Bab 284: • Spider Parable (2)

For a second, a glint of mischief shone in the eyes of the Lord of the Academy, and his lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile.

He'd always respected Gladdeus Smallbutter, a man of his stature rising to the greatness that belied his comical height. He knew the value the [Master of Forms] brought to his distinguished Academy and that was the main reason he kept him around.

However, Daligarth couldn't deny that the Dean's curiosity and intelligence was starting to become a pestering issue. Though he entertained it at times, other times — such as present, he found it gravely annoying.

"It was not a matter of power, Gladdeus. It isn't always. It is a matter of timing. There is always a right moment to act… and a moment to refrain." He rose from his chair, pacing to the large round window as he continued, his back to Smallbutter.

"I do not have any desire to sample my Power for the eyes of the Students just to stop a desperate boy."