35 Exchange of Information (2/2)
”Mr. Fool, I will work hard to complete your mission. I will do my best to gather more of Emperor Roselle's secret diary.”
”I mentioned before that I'm a person who likes a fair and equal exchange. The advanced payment I gave is only equivalent to two pages of the diary for each person. If there are more, I will give additional in return,” Klein said calmly, like he was an adult who did not take advantage of children.
As for where the additional payment could come from, it was naturally from the newly acquired Emperor Roselle diary pages. This formed a virtuous cycle.
”You are truly a generous gentleman.” Alger fell silent for a few seconds before bowing slightly with his hand by his chest.
After the bow, he turned to Justice and said, ”Let me emphasize once more. A Spectator will forever be a spectator.
”I know that many Spectators enjoy imagining themselves to be the protagonist or some other character. As a result, they invest a lot of feelings into it, to the point of crying, laughing, raging, and turning sorrowful because of the drama. However, that is not what a Spectator should do.
”While faced with the various dramas of society and figures who knowingly or unknowingly act the role of particular characters, you have to maintain the attitude of being an absolute bystander. Only then can you calmly and objectively observe them. You will discover their habits, their tics from lying, or their scent of nervousness. From those minute clues, you can grasp their true thoughts.
”Believe me, everyone is different because of their emotions. They will secrete different 'things' and different smells. However, only a real Spectator can sniff it out.
”Once you invest too many of your emotions, your observation will be influenced. Your sensitivity towards the emotions of others will deviate.”
Audrey listened attentively as her eyes brightened gradually.
”It sounds, really, really interesting!”
Klein's heart stirred when he heard that.
The Spectator potion's requirement when summarized seemed to be ”an absolutely objective and neutral spectator.”
In a particular sense, it was equivalent to acting...
Acting?
Was this the 'acting' which Emperor Roselle was referring to?
Then, I will have to act as a Seer, and from there, digest the potion bit by bit?
Just as Klein was immersing himself in thought, Alger finished explaining the demands he knew of a Spectator. He sighed before saying, ”It seems like there's nothing else?
”Perhaps we can have a casual chat. We can talk about things happening around us. Perhaps it is something very normal to you, but in the ears of others, it might be a very important clue.”
”Sure.” Klein snapped back and nodded slightly.
He was already planning to attempt to act as a Seer. After all, it did not seem like there were any negative effects from doing so.
”Then, shall we begin with you, Mr. Hanged Man?” Audrey agreed in excitement.
Alger thought for a moment before saying, ”The infamous pirate who calls himself Lieutenant General Deweyville has begun his voyage to explore the eastern end of the Sonia Sea again.”
”Oh? The owner of the Black Tulip?” returned Audrey with a question after some thought.
”Yes,” Alger replied with a nod.
I don't even know who that is... Klein listened silently while he pondered over the news he planned on sharing. It had to be something that did not expose him while also allowing him to gain feedback.
Soon, he decided. He maintained his unfathomable image as The Fool and caressed the side of the bronze table with his fingers.
”According to what I know, the Secret Order has lost an Antigonus family notebook.”
This news was not only known by the Nighthawks from Tingen City. The Secret Order as well as Beyonders with close ties with them similarly knew.
”An Antigonus family notebook?” Alger repeated before smiling with a shake of his head. ”I'm really curious as to what reaction the Church of the Evernight Goddess will have if they learn of it.”
Why would he mention the Church of the Evernight Goddess? Klein acutely sensed a problem, but it was not appropriate for him to ask.
That would shatter his image as the mysterious and profound Fool.
At that moment, Audrey asked out of curiosity, ”Why are you curious? What sort of special reaction would the Goddess's church have?”
Alger smiled and said, ”The Antigonus family was destroyed by the Church of the Evernight Goddess.”
”I'm not really sure if it happened at the end of the Fourth Epoch or the early stages of the present epoch.”
This... Klein's pupils constricted as a chill suddenly swept through him.
From the looks of it, the value the Nighthawks have placed on this Antigonus notebook far exceeds my imagination!
The reason why they nominated me as a Beyonder—having some contribution and to prevent danger to me are likely negligible reasons—is that they wish for me to raise my spiritual sensitivity to aid them in finding the notebook.
This was not kept from me by Captain. He had mentioned it, but I just didn't pay much attention to it...
After hearing The Hanged Man's explanation, Audrey said with deep interest, ”I never imagined that such a thing would happen...
”Alright, my turn. Let me think of what I have to share.”
She cocked her head and held her head up with her hand before chuckling.
”Yesterday, my etiquette teacher taught me how to faint, how to faint elegantly without any faux paus. It's a practical skill used at social events to avoid awkward situations or nasty guys... Heh heh. I was just organizing my thoughts. What I really wanted to say is that ever since the failure of the battle on Balam's eastern shore, the king, premier, and gentlemen are under immense stress. They eagerly wish to change.”Adapted from Ode to the Wind which is an ode, written by Percy Bysshe Shelley.