Leonard silently walked over to the lounge, sat down, and took out a collection of poetry, pretending to read it.
"What do you think, old man?"
Pallez Zoroast said in his aged voice:
"He is indeed just a Sequence 8 youngster, but he may know more than we imagine. Still, he probably means me no harm. Conjuring that monocle earlier... heh, that was just for acting."
"Acting?"
"Although everyone arrives at somewhat different acting principles, acting as a Trickmaster always involves two elements: performance and an audience. He discovered that the higher the audience's level, the faster his digestion, so he put on that little show in front of me."
Leonard thought for a moment before asking hesitantly:
"What exactly does a monocle represent? How could it frighten even a former Angel like you?"
"Perhaps... the relationship between hunter and prey?" Pallez joked in a relaxed tone. "He is a skilled hunter, while I am merely his bedraggled prey."
When Edward returned to 5 Tulip Street, he had barely inserted his key into the lock when he heard a clear, childish voice calling to him. "Edward!"
It was Priscilla from number 4 next door. She waved her little hands vigorously while calling into her house, "Dad, Dad, Edward's back!"
Steven Green soon came out. Wearing an apron, he wiped his hands with a cloth as he called, "I finally caught you, Mr. Edward! Priscilla loved your gift last time. She's been pestering me to invite you to dinner."
Priscilla said a little shyly, "I haven't been pestering you all the time."
"Are you free?"
Seeing the anticipation in the little girl's eyes, Edward nodded with a smile. "Sure. Can I bring my cat?"
"Of course!"
Half an hour later.
Edward and Priscilla sat on the sofa, watching Lilith spin around