Chapter Text
City of Miracles, Liveseyd
Seeing that the Hall of Truth were live broadcasting their thoughts to each other, Klein took a deep breath. He decided to focus his attention on serious matters to protect himself from further embarrassment
“Let’s take a look at what the murals describe. In ancient times, murals were very important methods for recording memories. They often contain plenty of information...”
As the words echoed out into the vast hall, Audrey nodded, and Leonard seemed to relax slightly, as if finally managing to suppress the laughter that had been bubbling out of him ever since Klein’s “rein in my thoughts” had become a recurring chorus.
They all 'stepped' forward, moving in unison toward the first mural.
Klein squinted slightly at the faded colors and overlapping imagery.
A world of ice and snow, blurry faced adventurers, a huge frost dragon... His mind itched, as he followed the mural's content who had mirrored the story he experienced.. or was it the other way around? Honestly...
Just as he was about to comment, another voice echoed across the hall—his voice.
“These two fellows... Honestly, if it weren’t for my dear poet constantly making trouble, I’d have fewer thoughts to suppress.”
Time stopped.
Audrey made a small choking noise. Leonard blinked.
Klein froze.
Then—
“My... dear... poet?” The voice of the Hall repeated, drawing out the words like it had just caught someone red-handed.
Leonard’s mouth dropped slightly open.
“Wait, what?” he asked aloud, brow furrowing. “Did you just—?”
Klein internally screamed.
Shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up—!
“I meant that annoying poet!” his thoughts hissed, and the Hall immediately obliged.
“That annoying poet! Annoying poet! That’s what I meant!”
“Oh? So now I’m annoying and dear? That’s a strange combination, Klein.” Leonard gave him a sidelong smirk.
Klein turned to him slowly, Gehrman Sparrow mask firmly back in place, eyes blank and slightly cold.
“…You are overthinking it.”
“Oh, I’m overthinking it,” Leonard muttered, more amused than offended, though the tips of his ears were ever so slightly red.
Audrey, for her part, had both hands politely covering her mouth.
Not that it helped.
“My dear poet”? Why does that sound almost like something out of a romance novel? No, no, Audrey, don’t think about it—don’t associate the stoic Mr. World with a secret soft spot—oh no it’s happening again STOP—
Her inner thoughts spilled into the air like giggles tumbling down a hill.
Klein closed his eyes.
This was the worst day of his afterlife.
Is there a way to destroy this city without becoming an Angel? Not the whole palace, I just want to level this Hall.
“Focus on the murals,” he said stiffly, marching forward. “We have more important things to do.”
Behind him, Leonard chuckled.
“My dear poet,” the Hall repeated one last time, like a farewell taunt.
Klein muttered under his breath.
“…I’ll turn you into a marionette, I swear.”