Something stirred in Elliot's mind, but his face showed just the right degree of shock. "Destroy an entire district? With a single Formless Art? Isn't that far too powerful?"
"That's only what people say... but Formless Arts really are that powerful. Of course, the price is just as terrifying."
Elliot nodded thoughtfully, then asked as if in passing, "Then how is the East District... now?"
"It's long since become one enormous ruin." Flora's expression darkened. "A plague broke out there a while ago, too. A lot of people died."
"A plague? Right here in the city? And I knew nothing about it!"
Elliot looked utterly shocked.
"Hmph. The Public Security Bureau kept the plague confined precisely to the East District and the Slums. Of course you nobles wouldn't feel a thing! Do you know how many people died? The bodies at the Mass Grave outside the city are piled into mountains!"
Flora spoke irritably.
Elliot rubbed his chin and thought for a while, then suddenly spoke. "Miss Elegy, I'd like to donate some money so the Mourning Poetry Society can help the victims."
"Huh?"
Flora froze again, studying Elliot's expression as though judging his sincerity. At last, she nodded slowly.
"All right. We can distribute some lifesaving food in the Communion's name. A lot of people in the Slums can't even get enough to eat now."
"Do they need treatment? Should I hire some doctors? For example..." Elliot narrowed his eyes slightly. "New Scandinavia General Hospital. I've heard their doctors are good."
"That... wouldn't be very appropriate."
Flora seemed hesitant. After wavering for a while, she finally spoke quietly. "That hospital is controlled by the Circle of Vitas. That organization... seems to have some connection to this plague."
I finally steered the conversation here!
Elliot fought down his excitement and