Dorothy spoke as she pointed toward the living room:
"I had your honorary degree certificate framed and hung it in the most conspicuous spot together with your Knight's Sword of Honor. This way, your clients will see them the moment they walk in."
The witch seated opposite Shade also teased him:
"If you are interested, you can look through yesterday's newspaper. It published a group photograph of Dorothy receiving the certificate for you alongside the others. The whole city is talking about your relationship with her now. There is no shortage of gossip."
"In fact, rumors about writers and knights have always circulated through the city. They simply have not attracted as much attention as the other rumors."
Luvia, seated beside Shade, spoke as well. Shade gave a dry laugh, then frowned as he tried to remember:
"Was it this Tuesday or Wednesday that the Degree Committee members came to visit my home? The secretary from the University Federation, Mr. Randall, was someone I knew."
He was a member of the Guiding Light Hermitage.
"That was on Monday. Tifa received them at the time."
Miss Galina said, then shook her head slightly:
"It seems you really were seriously ill. Otherwise, given your sense of time, you should not have remembered even that incorrectly."
"But at least I am fine now."
Shade emphasized again, then reached over to stroke Little Mia, who was lowering her head to eat.
"It is good that you are fine. Saint Byron's Correspondence Student background investigation team has already arrived in the city. The Doctor and Priest Augustus will mention this when they come here for a meeting this afternoon. If you still look ill when the investigation team meets you, they will certainly grow suspicious."
Luvia spoke again. She set down her glass of milk,