Scarlett and Fynn were seated in their carriage as it traveled through Freybrook’s Northern District, heading towards the heart of the city. Scarlett had some business with a local artisan regarding the handling of some dragon materials, and she also planned to check the progress of the new carriages ordered by her and Evelyne from one of the city’s workshops.

Her gaze rested outside the window, observing the enclosed estates that dominated this part of the city, though her expression remained impassive as her thoughts were mostly focused on other matters.

Lately, she had devoted much of her time to trying to devise contingencies and formulate plans to counter any potential threats that might arise if the Viles were to find Rosa and take action against them. She also had to consider Anguish’s looming presence within the bard, as well as the upcoming empire-wide assault that the Hallowed Cabal was planning.

Compared to all of that, Arlene’s quest seemed almost trivial. In a way, it led her to question whether it was worth her time amidst the multitude of pressing issues. Most likely, it was. What she could gain from that quest was valuable, and she was already heading to Bridgespell anyway. Their passage through the Kilnstone network was booked for tomorrow, so she hoped to make progress on the Rosa situation while completing the quest.

After that, it might be worth considering—

Her thoughts stopped as the carriage suddenly slowed down and came to a halt.

With a frown, Scarlett’s eyes moved to the front of the cabin. “Why are we stopping?” she asked loudly.

“Ehm, I’m sorry,” came the coachman’s voice from outside. “But there’s…”

In the corner of her eye, Scarlett glimpsed movement through the window as the cabin door swung open. An ordinary-looking man in a top hat and a long dark cape entered, his head bowed to avoid the ceiling. He was followed by a black-furred cat that gracefully leaped onto the wooden floorboards.

The cat fixed its clear, amethyst eyes on Scarlett.

She stared at the two newcomers as the man leaned an ornate cane against the seat opposite her and sat down. Crossing one leg over the other, he folded his hands and offered her a polite smile.

“Greetings, Baroness. It has been some time,” The Gentleman said.

A low growl emanated from Scarlett’s left, and she only now remembered Fynn’s presence. Turning to look at him, she found the white-haired young man glaring at The Gentleman with both hands pressed into his seat, as if poised to bound in front of Scarlett at any moment. Perhaps it was only because he had recognized Empress that he had yet to do so.

The cat in question nonchalantly jumped onto the seat beside Scarlett, settling down on the soft leather between her and Fynn as if it had been reserved specifically for her. Her tail swayed lazily in the air, brushing against Fynn’s leg as he glanced down at the cat with an uncertain expression.

Regaining her composure, Scarlett raised her hand and gestured for him to relax. “There is no need for hostility, Fynn. This is a business associate of mine,” she said. Then she turned her attention to The Gentleman. “It has indeed been some time. This is quite the sudden and unexpected visit.”

“I hope that is acceptable,” the man replied. “I happened to have some matters to resolve along the same route as you and thought it a prime opportunity to feed two birds with one hand, so to speak.”

“My Lady…?” the coachman’s voice sounded out from outside again.

The Gentleman reached up to his head and removed his top hat, placing it beside him and giving it two pats. “Don’t let me keep us.”

Scarlett eyed him for a moment. “The situation is under control. Please resume our journey,” she called out, and the carriage soon began rolling again. “While I have been anticipating your visit for some time now, I did not expect it to occur under these circumstances. In truth, I thought you would have revealed yourself weeks ago.”

“My apologies. I have been rather tied up with other responsibilities,” the man explained. “I am sure you understand.”

Scarlett nodded. “I do.” She glanced down at the cat lying beside her. “…It appears the same has not been true for Empress, however.”

The Gentleman’s smile grew slightly as he gave a small laugh. “No, she can be rather impatient when it comes to some of the activities that I typically occupy my time with. On her behalf, I would like to express my gratitude for hosting her in your home on occasion.”

The cat let out what might have been a peeved meow as she shot him a small glare, but the man was unfazed as he looked down at her. “Now, dear, it is only common courtesy to properly express one’s gratitude after being extended such consideration, even under those circumstances. And lest I am misremembering, you only declared one particular windowsill as part of your territory, not the entire estate.”

Empress fell silent at that, though the cat did glare at him for a second longer before turning her head away and resting her chin on the leather seat, seemingly choosing to pretend his existence was no longer her concern.

The Gentleman, in turn, only let out another light chuckle as he turned back to Scarlett. “I hope my dear companion hasn’t proven too bothersome.”

