The tea ceremony continued as Director Aaron and Dean Kora chatted about various cheerful developments at the academy.
When he sensed the right moment — noticing that she seemed less tense than when she had entered — Director Aaron spoke gently.
"Why did you come to me, Kora?"
Kora glanced at Pudge.
"Don't worry about him," Director Aaron said, waving off her concern. "He's one of us now. If it's nothing personal, then please speak. Tomorrow marks the first day of the Fresher Ranking Tournament. I'll be busy — and so will you."
His words, if decoded correctly, meant: We're all busy people, Kora. Speak now or don't speak at all.
Kora had come to confirm one thing.
After last night's incident — attacking a fresher and then clashing with Shelby — she needed to ensure the Director hadn't found out about her involvement.
