Worried about how events might unfold, Shade went to Doctor Schneider's clinic on Saturday afternoon. Since he had set out early, he arrived well ahead of time; Miss Louisa and Priest Augustus had not yet arrived.
Shade shared the matter with the doctor, who was also quite concerned about the commission involving Lassoya:
"We have basically determined that Lassoya is a member of the Blood of Mercury. But this does not mean that the helpers Mrs. Lawrence mentioned would necessarily be no match for that Lassoya, whose gender is unknown."
Doctor Schneider spoke from the sofa. Seeing Shade's confusion, he explained:
"The helpers Mrs. Lawrence mentioned were likely acquaintances she met through noblewomen. And you must understand that while the supernatural is not openly displayed in this era, Ring Arcanists are not especially secretive matters to great nobles. Even the royal family has ties to the Arcane Academy. To be fair, the Blood of Mercury is not an especially powerful organization. Though I do not know the Lassoya you mentioned, she should not be more than two Rings stronger than me at most."
Doctor Schneider pointed at himself, without displaying any excessive self-aggrandizement.
"In other words, there is also the possibility that Mrs. Lawrence was so cautious that the helpers she gathered are extraordinarily formidable?"
Shade asked.
"Yes. Although Ring Arcanists above ten Rings mostly come from the Orthodox Church and the Three Great Academies and would not accept employment from ordinary people, Low-Ring Arcanists of unofficial backgrounds are quite willing to attach themselves to great nobles for various reasons—chiefly Gold Pounds."
The doctor said, then added after some thought:
"Of course, it is only a possibility. After all, no one knows what kind of formidable people Mrs. Lawrence truly knows. Shade, do not let your curiosity grow too strong