Dox approached the black-robed man and first gave a slight bow to the empty seat next to him: "Good evening, Your Excellency, Black Earl."
No one responded, but a nose embedded in the slab jumped onto the table and sniffed at Dox.
Then the black-robed man said, "You needn't do that. I didn't bring the Earl's ear this time, so he can't hear you."
Dox saw that it was a nose on the slab rather than an ear and breathed a small sigh of relief, complaining a bit, "You should have said so earlier. If I had known he couldn't hear, I would have come straight to you."
"Are you really so afraid of my lord?" the black-robed man teased.
"Aren't you?" Dox retorted.
The black-robed man chuckled softly but did not reply.
Dox continued, "Dividing the body into countless parts, each with its own consciousness—such a monster! Just the thought sends shivers down my spine. You actually dare to bring it with you every time you go out. Just tell me honestly, aren't you terrified?"
