Above the Gray Mist.
Behind the thick fog, the figure seated on the high-backed chair chuckled, "I've developed another member."
"Looking at his attire, although not as good as Young Miss Justice's, he doesn't seem to lack money."
"Seriously, besides the Sun, why is everyone richer than me?"
The figure materialized a citrine pendant, letting it hang naturally, then whispered.
"He lied."
"He lied."
After silently reciting, the pendulum began to rotate counter-clockwise, but the amplitude was small, and the speed was neither fast nor slow.
"Hmm, he didn't lie, but he made certain reservations. That's not uncommon; who doesn't have one or two secrets?"
"So, it's also true that he provoked an evil god? This urgent motive to seek divine protection makes sense then."
"He has the Great Emperor's diary, so I can speed up the process of, no, collecting the diary."
"In any case, let's bring him to monday's gathering."
The figure stretched, then gradually disappeared into the thick fog.
Also on this afternoon.
The Dock Area was bathed in sunlight, and a passenger ship was berthed at the passenger terminal. On the ship's deck, two figures walked towards the gangway.
These two people had darker skin, slender builds, and sinister faces, as if shrouded in an aura of death. Although they wore formal attire, their clothes seemed ill-fitting, giving off a comical impression of monkeys wearing human clothing.
One of them took off his half-top hat, revealing a head of thick, curly black hair: "The climate here is truly cool. At this time, it should still be quite hot where we come from."
"The air is also very sweet, almost like it's filled with milk. This is a nice country."
Before his companion could respond, a middle-aged gentleman behind them called out impatiently, "Hurry up and get down, don't block the Path."
The slightly corpulent man forcefully squeezed past the two, pulling his female companion with him. As they passed the two, the man sneered, "Monkeys from the South Continent are also learning to wear formal attire. How laughable."
They walked down the gangway and onto the dock.
One of the men with a distinctly South Continent face, a man with almost no expression on his face, opened his mouth. He uttered a whisper that was not the language of any country.
That language carried the aura of death, as if spoken to the deceased. Suddenly, the middle-aged gentleman who had already walked onto the dock stopped, then began to scream as if he had seen a ghost.
He waved his arms like a lunatic, as if warding off something, terrifying his female companion beside him.
Immediately after, the man dropped his luggage and rushed to the edge of the dock, jumping into the water with a splash.
The dock fell silent.
By the time the lady recovered, she screamed, "Save him! Save him! He can't swim, he'll drown!"
Near the dock, there were many Sailors who were excellent swimmers. Several Sailors immediately jumped into the water, while people on the dock also surged forward, forming a circle.
"Let's go."
The expressionless man picked up a leather suitcase and walked away. The curly-haired man behind him put his hat back on, let out a sinister laugh, and followed his companion.
After they left the Dock Area, they hired a metered carriage and entered the city.
Soon, they checked into a hotel. After dismissing the attendant, the black curly-haired man said with a look of reverence, "I never expected such a small task would require you, Lord Carot, to personally come. It is truly my honor to be able to follow you, my lord, to the Loen Kingdom."
"That task is merely incidental, Barry. You must remember, we have a more important mission. We must attempt to awaken It, and this requires many 'materials' and multiple experiments."
The man called Carot said expressionlessly, "We have to admit, Loen is more prosperous and very suitable for performing rituals."
"And that task is just to provide us, through that idiot, with a legitimate channel to enter Loen, as well as identification."
Barry, with his thick hair, bowed his head and said, "You are right, my lord. So, shall I go inquire about the target's current location?"
"No need."
Carot took a black and white photograph from his pocket, then opened the window. A breeze blew in.
He reached out and grabbed something in the wind, then brought his hand to his mouth and whispered, "Go find this person. I want to know his current location."
The black and white photograph in his other hand fluttered left and right in the wind. In the photograph was a handsome young man.
He appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, with short, messy black hair, and a faint scar below his left eye, like an un-wiped tear stain.
On sunday morning, after enjoying breakfast, Lex was looking through the newspaper. He saw an advertisement.
The Red Maple Theater would be staging a play on the evening of the 31st of this month, and among the actors was the popular actress Pamela.
It seems there will be a Beyonder gathering that night. Although he has already joined the Tarot Club, he should still attend the gathering. Having an extra channel is always good.
Hmm, and it also gives him a reason to decline attending Councillor Maynard's banquet.
Lex closed the newspaper and called Matthew over: "You go to the Red Maple Theater later. There's a performance on the evening of the 31st. Book a private box."
"The same one we had last time."
That private box doesn't have a restroom. I can find an excuse to leave, but if I keep having stomach issues, what will Matthew and the others think of me?
Thump, thump, thump.
Footsteps sounded, and Gru came to Lex's side, bending down and leaning in to whisper, "Sir, Detective Robin has arrived."
In the living room, Lex once again met the Detective from Awwa County, Robin.
"Good morning, Mr. Lex. Is there anything I can help you with this time?" Robin was deeply impressed by Lex's generosity. Who wouldn't want to deal with a generous employer?
Lex cleared his throat and said seriously, "Mr. Robin, this commission carries a certain degree of danger. I am willing to pay 100 pounds for it, but you must consider it carefully, because I cannot guarantee your safety."
Robin was stunned for a moment, then responded, "Mr. Lex, our line of work is never without danger. Believe me, I can protect myself. Of course, if the incident is too dangerous, beyond my capabilities, I will still choose to refuse."
But a 100-pound commission doesn't come around often, I hope the danger is within my acceptable range… The Detective's eyes darted around, occasionally glancing at Lex's pocket.
Lex nodded gently: "It's like this: an auditor at the Horse Riding Club on Halls Street recently committed suicide. But I suspect things are not that simple. For some reason, I'd like you to investigate the deceased's experiences over the past month."
"What he did, who he met, what investments he made, and so on."
Robin listened, then smiled, "This job isn't difficult."
"No, please don't be careless. You must be cautious during the investigation. If you feel danger, you can stop at any time. I will pay you according to your work progress, so you won't have worked for nothing."
Lex solemnly reminded him: "Also, no matter what, do not enter the Horse Riding Club. Try to conduct your investigation from outside. I believe you will find a way."
Robin replied indifferently, "Alright, then, what is the auditor's name?"
"His name is Sandy."