He's aware that I think there's something wrong with reality or my mind, and I'm not sure which it is is an alarming thing to say, and probably unfair to put on her besides. But he hadn't fully thought through an alternative explanation. It causes a small hesitation before he says, "I'm not sure if you knew, but I used to be from the city. I have a correspondent back in the capital who's interested in magical theory. She mainly uses me as a sounding board, I suspect, but I thought it would be nice to actually follow what she's suggesting if I could."

It's not entirely a lie; Benevenuta still writes him even buried here in the country. But he still feels a bit guilty for the misdirection, even if it's done out of a desire not to unnerve Ness without cause.