the Royal Treasury to this end； and how Master Osman was using this
opportunity to sabotage his Enishte’s book and punish those who betrayed
him by imitating the Europeans。 Black added that based on style； Master
Osman suspected Olive was responsible for the horse with the clipped nostrils；
but as Head Illuminator； he was convinced of Stork’s guilt and would turn him
over to the executioners。 I could sense he was telling the truth under the
pressure of my sword； and I felt like kissing him because he gave himself over
to what he was saying like a child。 What I heard didn’t worry me； having Stork
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out of the way meant I’d bee Head Illuminator after Master Osman’s
death—may God grant him long life。
I wasn’t disturbed that what he said might happen； but by the possibility
that it might not。 Reading between the lines of Black’s account； I was able to
glean that Master Osman was willing not only to sacrifice Stork； but me as
well。 Considering this incredible possibility made my heart quicken and drew
me toward the horror of plete abandonment felt by a child who’s
suddenly lost his father。 Each time this came to mind； I had to restrain myself
from cutting Black’s throat。 I didn’t attempt to argue the point with Black or
myself： Why should the fact that we made a few foolish illustrations inspired
by European masters lower us to the level of traitors？ Once again； I thought
that behind Elegant’s death stood Stork and Olive and their schemes against
me。 I removed the sword from Black’s throat。
“Let’s go to Olive’s house together； and