When Shade and Miss Benanis returned to the Wilde Opera House, Luvia had already arrived and was discussing tonight's events with Miss Lathers. Luvia had also brought them new information:
"Professors from Zaras Academy of Literature will also be taking part in tonight's operation by Eldron Lake. Of the Three Great Academies, only professors from Zaras Academy of Literature have arrived in advance."
"That doesn't matter. We'll wait on the outskirts tonight; we may not actually be needed."
Shade said. He had not brought the Night Watchman this time. Until he confirmed the demon's whereabouts and identity, he would avoid carrying that relic whenever possible.
"Also, I got my hands on Edward Marcus's statue yesterday afternoon. It's one of the three auction items that may point toward the Heart of the Earth."
Shade conjured the statue and placed it on the tea table in the study. The three ladies examined it in turn but found nothing unusual.
"Could it be the wrong one?"
Miss Benanis asked suspiciously.
"This stone came from Randall River Valley, from the southwestern region. So it isn't a petrified corpse."
Meanwhile, Miss Lathers was investigating it with her Thaumaturgy. Once she had finished as well, Shade said:
"I checked it at home last night and found nothing suspicious. So there's only one method left."
A brilliant silver arc extended from his hand, instantly cutting the intact antique statue into a large pile of stone fragments.
Everyone picked up the small stones and examined them, then once again confirmed that it really was nothing more than an ordinary antique. Of course, obtaining it had not been a waste of time. At the very least, it had given Shade a reason to contact Stone Osenfott.
"Breath of Time."
Shade took a deep breath. As gray smoke drifted from