"Speaking of which, that lady from the Elegy Funeral Rite was quite interesting, and the Mourning Poetry Society's many ancient traditions were rather fascinating. I wonder whether there are any similar organizations? For instance..."
He had intended to bring up the Circle of Vitas.
It was too dangerous for Vanessa and the others to investigate this organization. Dorothea had ventured deep into the East District's harbor area, and Vanessa had even received a letter from the Troy Society. They might well have already come under its scrutiny.
Elliot, however, could investigate without any problem. His identity had no connection whatsoever to the Circle of Vitas.
Yet when he looked up, his heart suddenly jolted!
The gaze Conrad directed at him was full of wariness!
Elliot instantly felt a chill down his back.
Had I said something wrong? Given something away?
"For instance, what?" The old butler quickly lowered his eyes, his tone as gentle as ever, without the slightest hint of anything amiss.
But Elliot's instincts were screaming madly. Like a venomous snake lying in wait, Conrad's suspicion of him had not diminished in the slightest.
There must be some crucial issue I don't know about!
But now isn't the time to get to the bottom of it. I have to explain this away immediately!
Elliot's mind raced faster than ever before, desperately searching for something logical to say that would dispel those suspicions!
"For instance... for instance, Lillian from the Rose Troupe!"
He slapped the armrest, a perfectly judged look of slightly petulant frustration appearing on his face. "They've actually come to New Scandinavia on tour, yet I can't go see them-no! I have to write Mother another letter!"
"Well..." The wariness in Conrad's eyes quietly receded, and his usual composure returned. "I'm afraid that may not work, young