213 Correct Interpretation
Upon hearing Rentass response, Lumian found himself torn between laughter and rejoicing, grateful that he had achieved a satisfactory outcome through a mistaken train of thought.
Originally, Lumian believed that Beyonders, like the imposter Ive, who worshiped the Mother Tree of Desire, would struggle to control their insatiable hunger and carnal desires. Thats why he decided to use a gold coin to carry the vagrants bad luck. To his surprise, the followers of the evil god were primarily influenced by their specific desires at different stages. Once they mastered the power or received a new boon, they could break free and progress to the next state. While their desires remained potent, they were no longer uncontrollable.
In simpler terms, if Rentas hadnt been portraying Monsieur Ive and didnt feel the need to exhibit stinginess, there was a high probability that he wouldnt have picked up the ill-fated gold coin and would have approached the situation with greater caution.
Of course, if Rentas hadnt been attuned to changes in fate and failed to detect the issue with the gold coin, he would likely have claimed it for himself once he realized its owner was long gone and wouldnt return. After all, he possessed a touch more greed than the average person, and as the saying goes, finders keepers in the hearts of a certain percentage of ordinary individuals.
Lumian now grasped the full meaning behind Rentass words.
Indeed, one mustnt become lost in the role when acting.
However, Rentas was in the midst of acting, so scrutinizing the details was not a concern for him. Otherwise, it would have been easy for others to discover his true identity as the impostor Ive...
Franca sensed that the spirit channeling was coming to an end and hurriedly asked, Who are the suspected core members of the Bliss Society?
Rentass pale, indistinct face twitched.
Even if I were to tell you, you wouldnt find them.
They joined Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons after receiving boons and becoming actresses. They adopted false names and concealed their true faces. Once their acting skills reached maturity and they gained control over their corresponding desires, they would reclaim their real identities upon leaving the theater.
If you wish to uncover their assumed identities, gather a list of all the female leads in Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons plays from the past two years. Look for those who performed most frequently.
At the mention of the female lead at Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons, Lumians mind recalled a name.
Could Charlotte Calvino be one of the core members of the Bliss Society?
She played the lead in the play Forest Fairy. The costumes in the promotional stills evoked memories of Susanna Mattise.
Rentass face grew increasingly elusive, and his voice became more ethereal.
I dont know. She rose through the ranks as an apprentice actress and only recently started taking the lead roles in the past few months. Shes not an outsider, but Maipu Meyer might promote her to a member of the Bliss Society.
Franca was about to inquire about Maipu Meyers corresponding stages and abilities when Rentass spirit, consumed by black flames, could no longer hold on and dissipated upon the surface of the makeup mirror.
With a tinge of regret, Franca concluded the ritual and dismissed the wall of spirituality.
As she squatted beside Rentass lifeless body, rummaging through his pockets, she let out a sigh and remarked, I didnt manage to get to Maipu Meyer. Forget it, Ill leave it to the authorities to handle it.
Lumian paused, pondering her question.
Ive heard from a playwright that Maipu Meyer is highly ambitious. He aims to make Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons the most renowned theater in Trier and receive the prestigious Intis Legion of Honor medal.
Desire for success and recognition? Franca recalled Rentass depiction of a Sequence 6 recipient. I suppose thats the limit for male members of the Bliss Society?
Franca had already collected a stack of items.
Two metal canisters, a leather wallet, a peculiar dough that conformed to facial contours, thin skin-like pieces, eyebrow pencils, and various makeup tools...
Give it a sniff. Franca tossed the two metal canisters to Lumian.
Lumian distinguished them for a moment before responding, One canister contains the scent you just experienced, and the other should hold a matching sedative.
They appeared to be essential items for followers of the Mother Tree of Desire when venturing outside.
Mysticism-branded smelling salts? Franca mused, then added, You can keep whats left of the canister you have. This is mine. Ill give you the sedative. Choose from these disguises and take the money from the wallet. Anything you dont want, Ill keep. Bloody hell, this pauper doesnt even possess materials, talismans, or weapons, let alone Beyonder characteristics or mystical items!
The sedative and mysticism smelling salts will prove useful, Lumian, who had only obtained Beyonder abilities from Hammer Ait, didnt show much concern.
Franca didnt overlook any part of Rentass bodyincluding his crotch and solesyet she found nothing more.
She withdrew a folded cloth bag and opened it, carefully stashing away the collection from the ground. Then, she addressed Lumian, Well divide this once we return.
With that, she rose to her feet and glanced at the frightened Charlie. She muttered to herself thoughtfully, He witnessed our clash with Rentas. What should we do?
Charlies legs trembled, and as he leaned toward Lumian, he gritted his teeth and proclaimed, I-I wont betray you!
