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Rondok came to his senses and looked toward the voice. A tall, fair-skinned young woman stood at the entrance to an apartment building nearby. Judging by her clothes, she had just returned from outside and spotted Rondok standing there in a daze with Erik, the big white cat.
"Hello, ma'am." Rondok hurriedly bowed. They were somewhat familiar with each other by now, but he still needed to show a noblewoman proper courtesy.
Mrs. Cassel came over, looking worried. "Are you here to see Zilabeka? What happened yesterday? I saw a lot of people barge into his home and turn it upside down. They called me over and asked me all sorts of questions. They even said Zilabeka had disappeared. Is it true? I'm terribly worried!"
Rondok had no idea how to answer. For a moment, he stood there at a loss.
Seeing his expression, Mrs. Cassel's spirits sank. "Could it be... could everything they said be true? Is Zilabeka really... a member of a cult?"
"No!" Rondok suddenly shouted, as though he had to let it all out. "The captain would never be that kind of person. I know he wouldn't!"
Mrs. Cassel froze. As she watched the boy lose control of his emotions, her expression softened, and something flickered in her eyes. Hesitantly, she reached out and rested a hand on Rondok's head, patting the young man as tears spilled down his cheeks. "I believe he isn't, either. Maybe... I think we should find a way to help him. He must be in trouble. I have a feeling."
"Meow, meow!" Erik, the big white cat, chose that moment to voice his agreement with Mrs. Cassel.
"Yeah!" Rondok quickly wiped away his tears. Looking a little embarrassed, he nodded firmly. "The captain must... must have run