In Empress Borough, inside the study reserved for Audrey at House of Earl Hall's luxurious villa.
The young woman, soon to come of age, was discussing the Hanged Man's offer for the Ocean Songster potion formula with her psychology teacher, Escalante.
"He chose 7,000 gold pounds?" the member of the Psychology Alchemists asked in a lowered voice.
"That's right." Audrey lightly set a suitcase before Escalante and opened it, revealing stacks of cash.
Escalante counted the money with a show of restraint, then let out a breath. "The amount is correct."
After a two-second pause, she pulled out one of the textbooks she had brought and turned to a page.
A rolled-up sheet of parchment appeared before Audrey.
Escalante untied its cord and showed her the contents:
"Sequence 5, Ocean Songster. Main ingredients: the complete vocal cords of a Sera Banshee, a Three-Eyed Thunderbird Forehead Eyeball..."
Before Audrey could examine the supplementary ingredients, Escalante rolled the parchment up again.
She closed the textbook and pushed the book, parchment tucked inside, toward Audrey.
Audrey held the book in place but did not hand over the 7,000 pounds in cash.
Meeting Escalante's puzzled gaze, she gave the explanation she had prepared with a faint smile.
"The buyer is afraid the formula might be fake and wants to verify it first.
"Until that's done, I'll hold on to both the money and the formula. Both sides consider me trustworthy, and I wouldn't throw away that reputation for a mere 7,000 pounds."
A mere 7,000 pounds... Escalante stared blankly for several seconds before managing a calm nod. "I understand the buyer's concerns... and I trust you too."
Audrey was about to offer a polite reply when she suddenly saw boundless gray fog and a blurry figure praying in what seemed to be a forest.