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Majestic columns lined up, supporting the vaults of Sephira's castle. The ancient bronze table, all covered in chips, still served Him faithfully, while a hand clad in a black glove habitually tapped its surface.
Victory over the Hidden Sage was a big step. It took a lot of preparation, but soon even more would be needed. Preparations for the apocalypse were in full swing. Klein was above the gray fog, silently and majestically sitting on his throne.
'I'm bored...'
He lazily sorted through his pile of trash. Recently, many artifacts had been donated to him, so it had become much larger, threatening to create its own state and evict the owner of the castle. There was everything: both frightening Class 1 artifacts, suppressed by the power of the gray fog, and ordinary amulets, which were no longer needed after receiving the uniqueness of the Door and Error Path.
Maybe he should show divine mercy and give some away?
The worms of the spirit stirred under his skin, making their opinion on the matter clear. At least, the unnecessary ones are allowed. Klein ignored his soulful cry and carefully pushed aside the pile of trash, using his Clown agility to dodge the artifacts falling on him. On the piled-up nightstand lay a beautiful ancient mirror with two skillfully carved eyes on the sides. Its surface sparkled and four appendages appeared on the mirror, woven from black smoke. It waved them happily.
[ Great Master! Your faithful and humble servant Arrods is very glad to see you! Is there anything you would like to entrust to me? ]
It was the same master of sycophancy that Klein remembered. If they weren't in the spirit world, the mirror would have become covered in dust and a haven for spiders by now, without him asking for help. But even then, it would still be chanting the Jester's name. Klein stroked the smooth surface of the mirror with his hand and picked it up.
After climbing out of his pile of trash, he returned to the table and sat on the throne, as befits the owner of the castle. Leaning on his fist, he knocked on the mirror's surface, making his first request:
"Show me what the Tarot Club members are doing now."
Everyone is so busy, can't Mr. Fool see how the club members are doing? As a good boss, he should be conducting inspections.
Convincing himself that he was not peeping, Klein looked into the mirror, which was already reflecting Miss Justice's luxurious estate. Lumian was discussing the trophies with Jenna and Franca while Audrey and Force were drinking tea in the living room and gossiping about the Tarot Club members. The writer was lounging lazily on the couch, eating cookies.
[ Is it just me or does Mr. Fool have favorites? ]
The Mr. Fool in question strained his ears.
[ Actually, I think so too, Audrey looked away slightly, remembering that she seemed to be one of those "favorites". ]
Force continued excitedly:
[ He cares so much about Lumian, she stood up and drained her mug of tea. It's as if he were his mentor, and not me. ]
[ Maybe Mr. Fool sees himself in him? He, too, ended up in the otherworldly world and went through a lot of trouble, Audrey suggested. But if you remember his other favorites, then the first one that comes to mind is Mr. Star. ]
Klein suddenly felt like a gossip. Okay, wait, the gossip is about him, so he has the right to listen a little!
[ Hm… I heard that Mr. Star and Mr. Jester knew each other before joining the Tarot Club, but I didn’t see any special relationship between them. ]
Audrey smiled conspiratorially and switched to a whisper.
[ Mr. Jester is quite reserved, but once the three of us were in the Hall of Truth, she suddenly fell silent when her intuition warned her of someone’s attentive gaze. In general, it seemed to me that they were very, no, extremely close. ]
Silence fell in the room, and Klein, realizing that he had been discovered, asked Arrods to show other scenes.
The Hanged Man and the Sun were doing church business, Miss Sharron was doing church business, Miss Court was sorting through MI9 papers. How boring… Miss Mage, Mr. Moon… Mr. Star. Klein's hand froze for a second, and he hesitantly touched the last scene with his fingertips. The picture came closer and the mirror reflected the study of the Cathedral of the Goddess of Eternal Night.
In the study, a long-haired deacon with a poetic aura sat on a chair, his feet languidly thrown up on the closed lid of the piano. His gaze wandered over the sheet of paper in front of him, covered with lines of not particularly rhyming text, which were crossed out and rewritten anew in a sweeping handwriting that betrayed the emotional character of the owner. Numerous notes were left in the margins, next to one of which was an image of a small black cat with large eyes looking at a green-eyed man.
Pressing his lips, Leonard crumpled the sheet of paper with displeasure and threw it on the table, into a pile of papers scattered here and there. Covering his green eyes with his hand, which seemed especially deep in the semi-darkness, like a dense forest, he balanced on the leg of a chair.
Through the creaking of the wooden floor and the howling of the wind from the open window, a quiet, barely audible whisper could be heard:
[ I wish they would finish it already… ]
…
When the last vision ended, Klein felt a slight prick of some unpleasant feeling. Staring for a long time at the face hidden behind a layer of fog in the reflection of the mirror surface, he inadvertently reproduced in his memory again the lonely figure that rocked back and forth on a chair, not afraid to fall, as in the days when he was still a Nighthawk. And his words…
Isn't he talking about the self-playing piano that he wanted to make from the trophy given to him by the Fool?
