Facing Ebner's question, Amon replied with a smile, "Having one more ally is always better than having one more enemy, isn't it?"
The logic was correct, but the Amon in the original story would never have such a thought… Is it because His father no longer manages Him, forcing Him to fend for Himself? And after suffering a setback with me, has He grown a little?
While Ebner was pondering, the "girl" opposite him continued, "And after my investigation, the image of this avatar of mine quite matches your criteria for choosing allies."
Just what exactly did you investigate? Am I the kind of person who chooses allies based on appearance? That's slander, you know?
Ebner complained inwardly, but after a brief pause for thought, he looked at Amon seriously and said, "I don't trust you."
"It's only an 'alliance.' Why must there be mutual trust?" Amon displayed an exaggerated look of surprise. "Be honest—do you truly trust Evernight and Lilith that much?"
No matter what, those two goddesses are far more reliable than you, and they have far more bottom lines!
Although that was what he thought, Ebner deliberately hesitated for a while before handing over the rose he had picked and saying in a deep voice, "Then, happy cooperation."
"Happy cooperation!" The corners of Amon's lips curved upward as She exchanged Her flower with Ebner's.
Thus, the "alliance" was formed. There were no constraints or witnesses, because both of them knew that the other possessed countless methods to bypass contractual restrictions. There was no need for such formalities.
But this verbal alliance was not without effect. At the very least, Ebner knew that before Amon grew bored—or before His "deception" was complete—He would adhere to the "agreement" to a certain extent, just as He had done when playing games with Klein in the Forsaken Land of the Gods.
And Amon also knew that Alvin and Ebner had consistently maintained an image of honoring their promises. Unless absolutely necessary, the other party would not abandon that persona.
As for whether one would be sold out through some "loophole," that would depend on each side's methods and whose "cultivation" ran deeper.
After briefly agreeing on the rights and obligations of "allies," Ebner asked again, "What is your purpose today? As an 'ally,' you should at least tell me now."
Amon still did not answer directly and instead asked with a smile, "I told you I have many purposes. How many layers can you see?"
Ebner frowned slightly. He knew Amon seemed to be stalling for time, but he did not mind. He simply nodded.
"Only three layers."
"Which three?" Amon asked with interest.
"First, you attracted both the Red Angel and the Saintess of Black here. That clearly wasn't without premeditation… I guess you want the Conqueror characteristic that the Demoness Sect traded from the Loen royal family, and then use it to make a deal with the Red Angel. Am I right?" Ebner looked into Amon's eyes for confirmation.
The corners of the golden-haired girl's lips lifted gradually.
"Very correct. But I didn't expect that the Saintess of Black had already lost that characteristic. I suppose you've already obtained it, haven't you?"
"A thief's instincts toward treasures are always so sharp…" Ebner did not deny it and continued, "You must have discovered the secret Adam had hidden for many years during the Indo Port incident. And you're not entirely without feelings toward that Red Angel. So this is both a transaction and compensation."
Regarding this deduction, Amon merely smiled faintly without confirming or denying it, and instead asked, "Is that your second layer of inference?"
"It isn't…" Ebner shook his head and went on, "Your second purpose should be to use this ball to search for the holder of Sefirah Castle… That Monster pathway angel is the helper you found, right? Is He a subordinate of the True Creator, or a member of the School of Life?"
"With you and me both present, the owner of Sefirah Castle would most likely be drawn here by fate… But unfortunately, my luck doesn't seem very good…" Although He said so, Amon showed no trace of frustration. "As for that 'Prophet'? His appearance clearly better fits the aesthetic of 'True.'"
Ebner recalled the appearance of that Monster pathway angel and silently nodded. He had indeed been a handsome gentleman.
In contrast, Botis—the Secret Saint who had joined the Aurora Order midway—did not look very impressive. No wonder he had been so easily eliminated by the Tarot Club in the original story. Clearly, he was not favored by the True Creator.
"Since that 'Prophet' is a believer of the True Creator, then your third purpose becomes clear.
"The Red Angel was drawn to this ball because the power of the True Creator might descend, and He is certain you wouldn't lie about that…"
After pondering for a moment, Ebner continued,
"So you're actually planning to let the Secret Saint and that Prophet call for help from the True Creator, guiding His divine power to descend, creating a massive calamity to draw out the holder of Sefirah Castle, aren't you?"
Amon tilted Her head slightly and looked at Ebner for a second before smiling.
"Clever!
"But not entirely correct. Letting them call for help is also a gesture of sincerity in forming an alliance with you.
"First, in the Lavran household, aside from the viscount himself, everyone else has already become a believer of the Primordial Moon. Only my 'father' remains uncontaminated because he needs to regularly attend Church mass.
"Using such a family of evil people as sacrifices to summon the power of the True Creator—you wouldn't be too opposed to that.
"Second, the former 'Hero Detective,' now 'Viscount Beldan,' resolving another crisis would raise your reputation even further…"
Raise my reputation further? As in the reputation that whenever I attend a banquet or ball, something inevitably goes wrong?
Ebner inwardly mocked a few times, but he did not believe that Amon's purpose was so simple. There had to be deeper intentions.
Moreover, Ebner had already thought of one possibility: since occasions where Alvin and Amon gathered together might attract the Fool, it was also highly likely to draw Pallez.
Once the True Creator's power erupted and the guests at the ball were threatened, Pallez might take action out of concern for his host's safety, thereby exposing a flaw.
As his thoughts churned, just as Ebner was about to question Amon further about any additional purposes, the Saintess of Black suddenly sent him a message through a communication device, informing him that Viscount Lavran's family had been captured by the Secret Saint while conducting an evil ritual and were being used for a sacrifice to the True Creator.
The next moment, a heavy and illusory curtain suddenly descended, enveloping the entire estate.
At the same time, the guests in the ballroom were intimidated by the ominous aura filling the surroundings. Even moving felt difficult.
Some of the more timid individuals had already lost control of their bladders.
Just as most people fell into panic, a black cat with a white ring around its right eye lightly leaped onto the second-floor railing. Its amber eyes quickly swept across each guest downstairs before finally settling its gaze on a young girl.
(End of Chapter)