“There have been no issues whatsoever,” Scarlett said. “If anything, my people and I have been honored by her presence.” Even if the cat had been a nuisance, it wasn’t as if she could come right out and say so. “…We were somewhat taken aback when the remains of a dragon suddenly appeared in the courtyard, however, and I will admit to some uncertainty at first about how to handle the situation. But in the end, we managed to find a satisfactory solution.”

“Ah, yes.” The Gentleman rested one hand on the crown of his cane, shifting his gaze to the cat. “Empress tends to become possessive at times, which can make her a tad unpredictable and overbearing in her reciprocations. Rest assured, it is unlikely to happen again. Isn’t that right, dear?” The last words were spoken in a slightly sharper tone.

Empress remained unfazed, tilting her head slightly to meet the man’s eyes.

“It is not that I am not grateful,” Scarlett said. “The dragon’s cadaver proved to be quite useful to me. But as I mentioned, it was all rather sudden and unexpected. It caught many members of my household off guard.”

“That may be true, but she is aware of what she can do and what she ought to avoid. I am afraid this incident falls into the latter category.” The Gentleman gently shook his head. “It has already happened, and I am not so boorish as to take back what has already been given. Nevertheless, there are other considerations Empress needs to be mindful of, as she well knows. I expect you to exercise more caution, dear, even if you stumble upon something that you find momentarily intriguing.”

The cat gave him a long, contemplative look before turning her attention elsewhere and began licking her paw.

A heavy silence lingered in the cabin, and Scarlett felt like an observer of an awkward exchange between a married couple.

“Who are you?” Fynn suddenly asked, watching The Gentleman with suspicion.

The man met Fynn’s eyes with a calm demeanor, studying the young man for a few moments. “You undoubtedly carry the blood of Grehalyr in your veins, my boy.” Releasing the grip on his cane, he touched a hand to his clean-shaven chin. “Who am I, you ask? An excellent question. Usually, I would introduce myself as ‘The Gentleman’, but that wouldn’t really answer your question, would it?”

The Gentleman continued to scrutinize Fynn, as if anticipating a response. When none came, he averted his gaze, as though focusing on an invisible point in the air before resuming speaking. “I suppose one could say that I am a wanderer. A traveler and a spectator. If you’ll pardon the cliché, the world can be described as a canvas, and I have made it my creed and mission not to let it go unappreciated.” His eyes returned to Fynn. “Does that appease your curiosity?”

Fynn stared at him for a while before finally lowering his head in a nod. “It does.”

The Gentleman redirected his attention to Scarlett. “Now, perhaps we should proceed to the matters at hand. I believe you have something for me?”

“I do, yes.” She reached for her [Pouch of Holding], tucked between her waist and the wall to her right, and retrieved the item he was referring to.

[Sphere of Serendipity (1/2) (Unique)]{An item far out of the ordinary, it seems to call out for its twin, awaiting a reply}

In her palm gleamed a gold-colored metal sphere, intricately engraved with lines that wound around its face. Depictions of suns, moons, and other celestial bodies adorned its surface between those lines, interspersed with the occasional odd Zuverian glyph.

Scarlett handed the sphere to The Gentleman, who accepted it with one hand and briefly examined it. “Despite some of the rather unfortunate circumstances surrounding it, this is a remarkable display of craftsmanship and skill. It is a shame that it had nearly been forgotten until now.” He looked back at Scarlett. “You needn’t fret. I will ensure it reaches its intended destination, as agreed upon. Obtaining its twin, however, falls to you.”

“I will manage,” Scarlett said.

The man nodded. “I have every confidence in your resolve. Yet, such conviction can waver when faced with the realities of one’s situation and the actions one must take. But I suspect you do not need me to remind you of that. I hope you find success in your endeavours.”

He placed the artifact into the top hat next to him, and it seemed to vanish deep within.

Scarlett considered him for a moment. She could understand his skepticism, but he also seemed sincere in his well-wishes, even though their official collaboration was drawing to a close. His role was solely to deliver the [Sphere of Serendipity] to Beld Thylelion, and from there, it was all up to Scarlett. Sometime in the future, he would call in the favor she owed him, but aside from that, they would have no further dealings with each other.

“…If I may ask,” she began. “I am curious as to what you will be doing moving forward. I have heard that your recent actions have stirred up commotion among the Viles.”

The Gentleman waved his hand dismissively. “Ah, those fellows always know how to overreact. They know what I will and will not do, but they never quite seem able to accept it,” he remarked with a short sigh, as if he was talking about a bunch of unruly hooligans.

