The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

The matter of Siles' subject aroused a burst of righteous indignation among the companions.

This was especially true for Angela, who said, "I'll look for it later, to see if this elder has any secrets that no one knows."

Siles appreciated their support, but asked them not to act rashly.After all, the other party is a powerful and experienced enlightener, so you have to know the details of the other party before trying to deal with it.

This statement was naturally recognized by others.

The conversation turned to other matters.Eric said suddenly: "I got a message from here."

"what?"

Eric hesitated for a moment, and finally said in a low voice: "I can't say it's good news. In short...the second corridor intends to unseal Brewer's family files and materials. I mean, the Darrow family's collection."

Brewer Darrow.When the name was mentioned, they couldn't help but startled.

Mrs. Fuller sighed, "Yes. It's been nearly three months."

Brewer had an accident in early August, and now it's mid-October.

At this time, Siles said: "Since we want to unseal these materials, is it possible for us to get them?" He paused, and then told the news he had learned from mystery writer Maynard Daves. own friends.

Maynard joined a club of detectives who had investigated the Darrow family massacre.

During the investigation, one of the detectives learned that someone nearby had heard a woman screaming from the house where the accident occurred.

When another detective searched nearby, he found a long wig in a trash can, and during the follow-up investigation, a servant of a nearby family voluntarily confessed that he had picked up a long wig in a trash can Enamel mug carved with marigolds.

Because he was greedy for cheap, the servant took the cup back.Now, the calendula is being kept by the detective.

After listening to Siles, Eric nodded thoughtfully: "Maybe we can find out about the calendula in the Darrow family's archives."

"Calendula..." Angela thought for a moment, "My friend is the Millicent Austin mentioned just now. She is relatively introverted and likes flowers and plants. Maybe I can ask her, Calendula Does the flower have any special meaning."

Darrell said, "Another flower. This seems to be the second time we've encountered flowers. What was it before... the copper crocus?"

"Oh, it's the case of the museum gatekeeper." Angela also remembered, "I know that crocus symbolizes Pessonari, the god of fertility and life, but marigold... doesn't seem to symbolize any gods .”

"Perhaps it's just a coincidence?" said Mrs. Fuller. "My family also buys enamel mugs with carved flowers."

This statement has also been recognized by others.

Siles considered for a while, and said about Nona.He just said that he learned that Nona was locked up by an underground gang, and he might be trying to escape now, but he didn't know if it was successful.

Darrell said in shock: "Professor, you know too much, don't you?"

"It's just a coincidence," said Sirius.

Eric took advantage of the situation and said: "I have been paying attention to the movements of the underground gangs, but I haven't found anything. The underground gangs still seem to be in the same state.

"By the way, recently, there has been no decrease in the number of complaints related to the inexplicable appearance of figures in West City. It seems that the underground gangs still have plans."

"Because of the God's birthday celebration?" Angela guessed, and then said, "It's too bad, because of a development plan, it makes people feel uneasy."

Darrell was a little troubled and asked, "Is this the world of adults?"

"Didn't you compete with other children for snacks and toys when you were in school?" Angela asked, "When you grow up, it's nothing more than grabbing more expensive and more serious things."

Darrell looked at Angela with a look of astonishment.

The rest laughed at this naive, somewhat childish analogy.

This topic came to an end, and Siles looked at Mrs. Fuller, and asked after deliberation: "Do you know any suitable gifts for my mother? I want to go to the Land of No Embers during the winter vacation, and I can't go home to accompany my mother, so Hope to give her a gift."

Mrs. Fuller thought for a moment. "Maybe I'd like something more practical?"

Angela said: "I think a scarf would be a good choice. The cold winter is coming."

Siles nodded thoughtfully, then thanked them.

When the time is almost up, they say goodbye to each other.The others all told Sirius to be safe on the journey ahead, and they expected him to bring them information about the Everland.

Mrs. Fuller said that when she was young, she also went to the Land of Never Embers, which was a place with chaos and madness as its background.

"However," Mrs. Fuller went on, "the time has passed, and everything will gradually become orderly, requiring more and more rules to regulate."

"Indeed." Silas said.

After leaving No. 18 Houseville Street, Siles thought about it carefully, and finally went to the Historical Society.There was no need for him to give up meeting the members of the Dawn Revelation Society just because of Clarence Dwight's targeting.

