Mr. Bernhardt, his face somewhat pale, hid the corpse of the Mid-Ring Arcanist he and Shade had left behind, then returned to the exhibition hall entrance before the Church's Ring Arcanists arrived.
Everyone present was an important figure in Arcadia City and would not easily submit to questioning. But such a major incident had occurred in the city tonight that, after consulting with the Duchess, the Sun Church personnel who arrived first still brought everyone back to the banquet hall. They then questioned each person's identity one by one and had everyone sign confidentiality agreements.
Wei Ge remained silent, merely clutching Shade's arm tightly. She had made up her mind that if the Church became suspicious of "John Watson," she would protect him in the Astley Family's name. At worst, she could announce that Shade was her fiancé. She still had that much influence locally.
But Shade had been to so many cities that he had long prepared for such situations. A stranger from Wilundell whom no one knew was certainly suspicious, but when they actually investigated him, he produced his Gray Gloves identification and immediately ceased to seem suspicious at all.
Margaret had long since prepared a complete identity for him. Even if someone later accessed internal records in the Gray Gloves system, they would undoubtedly find the most comprehensive proof of identity.
Because of the accident, the Charity Banquet, which had originally been going smoothly, could only end hastily. At least the Duchess announced the total amount raised, then had reporters take a commemorative group photograph.
Shade did not have any further contact with Mr. Bernhardt during that time, and Wei Ge merely kept hold of his arm until the banquet ended. As for whether she simply wanted Shade to remain by her side and stop running around,