In fairness, Ellis is similarly apprehensive. Is he on speaking terms with Val de Foncé? Perhaps, if only by merit of having somehow avoiding direct contact with him and existing solely as a supporting character in Wysteria's letters for months.

But still, they might take whatever advantages are close at hand.

"Things might look different by then," is more to fill the silence than anything else. Ellis has not said very much about what he hopes to find, apart from the sense that there will be some useful bit of research tucked away that he might carry back, to allow those more suited to unravel.

Then, quieter, "I can tell you what I know. But I'm not a mage."