Besides, it's too late to give up now.

He might as well ask them at this time, if they are found out, will it cause any problems... However, he personally doesn't think there will be any major problems.

Not long after, he got a similar answer in the room of the Dawn Revelations.

"It's nothing." The lady said, "It's best not to be discovered, and it's okay to be discovered. Anyway, we are not really a member of the Dawn Revelation Society... At least we know we are not."

After last week's showdown with the dealers, their demeanor has become a little more amiable and casual.

The newsboy also shrugged and said, "Yes, I agree."

In contrast, the knight's attitude was not so flippant, but he just said: "Don't worry too much. The affairs of the enlightener belong to the enlightener, and the affairs of the secular world belong to the secular world."

Hearing this, the croupier was really relieved.The Cavaliers clearly understood the croupier's concerns - what he was concerned about was what would happen if Clarence Dwight directly targeted him as a professor at La Mifa University.

However, it seems that there is a relatively clear difference between extraordinary power and the secular world.

If it was someone else, the croupier might have to worry about whether the other party would choose to cross the line unscrupulously; but Clarence didn't have to. He believed in Brown Carney, and that was a believer whose main purpose was self-discipline and self-discipline.

From Clarence investigating him several times and three times, and as an elder, he proposed to freeze his subject at the meeting of the elders... It is obvious that Clarence is a person who abides by the rules.

...This point has become an advantage at this moment.

Still, Clarence Dwight was such a rule-abiding guy.However, the croupier did not forget that when he just brought up the subject of the three elements of the gods, his office was once broken into.

Although he immediately falsely claimed that his manuscript was stolen and made the Historical Society pay attention to the security of the office, it was a bit of a fight back, but he still didn't know the identity of the mastermind behind the scenes.

Clarence?

Clarence, however, was an unlikely man for such a thing.

...In other words, within the Historical Society, there are at least two high-level officials who are harboring ill intentions against him.

The croupier narrowed his eyes, propped his chin quietly, and thought silently.

After the croupier's topic, the lady once again mentioned the expedition team she had said before to go to the Land of Embers: "We plan to organize ten people, and now there are only two places left. Don't you really want to go?"

Both the knight and the newsboy shook their heads.

Instead, the croupier asked curiously: "I'm a little curious about Never Ember. But what is this expedition like?"

"Oh, Mr. Dealer, are you interested in my expedition?" said the lady.

The dealer nodded.

The lady said: "Then let me explain to you carefully. My expedition team was actually organized by the Lamifa Chamber of Commerce, and I was one of the initiators.

"We jointly invited several revelators, explorers, and other necessary members to participate. Our plan is to spend a month to two months to find the 'non-existent city' in the land of no embers. clue.

"It would be great if there were some discoveries, but if not, then we would consider it a failed investment."

The lady shrugged.

The croupier was stunned.He thought, one to two months, then he might not be able to participate in the lady's expedition.If possible, then he still wants to follow a more regular team.

The croupier said, "I'm afraid I don't have the time. But... Chamber of Commerce? This is the first time I've heard of the Chamber of Commerce in Lamifa City."

"It's just an organization jointly organized by some big businessmen, in order to make more money." The lady said somewhat disapprovingly, "If you want me to say, this organization is similar to the Dawn Revelation Society.

"Even if some merchants can join, they are just like us, becoming non-staff personnel, and they can't even get involved in their formal meetings. And some merchants, if they can find the way to understand the true intentions of the chamber of commerce, then they can join There is a secret organization inside."

secret organization.This statement suddenly moved the croupier's heart.

So he considered his tone and asked, "You mean... this chamber of commerce was also established by the Enlightenment?"

"Ha," the newsboy suddenly sneered, "You can be straightforward, Mr. Dealer. They are a group of followers of the old gods, but they believe in Menawaka, so they don't appear to be so aggressive."

The lady did not deny this statement: "Many businessmen are followers of Menawaka, especially businesswomen. You know, we are all loyal followers of Mrs. Debris."

Mrs. Debris.

The croupier felt a huge shock at this moment.He didn't expect that he could suddenly hear Mrs. Debris's name at this party.

The newsboy and the knight didn't seem to have heard of Mrs. Debliss, so the knight asked curiously, "Mrs. Debliss? Who is that? A famous businesswoman?"

