I think either they’re lying, or there’s some very complicated mind magic afoot; and in either case, you might be able to help sort out which one it is.

She could have been enchanted to fully believe what she’s saying, so it might not be full confirmation either way. But if you could suss out— [ he sounds tired, a little frustrated, it’s been a weird night, ] any kind of hint, a clue. If there is some lingering convenient moustache-twirling thought buried beneath the strata, going “ha ha, they’re falling for the ruse, our mind-control Venatori comrades will be ever so pleased”, well, then, at least we’ve got our answer.

[ And if it’s not that. Well. There’s a traumatised, frightened girl with telepathy who might be in need of a friend. ]