บท 156: OFFICER ARAGON'S RETURN

"But... I am sorry to report that we have had to reevaluate our commitments to various organizations this year."

The outside corner of her right eyelid begins to twitch—a tiny, almost invisible flutter of muscle beneath her thin skin.

"And the board has decided to reallocate part of your funding to other uses."

Mikael takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly.

"I see. How large a part, then?"

"This and subsequent tranches will be reduced by forty percent."

Behind Mrs. Iwasaki, Santina opens her mouth and starts to say, incredulously,

"Forty per—"

but Mikael silences her with a sharp look.

"I see. That's quite a substantial amount. Did they say why?"

"I'm afraid I am not informed of all the reasons behind such reallocations at my level, other than that they believe there are more pressing needs." 

Her language is formal, but her regret and embarrassment are real, almost palpable.