle's diary, with what appeared to be a translation on the back—but was actually The Fool's honorific name written in ancient Hermes.
The curious Hugh would surely attempt to recite it upon discovering it. And Mr. Fool had said that merely invoking His name would bring one into His sight. Once they passed Mr. Fool's examination, the Tarot Club would gain new members—members she had recommended, members aligned with her faction!
Of course, they would first and foremost belong to Mr. Fool...
Audrey silently added this clarification to her thoughts.
Knock knock—
The study door was rapped upon, and then Audrey's personal maid, Annie, entered.
"Miss, Mr. Howard has returned from the bank. He has something to report to you."
Howard was the manager of Audrey's "private accounts" used for purchasing Extraordinary materials. When Audrey attended this salon, she had asked him to withdraw some cash from the bank for use at next week's Extraordinary gathering.
After Annie announced him, he entered the study, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead without sparing a glance at the others. He approached Audrey and said in a low voice:
"Miss, the two thousand pounds you requested have been safely delivered back to the Earl's manor. However..."
He hesitated, seemingly feeling that such a trivial matter shouldn't trouble his mistress, but ultimately decided to report it anyway.
"One of your anonymous accounts has received an additional three hundred fifty pounds. Though it's a small matter, I felt you should know."
Three hundred fifty pounds was indeed a small sum, but why would money appear in my account for no reason?
Audrey's brow furrowed slightly as she reviewed her financial situation in her mind. Suddenly, she recalled where she had encountered this exact amount before.
"Which account?"
"The one at Backlund Bank..." Howard provided the account name.
The one I use for the Tarot Club?
Audrey immediately remembered this account's purpose. It had only been used once, and only one person knew about it...
"I checked the deposit time and location. It was two days ago, right here in Backlund, in the Hillston district."
"Thank you, Howard. You and Annie may leave now. I still need to chat with my friends."
Watching Annie and Howard exit the study and close the door behind them, Audrey's face maintained its unchanging smile, though her heart had already begun to surge with turbulent waves.
Miss Queen, who had requested a long leave of absence from the Tarot Club and vanished without a trace, had actually appeared in Backlund?
As a fellow woman, Audrey paid particular attention to this mysterious "Queen" at the Tarot Club. Based on the information and conversation content she had revealed during meetings, Audrey had initially speculated that she resided somewhere between Tingen and Enmat Port, and might even have connections with official Extraordinaries in that area.
She never expected they would be in the same city.
Watching Hugh and Fors finish borrowing books from Viscount Glaint and walk toward her, Audrey formulated a plan.
"Miss Fors, and Miss Hugh," she displayed a smile that could melt any ice, "could you help me with one more small favor? I need to find someone in Backlund."
"She's a young lady from Tingen City in Ahova County who recently arrived in Backlund..."