"Stealing books was one thing, but why burn down the library?"
Shade looked directly into his icy eyes:
"Sir, don't tell me you have a fondness for arson?"
"One fire burns everything clean. It leaves no clues behind."
The gentleman lightly swirled his wineglass, breaking eye contact with Shade as he looked once more at the falling snow. Even exposed, he maintained his so-called elegance:
"This was not my first time doing this, Mr. Hamilton, but it was the first time I was discovered and forced to admit what I had done. No one ever discovered me before. I systematically studied psychology and criminology—oh, the latter is an emerging field. I even mastered some special techniques to counter divination. The learning process fascinated me, and honestly, being exposed like this feels rather nice. It lets me know that I still have far to go on the path of knowledge."
The middle-aged gentleman smiled:
"You reminded me never to be arrogant. On the path of knowledge, every one of us is a student."
"The Church already knows about you."
Shade said. The gentleman nodded:
"What I intend to do next would never have been permitted by The Church anyway, so it does not matter that they know this trivial matter. Knight, this will probably be the last time we meet. Next, I will head for the 'Promised Land' granted to me by destiny and accept that unique, supreme wisdom. I am glad I could speak with you before leaving."
He sighed softly:
"I do not know you well, yet you feel somewhat familiar. You know some things about me, but not much. Speaking with you was probably the best choice."
"Why do you think I'll let you leave?"
Shade asked curiously. The gentleman smiled again and casually tossed the wineglass, still