Forced by the situation, Shade still wanted to refuse, but Dorothy tugged at him. So he closed his mouth, thought carefully, and asked the safest possible question:
"Your Highness, how is your mathematics?"
"Very good. I have an excellent mathematics teacher."
Princess Margaret answered confidently.
"The following question involves addition and subtraction within thirty. You only need to give the answer within half a minute."
Shade said. Princess Margaret's voice rose slightly:
"Within thirty? If it isn't complicated consecutive calculations, ten seconds—or even five—will do."
"Her Highness truly is good at mathematics."
Sir Prisha chimed in from the side.
"Very well, listen carefully. Everyone may calculate along with us."
Shade cleared his throat. Everyone looked at him, and so Shade said:
"At Saint Song Square in Tobesk City's North District, there is a Three Cats Inn. Three days ago, three gentlemen went there to stay. Each paid ten pence, thirty pence in total."
"So cheap?"
Princess Margaret asked curiously.
"It is only an analogy. Perhaps it was merely lodging, not including meals or laundry."
Leisha reminded her.
"The innkeeper, Mrs. Sangmei, was in a good mood that day and decided to give the three gentlemen a discount. So she had a little boy return five pence to them."
Shade continued, holding up five fingers:
"The boy could not divide five pence equally among three people, so he decided to reward himself two pence for making the trip."
Shade heard someone laugh, and he smiled as well:
"So he returned the remaining three pence to the three gentlemen."
Princess Margaret nodded.
"It truly is addition and subtraction within thirty. So what is the question?"
"Before I ask it, Your Highness Leisha, please tell me: how much did each of the three gentlemen spend?"
"That is simple. Nine pence."
Leisha said. Shade