Lord of the Mysteries

“Call the police?” Fors Wall repeated in surprise.

To Beyonders, lodging a police report seemed to be something of another world.

Xio paced back and forth as she tugged her coarse blonde hair.

“The scene of Darkholme’s death is harrowing and creepy. As long as the police aren’t blind, they would definitely pass the case on to the Mandated Punishers, the Nighthawks, the Machinery Hivemind, or the special department of the military. When that happens, we can leak some more information and let them know that the murderer is Qilangos. At that point, the entire city will be chasing after him.

“Our goal is only to look for Qilangos, not to capture him. With the ‘help’ of so many Beyonders, things would become much simpler and safer. Once Qilangos panics and makes a mistake, it would be our chance to claim our bounty. Heh heh, I’m referring to the discovery of his whereabouts.”

Xio laughed dryly and looked at the appalled Fors.

“Do you think that the only way I know to deal with problems is by charging into them headfirst? The difference between us and Qilangos is as vast as the Desi Bay.”

Fors nodded slowly and said, “Your understanding of yourself is absolutely right. You’ve done too many things of a similar nature. Hence, the losses that you’ve suffered is sufficient for you to advance to Sequence 8.

“Luckily, you’re still rational enough regarding this matter.”

Xio lowered her head to look at her bayonet. She thought for a moment and said, “… I have to be honest. I clearly sensed the approach of Death earlier. Qilangos was no doubt nearby. That was an aura evil enough to destroy us at any time. That triggered an instinctual response in me.”

Fors wore her silver bracelet that had two stones left and thought seriously.

“I agree with your idea. Let’s inform Miss Audrey first and lodge the police report after.”

“Yes, regardless if it was Darkholme or his underlings who found Qilangos’s traces, we could continue to investigate with that approach and find out Qilangos activity range and the location of his residence.”

Xio creased her slim blonde eyebrows and said, “But Qilangos would definitely not remain in the same place.”

Even as one of the Seven Pirate Admirals, even if he had the assistance of a mystical artifact, Qilangos had to be extremely careful in Backlund.

Even Nast, the King of the Five Seas, had once encountered disaster here and was nearly caught.

“No, what I meant was, to surmise or confirm the purpose of Qilangos’s visit to Backlund based on the clues. Once we know what he’s trying to do, no matter how he disguises himself or what tricks he pulls, he’ll be exposed to us in the end. Then, our mission would be accomplished,” Fors explained in detail. “Two years of novel-writing experience tells me that things would become simple once we grasp the crux of the matter.”

Xio looked at her best friend in shock. She couldn’t believe the woman had just made such a logical statement.

you think with your muscles.” Fors pursed her lips, leaned her head sideways,

Xio tried to smooth out her few strands of blonde hair

what’s our emergency contact

me that pet dog of hers we saw earlier walks herself at least five times a day. Well, the next walk should be after

have to loiter around suspiciously outside Count

suddenly looked sideways and revealed an obsequious smile, “Fors,

would be difficult for you. It’s what you’re good

shareholder of Constant Coal and Steel Consortium, and so on. These are the titles of Miss Audrey’s father. Xio, use your brain; how could a man like that not employ

nodded continuously

the golden retriever

took a few steps forward, she spoke with her back facing Fors, “Uh, well, I will compensate you for your losses

of Fors’s lips lifted and she

going the wrong

you were an Apprentice and ended up becoming a

…

Count Hall’s

and Fors hid behind an Intis parasol tree and secretly observed

finally saw the golden retriever come out from a hidden hole under the wall. It pricked up its ears and

popped up from nowhere. It fawned on

I’m seeing a dog show such a humanlike reaction. Just how much does it hate that black

Susie’s gaze and facial

and said, “It’s just like

escape the black dog’s pursuit, Xio stood up do

you to leave her alone!”

aback and immediately scampered away

let out a breath of relief and slowed down. It barked politely and wagged its

nearly said “Thank you” to them… The golden retriever thought

been a

…

to a halt as Audrey picked up the latest intelligence Xio and Fors

and stood up elegantly. She paced back and forth in her piano room and considered her

Xio and Fors continued investigating, they might end up in danger… It might even expose me… Yes, I should just proceed according to their suggestion. Oh yeah, it’s another two hours until the Tarot Club. I wonder what Mr. Fool would suggest?

the first time she had encountered, or perhaps was described as being placed in such a