"I think the first thing we need to consider is whether this is another trap. Finding clues so suddenly on the way home—isn't that a little too convenient?"
Shade only asked after Mr. Bernhardt had finished recounting his experience. The Bloodkin Viscount had evidently had the same thought:
"That's why I didn't investigate on my own and came here to find Mr. Finch. Mr. Finch is a local, and through his own channels, he learned that the 'missing refugees' weren't fabricated. Since the war began, there really have been many cases of refugees from elsewhere quietly and suddenly disappearing.
"Even before the war broke out at the end of last month, there had already been cases of vagrants and drunkards disappearing in the Outer City District. The local police had yet to uncover the truth before the war erupted."
Shade nodded in understanding.
"So at least the disappearances weren't made up? Then this is indeed worth investigating."
Shade then exchanged information with Mr. Bernhardt about the Kindling and The Church. Armand Bernhardt did not particularly want to hear it, since he felt it had nothing to do with what he wanted to investigate. Problems within the [Creation Church] were clearly not something he ought to be involved with.
But he also knew that he would remain active in this city for some time. He would learn of such major news sooner or later, so he listened with concern and finally came to a conclusion:
"The Church will definitely be very busy today. It seems we'll need to be more cautious with our actions over the next few days."
As Shade and Mr. Bernhardt spoke, Old Mr. Finch, the owner of the factory, finally arrived as well. He had not expected Shade to know a high-ranking Bloodkin noble from Wilundell, but