"What expedition? Why didn't I know about it?"
Elliot frowned.
He was the heir to the Sterling Family. If the Old Duke was going away for an extended period, he should have known about it no matter what.
"Well..." The Old Butler's expression grew a little odd. "I'm sorry, but I can't explain the details to you."
"Why?" Elliot asked instinctively, then froze. He had seen those same words on the Difference Engine not long ago.
Victoria had also said she couldn't explain the specifics to Vanessa because her rank was too low.
Was it for the same reason in his case?
Sure enough, hesitation appeared on the Old Butler's face. After wavering for a moment, he explained quietly, "Some knowledge brings danger merely by being shared. You must at least possess Middle Rank supernatural strength before it can be revealed to you."
Middle Rank. Middle Rank again.
It seemed Middle Rank was a dividing line. Independent supernatural people outside the Seven Holy Bloodlines found it extremely difficult to reach Middle Rank, making it a natural barrier to information.
Elliot truly hadn't expected to find himself restricted because of his strength.
"However... there is a ritual that can shield you from the dangers within that knowledge. If you don't wish to make a sacrifice, you could consider it."
"What ritual? How is it performed?"
Elliot asked immediately.
He really did need something like that. Otherwise, if he couldn't even hear the various secrets of the nobility, how could he take part in the struggles among the Empire's upper ranks?
The Old Butler clearly thought the same. He nodded slightly. "Once the master returns, he will conduct the ritual for you."
"I have to wait until he returns? Roughly when will that be?"
"Half a month at the earliest. If it