"Mrs. Debliss is a businesswoman from Mo Moji." The lady nodded, "The reason why she is famous, I mean, she enjoys a very high reputation among businessmen like me is because she is in Very talented in business.

"In the end, she became the representative of Menawaka - the messenger of the gods! It's incredible, isn't it? It is said that a chamber of commerce was established in a city to allow merchants to cooperate and make greater profits together. That is Deb Mrs. Leith set an example.

"So, in the minds of some businessmen, there are two ends of the scale, Menawaka at one end and Madame de Bliss at the other end."

The newsboy looked at the lady strangely, and couldn't help but say, "Wait, you businessmen actually treat human beings as equals to the gods you believe in?"

"There's nothing wrong with it." The lady laughed and brushed her hair, "Making money is the most important thing in our business. Can the gods make me make money? Of course I will believe in Him. But if not, then He It's just a god.

"Faith is just a psychological comfort. For me, and for many other businessmen."

The newsboy listened, and then commented: "It's really utilitarian."

The knight couldn't help saying: "So you don't actually believe in gods, but money, can you say that?"

The lady thought about it carefully: "It was true for me when I was young. Now I can't be called a believer in gods. However, I don't care so much about money—I have earned enough anyway."

The newsboy looked at her steadily, and then said, "Oh, no matter how rich you are, you won't be able to please your stepdaughter."

lady:"……"

She rolled her big eyes at the newsboy.

The croupier thought to himself, Angela did have troubles recently, but the lady might not be able to solve it.

Compared to this, a piece of information revealed by the lady just now attracted his attention even more.

The croupier asked: "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to know, is the certificate for joining the secret organization in the chamber of commerce an accessory with a scale pattern?"

The lady looked at the croupier in surprise: "Yes. It's not just a balance, it has to be a balance that falls from one end. They said that this symbolizes that anything placed on the balance is not as valuable and glorious as Menawaka .

"...you own this accessory?"

There was a hint of hesitation in the lady's tone.

"I've seen other people wear it before." The croupier said so.

Instead, the lady said: "I'm afraid they are not members of the Chamber of Commerce. They will not wear these accessories on their bodies, which may reveal their identities and beliefs."

The croupier was a little surprised to hear this news—that is to say, the manager of Grayson Foods, the Billy wearing the scale brooch, is not a believer of Menawaka?

Only then did the croupier suddenly realize that he seemed to be limited by his identity as a "businessman".That might just be their profession, not their religion.Not all businessmen believe in Menawaka.

As the lady said, even many businessmen who claim to be followers of Menawaka are actually not that religious.They just believe in money, not the "god" they say.

He couldn't help but fell into deep thought.

On the other side, the lady, the newsboy, and the knight have already talked about the profession of a merchant.They have their own insights and ideas, and even allow the croupiers who are watching to glimpse some of the rules of the world.

Due to the blocking of the fog in the Everland, the merchant is respected by the people of this world to a certain extent.But as the fog recedes, attitudes toward businessmen seem ambiguous.

The dealer thought to himself that the world is in a state of constant change.Everything will be unborn.

He thought deeply for a moment with a little curiosity, but he didn't take part in their conversation very seriously, so as not to cause any trouble.However, the silence of the croupier is also a scene they are used to.

At about four o'clock in the afternoon, the lady and the newsboy left one after another.And the knight took off his helmet and asked, "What's your trouble?"

Siles said, "Almost."

He paused, and then told about Clarence Dwight.

Carol listened, then nodded: "Don't worry too much. That's a rigid old man who won't trouble you in real life. Of course, in the Historical Society..."

"I understand." Siles said in a low voice, "I plan to go to the Land of Eternals during the winter vacation."

Carol was stunned, and then said: "This is also a good choice...Leave for a while." He paused, and said, "If you want to solve this matter, or solve that old man, you should improve yourself early The power of the revelator.

"Otherwise, it is to improve your status in the secular world, and then deal with the Dwight family. That is a very good choice. You are still very young, Professor Noel."

Siles smiled slightly and said, "I understand."

Carol observed his expression, then nodded, said goodbye to him, put on his armor and left.

And Siles, who was always the last to leave the room, sat there quietly, thinking thoughtfully, in this era, it seems that the concepts of young people and elders are quite different.

