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Page 4083

"And what if they're all too busy?" said Hector.

<"I doubt they will be, but if they are, then you can just give me another call, yes? And we can discuss matters from there. That will give me time to look into more leads for you, as well.">

Hector had to admit, whoever was influencing him was playing it off pretty well. Rationalizing every decision nicely. He genuinely couldn't be sure how strong their influence over him was. If any. Perhaps Hector really was just being paranoid here.

But it was hard not to be, now that he knew more about what Sparrows were capable of. Perhaps he should've asked Hanton to let Pauline come along, after all. Her input might've proven helpful, right about now.

"Alright, where can I find these people? I assume they're not all holed up inside Livingston with you, are they?"

<"No. They should all be somewhere in the Cathedral District, I believe. To your southwest.">

Oh? A slip up? Hector exchanged looks with Roman, who was tilting his head.

There was an opening to call it out now. Hector had not yet provided his current location, so there was no way that the prince should have known which direction to specify.

Hector elected not to, though. There was a chance they were being so subtle for their own security reasons and not just because they were trying to trick him, specifically. There was no need to openly confrontational.

<"...That is, assuming you are already close to Livingston yourself, yes?">

Ah. Nice save.

Hector still elected not to comment, though. "What do these senators look like?"

Another long pause arrived. <"Do you really need me to specify that for you?">

It was Hector's turn to pause. There was definitely some kind of subtext there, but he wasn't sure what it was. Should he ask? They were being purposely vague, so he probably wouldn't get much of an answer, but maybe...

Hmm.

And perhaps he was taking too long to respond, because the prince voice arrived again. <"I'm sure a man of your ability already has everything he needs to find them.">

Ah...

A test, of sorts? To see if what he'd said earlier about having extra information was actually true. And perhaps to see how much of a potential threat he was, too.

Wow. That was a more blatant acknowledgment of the situation than anything else they'd said so far, Hector felt.

Page 4082

<"Someone else?"> said Prince David. <"And who might that be?">

"The Magician of Light, maybe," said Hector. "But there are plenty of other people, too, I'm sure."

The prince made no response.

Which was itself quite telling, Hector thought. The prince was not one to be often lost for words, he knew. So he decided to push a bit more. "If they are listening, I just want them to know that these games aren't necessary. I'm open to have a direct conversation with them--and maybe even helping them with everything going on around here."

<"...That's quite understanding of you, Lord Goffe. I may not grasp the fullness of the circumstances to which you are alluding, but I can at least say that it sounds rather complicated--and even perilous.">

Hector exchanged glances with Voreese, who was hovering right next to him. Her skeletal face didn't reveal much, and yet he still felt like he knew what she must have been thinking. "Well, a prince of my kingdom is here, right now. If helping them out means keeping him safe, too, then I'm just being reasonable, don't you think?"

<"I'm flattered you value my safety so, but how are you certain that these hypothetical eavesdroppers are well-meaning? You are making a very bold assumption, are you not?">

"Or maybe I have more information than you think I do."

There came another long pause.

This time, though, Hector decided to just wait. He noticed Roman flying over, still in his own iron armor that Hector had made for him like everyone else. Perhaps Voreese had privately asked him to return and listen in with them.

<"I have no doubt that you know many things, Lord Goffe.">

"Thanks. But I'm always open to learning more."

Another pause. <"...It seems you are in need of assistance beyond what I can provide, but perhaps I can recommend someone. I've made many new friends during my time here as an ambassador, you know.">

"Thank you," said Hector. "That sounds like it would be very helpful."

<"There are a number of people who come to mind, but I believe one Senator Jacobson would be your best bet, if you can find him. If not, then perhaps Senators Leoric or Morris would be able to help you.">

Hector couldn't help cocking an eyebrow inside his helmet. "Senators, huh? Are you sure they won't be too busy to see me?"

<"No. That is why I named multiple of them.">