An Unexpected Side

“M-me, perform a magical offering...?! ”

Monica groaned, her voice strained. The fork in her hand clattered against her plate.

Taking over for the shaken Monica, Isaac asked Elliot probing questions.

“If you're asking one of the Seven Sages to perform a magical offering, shouldn't you go through the council?”

“Of course, I've already brought it up with the council. But even if it gets approved, it'll be over if the Sage in question turns down the request, right? So I came here to ask you not to refuse when the request comes through the council.”

The man, who hadn't bowed once since arriving, said this and tilted his teacup.

Isaac smiled faintly and murmured, “I see.”

“One of the Seven Sages performed the magical offering at the festival ten years ago, too. If we don't have one of them do it this time, people will think we've lowered the bar... Looks like our new lord is willing to do whatever it takes.”

“Yeah, that's right.”

Elliot grimaced bitterly and took a sip of tea, as if trying to swallow down his bitterness...