The old people are old-fashioned, stubborn and rigid, trying to go back to the ancient and distant past; while the young people have updated their concepts and are eager to embrace a new future.

This is an era of rapid development and great changes brewing.

But in the final analysis... What secrets are hidden behind the thick fog in this world?

He doesn't necessarily care much about Clarence's targeting of him, but he is indeed curious about the extent to which the concepts, ideas, and positions of followers of the old gods such as Clarence Dwight fit the times. Microcosm and development prospects?

They may be swallowed by the tide of the times sooner or later.

...I hope that before that, Siles will have the opportunity to use reasonable means to take revenge first.

Thinking of this, Siles couldn't help but smile slightly.

He got up and left the salon space.

It's Saturday afternoon.At this time of the week, he would go to Finn's house for dinner, and this day was no exception.

However, when he was walking out, he was stopped by someone in the hall on the first floor of the Historical Society.

The voice was panting, as if trying to keep pace with Sirius.Siles turned his head and saw a person walking down the stairs in a hurry.He took a closer look and found that it was the scribe who had participated in his experiments, Bart Evans.

At this moment, the mental outlook of this middle-aged man is much better than when he just participated in Siles' experiment.

He walked up to Siles and said, "Professor Noel! I happened to meet you here. I wonder if you are free?"

Siles was slightly startled, and then said, "Of course. What's the matter?"

"Please follow me." Bart calmed down and said softly.

Siles thought for a while, then followed his footsteps.

Bart took Siles to a room on the first floor.He said: "I am a scribe of the Historical Society, and although I need to be responsible for some things on the Revelator's side, most of the time, I am doing things on the Historical Society's side.

"Therefore, I have a special scriptorium. I will take you there now. I have something I want to give you.

"...Professor Noel, I have heard about your affairs. Please don't act rashly. I am very indignant at what happened to you. I think many people in the society think the same way. The person who targets you, he will retribution.

"I stopped you this time because I have privately let other scribes try your method over the past few days, and it is indeed useful, Professor Noel. You are really a genius.

"In any case, even though that subject has been handed over to someone else, we all remember your kindness and kindness. In short, the few of us unite together and want to give you a gift."

At this point, Bart paused, seeing that Siles was about to decline without even thinking about it, and immediately said: "You must not refuse! You know, in this society, no one will pay attention to us scribes.

"In their view, we are just consumables that are thrown away when they are used up."

There was a look of helplessness and sigh in Bart's eyes.He seems to have resigned himself to his fate, but...

"But," Bart said, "you helped us. You probably don't know how many scribes are half-human and ghost. And your method helped us, so that we can at least live a normal life." Look. That's enough to be grateful for."

Siles wanted to say something, but in the end he could only sigh inwardly, and just said, "But this is what I should do."

He didn't ask Bart who the "they" were.

"There's never a should or shouldn't. It might be good to help someone, but people don't 'should' do it," Butt said.

As he spoke, he stopped in front of a small door.This is the deepest part of the corridor, gloomy and gloomy, with no light, and even the air looks dirty and dull.Siles could smell the familiar smell of ink and paper.

There are many similar small doors around.

Bart said in a low voice: "This is my scriptorium."

He pushed the door and walked in.Inside is a small room of about ten square meters, with a small side window, the light is slightly dim.The table and the cabinet are full of books and papers, and a small chair is placed behind the desk.

Bart walked behind the desk, took out a manuscript from the drawer, and handed it to Siles.

"What's this?" Sirius asked slightly puzzled.

He could see that it seemed to be a document copied by Bart in private, but he couldn't tell at first glance, what was written in this document... Like some fragmentary excerpts?

Bart said: "Professor, when you first tested my spiritual pollution level, my pollution level has reached half. But in fact, I am mostly responsible for transcribing the historical society's... ordinary secular text.

"The reason why my pollution level has suddenly increased so much is because..."

There was a little fear in his eyes.He looked at the manuscript that was copied on the white paper.

"It's because of this manuscript," he said.

Siles stared at the manuscript in amazement.

Bart is also a revelator, and his strength may not be that strong—in other words, according to Ms. Aston, his soul strength may not be that high.

But a revelator, polluted so much by a manuscript?

Bart is still saying: "After your treatment and hearing about your situation, I thought carefully about what could help you. In the end, I thought, maybe the only thing I can offer is this manuscript.

