"How did the conclusion become that?" Noirette spoke up toward the balconies.
The witch with the porcelain puppet arms paused, her floating limbs hovering mid-gesture as if consulting an invisible script.
The chamber, still buzzing from the hour-long frenzy of hypotheses, fell into an expectant hush once more.
Her voice, amplified yet graceful, carried the weight of institutional finality. "The Mage Court has observed your demonstration, Noirette Chariot, and recognized its unparalleled novelty.
"Thus, we seek to induct you—or even your sister Blanchette, should she prove equally adept—as an apprentice member."
Noirette crossed her arms, the absence of chains feeling strangely liberating yet precarious, like standing on the edge of a chasm without a tether.
"And what if I refuse?"
