Shassu!

In Jade Hall, where only the Seven Sages were permitted to enter, seven people sat together, including Cyrus Page, the newly chosen Dragon-Slaying Mage.

How long had it been since all seven of them had gathered around Jade Hall's round table?

Monica glanced around the table. Starting from the seat farthest from the entrance and going clockwise, they were seated in this order: Mary, Bradford, Ray, Raul, Louis, Monica, and Cyrus.

Even before the Gemstone Mage's death, it had been rare for all the Seven Sages to attend a meeting, so the sight of all seven seats filled felt somehow nostalgic to Monica.

"Before we begin, can I ask something?"

Cyrus, seated beside Monica, raised one hand.

"I ain't been officially appointed by His Majesty yet... Is it okay for me to be here?"

Cyrus, sitting beside Monica, had yet to be given the staff or robe reserved for a Seven Sage.

That seemed to leave him wondering whether he was allowed to be there.

At Cyrus's question, Mary Harvey, the Star-Gazing Witch, answered quietly...