Shade believed there was nothing wrong with him, so after exchanging a few words with Priest Augustus as the latter left the room, he entered the small private study inside the reception room.
Doctor Schneider had rearranged the furniture beforehand. The two professors sat on one side of the table, while those being questioned sat on the other. The secretary responsible for recording the conversation had a small separate table.
Though they had already worked for two consecutive hours, the professors did not seem particularly tired. After entering, Shade did not speak at once. Only after the servants who had followed him in brought a fresh teapot and poured black tea for everyone did he sit down.
The professors had piles of documents before them. Though they were very close, Shade could not make out a single word on them. There was nothing on his side of the table except a teacup, so he clasped his hands together and placed them on the tabletop.
"Good afternoon, Professor Andore, Associate Professor Kospaya."
"Good afternoon, Mr. Hamilton."
"Good afternoon, Mr. Hamilton. Also, I am an Associate Professor."
The conversation began with such greetings. Only then did Shade realize that he had actually brought Little Mia in with him instead of leaving her in Luvia's or Dorothy's care. Fortunately, the professors had seen correspondence Ring Arcanists with far stranger habits. Compared to the others, carrying a cat around could even be called an exceptionally refined eccentricity.
"Mr. Hamilton, the Academy's investigation into your identity and background has proceeded smoothly."
Professor Andore pointed to the sheets of paper on the table, which appeared completely blank to Shade. Presumably, some spell had been cast so that only the professors could see their contents.
"You enrolled last summer. According to regulations, a background investigation was conducted