On the very night that Cecilia drank the potion and became a Beyonder, next door to their neighbors at 2 Daffodil Street, the Moretti family was discussing the most popular play of the moment.
"The newspapers are all saying that 'The Return of the Count' is a play worth seeing.
It's already broken records in Backlund, performing for dozens of consecutive shows, all sold out.
The troupe is now on tour and will soon arrive in Tingen. I think we shouldn't miss this opportunity."
"Today is Monday. We can buy tickets for this weekend evening and all go together to experience popular art."
Klein spoke earnestly, trying to persuade his brother Benson and sister Melissa to go see the theatrical performance.
Since transmigrating, he had been exhausted dealing with various incidents and rarely had a chance to enjoy entertainment.
Well, according to Rozanne, Silas has already taken his sister. The two of them had a wonderful, memorable time at the theater.
I can't fall behind. Although watching a play isn't as immersive as watching a movie, I can only blame Emperor Roselle for not being capable enough to push the world into the electrical age...
He joked to himself about his colleague and transmigrator predecessor.
Looking at his family, Benson was already tempted, but Melissa still hesitated somewhat.
Klein knew his sister liked machinery, so he used the mechanist supporting character in the play to attract her, successfully making her change her mind.
Just as he was proud of gradually learning how to persuade Melissa, a buzzing sound suddenly came to his ears, and a sense of dizziness arose in his mind.
Someone was praying to him.
Afterward, Klein made an excuse to leave, entered his bedroom and locked the door, created a wall of spirituality to seal the room, then walked four steps counterclockwise, recited the incantation, and arrived above the gray fog to receive the message.
It turned out that [Justice] Audrey was transmitting information to him seven times.
At the ball she was attending, she had encountered someone suspected to be Qilangos.
Qilangos was one of the seven pirate admirals. He had infiltrated Backlund for unknown purposes. Previously at the Tarot Club, [The Hanged Man] Alger had issued a bounty to everyone, hoping to find traces of him.
Learning this news, Klein didn't delay and immediately transmitted the corresponding scene to Alger.
After this, he leaned back against the bronze chair, tapping the table with his fingers thoughtfully.
Why would Qilangos appear at a ball organized by Duke Negan? Could it be that he wants to assassinate a certain guest attending the banquet?
Requiring a pirate admiral to take action, the target might very well be the Duke himself.
It's probably involved in power struggles among the upper echelons again.
Klein shook his head, giving up on this brain-burning activity. Just as he was preparing to leave the gray fog, his mind suddenly turned, and he thought of the previous case of Sharon.
At the time, due to ritual interference, divination had yielded no results.
Although Silas later provided a direction for investigation, they still hadn't locked down the culprit. Perhaps he could try again here?
Thinking of this, Klein immediately manifested paper and pen, wrote on the white paper the divination statement "the true culprit who killed Sharon," then recited it seven times silently, closed his eyes, and leaned back against the chair, entering a dream...
————
The next morning, Silas got up early. He hadn't slept very well last night, worried about Cecilia's situation.
Best to find an opportunity soon to refine the Bottled Life Form and ensure sister won't be harmed by the flesh bomb... Preferably outside the house, in a place where Ma'am M can't directly see.
Silas looked at the black silk thread wrapped around his finger.
The goddess had left him one more chance to block Ma'am M's surveillance. He planned to use it on Cecilia to help her remove the curse.
For now, he had only found this one Witch's heart, so priority would go to his sister.
As long as his sister's life was no longer threatened, his freedom would be much greater.
Leaving home and boarding the public carriage, he refused the goodwill of strange women as always and headed to Blackthorn Security Company.
"Extra! Extra! [Hurricane Lieutenant Admiral] Qilangos shot dead in Backlund!"
"Extra! Extra! [Hurricane Lieutenant Admiral] Qilangos shot dead in Backlund!"
As the carriage traveled to the corner of Zouteland Street, Silas suddenly heard newsboys hawking. They waved newspapers, circling around the carriage, shouting.
Qilangos? Seems like one of the seven pirate admirals. Isn't he supposed to be at sea? Why would he die in Backlund?
Silas felt somewhat puzzled. After getting off the carriage, he pulled out a penny and bought a copy of the Tingen Morning Post from a newsboy's hand.
Unfolding the newspaper, the headline was the news of Qilangos being shot dead: "Great Pirate Qilangos Shot Dead in Backlund by Duke's Bodyguard."
The news content wasn't long, just laying out the specific information.
A great pirate rampaging the seas runs to the capital, where national power is strongest, to assassinate a prestigious grand duke.
If you tell me there's nothing suspicious about this, I won't believe it.
Silas shook his head, thinking to himself.
From his understanding, these great pirates and grand dukes were definitely all Beyonders.
At that ball, there must have been an intense battle between Beyonders.
His gaze casually browsed downward as he slowly strolled toward the company.
Suddenly, after seeing a certain official notice, his body shook violently. He stopped.
"Official Wanted Notice: Suspect in Duke Assassination Attempt"
On that wanted poster was a photograph showing a middle-aged man with gentle features and somewhat dark skin.
His eyes carried an indescribable weariness, and below his right ear was a tiny black mole.
Below the photo was information about this person.
Azik Eggers, former history instructor at Tingen City's Khoy University, is suspected of participating in the plot to assassinate Duke Negan.
Current whereabouts unknown. Any citizens who discover traces of him can contact local police for a substantial reward...
Mr. Azik participated in an assassination plot?
Why?
Silas's heart was filled with surprise and confusion. After a moment, however, several parts of helplessness were added.
Setting aside whether Azik really participated in the assassination, he had originally thought that perhaps he could have Klein write to Azik and have him come help solve the Ma'am M problem... Now it seemed this avenue was blocked.
If he forced communication anyway, they might instead be tracked down by people pursuing Azik.
Looks like I really can only rely on myself.
Putting away the newspaper, Silas walked forward a few steps and saw Klein walking ahead.
He also had a copy of the Tingen Morning Post tucked under his arm.
I wonder if he's seen the news about Azik being wanted...
Silas thought to himself, quickening his pace to catch up to his colleague. "Good morning, Klein. You bought a newspaper too. Did you see that wanted poster below?"
Klein slowly turned his head at the sound, his expression somewhat complex.
He looked at Silas, his expression conflicted, as if wanting to speak but hesitating.
What's wrong with Klein?
I get it. It must be because Instructor Azik, whom he values, has been wanted, and he feels upset about it.
Silas reached out thoughtfully and patted the other's shoulder.
"It's alright. Mr. Azik surely has his own reasons. You should believe he's a good person."
"..."
However, after hearing his words, Klein somehow revealed an even more helpless, bitter smile on his face.