"Shade's Story has many, many parts, but I'm not ready to tell you now."
The recollection temporarily came to an end. Miss Galina spoke softly to her "colleague," and Miss Sylvia understood what she meant without pressing further.
The two Witches discussed what to do next. Just as they were about to get up and leave for Schluch Lake, someone knocked on the door.
After the maid opened it, Princess Margaret entered. During the hour or so Shade had spent reading, she had already met with Mr. Alan Madison of the local Serkeses Higher Medical College. After entering, she first respectfully greeted Miss Galina before asking Miss Sylvia:
"Teacher, forgive me for disturbing you. I have a mathematics question I would like to ask you."
"Asking about mathematics during a banquet?"
Miss Sylvia smiled.
"Duchess, look at how studious Her Royal Highness the Princess is."
She then had Princess Margaret state her question, and so the Princess repeated Shade's "The Missing Penny" puzzle. Miss Galina merely chuckled at the side without interrupting. Miss Sylvia only frowned for a moment before understanding it.
"Your Highness, do you truly not understand this question?"
As she spoke, she indeed displayed the full authority of a "math teacher."
Princess Margaret unconsciously bit her lip.
"Teacher, this question only contains the three numbers 27, 2, and 30. You once said that numbers do not lie. I don't understand why one penny is missing."
"Your Highness, your question is truly disappointing."
Miss Sylvia's gaze sharpened.
"I have told you countless times that although numbers do not lie, you are unable to truly understand them. Though this question is clever, it is merely a sleight-of-hand trick, much like magic. Yes, it is only a trick."
Displeasure showed on the Witch's fair, beautiful face.
"I'll tell you where