"Interesting..." Elliot tapped his fingertips lightly on the table. "Is there any other news about this organization?"
Conrad thought intently for a moment. "They say the director of New Scandinavia General Hospital will soon join the Public Health Department as an official."
When Conrad finished reading the news, Elliot waited a moment before asking, "Anything else?"
"Yes."
"The Rose Troupe will be coming to New Scandinavia to perform. The celebrated Miss Lillian will be taking the stage. I'm afraid you won't be able to attend in person. Would you like me to invite them here?"
Elliot shook his head.
"Young Master Garrett's art exhibition will be held next month. Invitations are being sent out far and wide."
"The winterglow flowers along the Gilded Walk in the Riverside District have bloomed, drawing a steady stream of visitors."
"Dogfighting has become popular in the city lately. If you're interested..."
Elliot waited quietly until he had finished listing each item before asking, "Anything else? Something more recent, from yesterday or today, for instance."
Conrad shook his head. "We receive up-to-date news by telegraph every day. Nothing would have been missed. All the important news is here. The rest is inconsequential."
"Inconsequential?"
"Yes, mostly anecdotes about minor nobles," Conrad said hesitantly. "If you're interested, young master..."
"No need." Elliot lowered his eyes, his gaze dark. "Let's eat."
With that, he silently picked up his knife and fork and, with an almost rigid concentration, carefully ate the food on his plate, dish by dish.
Conrad was pleased by his young master's hearty appetite, but failed to notice Elliot's gaze gradually growing resolute, then turning cold until not a trace of warmth remained.
"Oh, and invite that Miss Elegy here again."
He spoke without expression.
After Dorothea left, the orphans and Allen worked together to