Empress meowed harshly.

“Now, now, dear,” the man chided. “While that may be true, you should still mind your manners. Moreover, I believe you are being rather unfair to me, don’t you think? It is not as if I am some sort of villain.”

Scarlett observed their brief interaction, unsure exactly of the context. ”What triggered this reaction from them?” she asked.

He turned his attention back to her. “I imagine it was related to my revelation of the existence of a prospective new incarnate,” he answered casually.

Scarlett froze.

She stared at him, trying to process what she’d just heard.

…The Gentleman had been the one to disclose Rosa’s existence to the Viles and the entirety of the Blazes?

The man watched her reaction with a composed expression, a slight smile playing on his lips. “You needn’t worry too much,” he said. “Your friend is safe for now. I was careful about the information I shared, you see.”

Scarlett simply continued staring at him, torn between the urge to let her emotions out and confronting him about his motives and the understanding that this was not someone she could pressure in any way.

Did this mean that The Gentleman was actively working against her? Had he been doing so from the start? This was so far beyond her expectations that she didn’t even know what to think. She had believed that, at worst, he would be indifferent to her and her cause, yet now he was willingly providing information about her people to her enemies?

The Gentleman remained silent in his seat, patiently observing her as these thoughts raced through her mind.

“…Why?” she finally managed to press out.

“Hmm,” the man mused, appearing to ponder her question for a moment. “I will be honest, I had hoped you would not ask that. Albeit unlikely, it would have simplified matters for me considerably, wouldn’t it? But I suppose you do deserve some form of explanation.”

Scarlett peered into his relaxed eyes, praying he wouldn’t say something that would make her lose the grip she was desperately keeping on her anger and indignation.

He offered another faint smile. “I am sure you are already aware, to some extent, that your presence has triggered change. You have set in motion waves of situations that have altered and disrupted the natural order of events, and while I typically prefer to stay out of such matters, I had to step in and make certain adjustments.”

Scarlett’s eyes widened. Was he implying that her impact on this world had grown too large, to the point where he himself had to counteract some of it?

“…Why was it necessary for you to intervene?” she asked.

He had always been an enigmatic character in the game, but this didn’t fit with what she thought she knew of the man. Did he have some undisclosed agenda that directly opposed hers?

“That is a more complex question to answer,” The Gentleman said. “One might say that events were straying too far from their courses, so I gently nudged them to move in more expected directions. Still different from their initial course, but different in another way.”

Scarlett’s brows furrowed. Did this mean that he didn’t want things to deviate from their predetermined course, and would actively work against any such changes? Was it related to the game version of events, and the fate Godwin had spoken of? But if that were the case, he would want to stop both her and the Cabal from taking any action, and that didn’t align with what he’d been doing up till now.

However, he had also just admitted to essentially betraying her to a bunch of demons.

As if sensing her thoughts, The Gentleman spoke again. “This must all be rather confusing for you, but as I mentioned earlier, there is no need to worry. I won’t interfere with your affairs, nor am I here to threaten you or anything of the sort. I do not personally mind any of what you are doing. It is simply that there is a balance to certain things. Although, truth be told, it’s not strictly my responsibility to maintain it. But sometimes, one must step out of their comfort zone to do things one does not necessarily relish.”

Scarlett felt a slight sense of relief at hearing that, but his words didn’t entirely dispel her concerns. While it was reassuring to learn that The Gentleman wasn’t outright her enemy, it still implied that he might act against her if he thought it necessary.

“What do you mean when you speak of a balance that needs to be maintained?” she asked. “What sort of balance is this? Is it somehow connected to the fate of this world? Do you mean to suggest that fate cannot be altered too drastically?”

The man simply smiled at her, as if he didn’t hear a single word she just said. “I’ve recently heard some intriguing tidbits from Empress. It would seem you have struck some interesting deals in the wake of learning the Viles’ movements, am I wrong?”

“Are you truly not going to answer my question?”

He gave her a long look. “I would like to think that I am being generous today.”

Scarlett held his gaze for several seconds before eventually sighing, the tumultuous emotions within her churning beneath the surface. She lacked the leverage to extract more answers from him, even though she was sure he had them. If anyone had knowledge of the inner workings of this world, it was him.

“To answer your question,” she said, “I did indeed come to an agreement with Mistress on how to handle the matter. I should note that the woman did not seem particularly fond of you.”

