"One more thing: why did Mr. Lucifer suddenly send this friend over after learning Jack was heading back to Backlund? He's definitely not expecting Jack to look after Little Red, so it must be the other way around."
Reflecting on the string of surprises since his transmigration, Klein started piecing together guesses about his upcoming Backlund adventure. "Could it be like the Tingen incident? Is something big about to happen in Backlund? Maybe Mr. Lucifer can't watch over Jack himself, so he asked a friend to do it?"
Klein thought this was highly likely.
"A Hunter…" Evah could tell what Klein was thinking, which was exactly what he'd steered him toward.
Evah had to admit, he was curious about the sparks that might fly when Klein and Medici collided. Both were pretty "Hunter-like"—maybe they'd hit it off!
"Hunter…" Klein's mind raced with knowledge about the Hunter pathway, and he fell silent.
He knew what Hunters were generally like. So, the real question was: could a provocative Hunter and Mr. Lucifer really avoid clashing?
Klein couldn't picture Mr. Lucifer coexisting peacefully with a Hunter.
"No, I shouldn't judge Mr. Lucifer with bias. He may be sharp-tongued, but he's kind at heart. Maybe that's why he could befriend this Hunter," Klein muttered inwardly, growing even more curious about the mysterious Little Red they were about to meet.
Soon, the steam train pulled into Backlund. Klein and Evah grabbed their luggage and disembarked. Right outside the station, Evah spotted something and called out enthusiastically, "Little Red, over here! We're here!"
Klein followed Evah's gaze and saw a tall man—at least 1.9 meters, maybe taller—wearing a black trench coat. He had striking red hair and, hearing Evah's call, turned to face them. His eyes, matching his hair, locked onto them, and he let out a "tch," as if he'd seen something bizarre.
Klein froze, studying the handsome man. After a few seconds, he turned to Evah, incredulous. "So, Little Red is a guy?"
"Huh? What else would he be?" Evah asked, puzzled.
"But when I asked about their gender, you clearly said it was a lady," Klein said, struggling to describe his feelings.
"Did I?" Evah looked thoughtful, then lit up. "Oh, right, I might've said that. I got it wrong! Later, my teacher sent me his photo, and I realized he's a guy."
Evah gave Klein an odd look. "What, were you hoping to room with a beauty? Disappointed now that it's a guy?" His expression screamed, "Didn't peg you for that type."
"I don't mind a male roommate. Honestly, it's better this way, but…" Klein glanced at his luggage. Knowing he'd have a new roommate in Backlund, he'd bought a gift in advance—a pair of cufflinks popular with women, thanks to the gender mix-up.
How was he supposed to give this now? He'd get punched, right?
The gift suddenly felt like a hot potato.
"No buts. He's waiting. Let's go!" Evah knew Klein's dilemma but wasn't above enjoying the show. He nudged Klein forward and approached Medici, grinning. "Hey, Mr. Little Red! I'm Jack Jones. My teacher probably told you about me, right? Nice to meet you."
It was hard to pin down Medici's mood. The surreal sight of a wolf in sheep's clothing made his expression twist, stirring the Red Angel's instincts.
But the next second, catching what Medici might do, Evah shot him a smiling, threatening look. Then he smoothly pulled Klein forward, introducing, "This is Sherlock Moriarty, my student and good friend."
"Hello, Mr. Little Red. I'm Sherlock Moriarty. Just call me Sherlock," Klein said, recovering from the gender mishap and offering a polite smile.
"I'm Red. You can call me Mr. Red. At… Lucifer's request, I'm here to look after you two kids for a while," Medici said, a sly grin spreading as his gaze swept over Evah and settled on Klein. "Sherlock, huh? I was wondering what kind of person was worth all his effort. Now that I see you, I get it."
As a genuine evil spirit, Medici could sense Klein's uniqueness. The guy was almost certainly tied to Sefirah Castle, though how exactly wasn't clear. Still, that alone was remarkable.
Klein paused, realizing Red was likely referring to his unique traits. He pursed his lips, confirming Mr. Red's sequence was no slouch.
Maybe another angel.
Come to think of it, I know a lot of angels. Mr. Azik's one, Lucifer's another, now this Mr. Red, and if I count Leonard's old man, I've got a full mahjong table.
Klein quipped to himself, not too nervous. Familiarity breeds indifference, after all. Curiosity taking over, he asked, "Mr. Red, why did Mr. Lucifer ask you to look after us? Is… something about to happen in Backlund?"
Medici glanced at him, then smiled. "You're sharp."
Klein's heart tightened, and he pressed, "So what's going to happen in Backlund? Can you tell us, Mr. Red?"
"Want to know what's coming in Backlund?" Medici grinned. Truth be told, he wasn't entirely sure himself, but as a schemer who'd worked under Solomon, he'd picked up on some signs.
Have you noticed? The Augustus family's up to something.
Medici shot Evah a look. The guy looked perfectly innocent now, no trace of his earlier mischief, but locking eyes with those seemingly clear green eyes, Medici knew—Evah was in on it.
(End of Chapter)