The autumn morning sunlight spilled over the dry yellow leaves on the forest floor. Not far away from the fire site, Shade took one last look at the sea of flames gradually dying out. Only after confirming that no one had followed them did he carry the owl on his shoulder and prepare to head back.
"The plan went very smoothly. If those people are smart, they should have already started interrogating each other."
Shade spoke in a cheerful tone.
"So aside from being a Correspondence Student at the Academy, you were actually once with the Sun Church!"
Miss Owl had held that in until now, but Shade shook his head.
"Of course not. Besides, the Academy only recruits newly awakened ordinary people as correspondence students. How could I have been a Ring Arcanist of the Sun Church before? I need to emphasize that I worship the God of Light and Shadow—Mister Dawn. That has nothing to do with the God of Sun and Earth, the Old Man with the Lantern."
The round-faced owl did not believe him at all. She lightly flapped her wings, trying to draw Shade's attention.
"You were amazing just now. Tell me, where did you learn all those Thaumaturgies? We've been together for a week, and aside from that dangerous Black Moon Rune, you've never used any other Moon Thaumaturgies."
She pressed Shade for an answer. When she saw that he would not speak, she asked again.
"Then at least tell me how you mastered Witch Secret Arts! You clearly aren't the apprentice of any witch, and you're a man. How could you possibly possess our power?"
Had she learned of this when they had first met, she might already have been planning to inform Miss Isabella. But now, she merely wanted to understand it