Thud! Thud! Thud!
Several heavy knocks sounded outside the study.
"Young master," the old servant's hoarse voice called from beyond the door, "would you like coffee or tea? I thought I heard something in your room."
Dr. Duzem gestured to the two guests with his eyes.
Fei Rui quickly waved his tiny paws, while Rat Immortal gave a slight shake of his head.
"Don't disturb me, Constantine!" Dr. Duzem brusquely rejected the old servant's inquiry. "I'm thinking!"
As he spoke, his fingers twitched slightly, lifting the rug from the floor and draping it over the Wardrobe Mirror again. The Wardrobe Mirror, which had been about to let out a few dry wails, fell silent the instant it was covered.
"Yes, young master." Constantine paused for several seconds before slowly replying, "Get some rest early. Your work can wait until tomorrow..."
The old servant's heavy footsteps scraped across the floor as he slowly departed.
Inside the study, the two rats, who had already slipped into the shadows behind the door, floated back into the light.
"This room is much cleaner than I imagined."
After seeing off the old servant, Fei Rui finally adopted a more serious attitude and offered that assessment. His earlier display had merely been a precaution, allowing him to inspect the area thoroughly.
After all, the owner of this little courtyard had been blacklisted by First University. No one knew how many eyes the school or the Wizard Alliance had placed here.
"No matter what, this is still 'my study.'"
Dr. Duzem finally set down the manuscript in his hand and silently studied the two uninvited guests.
"I've heard of both of you." Dr. Duzem's voice was completely unlike its usual brisk brightness, much lower and hoarser now. "Rat Immortal, who created the half-finished ratfolk, and the fellow