"Your cousin?"
Shade thought of the excuse Bella had used in Moon Bay last year, but Wei Ge shook her head:
"That won't work. I've said that because of hereditary blood disease, our family has very few members. A relative suddenly appearing would be highly suspicious. As for my mother's side of the family, no relatives have appeared for many years. If you were a relative from my mother's side, that would also be suspicious."
She came up with an impeccable excuse:
"But I'm not the sort of girl who would take advantage of such an opportunity and casually claim a relationship in name. So, your identity is that of my pen pal. You also have some business dealings with my family, and you run a wine business in Weilun Dai'er City. Recently, you wanted to purchase property here, so you approached Old Mr. Laibury, and therefore needed to obtain three books."
It was a very suitable identity. Shade nodded.
"No problem. But this way, should I still address you directly by name later?"
"Of course. Otherwise, it won't seem like we're close. If we weren't close, why would I personally accompany you here despite being ill?"
The silent maid following behind them could only marvel at her mistress's clever methods. Before this, no man had ever been allowed to address her mistress by her given name.
Shade and the witch arrived at the Talking Room at one fifty-five, while Professor Thorn and his friend had already been waiting there.
Professor Thorn's friend was also an elderly gentleman with grizzled hair and beard. He introduced himself as "Mr. Finch." He was solidly built but not very tall. Judging by his bearing, he was likely a scholar or inventor employed by a school or research institute.
Both elderly gentlemen were locals