Reginald went over to his desk and retrieved a magic tool before using it to open a gateway that was incredibly similar to the ones Alvis used. Beyond it was a room with a large bed full of pillows, a cushy looking couch, and two very comfortable looking chairs.

“A… bedroom?” Alois guessed.

“Yes. Whatever you do, do not wake him,” Reginald replied.

That was odd, and strangely cryptic advice considering that we came here to talk to him in the first place, but I knew better than to argue.

We waited by the bed until a lump started moving and slowly sat up. The lump turned into a youthful man with white hair and white fox ears on his head. He had a sort of lazy aura, as well as one that spoke of how ancient he truly was. Somehow I could easily picture him standing side by side with Alvis. Well, not standing. The Alvis I imagined was carrying him as he plotted out the future of Tethia.

“Meet Yuki, the first Head Magician,” Reginald introduced.

Yuki blinked at them and looked them over with a slow bored gaze. “Alvis got involved with something troublesome again,” he mumbled.

Alois frowned. “We were wondering if you could tell us what we should-”

“Just stay here and sleep,” Yuki advised, “Alvis won’t let anyone harm his precious Pavilion and the fool won’t find you here.”

Yuki did not seem to particularly care about what was going on, but it was clear he also thought that Osmond had no chance of winning against Alvis. He also seemed to know about the Pavilion’s defense system. Actually, how did he know so much about what was going on?

“I’m sorry but staying safe and sleeping away the danger won’t sit right with me,” Alois replied, “I was his apprentice and he betrayed me and everyone else.”

“That is your problem,” Yuki told him as he slid back down into a laying position, “Besides when you dispersed his magic stores you already did something. If you are so insistent, why don’t you just shadow that guy or something.” He yawned and closed his eyes.

“Well, it was worth a try,” Reginald sighed. Rather than annoyed he just seemed exasperated. He led them both back to his office and closed the gateway behind him.

“Is he always like that?” I asked.

“He is,” Reginald agreed, “Perhaps he is merely the kind that can see the answer but cannot explain it to others. He may also be tired of the world. However, as the Head Magician, it is embarrassing to think that our founder was a lethargic fox man who cares more about his sleep than the future of Tethia.”

That… I was going to argue but I completely agreed. If the first queen was like that, how would I feel? Alois seemed to be glad that the first headmaster was Alvis.

“We still have two more days,” I muttered at the moon out the window.

“I do agree that you two need sleep,” the Head Magician scolded, “You are running on adrenaline and if you want to have any hopes of being useful in two days’ time you need to take care of yourselves.”

“Where?” Alois asked.

“My house will do for now. I am sure Rosalind will agree since it will only be two nights.”

I relaxed despite myself. “It will be good to see her again,” I said. It felt like had been a long time since I had seen her.

“I am sure she is looking forward to seeing you two,” Reginald told me with a smile, “I can finish the rest of my work at home. Shall we go?”

“Yes,” we answered and followed Reginald into the carriage as we set off towards his home.

We arrived shortly and if the carriage had not been so jerky and uncomfortable I might have been lulled to sleep in the silence. When Reginald opened the door Rosalind was right there.

“Welcome home darling,” she said with a beaming smile, then glanced at me and Alvis, “Guests? Cassandra too? I know you missed her, darling, but you shouldn’t have taken her out of school.”

“I didn’t,” Reginald replied, “It finally happened.”

Her expression darkened for a moment. “I see. Well, you two look exhausted. Let’s get you to bed.”

Before we had a chance to say anything we were whisked right away into guest rooms and tucked into bed.