"I don't know the author of this manuscript or its source. It was handed over to me by some great personage above to copy it out, without any thought that a scribe would be driven into extreme madness by a manuscript.

"I was transcribing this document while you were healing me...and that's why I can't thank you enough. You saved me in this special time.

"Therefore, I copied one more copy in private, which is the one in your hand. In fact, if it weren't for your treatment plan, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to persist in writing this manuscript.

"During the process of copying, I used your plan to heal myself more than once. It is really a magical power. You have also made considerable contributions to the appearance of this copy, so I hope you will not have any psychological burden, Embrace this document...

"...you know, as a scribe, we're always exposed to a lot of stuff."

Bart smiled.

For a moment, this middle-aged man seemed to completely get rid of the submissive and timid image he had once appeared in Siles' office.The deep smile seemed to be frozen on his tired and dark face.

Siles looked at him deeply, and said, "Thank you very much, Bart."

Bart's smile became sincere and friendly: "And me too." He whispered, "I thank you very much, Professor Noel."

After a while, he said: "You cannot stay here long. If you have something to do later, or have anything to transcribe, my companion and I will be more than happy to help you."

Siles nodded, said goodbye to him, put the copy in his bag, and left.

He was a little curious, what exactly was this copy—Bart had to use the ritual of self-reappearance several times during the copying process to successfully copy it?Where did it originally come from?

He didn't let his emotions go, quickly swept away all thoughts, and went to Fein's house.

During dinner at night, he told the Finn family that he wanted to travel to the Land of Eternity during the winter vacation.

Bertram was a little surprised: "I didn't expect you to go now. If I heard about this earlier, I'm afraid I could organize a caravan and take you there.

"Exploring the Land of No Embers alone is probably not a good choice."

Siles listened to his opinion humbly - he knew that Bertram must be much more experienced and seasoned than him in matters related to the Neverland.He said, "What do you think I should do?"

Bertram thought for a while: "First of all, if you can find the caravan, it is best to go with the caravan. This is a good way, after all, the road the caravan takes is absolutely safe.

"The next best thing is to join an adventure team when you change trains in a border city. Most of these explorers are experienced. But be careful, a newcomer like you may also be in danger when you encounter danger. abandoned by them.

"Besides, if there is really no other way, then you'd better find some suitable companions to go with you. For example, a doctor, so as not to be injured in the Land of No Embers but find no place to heal.

"In general, a reliable partner is necessary. Those who can act alone in the land of no embers are either crazy or strong in the absolute sense."

Bertram sighed.

Sirius nodded thoughtfully.

Caravans, adventure teams, doctors.

Here are his three options.

As for the caravan... Maybe he can ask the merchant Ranmere?In the original running group plot, one of the options for the apostate was to sneak into Langmir's caravan and go to the land of no embers.

Another option for the apostates is the archaeological team of La Mifa University.And now, the archaeological team will leave tomorrow.And Langmir's caravan, maybe it's about this time to set off?

Siles guessed so.

As for the adventure team in the border city, maybe he can observe at Maltz's train station?That would have to wait until he got to Malz.

The last choice, a doctor, he knew only one doctor—Chester Fitzroy.Doctor Chester made it clear before that he would never go to the Land of Embers again in his life.I'm afraid I have to regret this choice.

...Therefore, the first choice is Langmeer's caravan; the second choice is Maltz's adventure party.

Siles made a quick arrangement in his mind, and then breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that the future is brighter.

Noticing certain key words in Bertram's words, he asked, "Will some powerful explorers choose to go alone?"

On the side, Mrs. Finn and Anthony also pricked up their ears, listening curiously.

Bertram nodded and said: "Yes, of course. Explorers want to monopolize their own gains. Choosing to act with others is to ensure their own safety; but if they can guarantee their own safety, then there is no It is necessary to act with others, unless it is close relatives."

Siles understood, and then asked, "Do you know of any famous explorers?"

As he spoke, he noticed the expressions of Mrs. Finn and Anthony, and couldn't help but fix his gaze, then looked at Bertram again.

Bertram was startled, and subconsciously turned to look at his wife and children.They listened intently, noticing that Bertram had stopped, and Anthony urged, "Speak, Dad."

Bertram was stunned for a moment.

