Chapter 2020: Chapter 2020

When the topic of Jenkins's marriage came up with King Sarlis II, the bishop shook his head with a sigh of regret.

"The Church would very much like him to marry one of our own believers, but alas, none of the ladies in his life are followers of the Sage. Things can never be perfect, can they? I suppose this, too, is a test from the Sage. Jenkins mentioned he plans to wed next summer, but I fear there will be complications. It's not just the religious ceremony, but also the protocols of two royal houses. When you think about it, the whole affair is far more complicated than one might expect..."

While Dolores took the opportunity to inquire for news from the nuns serving tea, Alexia rose and made her way to the delegation from the Church of Destiny and Equilibrium.

Miss Brolignans was still performing her divination beneath the black metal tower, so Miss Audrey was attending on her teacher's behalf. Miss Audrey politely invited Alexia to sit. The two were already friends—in fact, they had been on excellent terms even before meeting Jenkins. Consequently, Alexia dispensed with the usual pleasantries and went straight to the heart of her question:

"Is there a connection between the Gate of All Things and the All-Seeing Cards? I know that deck contains a 'Gate' card, but from what Jenkins has told me about the Gate of All Things, a single card couldn't possibly have so many effects."

"You're as perceptive as ever, Alexia."

Miss Audrey remarked, then hesitated for a moment before answering in a hushed tone:

"I can't disclose too much, but I will admit that yes, the Gate of All Things and the All-Seeing Cards are indeed related. I can't offer any more details; you know the Church has its confidentiality pacts."

She had wanted to say that if Jenkins were the one asking, she could, of course, provide an answer. Though not a member of the Church of Destiny, Jenkins belonged to their school and was privy to its inherited knowledge.

The petite woman said with a smile:

"It's related to the All-Seeing Cards, yet it wasn't taken in by your Church, but by the Church of Knowledge and Books. That implies the Gate is also connected to books and knowledge. So, let's venture a guess: the complete set of All-Seeing Cards requires not just the cards themselves, but also a container to hold them. Let me guess... the container is a book. An empty book, a shell. If you think of it that way, it's quite simple. The Gate of All Things that the Sage Church holds is actually..."

Miss Audrey decisively raised a hand, stopping her from continuing.

"You figured that out on your own. It has nothing to do with me."

Seeing her act this way, Miss Audrey couldn't help but sigh.

"You're exactly the same as you've always been. I thought marriage changed every woman, that even you wouldn't be an exception, but you're still the same as ever."

"I'm not married yet... The wedding isn't until next summer."

"Oh, spare me, Alexia. Save that line for someone else. I refuse to believe Jenkins hasn't done anything with you."

Miss Audrey scoffed, but seeing that Alexia didn't particularly enjoy the topic, she shifted to another question:

"The last time we corresponded, I heard you'd already reached that stage?"

"Yes. And I've gone quite far."

Alexia summoned a blue cube, which transformed into a rotating puzzle cube for Miss Audrey to observe.

"Oh, that's truly remarkable. How did you manage it? Even though I've been guiding Jenkins this whole time, I could never reach your level until he achieves his final victory."

"I simply paid a price."

She tapped her chest. Miss Audrey didn't quite understand what she meant, but seeing that Alexia had no intention of explaining, she didn't press the matter. Alexia, however, had another question:

"Before I left Nolan, you told me about the Savior's Emblem related to Destiny. What, you still don't know its specific name?"

"Alexia, I can't believe for a moment that you haven't guessed what the Emblem of Destiny is."

Miss Audrey said with a laugh:

"If you really can't figure it out, then marriage and love must truly be terrifying things."

"Of course I know what it is. Only someone like Jenkins, standing right in the middle of the chessboard, could fail to see something so simple. When do you plan on telling him? As his divination tutor, I think it should come from you."

"My teacher, Miss Brolignans, believes Jenkins should discover it for himself."

"That's not a bad idea. It began with destiny, so it should end with destiny." Check latest chapters at NoveIꜰire.net

Alexia had echoed Miss Brolignans's own words, which made Miss Audrey recall the night her teacher returned to Nolan. They had discussed the All-Seeing Card—The World, and the Sage's plan to choose a successor.

Miss Brolignans had forbidden her from revealing any details of that conversation to anyone else, so Miss Audrey certainly couldn't tell her friend the sympathy she felt for her now.

"That look on your face... it's as if you've thought of something concerning me, but you're forced to keep it to yourself."

The petite woman teased.

"Can you read minds now?"

"Of course not. Audrey, I just know you too well. After all these years, do you really think I wouldn't know what kind of person you are? Also, remember one thing: don't discuss my age with Jenkins."

Alexia deliberately changed the subject. Since Miss Audrey was unwilling to speak, there was no point in pressing her.

"Why not? You're not that old, and Jenkins doesn't seem like the type to care about such things."

"You can consider this a rare instance of me being irrational, of approaching a problem with emotion rather than logic."

With that, she made to stand and take her leave. It was almost two o'clock.

"That's a good thing. It reminds me that you're a complete and perfect lady, not some cold, unfeeling machine."

Miss Audrey mused, then glanced up at the sky above.

"Look, Jenkins is back."

A brilliant silver and gold light converged above the transparent dome, then plunged downward, passing through the ceiling and landing squarely in the center of the conference hall.

An inexplicable gust of wind swept through the hall with the falling light. Within the swirling light and wind, the attendees, who had all paused what they were doing, saw Jenkins step into view. A cat was perched on his shoulder, and in his right hand, he dragged the battered, broken body of a machine.

The mechanical being was completely inert. Nearly every inch of its metal frame showed signs of bent or shattered components—damage that could only be caused by an immense impact.

Its heart on the left side was gone. Instead, Jenkins held it in his left hand—a black, gleaming heart that shone with a metallic luster, like a work of art.