Initially, Klein wanted to ask how the Moretti family was doing and watch his charming niece, who should have grown up a lot during this time. But putting that aside, he waited for Arrodes to respond, so he could deal with the oppressive feeling left by the last vision.
The mirror didn't take long to respond.
[ The Great Master is so generous that he watches his followers so closely! How do you like the image quality on a scale of 10? This stupid servant is ready to improve for your convenience ^^ ]
Like some language learning app, Arrods displayed 10 numbers on his surface. As a true representative of the country of foodaholics and a responsible member of society, Klein thought for a moment and pressed 9. Still, Audrey managed to notice that she was being watched.
After showing a few fireworks, Arrodes finally got to the main point.
[ Before the Great Master asks the next question, I need to ask mine. He-he, I'm sure you have one, the elegant letters lined up in a sentence in Loen. What's your favorite color? ]
It was one of those easy questions that the mirror always asked him. Having already laughed to himself that he could write "'The Philosophical' Conversations of Mr. Fool and the Magic Mirror of Arrodes", Klein leaned back in his throne and, clasping his hands, calmly said the first thing that came to mind,
"Green."
A peaceful and calm natural color. One day he came across a study in which experts recommended surrounding oneself with pleasant and soft shades, for example, green, in case of depressive disorder or when a bad streak in life begins. In addition, this color helps to concentrate attention.
After thinking for a while about the fact that staying in the gray tones of the Sephira castle would despond even to a Deity, he was about to ask the next question and was about to open his mouth, when Arrodes spoke again. It seemed that loneliness had affected him too.
[ What a wonderful choice! This unworthy servant feels that the answer comes from your noble heart. ]
It was a familiar flattery, but his spiritual intuition told him that something was wrong. He had probably forgotten that one needs to keep an eye on this mirror.
[ Even though the great master is far from his beloved, even now he thinks of him first. I will definitely help more people learn about your pure and sincerely loving heart, Venerable being above the spirit world! ]
After finishing, Arrods waited for a new question to be asked. It seemed that he felt inspired after his fiery speech, which oozed even more flattery to the supreme being. But Klein sat there, confused, keeping his impartial expression out of habit.
Who…
Since when did he have a beloved person and who is it?!
Seriously thinking about this question, Klein went through all the girls in his head that he had dated. Green… This color was closely associated with Miss Justice and her pure, emerald-like eyes. But despite her innocent beauty and charming character, he perceived her more as a younger sister who was in love with mysticism and who needed protection.
Feeling a headache, Klein tapped the mirror with his index finger, asking,
“Arrodes, who do you mean? There is no person in the world that I could call that.”
A surprised smiley appeared in the reflection, spreading his “hands” in the form of sticks. He seemed to be asking why Mr. Jester was asking such obvious questions.
Afterwards, the answer finally appeared on the mirror surface. The same view of the study with the piano, but a little in the distance, the soft light of a table lamp was pouring out. Leonard sat at the table, rustling documents, holding a fountain pen. All the mystery and romance that had been present in his previous vision had disappeared, leaving only the seriousness and concentration of a deacon of the Church of the Goddess of Eternal Night. In a certain way, he even resembled Dann Smith, when he slightly frowned his clearly defined thick eyebrows and wrote "send for review", putting the document aside.
Klein's face became inscrutable. And...how should he react to this?
"... Arrodes."
[ Yes, Great Master? ]
But he was not sure what to ask Arrodes next.
Sephira Castle seemed even quieter than before. The only sound he could hear in his ears was his own breathing, and Klein realized just how creepy it was. After thinking about the best words to answer, he turned to Arrodes again,
“You understood correctly that I value Leonard… as a friend. And he is one of the closest people to me, but, I repeat, there is no one I could call a lover.”
Klein thought he had adequately cleared up the misunderstanding that had arisen. Thinking of poor Deacon Ikanser, whose sexuality had been exposed to the entire Collective Mind of the Machine, he wondered if Arrods had gone too far.
But as if everything he had said was just empty words, the mirror continued:
[ That’s so touching! You even share the same opinion as your lover: “I will never be with him.” This story of pure and sacrificial love should be sung in history, - before Klein had time to insert anything, new text continued to appear on the mirror surface at high speed. - The Great Master has such good taste: Your beloved is beautiful, like a wild flower blooming on the top of a cliff, which cannot be touched by others. And he also has a brilliant mind, keen intuition and admirable diligence! He is ideal for such a great being as you! ]
Slowly agreeing with all of Leonard's listed qualities and mentally supplementing them, Klein came to his senses at the last phrase. How did they even come to such a conversation?!
Waving his hand, he did not try to convince the mirror, writing it all off to certain inclinations of Arrodes and his interest in homosexual relations.
Wearily leaning back on the back of the throne, he felt as if his entire soul had been sucked out of him in these couple of minutes. But after catching his breath, Klein still returned to what he wanted to ask in the first place.
"Arrodes, I have one more question."
[ Of course, of course," he sensed the playfulness in this answer, preparing for another trick question. "So, is there an idiot who would dare to offend the beloved Great Master? ~ ]
Inwardly, Klein wanted to exclaim, 'Me, for example'.
