A Traitor Dragon Who Kept His Presence Felt Without Making Mistakes, and a Duel

After thinking it over, Abner remembered that Edwina was a "qualified" teacher too. He decided not to beat around the bush and asked three questions in succession:

"Who wants to harm Pale Admiral?

"Why do you want to save her?

"And what's your real reason for coming to me?"

Edwina clearly liked this direct approach that went straight to the heart of the matter. She gathered her thoughts and replied:

"On a personal level, I've met Maria a few times. We get along well, and I admire her ideals. I don't think she'll succeed... but I don't want someone with such lofty ideals to die here.

"Looking at the bigger picture, I suspect she's part of a certain being's plans and shouldn't fall just yet... I used a Mystical Item to obtain a fairly accurate prophecy. That's proof enough!

"As for who wants to kill her... I can only say for certain that it isn't Cattleya. Beyond that, I'm afraid ninety percent of the people on this island would rather she didn't remain alive."

Edwina answered his questions one by one. Toward the end, a rare trace of emotion showed through. Evidently, she hadn't used Mechanical Mind; she was simply maintaining her habitual expressionless demeanor.

Part of a certain being's plans... She means Traitor Dragon... I should show the gods some respect in front of Edwina, or I might let that slip.

Hmm, could the God of Knowledge and Wisdom be behind this? It doesn't quite feel like his work... The Knowledge Church has extended its reach into the Southern Continent by supporting the Resistance Army, but he'd have a hard time influencing the Numinous Episcopate from within. Their Pathways aren't adjacent, after all...

*So is this the work of an ally of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom? Could