Yutab, slightly affected, stood up from his chair and walked over to the sofa next to Vantias, where he sat, directly across from Charles. He took a moment just to observe Charles, then said:
"It's truly a pleasure that such a professor teaches at this academy. It must be an amazing opportunity for the students to benefit from your presence."
Charles paused for a moment, reflecting on Yutab's words, then gave a small smile and spoke slowly and softly:
"The pleasure is mine. This is a two-way journey; both I and my students can learn new things from each other."
Vantias remained silent, letting Yutab take the lead with the questioning, knowing that he didn't yet have enough experience to interfere.
Yutab leaned forward slightly, trying to ask his question carefully. He interlaced his fingers and said:
"Alright, I'll ask just a few simple questions. Please answer them if you can."
Charles sat upright, silent, only slightly lowering his head. Yutab then asked:
"What are your thoughts on Elizabeth's death?"
Charles paused, lifting his head slightly and thinking for a brief moment. His expression shifted slightly toward sorrow as he answered softly:
"Elizabeth's death was unexpected for me, like a father losing his child." He lowered his head again and said gently:
"Even though Elizabeth had no intention of getting along with other students, I feel a sense of guilt."
Yutab frowned slightly, skeptical, and repeated:
"Guilt? For what?"tilting his head a little.
Charles took a deep breath, leaning back slightly, then said:
"As a teacher, guiding and mentoring those entrusted to me is among my top priorities. Perhaps I could have made a positive difference in Elizabeth's life… but unfortunately…"
Vantias lowered his head and said quietly:
"I understand why you feel guilty. She was young and could have changed morally… she could have seen others differently. And you're upset you couldn't help her."
He took a deep breath and continued softly:
"I can feel the weight of all the responsibility on your shoulders."
Charles didn't smile, only slightly nodding in acknowledgment. Yutab continued:
"Sorry for asking this, but based on talks with other students and professors, we noticed that you have a close relationship with one of your students named Arthur."
Charles replied quietly:
"Yes, that's correct."
Yutab paused briefly, considering his next question:
"How did it make you feel that Elizabeth often tormented Arthur?"
Charles' expression remained calm, tilting his head slightly as he sensed Yutab's point, and after a moment's thought, he answered simply:
"Yes, it made me feel upset." — deliberately giving a simple answer to create a subtle misdirection.
Yutab narrowed his eyes and rephrased the question, this time more directly:
"What I mean is, according to reports, Professor Satella, despite not being close to Arthur, reported Elizabeth's behavior to the director multiple times—but… you never responded. Nothing in the report reached the director, nor did you speak to or warn Elizabeth." He gave a small smile and asked, "Why? Didn't you think something should be done?"
The room fell silent, though the sound of birds outside the window drifted in, the room bathed in soft light, carrying the scent of books and lemon tea.
Charles played with his lip to ease the dryness, then said:
"I understand what you mean. And in response… I did not give Elizabeth any verbal warning, nor did I file an official report to the director… but… unlike Professor Satella, I believed it would be pointless."
Yutab was about to respond when Charles raised his index finger slightly to pause him, then continued calmly and deliberately:
"I decided to use my influence as a nobleman and sent a letter to Elizabeth's parents."
Vantias frowned slightly, surprised by the different approach, and repeated:
"What kind of letter?"
Charles exhaled slowly, then leaned slightly forward for emphasis, saying:
"I explained that Elizabeth's behavior would hinder her studies at the academy. A week later, her parents came to the academy and began speaking with Elizabeth in my office."
He paused for a moment, then continued slowly:
"I was not present in the room, wanting to respect their privacy, but the outcome was satisfactory. Elizabeth's behavior the following week was completely proper; she no longer harassed Arthur, and she treated the other students appropriately."
Yutab lowered his head slightly and added softly:
"Until Elizabeth was killed…"
He sighed, then looked up at the ceiling for a moment and said:
"Thank you, Professor Charles, for taking the time to speak with us. You may leave now."
Charles stood up slowly, buttoned the middle of his coat while rising, stood straight, then shook hands with Vantias, bowing slightly:
"Have a good day!" He smiled softly and walked calmly toward the door, exiting the room.
After Charles left, Yutab put his feet on the table and said impatiently:
"Well… how should I put it… sometimes his words were direct, and sometimes ambiguous… I didn't feel comfortable… as if something was missing."
Vantias thought for a moment and said:
"You think so?"
Yutab sighed, staring at the ceiling, and said:
"Be careful… sometimes you need to notice even the smallest parts in his speech… Did you notice any inconsistencies in what Charles said?"
Vantias replied:
"Honestly, everything seemed correct. If you consider it, he was calm about Elizabeth's case. His behavior was logical; sending a letter to her parents and correcting her behavior afterward… it doesn't make sense that he'd then intend to harm Elizabeth."
Yutab closed his eyes and shook his head:
"That's the problem… there's a missing piece in his behavior… Satella played the victim; you could sense she was hiding something. Arthur and the other kids seemed confused about Elizabeth's death, almost like they couldn't fully accept it—but Charles…"
He then pulled his legs in, sat properly, leaned forward slightly, and said softly:
"He's right in the middle… both a suspect and not a suspect… even if he were, he'd have a reason that seems plausible."
Vantias leaned back slightly, understanding Yutab's point:
"Ah, now I get it… that's why you call it the missing piece."
Yutab closed his eyes, thinking:
"Charles… a prominent professor of theoretical magic, a nobleman… and perhaps a man behind the scenes…"