"One crystal horn of an adult Hornacis gray goat, one intact human-faced rose, adult Hornacis gray goat… Tsk, why Hornacis again? Did the Antigonus family settle in the Hornacis Mountains because of these goats? Come to think of it, doesn't the Evil Dragon Bar have both materials? Another coincidence? Or did the Secret Order offload some extraordinary materials for funds?"
Klein mulled over the potion formula he'd gotten from Mr. Devil, his mind tangled.
The Clown potion's main ingredients cost over 500 pounds. Though Miss Justice promised "compensation," who knew how much that'd be? A Sequence 8 formula was worth about 450 pounds. Plus, he still needed Roselle's diaries.
Klein was tempted to report his Clown potion acquisition to the Church, leveraging past merits to secure it.
But reason stopped him. He couldn't explain both digesting the potion and obtaining the formula.
One could pass as a fluke, but together? Anyone would suspect he was backed by a secret organization mastering the Seer pathway, a double agent within the Nighthawks.
"I'll have to figure it out myself… Speaking of, Mr. Devil gave me his contact info. I can reach out as 'Mr. Fool's favored one.' But that doesn't help gather materials, and I owe him a Sunflame Charm for future diaries…"
Thinking of the charm's crafting costs and retrieving that badge, Klein's head throbbed harder.
But then, a sly idea struck—
Sunflame Charms, though consumable, matched a Sequence 6 Beyonder's full strike, with bonus effects against ghosts. They weren't cheap. If he made a few…
But solar charms required gold, and his meager salary—once hefty—felt pitiful now.
"Maybe I can claim 'Old Neil's gone, so I'm trying charm-making' to expense some costs. Still not enough. I'll need to negotiate prices with Mr. Devil… And borrow that mutated Sun Holy Emblem. Maybe ask Mr. Azik… Oh, and tell him about Ramde Town."
Klein grabbed paper to write a letter but hesitated. He took four steps backward, entering the gray fog, and manifested parchment, writing a divination statement:
"My letter to Snow von Panredax will be intercepted or spied on."
After seven repetitions, Klein opened his eyes, watching the pendulum spin counterclockwise, slightly relieved. But knowing divination wasn't foolproof, he wrote another:
"My writing to Snow von Panredax will draw others' attention."
The pendulum spun counterclockwise again. After testing several more statements to cover all angles, Klein returned to reality and began drafting the letter to discuss prices.
…
Meanwhile, Miss Audrey was consoling her dreamy dog, who was once again scorned by a cat, and contacting Viscount Glaint. Though he hadn't joined a beyonder gathering, he'd secured the Apothecary formula he wanted.
"As a lady, visiting a gentleman directly is improper. Hm, he's restless, likely hosting a salon or ball soon. I could use that to spread word of wanting to be a psychologist and task Xio and Fors with investigating Qilangos…"
Audrey swiftly devised a multi-pronged plan. She didn't need the 30% formula sale commission, but Glaint was a friend, and she needed a social platform to attract the Psychology Alchemists.
After refining her plan, Audrey summoned a maid to check if Viscount Glaint was hosting a salon or ball soon.
This wasn't odd. As a noble lady yet to have her coming-of-age ceremony, Audrey's only outings were informal balls or literary salons.
Plus, with Backlund's tense atmosphere finally easing, it was natural for a young person to want fresh air.
…
"Long time no see, Lady Norma. Your beauty still outshines the stars." Snow bowed slightly, kissing the hand of the poised, tall middle-aged lady before him.
"Oh, dear little Snow, no need for such formality. Come check on Hill. I know you just returned to Backlund, but he's been so listless, and I don't trust those quack vets…"
Lady Norma's theatrical tone led Snow to Hill, a large dog.
Backlund's nobles—or most landed nobles of the era—loved foxhounds. As a byproduct, less purebred, gentler dogs were gifted, making pet dogs common in powerful noble households.
Hill's minor ailment was no issue for Snow. As he diagnosed, he chatted with the well-preserved noblewoman, sensing her gaze—appraising, not predatory—lingering on his face and form.
It wasn't a cougar's hunger but… like Miss Audrey's, a Spectator's scrutiny.
Compared to Audrey, Lady Norma was less discreet. Or was Audrey's subtlety just the gray fog's veil?
Their casual chat flowed easily. Snow subtly shifted topics, finding Spectators easy to talk to—they noticed conversational nudges and played along. Without much effort, he broached his goal:
"I hear Viscount Glaint is fond of literary salons. I've written a novel, published in the Tussock Times, and hope to find a platform to network with literary peers. Could you kindly make an introduction?"
(End of Chapter)
Author's Note: Sure, Pleasure Witches have more tricks, but Faceless is pure bliss! Own one, own all—well, not Xio's type, but upgrade her, and maybe… After all, Tricksters can even mimic animals… Ahem, the real charm's in subtle muscle control for transformations… Cough, enough said.