That... was quite a lot to take in!
Despite the sudden turn of events, Fu Qian remained seated, not moving an inch.
Ariel had certainly said something shocking.
First of all, he had clearly been speaking to the man in the trench coat, and the "clever guest" he'd mentioned was undoubtedly Fu Qian.
Most importantly, after hearing that, the man in the trench coat had actually seemed relieved. He'd even put away his cane.
"Should we call in the others?"
After warily sizing up Fu Qian, the man in the trench coat asked Ariel in a tentative tone.
"No need. I told you, our guest is a clever man."
Ariel waved him off again and regarded Fu Qian with interest.
"Curiosity is a wonderful trait. It just happens to bring danger along with surprises."
"This conversation certainly wasn't part of my plan."
"But unfortunately, people have to adapt."
"So, if I understand you correctly, you're telling me that you're actually on their side, and the Night Watchers have known about the hunt all along?"
Fu Qian thought for two seconds, then pointed at the man in the trench coat.
"You're a little more likable than Camus was."
Ariel seemed very pleased with how quickly Fu Qian had caught on.
"I imagine the demigod's will lingering in the mask on your face belonged to someone interesting."
"That's right. We've been preparing for a long time for this chance to catch several big fish at once."
As he spoke, Ariel picked up the draft from earlier and leafed through it.
"The best way to keep prey from growing wary of a trap is to make it think the trap was set for something else."
"Lycanthropy Disease was a good choice, wasn't it? It gave us ample reason to deploy our people."