Above the gray mist, within the palace, Caine, holding the "God of the Sea's Staff," gazed seriously at the "Black Emperor" and "Dictator" cards laid out on the table before him. While Viscount Stedford's response only proved that King George III harbored immense secrets and played a pivotal, likely decisive, role—possibly even being the chief culprit—in the great smog event of Beckland, it did not clearly establish that he was the true architect or mastermind, as he might himself be a mere puppet. Yet for Caine, this was sufficient. His objective was now clear, and he had solid leads to investigate what plans they were formulating. With the "Magician" and the "Judge" lady now safely removed from the site of the earlier disturbances, he turned his attention back, continuing to monitor the movements of Colonel Chounas Colg, the Deputy Director of MI9, through the prayer lights. A little while later, Quonas Colg, who had secured his territory and confirmed whether anyone was following, approached a cliff face and produced an object. Immediately, his entire figure glowed with a deep blue light, gradually becoming hazy and indistinct. Then, he vanished into thin air, disappearing without trace. "An unusually specific kind of 'travel'—achieved through a fixed ritual and object, enabling point-to-point 'transportation' over a short range... When I first emerged from the underground ruins where Inz. Zanggwerl was located, I did so through a similar 'gate'... Hmm, this location isn't too far from the mountain peak where Mr. A pursued me. "This arrangement is ideal for areas requiring confidentiality. Without internal authorization, even if someone holds the activation object, no effect will be achieved. And should any issue arise, simply destroying the corresponding ritual can prevent intruders from entering, making it impossible for them to locate the precise site." Klein nodded, as if suddenly understanding. Combining the earlier account given by the Viscount of Stafford, he initially believed that the king's secrets and the strategies of the three families were all concealed deep within the underground ruins—once access could be gained and a thorough investigation conducted, the truth would likely emerge. Yet, the more he thought about it, the more he felt the investigation would prove extremely difficult, as first one would need suitable items to enable the "Faceless Man" to transform and pass undetected through the guards, an achievement that was far from easy. According to Araldus, the Magic Mirror, Cunus Colg not only himself is a half-divine being of the "Black Emperor" lineage but also possesses a particularly powerful seal. Even if Kline were fully prepared and without summoning any angel-level assistants, his chances of defeating the Deputy Director of MI9, the military officer, would remain uncertain—let alone the need to eliminate him discreetly, without being discovered. Moreover, each of the angels he could summon faced their own difficulties and constraints, and might not necessarily agree to assist. "Even if we secure Qunash. Kolg without disturbing anyone, we must still account for the dangers that arise afterward... With our previous experience, they won't fail to guard against the 'Faceless One.' The king's collaboration with the Psychological Alchemy Guild and the Sorceress Sect surely involves something significant—there's a very high likelihood that angels currently reside within the underground sanctuary." Klein furrowed his brows, finding no reliable way to complete the investigation. He lightly tapped the edge of the weathered long table, deciding to step beyond his earlier thoughts and consider a different approach. A few seconds later, Klein gained clear inspiration: "Why should I personally carry out every step? If the king's secrets and plans are indeed detrimental to the Storm, Night, and Steam Churches—otherwise, why would the former court steward Mason Dyer have felt the need to inform them—the fact that I, as a devoted follower of the Goddess of Night, should act accordingly is quite obvious, isn't it?" "This could also accumulate merit, preparing for future acquisition of the 'Ancient Scholar' potion recipes!" In an instant, Caine's thoughts became remarkably clear, and without hesitation, he stepped down from the gray mist and returned to the real world. Germán Sparrow, dressed in his blue-and-white striped nightgown, raised his hands once again in a prayer posture and recited in ancient Hermes: "Night goddess, more noble than the stars, more enduring than eternity—Queen of the crimson, Mother of the hidden, Sovereign of trials and fears, Lady of rest and stillness..." This time, Caine did not perform any ritual, as he had no request to make nor any expectation of a response—he simply described the Viscount of Stedford's instructions and his observations of Curnas Colg. Thus, a straightforward prayer was sufficient. After finishing his prayer, Caine exhaled, standing quietly in a secluded spot within the forest, patiently awaiting the unfolding of what might come. In just a matter of seconds, a figure suddenly emerged before him, as if rapidly sketched in a portrait. The visitor wore a simple robe, tied his waist with strips of bark, had his hair loose and bare