Without waiting for Lumians response, Franca let out a sigh and declared, Forget it. Well leave it to the official Beyonders.
She deliberately introduced the topic before promptly reaching a conclusion. Lumian, finally freed from the grip of his acting impulses, regained his composure and rationality. After careful consideration, he suggested,
I have alternative solutions.
Charlie doesnt need to seek refuge at Eglise Saint-Robert, nor does he need to worry about Susanna Mattise finding him.
He thought of his Luck Transference Spell!
Before, he refrained from using it as Susanna Mattise had yet to bother Charlie. There was no corresponding fate to alter. But now, Susanna Mattise was on the path to recovery, and Charlie was her primary target. His luck had taken a turn, and a life-threatening calamity loomed. His luck had indeed changed!
When the moment arrived, Lumian would gift the gold coin carrying the weight of the impending disaster to the real Ive, allowing them to face it on their own.
Naturally, this differed from the Substitution Spell and Fallen Mercurys Fate Exchange. It only diverted bloodshed temporarily. In other words, Charlie wouldnt be in Susanna Mattises crosshairs for the next few days. However, in a few days time, unless Susanna Mattise was wholly purified or had lost her memories, this external threat would still remain.
Nevertheless, the authorities would take action tomorrow, armed with sufficient intel!
When Lumian realized that Charlies luck was in jeopardy, he refrained from intervening because he could only change Charlies luck, not his own. Susanna would undoubtedly target him as well, the adversary who had provoked Charlies betrayal. Therefore, he opted for the simplest approachto disguise himself and urge Charlie to seek refuge at the Eternal Blazing Sun cathedral, thus buying more time to guard against Susanna Mattise. They were now certain that Susanna had two days left to recuperate.
Really? Charlies eyes brightened.
Lumian smiled and inquired, Do you trust me or not?
Charlie stammered, I-I believe you! I believe you!
You just like to tease people about trivial matters.
Curiosity piqued, Franca asked, What way?
A method you shouldnt be aware of... Lumian silently muttered, contemplating the specifics.
If I wish to alter Charlies current luck, mere prayers wont suffice. I must harness the power sealed within me...
Poor Charlie; Ill have to render him unconscious. I cant expose the corruption within me or the suspicion of seeking aid from an evil god...
Just as Lumian was about to instruct Charlie to accompany him and prepare for his temporary incapacitation, a thought flashed across his mind.
Does utilizing the power within the seal constitute exploiting Termiboros?
Should I write to Madam Magician and seek her opinion?
Previously, the tramps ill fortune bore no relation to mysticism or Beyonder abilities. The ritual required minimal power. However, the support needed to resist a Sequence 5 evil spirit atop an evil gods altar would likely be several times greater than before...
What would occur then?
Since Charlies luck changed, everything had become urgent. The timing was impeccable. It seemed as though an opportunity had emerged without allowing me a chance to weigh my options...
If I hadnt just corresponded with Madam Magician and received her reminder, I might have already altered Charlies luck...
Noticing Lumians motionless state, Franca inquired, Whats the matter?
Shaking off his stupor, Lumian contemplated for a moment.
I just realized that the method I had prepared seems to have significant flaws.
Ah, Charlie uttered, a mixture of disappointment and concern.
Franca ruminated for a few seconds before suggesting, I have an idea as well.
Charlie wont head to Eglise Saint-Robert. Hell follow us to Rue des Blouses Blanches.
As long as we survive the night, well be fine by tomorrow.
Think about it. Our original plan was to confront Susanna Mattise, and she still has two days remaining at the altar. Even if we face an attack tonight, it will likely come from Maipu Meyer and his lackeys. Even if he recruits other core members of the Bliss Society, as long as they are inferior to Susanna Mattise at the altar, we stand a good chance of holding out until dawn. If things dont go as planned, we can create a commotion and attract the attention of official Beyonders. We can escape from the market district amidst the chaos.
This is the worst-case scenario. However, if Charlie goes to Eglise Saint-Robert, we must consider moving immediately. We could also become targets.
Lumian pondered for a few moments and found the idea quite feasible.
He nodded and stated, I have no objections.
His gaze then fell upon Charlie, who eagerly replied, I dont have any issues either.
Charlie held considerable confidence in Ciel and Franca.
Lumian refocused his attention and observed Charlies luck.
To his surprise, Charlies impending disaster had noticeably weakened and showed signs of improvement!
What... Charlies true misfortune lies in participating in the luck transference ritual? Did his fate change when I abandoned that notion? Although a bloody calamity still awaits, it appears less severe... Bloody Termiboros! Lumian comprehended the situation in an instant and couldnt help but inwardly curse.