Chapter 61: Strange Symbol

Audrey had a basic understanding of the structure of incantations. Thus, she knew clearly what these three parts signified.

The descriptions usually described one of the seven gods that looked over this world!

Thus, The Fool's incantation was claiming status equal to the Lady of Crimson, Mother of the Secrets, and the Empress of Disaster and Horror!

Is Mr. Fool the unknown and mysterious entity, the source of danger to avoid in rituals? Audrey quickly recalled the comments made during the strange rituals, which she and her friends did not dare attempt back then.

Alger Wilson, who knew and understood much more than Audrey, shivered from the bottom of his heart. If the ritualistic magic that Mr. Fool designed truly points to him to allow him to accept our requests, w-we would have to be addressing him with Him. He is to be addressed in the third person, which is reserved for gods.

Could he perhaps be an ancient existence that does not appear before us in his true form and name—the Primordial Demoness, the Hidden Sage, or the true Creator, which many mysterious churches believe in?

Klein acutely noticed the changes happening to The Hanged Man and Justice but acted as though nothing happened and continued without any care.

"I pray for your help."

"I pray for your loving grace."

"I pray for you to give me a good dream."

"Moon flower, an herb that belongs to the red moon, please bestow your powers on my incantation!"

"Fingered citron, an herb that belongs to the sun, please bestow your powers on my incantation."

...

He finished describing the incantations that belonged to another type of ritual. After he was done, he smiled.

"Lady, sir, have you memorized it?"

"Ah..." Audrey exhaled. With her improved memory as a Spectator, she quickly processed the information and repeated the incantations as a form of confirmation.

Alger acted more normally; his pen did not stop.

After Klein confirmed that Audrey was correct, he said, "If this test is successful, then we shall modify the ritual next time to achieve what we want to do."

"I hope that you will have the time to complete the ritual no later than Wednesday."

He intended to come in here again on Thursday night to ascertain if the ritualistic magic was successful.

"By your will." Audrey and Alger replied respectfully.

"According to The Hanged Man's suggestion last week, we shall have some time for casual conversation after all official issues have been discussed. Who shall begin?" Klein gestured for someone to start.

Audrey sighed. "Mr. Fool, the suggestion you made regarding the exam selection and the separation between civil and political matters has received the approval of many members of parliament. Perhaps it could really be applied. Of course, with the efficiency of this government, the bill will only appear half a year from now at the earliest."

She was not worried that The Hanged Man would track her down using this piece of information, as she had intentionally and intermittently dropped hints and guided those proud wives to think that they had conceived the idea. Those ladies had rushed to tell their husbands, their fathers, and their brothers, like a flock of golden peacocks.

Using this remarkable way to change the system of a kingdom was as if she had found a way for a Spectator to influence the plot of a play.

"Let's hope so," Alger replied sarcastically.

He paused, then glanced at The Fool. "In recent decades, the amount of activities of the various secret organizations has seen an upward trend. In fact, there are even new secret organizations appearing, some of them having reached scale with a good number of Beyonders."

Klein merely said vaguely, "An ancient power is about to wake from its slumber."

"Is that so..." Alger muttered as though he recalled something.

"If there is nothing else to share, then let's end today's gathering here."

"By your will." Audrey and Alger said.

Klein severed his connection and watched as the two figures vanished from the magnificent palace.

He turned toward his own chair. Radiant stars formed a strange symbol. It was not a symbol that fit anything in Klein's present understanding of mysticism.

He observed it closely before identifying the "Pupil-less Eye," a symbol representing secrecy. He also saw contorted lines that represented change. Each of the symbols was missing a portion and was overlapped with each other, creating a new symbol.

He retracted his gaze and walked along the ancient, magnificent palace, scanning every corner. "Back when I casually imagined this place, it was merely a rough concept; I did not describe the shape of the palace, table, or chairs."

Klein did not dare to venture deeper, which seemed to be an illusory land without boundaries, afraid that he would be completely lost.

Klein sighed. He unleashed his spirituality and enveloped himself within, causing him to plummet. Everything flew past quickly. All kinds of illusions shattered. He tore through the grayish-white fog and saw his room.

...

Backlund, Empress Borough.

Audrey saw the oil painting that hung on the wall and felt the softness of the pillow under her head.

She did not stand up immediately; instead, she seriously recalled what had happened during the gathering, as if she were watching a play.

"Mr. Fool had a certain confidence in his tone when he told us to try the ritual and gave us the descriptions of the mysterious ruler, the King of Yellow and Black." Audrey exhaled as she was analyzing this silently.

Forget it; there's no need to think too much about it... Mr. Fool has always appeared friendly; he should be an entity that has respect for order. Audrey's mood improved. She thought about her acting and the weakening backlash of the potion.

She hummed a merry tune and got off her bed. She walked toward the door and adjusted her state of mind, taking on her state as a Spectator.

As she opened the door of the room, she saw a maid walking past. She saw the old calluses on her hands, the marks on her face, and other similar details.

At this point, Audrey turned to look at the shaded corner of the balcony to see her golden retriever Susie sitting there, silently observing her, just like she observed the maid.

My Goddess... Audrey's lips twitched as she sighed.

...

On the Sonia Sea, in the heavily protected captain's quarters.

Alger woke up and noticed that nothing had changed around him, as if nothing had happened.

He sighed and thought to himself, The Fool is an ancient existence?

...

Klein, who had exited the ritual, took out his notebook and began writing once again.

He recalled the contents of Emperor Roselle's diary, hoping to reinforce his memory through writing and prevent himself from forgetting it in the future.

Klein read the notes several times after he finished writing. Finally, he tore the notes up and incinerated them.

I shouldn't forget the most salient points if I do this once a week. But with time and the increasing complexity... How unfortunate; I do not have better ways for the time being. Klein collected himself and stretched his neck, planning on heading to the Divination Club.

A Seer could be defined differently. So, Klein, who did not know which kind of Seer fit the requirements of the potion, could only adjust as he experimented to ascertain which one was the best fit.