So the time on the report really was correct. My countdown had never been off.
There was one advantage to talking with technical experts: even without making a point of asking, it was easy to pick up important details between the lines.
And "not much time left" wasn't the only important detail. The term "Snow Tree" was even more astonishing.
Lady Nepheli seemed to have an even more impressive grasp of the Academy than I'd imagined.
Even though she hadn't performed the miracle of "Meria's Resurrection" in this life, she was still familiar with the name—and had even immediately connected it with the "Snow Tree."
As for the latter, it only changed color within the Academy. That was because it was tied to the concept of Meria, and it had been one of the major discoveries made during the research we'd been conducting until recently.
"Yes, the Snow Tree."
Fu Qian didn't hold back, immediately confirming it.
"Hmm..."
"I'm not actually sure. I was just guessing."
Nepheli's reaction was a little unusual. She stared at Fu Qian for several seconds, then finally admitted the truth.
"Sure, but I'm certain."
Fu Qian's expression didn't change in the slightest.
"...Thank you for sharing."
Realizing that he'd repaid her in kind, generously sharing despite knowing it might be a test, Nepheli thanked him sincerely. Then she resumed gazing into the distance.
"So you're not here to kill me?"
"No."
"True. It doesn't seem like there'd be much point for you. I suppose this is that thing they call fate.
"I didn't expect things to get so lively. Sorry for causing everyone trouble."
Showing no joy at having "escaped certain death," Nepheli muttered to herself, her gaze still vacant.
"Really? Was it deliberate, or an accident?"
Unfortunately, getting off that easily wasn't an