The next day.
Lon lay on the bed with his eyes closed, even though he was already fully awake and able to think clearly. But he didn't care — he just wanted to lie there a little longer.
However, a pesky ray of sunlight broke through the window and illuminated his face, giving him an almost holy appearance.
Lon completely covered himself with the blanket, but the sun was stronger, once again shining on his face.
«...»
With a swift motion, Lon threw off the blanket and quickly got up to close the curtains.
He glanced out the window and saw the same beautiful daytime view of the Green District, which was already coming to life.
Thick steam rose from houses, airships flew across the sky, carrying out their duties, and above it all stood the great blazing sun, illuminating the world.
— ... — Lon exhaled.
«Damn. I don't feel like sleeping anymore...»
The previous day had been so exhausting for Lon that he collapsed into sleep immediately after his intense brainstorming session.
And now, all he wanted was to rest a little longer and stay in bed, but the persistent rays of the sun wouldn't allow it.
With a sigh, Lon looked at the wall clock to check the time.
The clock was small, allowing him to see it clearly. It had a rectangular design with a fully transparent front, revealing all its inner workings.
Inside, various gears moved in unison, following a single system like a colony of ants — only these were more mechanical and refined.
Lon focused on the clock hands and saw the current time.
«It's already breakfast time... I wonder what meal they'll bring me today? Maybe scrambled eggs with bacon? Or pancakes with honey? Or perhaps something more exotic...»
Since Felix's hospital was one of the best in the Green District, it naturally provided three meals a day for its patients.
Not that other hospitals didn't — of course, they did — but their food was much more modest compared to Felix's hospital.
And over the past week, Lon had thoroughly enjoyed every meal they served. He even looked forward to the next one.
Sitting on the bed, he waited for his food to arrive, already imagining himself eating it.
Ten minutes later, the door opened, and a nurse with chestnut-colored hair and a gentle face entered the room.
Naturally, it was Sali.
She approached Lon with a smile and placed a tray of food on the table.
— Mr. Renvel, here is your meal. Today, we have scrambled eggs with bacon and sweet tea, — she said, then took out a newspaper and placed it on the table. — And here's your newspaper: "Seon News".
Lon looked at Sali with a hint of fear, though his facial expression didn't change. However, deep in his heart, a small sense of dread lingered.
After what happened yesterday, he couldn't shake the thought that Sali was involved in that operation. She was just too clumsy, and he had seen through her too easily.
Lon smiled and asked Sali:
— Oh, Miss Sali. How are you feeling? Any updates on Balen?
Sali sighed and replied:
— Unfortunately, no. The Seon Guard is still investigating the case. They only said they are doing everything possible to find Balen, but sadly, nothing yet...
«That's unfortunate for me! But not for you!»
Lon sighed internally and asked about Gord:
— And what about Sir Gord? Have you seen him?
— No, why do you ask? — she looked at Lon with a curious expression but answered anyway.
«Damn! I need to find him as soon as possible and tell him my suspicions about this woman! I even noticed her strange gaze!»
Lon shook his head and smiled:
— Nothing, I just wanted to ask him about the situation, nothing more.
Sali smiled and turned away, ready to leave.
— Then I'll take my leave, Mr. Renvel. Enjoy your meal.
— Thank you, — he waved at her with a smile.
As soon as the door closed, Lon's cheerful expression vanished, replaced by a completely serious look, as if he were facing not a nurse but a formidable enemy.
«I don't know if she noticed anything... But if she still doesn't realize that I know her secret, then I still have a chance to tell Sir Gord...»
Lon turned to the tray of food Sali had brought and frowned deeply.
«She might have been sent... It's no coincidence that she was the one who brought my meal...»
«Looks like I'm skipping breakfast today.»
Lon sighed, walked over to the tray, and inhaled the magnificent aroma of freshly cooked food. He grabbed the plates of scrambled eggs and bacon and threw them into the trash bin nearby.
Watching the food disappear before his eyes, he couldn't help but sigh.