Zima's Proposal

That must be the result of his own hard work.

Meanwhile, Damien couldn't help but feel a pang of self-doubt—despite attending the same lessons, he hadn't picked up much at all.

Is this what they call a difference in natural talent? he thought, feeling a bit deflated.

"Let's see here… Oh… oh my…"

Theo's expression turned into an exaggerated grimace as he read what Zima had written.

Huh? Damien wondered. What could be written there to cause that reaction?

Without a word, Theo passed the paper to Leonide, who was seated beside him. Leonide's reaction mirrored Theo's—a strained, awkward smile.

"Sebas, could you explain this to the Dragonewts?" Theo asked.

Wait, why Sebas? Damien thought. Sure, Sebas could speak Dragonewt, but wasn't that supposed to be his job as the translator?

As the paper continued to make its rounds, the same uncomfortable smiles spread across the group.