Naturally, the hall manager could not find that name. Hobart smiled. "I'll conduct my investigation in the reception hall. Please bring me a cup of tea."
Hobart's so-called investigation consisted of looking at the people around him, one by one, with great care.
He saw that every person's smile was somewhat unnatural, or a little exaggerated.
That alone was enough for Hobart to conclude that something was definitely wrong with the manor. However, he did not immediately ask about Selena. He simply observed in silence.
As for the contamination the Messenger had mentioned, that was what worried Hobart least, because the Clock of Order could break all contamination.
A waiter served Hobart tea, but Hobart did not take a single sip.
At last, Hobart spotted a middle-aged man who looked completely normal. He was smoking on a chair outside, seeming to be lost in thought.
Among a crowd full of abnormalities, finding someone with no signs of abnormality at all meant that person definitely had a problem.
Hobart rose and went outside to strike up a conversation with the smoking middle-aged man. "Hello, sir."
The middle-aged man glanced at Hobart. "Hello. Is there something you need?"
With a smile, Hobart leisurely sat beside him. "I simply saw that you seemed to be thinking about something, and I was curious. More importantly, I came here alone for a holiday and wanted someone to chat with."
"Sorry." The middle-aged man stood. "I'm not in the mood for idle chatter."
"Has anything strange happened here recently?" Hobart probed.
As expected, the middle-aged man sat back down. He asked in surprise, his voice low, "You noticed it too?"
Hobart nodded. "Yes. What should I call you?"
"My name is Harold. And you?"
"Everyone calls me Jeffrey."
Harold asked quietly, "Then, Mr. Jeffrey, why are