Audrey had just tried on three sets of evening gowns for the upcoming ball and was sitting on a cushioned chair, pondering which accessories to pair with each, which set she preferred, and what her mother's opinion would be.
At that moment, the boundless grayish-white fog and the blurry figure high above, overlooking everything, appeared before her eyes.
Immediately after, she saw other silhouettes—praying figures shrouded in gray fog—and heard their corresponding prayers.
Instead of being startled, Audrey was relieved. Her unease and worry from not having a Tarot gathering today quickly dissipated.
So nothing's wrong after all! Hmm, 'The World' is really having psychological issues. He must be under immense pressure lately. No wonder he made an appointment in advance… Audrey sighed, turning her thoughts to when she might have free time.
Her gaze swept across the busy maids in the room and rested on the golden-haired dog, Susie, sitting at the door.
Audrey couldn't help but curl her lips slightly. She lowered her head and prayed discreetly in response:
“…Please tell Mr. 'World' that I’m free these coming days. He can decide the time and place. Hmm, as long as it's not at night and not too far from the western districts of Backlund…”
At that moment, Susie, the golden retriever, seemed to sense an unexplained gaze. She turned her head suspiciously toward Audrey's position but found nothing wrong.
…………
Above the gray fog, in the palace that resembled a giant's dwelling.
Free anytime… convenient times to go out… places not too far from familiar areas… Klein rubbed his temples, interpreting Miss Justice's response.
His first thought was to arrange it for today or tomorrow, with her choosing the location, and then he could use 'Creeping Hunger' to 'teleport' directly. But he quickly realized a problem:
That Dwayne Dantès was under investigation by the 'Nighthawks' and was likely being monitored. A sudden 'travel' would easily expose him.
Wait a few days, or… Klein thought seriously and had 'The World' Gehrman Sparrow pray again:
“…Please tell Miss Justice that we should do it today, here above the gray fog.”
…………
What? Audrey's eyes widened. She felt that Mr. 'World's' answer was completely unexpected.
How was she supposed to use Susie as a substitute!
Besides, in Mr. 'Fool's' palace, I can't see or sense many details. This severely lacks the conditions for psychological treatment… Audrey calmed her surprise and raised her doubts from a practical standpoint, asking Mr. 'Fool' to relay them to 'The World.'
Soon, she received another reply:
“…I'll ask Mr. 'Fool' to lift this restriction and use another method to obscure both parties’ real appearances…”
That's possible? Is this the special treatment for Mr. 'Fool's' Blessed? Hmm, this continuous communication is almost direct conversation. It's too much trouble for Mr. 'Fool,' and He seems almost indulgent… Audrey thought for a moment and stopped making excuses:
“…Alright, between 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. tonight…”
She didn't think she'd have any alone time before the birthday ball ended.
…………
At the same time, inside the house at 39 Berkland Street.
Hazer stared boredly at the selected evening gown, listening to her mother’s repeated instructions.
She would be accompanying her father and mother to Miss Audrey Hall's birthday ball tonight.
As Hazer's thoughts began to drift and her mind went blank, she saw a gray-and-white mouse appear at the door, waving its paws in mild alarm.
This… Hazer patiently listened to her mother finish another round of instructions, made an excuse, and went straight to her bedroom.
After shutting and locking the door, the gray-and-white mouse darted out from somewhere, scurried to her feet, and sat down in an amusing manner, saying:
"I've noticed something wrong in the area!"
The mouse actually vibrated the air and spoke human language!
Hazer wasn't surprised but frowned in confusion:
"What is it?"
The gray-and-white mouse raised its right front paw and pointed out the window:
"There are Beyonder experts from the Church of the Night investigating this block. The scale is quite high."
"What are they looking for?" Hazer asked, slightly frowning.
The gray-and-white mouse took a slow breath:
"How would I know? But it must be something very serious."