A small clink sounded.

A charm hanging by the window swayed in the afternoon light. At the end of a thin metal wire, transparent stones, pale beads, and small feather-shaped ornaments scattered soft light across the walls as they moved.

Actus's room was strangely bright.

Several natural stones were lined up on the desk. Quartz, amethyst, and a blue stone whose name was unknown. Jars of herbs were neatly arranged on shelves, their labels bearing names and effects written in a meticulous hand. The scent of dried leaves and the aroma of freshly brewed tea mingled quietly in the room.

Small pouches like amulets and charms tied with old string hung along the walls. Next to them, for some reason, sat a model of a human brain. Though strangely realistic and seemingly out of place, it felt oddly at home in this room.

It was like a fortune teller's room, like a counselor's office, and like a school nurse's office.

Yet, it was slightly different from all of them.

This was likely a place where people who had lost their way could take their thoughts and place them on the desk, one by one.

Actus sat in his chair and looked over.

As usual, he didn't seem to be rushing anything. But he wasn't missing anything, either. While his expression was calm, his gaze was strangely sharp, as if he could pick up on hesitations before they were even put into words.

A Wedgwood cup with black and gold decorations was placed in front of Guest.

The light from the window danced on the surface of the tea.