"Then, Mr. Humphrey, were the stone statues said to move at night within the association made by you?"
Luvia asked as well. The old man shook his head again.
"My ability can only create some noises and maintain the scene you see now. Besides, rumors of moving stone statues have existed for centuries. Back then, perhaps even my ancestors had not yet come to this city."
Naturally, Luvia knew that. What she truly wanted to ask was the next question:
"Then, during the year you have remained here as a soul, have you seen the stone statues moving through the association at night?"
Old Humphrey smiled.
"You are very perceptive, young lady. You remind me of my granddaughter, though she is younger than you. I am glad you asked me that question, but before I give you an answer, please answer one question of mine first."
He finally turned fully to face them. Though he was a soul, he still cast a shadow, after all, even that firelight had been created by him.
"What do you think of the craft of carving stone statues?"
Shade and Luvia exchanged a glance. Rarely, he felt that he actually understood what Luvia was thinking, so Shade spoke first:
"It is not that a stone mason carves the stone, nor that the stone mason gives the stone a specific form. Rather, the stone mason follows fate and releases the statue from within the stone."
"No matter whether there is one cut more or one cut less, every cut is destined."
Luvia supplied the latter half of the sentence, pleased that Shade had understood her thoughts.
Old Stone Mason Mr. Humphrey took a deep breath. His soul actually wavered somewhat in the firelight.
"What an interesting view. One cut more or one cut less, all