"Good afternoon, Mr. Fool~"
With Audrey Justice's cheerful greeting, as always brimming with joy, several figures appeared on the once-empty gray mist. A new Tarot Club meeting had begun.
Audrey Justice followed her usual routine, greeting all the members before her gaze inevitably settled on Derrick.
She wasn't alone. The other Tarot Club members instinctively turned their attention to Derrick, observing his state.
At the last meeting, everyone learned that the City of Silver was on the verge of embracing light, and Derrick was likely part of the advance team leaving the Forsaken Land of the Gods for the Northern and Southern Continents.
Aside from those directly involved, the other members were deeply curious about the City of Silver's current state and whether Derrick had truly left the Forsaken Land.
With no new Roselle diaries presented this time, The Fool, Klein, promptly announced the start of the free discussion phase.
"Mr. Sun, how is the City of Silver doing?" Audrey Justice asked eagerly, turning to Derrick.
With her taking the lead, the other members didn't need to ask, all awaiting Derrick's response.
"Before I left, the City of Silver gained its own sun…" Derrick's face flushed with excitement as he spoke. He gestured animatedly, describing the events to the Tarot Club members. "Later, His Highness Lucifer brought the Chief and our advance team out of the Forsaken Land to a city called Bayam. I've never seen a place like it, and there was so much delicious food…"
Derrick couldn't help but share his experiences in Bayam with the group. Realizing he'd gotten carried away, he scratched the back of his head, sheepish. "Sorry, Miss Justice, you asked about the City of Silver, and I went on about what happened after we left."
"It's fine. I'm happy to hear about your life now." Audrey Justice said, shaking her head with a smile. "I was a bit worried, but it seems I overthought things… So, what's your next step? Is there anything I can help with?"
"The Chief says our main goal is to adapt to life outside, preparing for the rest of the City of Silver to join us. He plans to investigate the Beyonder circles here and see if we can sell some extraordinary materials for money…" Derrick answered candidly, spilling everything he knew.
"I might be able to assist with that." Alger The Hanged Man, who'd been quietly listening, interjected. "I have some connections in Bayam and am familiar with the Five Seas. If you need to sell extraordinary materials, I can help."
"Thank you, Mr. Hanged Man." Derrick said earnestly. "But I can't make that decision. I'll have to tell the Chief first."
Alger wasn't surprised. "I happen to have business in Bayam soon. If it's alright with your side, we could meet in person to discuss."
In the past, Alger would never have proposed a meeting so boldly... he was far too cautious.
But now, a glimpse of Mr. Fool's real-world influence had been revealed, a power far beyond Alger's imagination. It left him trembling with awe and ambition. This was an opportunity, and he had to seize it.
Learning the City of Silver was in Bayam, Alger made his decision. The Five Seas were his domain, giving him natural advantages to connect with the City of Silver's people seamlessly.
Whether leveraging the City of Silver's uniqueness to gain reasonable benefits while aiding them or deepening his ties with them to strengthen his connection to Mr. Fool's forces, both were excellent options for Alger.
As for risks... since the City of Silver now worshipped The Fool, and Alger proposed this during a Tarot Club meeting under Mr. Fool's witness, the risks were minimal.
"Mr. Hanged Man, you're coming to meet me? That's great!" Derrick beamed, genuinely fond of Alger, whom he saw as a consistently helpful ally. He nodded eagerly. "I'll tell the Chief. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to have you as a guest."
"I wish I could visit Bayam." Audrey Justice said, her expression tinged with regret. As a noble lady not yet of age, her freedom to travel was limited to Backlund. Leaving the city required family approval, and a trip to Bayam... or even another Loen city... was out of the question without her parents' consent.
But then an idea struck her. She looked at Derrick. "If you're short on funds, I can lend you some. I could manage about 5,000 pounds or equivalent supplies. Is there anything you need?"
It'll leave me strapped for a while, but after my coming-of-age ceremony in two months, I'll be fine, Audrey thought to herself.
Her desire to help the City of Silver's struggling people was genuine. Her kindness might have limits, but it was sincere.
"Thank you, Miss Justice, but we're okay for now. If we do need funds, we'll reach out." Derrick said, thanking her earnestly.
"How's Amon treating you?" Alaric asked, breaking his silence. He hadn't checked on the City of Silver lately and wasn't sure how Amon was handling things, only that no one had run into trouble.
Derrick paused at Alaric's question, then realized that as His Highness Lucifer's student, Mr. Emperor likely knew of Amon's existence. He quickly answered, "Mr. Amon has been very good to us. He arranged new housing, supported us in building better homes, and taught us the language and writing of the outside world…"
Derrick spilled the details like pouring beans, and from his account, Alaric could tell Amon was doing a surprisingly solid job. Food, shelter, and necessities were well-handled, and Amon hadn't neglected teaching the City of Silver's people essential knowledge like language, writing, and history.
***
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