“More mystery, then,” I say with a sigh. Knowing his christened name would make me want to know why he changed the name, and then I would dive into figuring out who his parents are and probably get more curious about his life before Blank Patriarc. Despite all these, I ask anyways, “so what’s your real name?”

Blank chuckles. “You said it’s more mystery.”

I shrug. “Well, you’ve already mentioned it. I guess it’s better knowing than not knowing.”

“If you can wait twenty ...