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Chapter 138 Mask
Chapter 138 Mask
"For certain sequences, or with the help of certain special seals or rituals, it is not impossible."
Clarice's expression was serious. "It's easier than perfectly disguising a person, but it's also more covert and harder to trace. If that's the case, then Sura herself is also a victim, a tool being used without her realizing it."
This explanation made Green feel a little better, but the gloom in his heart hadn't dissipated. In either case, Sura had been drawn into the center of this dangerous vortex.
"I need to confirm."
Green looked up, frowning. "I need to know what Sura saw, and what's wrong with her. We can't just rely on guesswork."
"I agree."
Clarice nodded. "But we must be very careful. Direct questioning or using overtly unusual methods to probe could alert her or cause unforeseen harm if she has indeed been tampered with. Tomorrow, I will arrange for a trusted colleague, skilled in emotional support and subtle perception, to contact Sura under the guise of a visit and care, to conduct an initial assessment. This will require your cooperation; keep her relaxed and avoid resistance."
"I understand." Green took a deep breath. "Until then—"
"Until then, you must pretend you know nothing. If Sura has been tampered with, then the killer has likely put something on her."
Clarice stood up, walked to her desk, and took out a city map, spreading it out. "Emily's whereabouts are key. Whether she's the murderer, the victim, or the one being manipulated, finding her might solve many problems. The Sheriff's Department's warrant will make it difficult for her to appear in public, which might force those controlling her, or even she herself, to take more drastic actions and expose her."
Her finger traced several points on the map: "Near your aunt's house, places Emily frequents, and—the vicinity of the Seagull—related personnel and locations. I'll use some unofficial channels to investigate. As a temporary advisor," she said, "you can ostensibly cooperate with the police department's investigation, but in reality, you should keep an eye out for any clues related to Emily or extraordinary powers. Remember, your safety comes first. Notify me of any discoveries first; do not act on your own."
"Okay." Green stood up as well.
After this conversation, he gradually calmed down. The enemy might be more cunning and unscrupulous than he imagined, and might even be lurking in places he thought were safe.
That's all for tonight.
Clarisse rang for the butler. "My butler, Leonard, will take you to your guest room. Get some rest; you need it. Starting tomorrow, we're likely facing a lot—not very pleasant things."
Leonard appeared silently, like a caring shadow.
"Sir, please come with me. Your room is ready, and Miss Sula's room is next door, so you can take care of her."
Green nodded to Clarisse and followed the butler out of the study. Walking down the carpeted hallway, he glanced subconsciously at the closed door to Sura's room.
There was no light under the door, only silence.
The butler led him to a guest room at the other end of the corridor. The room was spacious and comfortable, possessing the warmth and refinement characteristic of this mansion. But Green was in no mood to appreciate it at the moment.
"A late-night snack and hot drinks will be served shortly. Please ring the bell if you need anything." Leonard bowed slightly, preparing to leave.
"Mr. Leonard," Green suddenly called out to him.
The butler stopped and turned around, his face impeccably calm: "Sir?"
"Miss Clarisse—has she always been like this? I mean, living in a house like this, yet working as a night watchman?" Green asked after a moment's hesitation.
“The young lady—she has her own path and her own principles. This house offers shelter, but some storms cannot be stopped by high walls and carpets. She chooses to face them head-on.” He paused, then added, “Rest assured, sir. You are safe here. At least tonight.”
Leonard answered, but it was as if he hadn't answered at all. But this was within Green's expectations, after all, he was supposed to be Clarice's most trusted person.
After speaking, Leonard bowed slightly again and gently closed the door.
The next morning, light streamed softly through the restaurant's tall, arched windows onto the long table covered with a linen tablecloth.
The silverware was set out meticulously, and on the porcelain plate lay perfectly fried bacon, scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, and several slices of whole-wheat bread, alongside a small jar of honey and butter. The aroma of coffee mingled with the scent of fresh bread, filling the air.
When Green followed Leonard into the restaurant, this was the tranquil and vibrant scene he saw.
Clarisse was already seated at the head of the table, with a steaming cup of black coffee and an open newspaper in front of her. She had changed into a well-tailored dark gray casual outfit, her long hair neatly tied back, looking less gentle and more capable than the soft, homey look of the night before.
Hearing footsteps, she looked up, her gaze lingering on Green's face for a moment, as if assessing how well he had rested.
"Good morning." She greeted him briefly, gesturing for him to sit to her right. "Did you sleep well?"
""
"It's alright, thank you." Green sat down and spoke the truth.
Despite having many worries, my extremely tired body was able to recover to a basic level on the soft and comfortable bed.
He noticed that the front page of the newspaper in front of Clarice seemed to have a brief report about the Sheriff's Office intensifying its manhunt, but her fingers were lightly tapping on a spot on another page, which seemed to be a news item about a warehouse fire in the dock area.
Leonard silently poured coffee for Green, then stepped aside to stand by.
Just then, a slight noise came from the restaurant entrance. Sula, wearing a slightly oversized, clean nightgown provided by Clarice, stood barefoot and somewhat timidly at the door.
Her complexion was better than last night, but there were still faint dark circles under her eyes. Her eyes were filled with unease and dependence, and she immediately spotted Green.
"Brother—" she whispered, quickly walked to Green's side, and subconsciously tugged at his sleeve.
Green's heart softened. He gently patted the back of her hand and pulled out a chair for her. "Sit down, Sura. How are you feeling? Did you sleep well?"
Sula shook her head, her eyes reddening: "I had so many dreams—I dreamt of my aunt and Emily."
Even after she sat down, her body remained tense, her gaze carefully surveying the lavish restaurant and Clarice at the head of the table, her fingers unconsciously twisting the fabric of her nightgown.
Clarice closed the newspaper, set it aside, and turned her gaze to Sura.
The lines on her face seemed to have been softened deliberately, and she gave Sula a gentle, even slightly indulgent, smile.
"Good morning, little sister. Don't be shy here, make yourself at home." Her voice was much softer than usual. "Reinhard, pour this lady a glass of warm milk with a little honey. She needs a little energy, and sweets can sometimes make you feel better."
"Yes, Miss." Leonard responded and left.