Phoenix fell silent for a moment, seemingly weighing something, before finally making up his mind.
"I can hand control of those ruins over to you. They exist outside history and can block prying eyes."
Elliot was delighted. An unexpected bonus?
Those ruins had left a deep impression on him. They appeared and disappeared without explanation, and he could not even mark them on the Difference Engine.
If he could use that place as a base, it would be perfect!
As for the Blood Vampires inside... with Maeve around, they would be nothing more than snacks.
Elliot nodded, looking as though he was reluctantly accepting, and shouted outside, "Holly!"
A moment later, Holly appeared in the doorway, her sword drawn and her expression wary. Only after seeing that Elliot was unharmed did she breathe a sigh of relief.
"Take him to the Abode."
Holly nodded in acknowledgment, and the two of them headed outside together.
Only once they were far from the prison did Holly choose her words and speak. "Duke, what happened to your previous bodyguard, Evan? Forgive my frankness, but Cora is still somewhat lacking as a bodyguard."
Elliot understood what she meant. Cora had only just reached middle rank. Relaying orders and handling paperwork were fine, but if they encountered real danger, it was hard to say who would be protecting whom.
As for Evan, though...
Elliot's expression grew a little strange. "Evan's situation is unusual. Lady Camilla is training him, so he can't come protect me at the moment."
Then Elliot waved a hand. "You don't need to worry about my safety. If we really run into danger, it won't be something a single High-Rank Supernatural can handle anyway."
Holly's expression immediately became quite a sight.
But thinking about it, that was true. The troubles they encountered