Lex didn't agree immediately, cautiously saying, "I'd be happy to assist you, but that depends on the specific event. If it's beyond my capabilities, then I can only apologize."
Well, this was something he learned from Bishop Miller.
Duvale smiled slightly and nodded, acknowledging Lex's words. He leaned forward slightly, coughed into his fist, and said, "You know the 'black star', don't you?"
Lex was stunned. Could the Storm Church also be interested in that ship? But if they were interested, why wouldn't they just study it directly? Was it necessary to go through him and take such a detour?
He then thought of the current situation where the 'black star' was guarded by the Royal Navy and generally understood.
"It's probably hard for anyone who comes to Skye Island not to know about the 'black star'. In fact, I just visited it this morning. It's truly a very peculiar ship; it could actually fit into that kind of cave."
Duvale said, 'Oh,' then continued, "Since you've already visited, you must have met Trollope. He's a writer, and with the Kingdom's permission, he's the only one who isn't Navy but can board the ship for research."
"Today is wednesday. He usually boards the ship to work on wednesday and Friday, and sometimes he stays on the ship for three consecutive days, from monday to wednesday."
Lex didn't expect Duvale to mention that writer, which made him feel that things weren't as simple as they seemed.
"Yes, I've met him. My guide introduced him."
"That makes things easier."
Duvale's expression was serious and solemn: "The one who sought our help is this gentleman. The trouble he needs resolved is related to the 'black star'. If you've already visited, then you'll know that the Royal Navy guards that ship."
"To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, we hope you can act on our behalf. Of course, whether to accept this commission, you can decide after understanding the situation from Trollope. In any case, we will be grateful for your help."
Lex thought for a moment and felt he could decide after meeting Trollope, so he agreed, "I will go find this writer, Mr. Trollope, but will he be willing to see me?"
Duvale took out a letter: "Take this, and he will see you."
After lunch, Lex returned to the hotel and asked the owner to inform Uchidi that he had something to do in the afternoon and would not be visiting other places.
After resting for a while in his room, he took his 'staff of resentment' and, following the address provided by Duvale, found a house near Wave Street.
Standing on the porch, Lex pulled the doorbell, listening to the pleasant ringing spread through the house. A moment later, the door opened a crack, and a pair of eyes scrutinized Lex from outside.
"Who are you?"
Trollope's voice sounded like it had a Backlund accent. It seemed this gentleman was from the City of Ten Thousand Capitals. Lex was slightly surprised but quickly handed over Duvale's letter of introduction: "Your Excellency Duvale sent me."
"Oh?"
Trollope took the envelope and immediately tore it open. After reading the letter, he opened the door: "Come in."
Entering the living room, Lex saw many Backlund-style items; from furniture to decorations, almost everything bore the mark of that city.
"Please sit. Would you like black tea or coffee?"
"Black tea, please."
A moment later, a cup of black tea was placed in front of Lex. He didn't rush to take it but looked at Trollope, at this writer. Trollope was a very charming middle-aged man; his features were sharp, and his azure eyes made one think of the sea.
He sat opposite Lex, occasionally running his hand through his light brown hair. He looked very tired, which could be felt from his posture and demeanor.
"So, how can I help you?" Lex broke the silence in the living room.
Trollope looked deeply at Lex: "I hope to save my child."
"Your child, Harry?" Lex felt bewildered and had no clue.
Trollope nodded heavily and said, "You know Harry's name, so it seems you're staying at the 'Mermaid Hotel'. Since you've heard about us, you should know that I have no other children on Skye Island."
Sir, that is to say, you have a wife and children in your homeland?
Lex coughed into his fist, not intending to meddle in others' private affairs, focusing only on the current commission. If he completed Trollope's commission, he should be able to get benefits from the Storm Church.
"But... I don't think your child is in danger. Do you suspect your wife, Ms. Dalena, would harm Harry?" Lex posed his question.
Unexpectedly, Trollope shook his head and said, "No, Dalena loves that child very much. If anything happened to Harry, she would protect him with her life. I don't doubt that at all."
"Then who do you think would harm Harry?"
Trollope hesitated and said, "Actually, you don't need to know that much. I've done enough investigation; you just need to do as I say."
Lex leaned back in his chair and stated firmly, "That won't do. I need to know all the information to assess the difficulty and danger of the incident. I won't and can't joke with my own life."
Trollope was speechless for a moment. It was clear he was engaged in an intense internal struggle. Lex decided to add fuel to the fire.
Standing up, Lex shrugged and said, "Since you're unwilling to disclose, then forget it. I will truthfully report to Your Excellency Duvale and let him arrange someone else to solve your problem."
Trollope stood up abruptly: "No, there's no time. Alright, damn it, come with me."
They went up to the second floor, to a room at the end of the corridor. Trollope turned back and said, "Before going in, I need you to swear by your name, to the deity you believe in, that you will absolutely not reveal what you are about to see."
"If others find out that the information in this room has been leaked, I'll be in a lot of trouble."
I guess, probably the Royal Navy will give you trouble?
Lex coughed and solemnly said, "I, Rayleigh, swear by my name to the great Lord of Storms that I will not reveal a single bit of what is in this room to the outside world."
Only then did Trollope relax, take out a key, and open the door.
I'm not someone who casually reveals information to others. Also, I'm not Rayleigh. Under the identity of Rayleigh, it's actually Lex. But inside Lex's body lives a Transmigration called 'Lex'.
Furthermore, I don't believe in the Lord of Storms, even though I've been a bit close to the Storm Church recently – after complaining inwardly, Lex followed Trollope into the room.
The room was dim, and the windows all seemed to have curtains drawn. When Trollope lit the gas lamp, Lex saw that the floor and walls of the room were covered with various books and documents, and plastered with various photos and notes.