He knew that Leonard was a soft person at heart. Even though he had to walk a thorny path since the Tingen incident, watching as fewer and fewer people remained around, Klein could not stay by his side and support him, choosing to leave.
So he was the one who inflicted one of his mental wounds. And his frequent desire to place the Undarkened Crucifix on the head of his dear poet.
But assuming that Arrods couldn't know, he immediately replied:
"... no one."
It sounded almost like a question. But the answer was correct.
[ And you are absolutely right! Who would dare to offend a person who is under your complete protection and patronage. What is the question for this unworthy servant? ]
Klein wanted to ask what was wrong with Arrodes today, but decided not to deviate from the course any further and returned to what he had originally wanted.
"Just make a list of the artifacts in Sephira Castle and their properties."
He was terribly exhausted. Was this what all those who asked Arrodes questions with bated breath felt?
But Mr. Jester still had to avoid being buried under a pile of garbage. Before this meaningless dialogue began, that was his original goal.
[ Of course, Great Master! At the moment, the Sephira Castle contains the Death Knell, the Book of Transoest, a cigarette case with… ]
Klein was too busy with other thoughts, so he assigned one of the spirit worms to listen to Arrods' report.
Meanwhile, his thoughts were filled with the green-eyed deacon.
Leonard is truly very dear to him, as someone with whom he has warm memories of everyday life in Thornwood. He is very handsome, no matter what he does, even if his movements seem abrupt, easy to talk to, flighty, but you can trust him. He is not good at writing poetry, but he still tries very hard. Even in this vision, he was holding a piece of paper with his poetry in his hands. If you think about it, the beauty of his dear poet can be compared to the beauty of a demoness. But isn't Arrods going too far, calling Leonard his lover?
[ … The Staff of Stars. ]
Hearing the name of this artifact, Klein immediately recalled its appearance—the thin black cane with precious stones inlaid into it, glittering in the sun like stars. It had a smooth surface to the touch and lay comfortably in the hands. Although it was difficult to use and required great concentration, for an experienced Beyonder its shortcomings would pale in comparison to its great advantages.
His finger rhythmically tapped the armrest of the throne, and the sound created was drowned in the vaults of the giant hall.
After much thought, Klein made a decision, voicing it to Arrods, who had finished listing the artifacts:
"It's time to find a new owner for the Staff of Stars."
In any case, he can call up a historical projection of any artifact at any time, it would be a pity if something so useful were to gather dust over the gray fog in a pile of garbage.
[ The Great Master is generous, as always. ]
Smiling, Klein did not let Arrodes go unpunished after he had sucked all the mental strength out of him.
"Maybe it's time for you to find a new master too?"
Showing a scared smiley, Arrodes began listing his virtues and talking about his desire to serve only the Jester. After a couple of minutes, having completed his little revenge, Klein calmed the non-stop chattering mirror and quickly ended the conversation, returning Arrodes back to the pedestal.
'Even though the great master is far from his beloved person, even now he thinks of him first.'
'He is a perfect match for such a great being as you!'
'Who would dare to offend a person who is under your complete protection and patronage.'
... Klein knew that Arrodes could not look into his head and everything he said was just a distortion of his relationship with Leonard, but something inside still responded to these absurd words. His God-level spiritual intuition told him to dwell on what the all-knowing mirror had said.
First, why did this misunderstanding arise?
Subconsciously glancing at the Star Staff he had pulled out of the trash heap, he recalled Audrey and Force's conversation about Mr. Fool's favorites. He certainly had a special relationship with Leonard, but it was due to their long-standing friendship and the shared memories created after the tragedy in Tingen.
Second, he fully agreed that Leonard was good at many things. This only concerned his inner feelings and thoughts, not observations from the outside.
Thinking rationally, Klein had noted his beauty since their first meeting, and later, even after meeting a large number of people and not only on his way, it did not fade. In terms of character, he was genuinely kind and honest to his surroundings and especially to him, no, Leonard just liked to bother him… Throwing out the penultimate part of his thoughts, he continued where he left off.
Thirdly, he was especially protective of Leonard.
Looking around Sephira Castle, he tried to think of an incident to refute this. But nothing came to mind. As soon as he learned of the parasite inside his dear poet, he immediately thought about the most effective ways to get rid of it. Later, he had to have a conversation with Pallez Zaroaster to keep an eye on him. When Leonard was in danger because of Amon, Klein was very worried about him and even prepared a plan to get rid of the Blasphemer, although he could have simply run away.
But he is only on Sequence 3 now. Considering the dangers he faces while being so weak, it wouldn't be surprising if he were to be swept away by the power of the Outer Deities and angels...
Realizing that his thoughts had gone in a strange direction, Klein decided to use the only effective way to find out for sure that he knew.
Reminiscing about the past, he took out a gold coin, looked at it thoughtfully, and chose a target for fortune telling.
Klein doesn't like Leonard romantically.
Klein was already doubting what he was doing, but he still tossed the coin.
It spun in the air a few times before landing in his palm, which he immediately clenched into a fist. Looking at his hand, Klein already knew the answer before the coin landed.
"It can't be..."
Opening his hand, he saw that it was tails.