Fortunately, for Gilbert's face to show a different expression, it needed fairly large movements. Tiny changes could barely stir those almost nonexistent muscles, and since the face was fake, its reactions were a little slower anyway.
That was the only reason Hill managed to keep the faintest smile off his face... Not that he cared whether he was found out, but later was still better.
There was no helping it. Children's reactions were simply rather cute. After hearing Hill's remark, Russell's gaze sharpened for an instant, then immediately wandered. He was clearly swearing inwardly before remembering where he was and struggling to rein in his emotions.
And that was nothing compared to Carpenter, who had buried her face behind her brother's back the moment she heard Hill's words. She had visibly shuddered.
Hill regained control before they did. When the two children raised their heads, he said in a perfectly level voice, "Since they belong to the same school, naturally there's a connection that exists even though you can't see or touch it.
"But that's very difficult to explain when you can't even begin to grasp the laws.
"The simplest method is to keep using them yourself.
"Cantrips are the foundation.
"Even when they become archmages and begin approaching the heart of magic, most mages turn back and start breaking things down from cantrips.
"The simplest and most direct method is to make cantrips instinctive, until you can cast them with a thought.
"If you can't even do that, how could you possibly expect to understand the connections between spells?
"But as things stand, your only chance is to go back and keep casting.
"Originally, I intended to have you familiarize yourself with Abjuration spells first... But since you're so interested in the Transmutation School, spend the next seven days