After the waiter left, Mr. Randall lowered his voice and questioned Shade, his brown eyes fixed on the young Detective across the table.
"It was I who sought you out. You and I are alike."
This was Shade's way of hinting at his identity as a Ring Arcanist. He clasped his hands together on the tabletop. Between them, candles burned in a golden candlestick. They were not for illumination, of course; the gas lamp disguised as a Crystal Chandelier overhead was the true source of light. The candles were merely decorations.
The faint yellow light illuminated their faces, allowing them to see each other's eyes clearly.
"I've recently been searching for a ritual."
Shade lowered his voice as well, preventing anyone else from overhearing:
"A very ancient ritual. That is why I need the help of an Ancient Organization such as yours. I mean you no harm, or I would not have revealed my identity."
Mr. Randall nodded hesitantly.
"Not many people know of us in this age. You seem friendly, and you have no intention of concealing your identity. So what exactly do you need?"
"This."
Shade took a notebook from his coat pocket, tore out the page with its folded corner, and handed it to him. The latter glanced at it and frowned slightly.
"You actually think we would have something like this? This is a summoning... You know what this is."
He nervously looked around, giving Shade the illusion that they were secret agents making contact.
"Other than you, I cannot think of anyone else who might possess it. Can it be found? If so, name your price."
He rested his left arm on the table and made a requesting gesture with his right hand.
"I cannot answer you directly. I need to seek help from my