Amateurs (First Update)

This open-air pub was a popular place for students to eat, located at the three-way intersection between Corpus Christi College and City Hall, not far from Merton College. The Arcanist arrived shortly after class by bicycle, running into several students who also often came here to fill their stomachs along the way. Even though Salomon kept his voice down, his size and the anger he was trying to conceal still drew attention—students admitted directly to Oxford, students who entered Oxford through family connections, and students who attended public school through family connections before earning admission to Oxford through their grades were completely different. Those with experience could tell at a glance, because only the last kind would have such exacting standards for their suits that even the most particular honorary headmaster could find nothing to criticize.

A good appearance easily inspired goodwill. Coulson, in his loose American suit, and Skye, in tactical gear, were utterly out of place beside the elegant Salomon. Combined with the Arcanist's broad learning and athletic ability, he was something of a minor celebrity among the colleges he frequented, and even the private theological school had some impression of him. Not everyone liked him, but when unusual circumstances arose, someone would still offer help—several students were already gesturing toward the Arcanist, asking whether he needed them to call the police and drive away these two suspicious strangers.

Coulson noticed the students' gazes, and Skye immediately began looking around nervously. "This is why I wanted to go to the Pizza Shop." Agent Coulson quietly sighed, reassuring Skye and telling her to calm down, not to lose control here and cause innocent casualties. The consequence would be Salomon breaking the agreement and attacking them right here. "We mean no harm. Skye just wants to find her mother..."

"A