Old School Striking King looked puzzled at first, then finally understood what Felis meant. "Unless we need to, we won't formally approach Carpenter about anything.
"Actually, Carpenter hasn't had much time to chat with us lately anyway. She and Russell have been working themselves senseless repairing the Mage Tower."
Felis couldn't help glancing toward the mountaintop, envy written all over his face.
But by the time he turned back, he was smiling again. "That's good, then."
Having reached an understanding on one point, Felis extended his right hand, which bore an enormous ruby ring. He tapped it with his left index finger and asked courteously, "Then, my lady, may I choose a quieter setting for our conversation?"
Old School Striking King blinked. After thinking for a few seconds, she nodded decisively... but she also tapped the silver-glinting clasp of the cloak on her shoulder.
As a magic circle rose beneath the boulder, enveloping the two speakers, the Black Rose members watching from behind all pulled out their tablets.
Of course, some chose to watch someone else's.
Felis gave Old School Striking King a bewildered look... her gesture had been so obvious that even he, accustomed to playing dumb, momentarily had no idea how to react.
But he quickly chose to ignore it.
After all, he wasn't doing this to keep everyone from seeing or hearing them. He merely needed to show a little respect on the surface.
At most, what he wanted to say might wound a certain Archmage's pride.
But hadn't he already provided a fig leaf?
"Rute absolutely must not die," Felis told the little lady before him with utmost seriousness. "This is only my heartfelt request, but please keep a closer eye on what he does next, for the sake of making things easier for Carpenter and