Green tree shadows swayed in the breeze. Morning sunlight filtered through the glass and curtains, casting a soft glow into the room and making the entire Living Room feel even more peaceful and comfortable.
By then, Lanchi had brewed two cups of tea. He placed them on a tray, carried them from beside the sink to the Living Room, and handed one to Vice Principal Ron.
Lanchi did not speak first. He simply sat upright and waited for Ron to speak.
At last, after a moment of contemplation, Vice Principal Ron held his teacup and said:
"Lanchi, I mainly came this time to represent the Sage Institute and ask you about the source of the Friendly Exchange card you used during the Third Round Exam."
Ron seemed worried that Lanchi might feel pressured, so he spoke very slowly.
"Of course, if it's inconvenient to reveal, you don't have to answer. I merely want to understand the situation. I have no ill intentions."
Although Lanchi's performance during the Shadow World practical exam the day before yesterday had been commendable, Ron felt that, as a human, it would be inappropriate for him to comment too much on that Shadow World. The Sage Institute's teaching and research group also needed to deliberate carefully before deciding which scenes from the Shadow World should be sealed away as forbidden footage, or could be suitably edited and used as teaching material.
As for the Forbidden Speech Spell Card, Friendly Exchange, it might have an enormous impact on the Sage Institute's future teaching methods.
It was also to protect Lanchi that Ron, who shared Dean Loren's opinion, had to come and ask Lanchi about it first.
"..."
After Vice Principal Ron's words fell in the quiet space, a brief silence descended.
Although Lanchi had made the card,