The Gentleman chuckled at that. “No, it would surprise me if she were. After wandering around for long enough, one tends to ruffle a few feathers. Nevertheless, you appeared to have succeeded in swaying her to your side, despite my involvement.”

“I am not entirely sure I can describe it as ‘swaying’ on my part. I had more of an impression that Mistress acted on a whim as much as she believed she had something to gain from me.”

“I daresay that there are many people who would consider that accomplishment impressive enough.”

“Perhaps. But based on Mistress’ words at the time, I suspect her visit and sudden desire to aid me were more influenced by your actions than either of us initially realized,” Scarlett said.

Now that she thought about it, even if The Gentleman had leaked Rosa’s existence as an incarnate, had he also been the one that subtly influenced Mistress to show up and promise to assist Scarlett in avoiding attracting the attention of any demons, then the man wasn’t even actively working against her as much as she had first thought.

But why had he still felt it necessary to heighten the risks associated with Rosa’s situation?

Scarlett couldn’t help the frown that crept onto her face. This was growing increasingly convoluted. Exactly what were his motivations here? Judging from his earlier words, and what she knew of him from the game, he seemed content being mostly a spectator. But did that mean letting things run their course, or would he only watch from the sidelines if events played out as he desired?

Suddenly, Empress stretched her back and hopped down from her perch next to Scarlett.

The Gentleman glanced out the window. They had left the Northern District by now, and more buildings filled the surroundings. However, the man’s gaze seemed fixed on something beyond those structures. “It appears this is where we part ways,” he announced, grasping his cane. He tapped the cane’s end against the floorboards once, producing a light thud, and the carriage began to slow. Scarlett could hear the coachman’s surprised exclamations from outside as he struggled to regain control of the horses.

The Gentleman retrieved his top hat and placed it atop his head, tipping it at Scarlett as he prepared to depart. “It has been a pleasure, Baroness. Young Grehaldrael.”

Empress offered a final meow as she brushed past Fynn and Scarlett’s legs, striding towards the cabin door.

“Wait,” Scarlett called just as the carriage came to a full stop and The Gentleman was about to open the door. He turned back to look at her. “There was one question I wanted to ask you before you leave.”

The man opened the door, and Empress slipped out, but he lingered for another moment. “Yes?”

“…It concerns Adtia’s avatar. A woman known as the Countess. I have been attempting to locate her for some time now, but I cannot discern her whereabouts, or even if she is alive. Can you share anything about that?”

He arched a brow, considering her for a moment. “I am afraid not. The Lady of the Night and the Moon may have faded from the memories of today’s people, residing in the shadow of her brighter counterpart, but she remains a deity nonetheless. Her avatar will be hidden from all eyes that seek to uncover her location. It is unlikely that the woman you are looking for is dead, but that is as much as I can tell you, I am afraid.”

Scarlett found his answer far less satisfying than she had hoped, but there wasn’t anything she could do about that. “I see. At the very least, I appreciate your honesty.”

“In that case, I bid you farewell. Until next we meet, Baroness.” With those words, the man stepped out of the carriage and closed the door behind him. Through the window, Scarlett watched as he walked up to what appeared to be an entirely ordinary storefront, passing an older couple on the street, and entered, accompanied by the black-furred cat.

“I’m sorry, my Lady! I can’t get the horses to move again,” the coachman called from the front. “I’ll see if—”

Suddenly, two horses neighed, and the carriage resumed its motion, followed by the coachman’s bewildered cry.

“Do not mind it,” Scarlett replied in a loud voice, her gaze lingering on the building where The Gentleman and Empress had disappeared. “Simply proceed to our original destination.”

“Ehm, as you wish, my Lady…”

A minute of silence passed as the vehicle soon returned to its normal movement. Finally, Fynn spoke up.

“That man was strange,” he said.

Scarlett turned to him, studying his face for a moment. The young man seemed to have taken the encounter in stride, at least, though she did detect signs of confusion on his face. Much of what they had discussed probably went over his head.

“…Indeed he was,” she replied. “I suspect you have already surmised as much, but this meeting and our conversation must remain a secret.”

Fynn nodded. “Mm. Sounded important. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Thank you.”

Scarlett turned her attention forward, reclining in her seat as the carriage continued its journey. A myriad of thoughts raced through her mind, and she found it hard to focus on any specific one.

Sorting through everything she’d learned and deciphering whether this encounter had been beneficial or detrimental would have to wait for another time. For now, she just wanted to relax and calm down.

That much she felt like she could indulge herself.