After a while, he finally understood, cleared his throat, and then said in a more obvious tone like telling a story: "There are many explorers who have become famous in recent years, and some have been around for many years. Former older explorer who has always maintained his reputation.

"There is one from the Principality of Constance, who has maintained a famous name for nearly 20 years. His name is Augustus Dunbar. Dunbar's symbol is a big knife stained with blood on his back.

"It is said that it was the machete used by the executioners of Lamifa City for so many years. It has a long history, and Dunbar himself is also very powerful, so many people were terrified when the execution knife was just drawn out.

"Because of this, Dunbar's nickname is 'The Executioner'. He has a good reputation in the Land of Ashes, and he doesn't bully the weak. On the contrary, sometimes he punishes rape and eliminates evil. This has nothing to do with the weapon he uses... It is very likely that the relationship cannot be separated."

Sirius nodded thoughtfully.

He thought, maybe this is also the reason why the enlightener's mental state was affected by the past master of the time track.Execution knives have obviously killed countless villains, and Dunbar's behavior has also developed in this direction.

Anthony let out a "wow" in amazement, and Mrs. Finn also showed a surprised expression.Bertram smiled at them as if encouraged.

He continued: "In recent years, there has also been an explorer from a foreign country who has gained an extraordinary reputation in Land of No Embers. Of course, this reputation is much more complicated than Dunbar's..."

Anthony couldn't wait to ask: "Is he a villain?"

"No, that's not the case." Bertram shook his head. "The vast majority of these explorers are not... killers. Their reputation comes from their powerful strength and crazy nature, but they have How bloodthirsty and how many people have been killed is not that exaggerated.

"... At least most explorers are not like this. They may be obsessed with wealth and exploration, which has caused multiple disputes and chaos... Of course, these are enough to establish their fierce nature.

"Anyway, the explorer I mentioned is named Cindo Playa, from the Principality of Kansas... People say so, but he doesn't seem to have really introduced himself that way.

"His temper...is very...arrogant and withdrawn. He has very strong strength. People say that he is unique in melee combat, and some people say that he is also very good at long-range archery. Others say that he has some very strange and inexplicable things. Ability.

"Many explorers were rescued by him in distress, or were favored by him, but he seemed to be innocent, looked down on those explorers very much, and even bluntly said that he rescued them just with a little effort, and he didn't need these people's rewards at all.

"Because of this temper, some equally arrogant and conceited explorers can't understand him very much, and sometimes even deliberately hunt him down. But Jindo Playa never let them succeed.

"It seems that no one is close to him, and no one knows his temper and hobbies, and no one knows why he appeared in the land of no embers. What has he found in the past so many years..."

A loner, powerful, and eccentric explorer.

Such an image emerged in Siles' mind.

He couldn't help thinking, is this the author of that map?

To be honest, after hearing Bertram's introduction, he felt even more that the explorer was deceived.How could Cindo Playa draw a map with his own hands?

Anthony exclaimed: "It's really interesting! There are such explorers! They look like characters in a novel!"

Mrs. Fane said in a soft tone: "Little Anthony, if you like it, how about we go buy some adventure novels tomorrow?"

Anthony cheered and nodded again and again.

Both Bertram and Sirius couldn't help smiling.

After dinner, Siles bid farewell to the Finn family.

Bertram sent him to the door, and then said: "Irene and Anthony were here just now, I can't tell you... Anyway, you have to pay attention to safety, the land of no embers, especially Gladstone, that's not What a safe, peaceful place."

Siles nodded and said in a low voice, "I understand."

Bertram asked again: "Where are you going?"

"Hales House," said Sirius.

Bertram thought for a while, and then suddenly said: "It turned out to be that inn. Listen, that place...is a bit weird. I heard that many explorers went there endlessly to explore, but in the end they never returned."

"...Sure enough." Siles whispered.

He had already realized the problem of the Hales House, but even a businessman like Bertram, who seldom went to Gladstone, had heard about the strangeness of the Hales House, so it was even more incredible.

Bertram didn't hear what Sirius said, and asked, "What?"

Siles shook his head and just said, "I found one thing."

"what?"

"You can tell Mrs. Finn and Anthony about your experience in Neverland. They are very curious." Siles said, "This can promote harmony in your family."

Bertram was startled, and then smiled wryly: "Indeed. Sirius, if you hadn't pointed your eyes at me today, I might never have noticed, and so did they