"An alarm?" Vorth Wal repeated in surprise. For the extraordinary, initiating an alarm seemed like something from another world. Hux paced back and forth, running a hand through his rough golden hair. "The scene of Dackholm's death was so startling, so eerie—any police officer with even a functioning eye would surely pass it on to the Enforcer, the Night Watch, the Mechanical Heart, or the military's special division. Once we've subtly informed them that the killer is Zilinger, we can create the impression of a city-wide manhunt. Our goal is simply to locate Zilinger, not to apprehend him. With all these extraordinary beings lending us their support, the situation will be much simpler, safer. As soon as Zilinger grows anxious and makes a mistake, that will be our opportunity to claim our reward. Oh, I mean, to finally track him down." "Xue dry laughed, looking at Fotherse with astonishment: "Do you really think of me as someone who charges straight through obstacles, no matter how great they are? The gap between us and Qilinger is as vast as the Dese Bay." Fotherse nodded slowly: "You have a very accurate self-perception. You've faced so many similar situations that the losses you've incurred have elevated you to Sequence 8. "Fortunately, you've remained sufficiently rational in this matter." Xue looked down at the triangular spike in his hands, pondering: "...I must be honest. I clearly felt death approaching just now. Qilinger was undoubtedly nearby—there was an atmosphere so powerful, so unnatural, so capable of shattering the rules, that it triggered an instinctive response in me." Fotherse refastened the silver bracelet, now with two stones remaining, and thought seriously for several seconds: "I agree with your plan—first notify Miss Audrey, then call for emergency assistance." "Well, whether Dakholm discovered Zilinger's trail or one of his subordinates did, we can investigate from this direction to determine Zilinger's previous areas of activity and residence," said Thew, frowning slightly at his golden, fine brows. "But Zilinger certainly won't stay put. As one of the seven Pirate Generals, and with magical artifacts at his disposal, he must remain cautious in Beckett. Even 'King of the Five Seas,' Nast, once faced a near-capture here." "Resting in surprise at your friend, as if unable to believe that someone could speak such well-reasoned words." "I'm different from you—I simply don't think much. You, on the other hand, think with your muscles." Fores thought, pressing her lips together and giving a slight smile. "Mocking me won't make you any smarter..." Xu tried to smooth out the few strands of golden hair that had risen up, making them more graceful. "Alright, then, let's head to the Queen's District and inform Miss Audrey of this matter." Fores nodded gently. "So, what's our emergency contact method with Miss Audrey?" "..." Xu looked puzzled, gazing at the distant tombstones. "She told me that her pet dog—the golden retriever we saw earlier—goes out for walks on its own, at least five times a day. The most recent one was after lunch." "So we'll have to wait quietly outside the Earl's luxurious residence?" Fores gave a small twitch at the corner of her mouth. Forsyth suddenly turned her head, offering a pleasant smile. "Forsyth, or shall I just go in directly?" "I'm sure you can manage that—after all, it's your specialty." "A hundred and some years as a hereditary viscount, one of the most influential members of the Upper House, the largest shareholder of Bavert Bank, the fourth-largest shareholder of Beckland Bank, a special advisor to the Royal Bank of Run, the third-largest shareholder of Suhit Bank in the Kingdom of Intis, the second-largest shareholder of the Constancia Coal and Steel Consortium—there's a long list, isn't there? This is precisely the distinguished status of your father, Hugh. Use your mind, Hugh—wouldn't such a prominent family have hired extraordinary individuals? Wouldn't they have some hidden assets? This is nothing like the fading dukes and barons!" Forsyth replied with a scathing tone. "By the gods, I swear, as soon as I dare to enter, I'll be discovered and captured within five minutes!" "Xue nodded repeatedly, showing his agreement: "Let's just wait for that golden-haired dog..." After speaking, she took the lead and walked a few steps, then turned to face away from Forse and said: "Well, um, I'll do my best to make up for what you've lost, um, I mean that stone." Hearing this, Forse gave a slight upward curve to his mouth and said: "I'm saving