feet, with calm, deep-set eyes—exactly the leader of the thirteen chief bishops of the Night's Teaching, the foremost ascetic, "The Hidden Servant" Arianna. "Good evening, Madame Arianna," said Caine, not at all surprised, and bowed. Arianna returned the bow. "Good evening," she replied. She made no small talk and immediately asked, "Is Quonuz Colg nearby?" "Yes," said Caine, pointing in the direction, "within less than ten kilometers. He has already used the object and vanished. What should we do now?" Arianna nodded gently. "Wait for him to reappear, then seize the opportunity to catch him." Would that be too direct? You appear quiet and unassuming, a reserved and well-bred individual. No, an angel—how is your style so bold? If Count Kurnas Kolg hadn't gone to the underground ruins but instead headed to another secret base, or if his involvement in the king's plans hadn't been so deep, then the fact that the Archbishop of the Church had taken it upon himself to act against the high-ranking officials of the Nine Departments would have been a major news story indeed, deepening the rift within the kingdom! For a moment, Caine found himself at a loss for words in response to Arianna. Though he himself would certainly have had to act against Count Kurnas Kolg—merely due to his involvement in slave trading and murder cases, he had ample grounds—yet the difference between a semi-divine secret organization launching an attack on military high-ranking officials and a major deity's archbishop doing so was fundamentally distinct. It seemed Arianna had sensed Caine's inner thoughts and calmly clarified: "It's you who acts, not me." “….” Kline found himself a bit out of sync with the other's style. Arianna continued, “I will create a hidden world for you and provide the necessary support.” Fighting in a hidden state? With the aid of angels? Kline nodded thoughtfully. “Then, where should we launch the ambush?” Arianna replied simply, “Within your Rosewood manor.” …..Just as I expected…though I didn’t want to say it out loud…Kline sighed deeply in his heart. His choice of ambush location was based on a simple logic: when would Count Chonuz Colg be most relaxed and least vigilant? Undoubtedly, when he returned to the Rosewood manor after completing his secret mission, believing all the adventures of tonight to be concluded, he would be at his most relaxed and least prepared. The same reasoning applies: if the king's secrets and strategies are of paramount importance, then as Quonos Colgur makes his way through the underground ruins, angels likely watch over him from afar, ensuring his safety and promptly responding should he be attacked. Once he returns to a normal life and routine, their attention will likely fade—after all, there are only so many angels, and they can't remain idle all the time. Fortunately, I had adopted the most discreet tracking method, and maintained a sufficient distance... Thus, when Lady Arianna entrusted me with the battle, it wasn't merely to mitigate risks or minimize negative impacts, but to preserve the secrecy of the matter and prevent the battle from being discovered by the entities within the underground ruins, which would consume a significant portion of His energy. As thoughts raced through his mind, Caine gained a deeper understanding of the entire situation. At that moment, Lady Arianna added: "A battle in the hidden world does not disrupt the real world." "That's quite good..." Klein murmured silently, pondering. "Then I should make some preparations." "Good," Arianna replied calmly. I was about to say at least I'd need to change into something else... Klein muttered to himself, glancing down at his blue-and-white striped nightgown. His left-hand glove flashed transparent, and in an instant, he vanished from his original spot. At the Mirego Estate, Klein reappeared, maintaining the appearance of Germán Spalro, swiftly changing his clothes and donning a formal hat. Then, he pulled out a sheet of white paper and began writing directly with his finger. A crimson flame burst from his fingertip, leaving behind darkened streaks on the paper without actually setting it on fire. These darkened streaks, resembling intricate patterns, quickly coalesced into a complex symbol that blended the meanings of "gazing" and "secrecy." As the symbols were completed, the surface of the full-length mirror in the room suddenly deepened, rippling with a luminous glow. Silver lines emerged, forming one word after another: "Great and Most High Lord, your faithful and steadfast servant, Arodos, has come at your call! Do you have any questions for me?" "Yes," said Caine, nodding and glancing out the window. "What divine powers does Quonas Colg possess, and which powerful seal does he wield?" This was information he had previously gathered—after confirming Quonas Colg as his target—now seeking to refine it further, to prepare more thoroughly and with greater specificity. On the surface of the full-length mirror, silver words twisted and flowed, swiftly forming new text: "Great Lord, Qunus Colg is a 'Fallen Count.' To conceal his strength, the seal he holds follows the 'Lawyer' path; yet it incorporates certain characteristics of the 'Arbitrator' path, known as 'The Concert of Light and Shadow.'