Why do "Pharmacists" always seem to favor concocting those types of potions? Klein mused. The portly pharmacist at the "Eye of Wisdom's" gathering does, and so does this vampire, Viscount Cullen...
And Emperor Roselle, relying on medication to this extent... can't you just take a break once in a while?
After a few internal grumbles, Klein reread the diary page, concluding it was likely written early in Roselle's tenure as Consul of the Intis Republic. His strenuous efforts were probably aimed at ensuring the smooth implementation of the newly enacted Civil Code.
The surnames of the various "Madames" and "Misses" mentioned were mostly those of nobles with ties to the "Eternal Blazing Sun" or bishops of the "Praise the Sun" faction.
Roselle really worked hard to mend relations with the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun...
With a faint sigh, Klein allowed the three diary pages in his hand to dissipate, then leaned back in his chair. Turning to the Tarot Club members, he said,
As soon as his words fell, the "Hanged Man" Alger swept his gaze around the table, prepared with his script, and spoke:
"I recently took on an investigative mission. Do any of you have relevant information?
"In the past two or three years, many indigenous tribes in the Southern Continent have been raided. All the people were taken and enslaved. Additionally, slaves on plantations and islands have been escaping under strange circumstances.
"Since the abolition of the slave trade in the Northern Continent, such incidents haven't happened for a long time. Have any of you heard rumors about this?"
His gaze swept past the "Justice," "Judgment," "Magician," "Tower," and "World," but he didn't look at the "Sun."
"Justice" Audrey pondered the snippets of conversation she'd overheard at noble gatherings. After a moment, she shook her head and said,
"No, I haven't heard of anything similar."
The "Magician" Fors and the "World" both shook their heads as well.
"Judgment" Xio, however, said thoughtfully,
"Speaking of which, disappearances have been on the rise in Backlund recently, and slave traders have been unusually active."
The "Hanged Man" Alger's eyes narrowed at her words, sensing a potential lead. He asked in a low voice,
"Does MI9 have any insider information on this?"
Through previous Tarot gatherings, he had confirmed that Miss Judgment hailed from a senior position in MI9. Given her demeanor, attire, and status as an Arbiter pathway Extraordinary, she might even be an "Augustus"!
Xio shook her head and replied softly,
"Most of the missing come from East Borough or the factory districts, from the lowest rungs of society, or from families ruined by sudden debt or bankruptcy. These individuals are already seen as barely surviving, so their disappearances haven't drawn much attention... Or rather, MI9 doesn't see them as worth the manpower."
Having served as an Arbiter in East Borough for a long time, Xio was intimately familiar with the area but powerless to change its plight. The scope of the problem was far beyond what she could address alone.
"How can this be?!" Although Audrey had heard Mr. World describe the harsh realities of the lower class in East Borough, even framing them as fertile ground for "evil god" manifestations, she couldn't believe the authorities could turn such a blind eye.
These are human lives! How can they be ignored simply because their survival is precarious?
Clenching her lips, Audrey resolved silently to intensify her influence on her father and brother, urging them to pass legislation to protect the lower classes as soon as possible.
The "Hanged Man" Alger nodded subtly at Xio's response, unsurprised by her words.
Neither MI9 nor the Church places much importance on protecting the lower classes. Unless an Extraordinary incident occurs, these cases are typically handed over to the police.
Meanwhile, Klein thought of old Kohler, the man who once cherished finding an apple core. Sighing softly, he felt a flicker of doubt: Both overseas and in Backlund, slave traders are becoming active again... Is this a sign of a revived slave trade? Where is there such a demand for slaves?
Seeing that no one could offer concrete information, Klein remained silent. The "Hanged Man" Alger, just as he was about to ask another question, suddenly heard Mr. Tower's voice:
"Vice Admiral Ailment's fleet has been transporting slaves over the past year. You might start investigating there."
After some thought, Ebner decided to provide Alger with a lead. While it wouldn't disrupt the larger scheme—since even in the original timeline, decisive evidence was only obtained after Klein collaborated with the "Hidden Servant" to capture a military demigod—it might still save a ship of slaves.
Even saving one ship's worth of lives is worthwhile, Ebner thought.
"Vice Admiral Ailment?" Alger's mind raced. So, Mr. Tower must indeed be the enigmatic "Doctor Strange." He allied with the four pirate admiralesses to challenge the Death Consul, which explains his knowledge of Vice Admiral Ailment's secrets.
Recalling that Mr. Tower had identified Vice Admiral Ailment as an Extraordinary of the Demoness pathway with almost no hesitation during a prior discussion, Alger felt certain of his credibility.
However, dealing with Vice Admiral Ailment, Tracy, was beyond his capabilities. He resolved to escalate the matter.
Pausing for a moment, Alger asked solemnly,
"Mr. Tower, thank you for the information... What price do you ask for it?"
"No payment is necessary," Ebner replied gravely. "But be cautious during your investigation. Some of the slave traders working with Vice Admiral Ailment may include demigods."
The word "demigods" left Alger alarmed, suggesting this was no ordinary slave trade but part of a larger, sinister conspiracy.
Even the other members of the Tarot Club, excluding the "Sun," were taken aback, though the gray fog masked their reactions.
"Vice Admiral Ailment's backer is the Demoness Sect, correct?" Xio suddenly interjected, asking a pointed question.
Ebner recognized her insight immediately. Since they'd first met, their cases had often involved the Demoness Sect. Xio had long known that MI9's and even the kingdom's higher ranks harbored collaborators with the Demonesses.
"Yes," Ebner confirmed. "Tracy's mother is the 'White Saintess' Katarina Pele, a bona fide 'Unaging Witch.' Her grandmother may also be a demigod."
The group was momentarily stunned. Processing the implications, their expressions turned complex. They began reflecting on what the title "Unaging Witch" might signify.
Fors, meanwhile, blinked in confusion and asked,
"Why does Vice Admiral Ailment have both a mother and a grandmother?"
"Because they're all Demonesses," Klein rasped through the "World," expressing his guess.
Fors, still perplexed, turned to Audrey, who kindly whispered an explanation. Fors's initial reaction of amazement quickly gave way to frustration: Such content might inspire a great story, but publishing it could attract official Extraordinary investigators... The first to catch me might even be Xio!
As the group digested this information, Alger redirected the conversation.
"Has anyone found leads on Dragon-Eyed Sea Eagle eyeballs?"
Having fully digested his "Seafarer" potion and obtained another main ingredient, Alger only needed this item to brew his potion and advance to "Wind-blessed," becoming a true mid-sequence Extraordinary.
The members shook their heads in turn. Although Klein had asked Sharon about this material, her reply had instead revealed a lead on the "Gondola's Golden Feather," which Xio needed.
Once Alger, disappointed, adjusted his posture, the "Sun" Derrick raised his hand and turned to "Justice," saying,
"Miss Justice, someone is willing to trade the 'Psyche Analyst' formula you need...
"But they're asking for an Extraordinary item comparable in power to my 'Hurricane Axe.'"