myself." "Also, Xue, you've been going in the wrong direction!" "Good heavens, if you're a 'student' who grows into a 'traveler,' that would be a disaster!" ... Outside the luxurious manor of Lord Hall. Xue and Forse hid behind the plane tree of Indis, quietly observing the target building and the people moving in and out. After an unknown length of time, they saw the golden-haired dog emerge quietly from a hidden opening at the base of the wall, ears perked up, looking left and right with great care. As Suzy began her brisk, cheerful walk, a black male dog suddenly burst out, being both attentive and circling her continuously. "I've never seen a dog express such human-like emotions before—how much did it hate that black dog?" Hugh murmured, impressed by Suzy's evident displeasure. From Suzy's eyes and facial expression, he could clearly see her distaste. "It's like encountering a crude, unpleasant, and persistent suitor," Firth chuckled. Seeing Suzy try to speed up and escape the black dog, Hugh stepped forward to uphold justice. "My decision is: leave it!" he declared firmly. The black dog paused, then hesitated, finally backing down with a tail tucked between its legs, looking embarrassed and fleeing. Suzy exhaled in relief, slowed her pace, and gave a polite woof, shaking her tail gently. Phew, phew—she had almost said "thank you" to them! The golden retriever thought to herself, feeling relieved. That would be extremely awkward... The melodic tune gradually faded, and Audrey, seated at the piano, held the latest intelligence passed to her by Hux and Forth, her elegant brow furrowed. She closed the piano lid, rose with grace, and paced thoughtfully within the room, considering what to do next. "Zilings is a very dangerous one. If we keep pressing forward, Hux and Forth might face terrible trouble—perhaps even be exposed. I might even be revealed. Well, I'll follow what they've suggested. Ah, and there are still two hours until the 'Tarot Gathering.' I wonder what the Fool has to say. If he's still uninterested, I'll speak with the Hanged Man in detail." Audrey gradually calmed down. This was the first time she'd ever encountered—or personally been involved in—such a perilous situation, with a life already lost! Three o'clock in the afternoon. Aurelia, once again seeing the boundless gray mist that didn't belong to the tangible reality, witnessed the palace resembling a giant's dwelling, the ancient and weathered bronze long table, the Fool perpetually veiled in a thick mist, and the "Hanged Man" and the "Sun." In an instant, Aurelia's slightly tense and concerned demeanor smoothed out, her inner calm and confidence restored. I am attending a "Tarot gathering" that exists beyond the material world; the Fool before me is nearly divine—there's a world of difference between me and Zinglès. With pride, Aurelia straightened her posture, lifted her chin, and cheerfully greeted: "Good afternoon, Sir Fool! Good afternoon, Sir Hanged Man! Good afternoon, Sir Sun!" After a brief exchange, Caine noticed the "Justice" lady indicating she had something to say, and gently nodded in agreement. "Respected Sir Knight, I wonder if your followers have received the compensation of 300 gold pounds?" Audrey held back her impulse to immediately recount the events involving Zinggirs, instead expressing concern for her own leader's followers. Audrey summarized the experiences of Hooch and Forth, and went into detail about their subsequent plans. Aljer nodded slightly: "I will keep a close watch." Then, turning toward the head of the bronze long table, he spoke to the seemingly absent-minded "Sun," Deryck, saying: "Esteemed Fool, if you come to understand the true purpose of Zilings and the nature of the highly significant, magical object he seeks, please allow me to invoke your name, and through ritual, inform you." He did not reiterate his request for the Fool's followers to assist, since having already explained the matter and received a response, further elaboration would only be an offense to the divine. Thus, Aljer simply expressed his hope to "report" the developments. Should the final appeal prove strong enough, he was confident the Fool's followers would surely appear. Would that suffice? Audrey's eyes widened instantly. Had I known I could also claim the right to be reported on, perhaps I might have occasionally received guidance from the Fool himself... she thought, slightly regretful. Amidst everyone's gaze, Klein leaned against the back of his chair, gently nodded, and responded calmly: "Yes, certainly."