Ms. Primm pursed her lips.  Her face held more of frown than it had a moment before.  She had judged the man and found him wanting.  He had not introduced himself properly.  His clothing was highly questionable, his mask peculiar, his face mutilated -- and he wanted access to the students?  They should write a sternly-worded letter back to the Department, and tell them to send someone better-suited to the task.  What sort of an insult was this?  

The headmistress was harder to read.  The mention of evaluation was expected -- but liquidation came as a surprise, and one graceful eyebrow arched upward in response.  “I appreciate the Department’s concern regarding the education of those who will inherit the duties of supporting this kingdom,” she said, giving Cain a pleasant smile, though the expression was tight.  “But some of the things you mentioned concern me.  Tell me, mister...ah...?”  She waited for him to fill in his name before continuing.  “Yes, thank you.  Tell me, why does the Department feel it necessary to make such threats?  I realize the Liddell Academy is not one of the oldest such schools, but we are numbered among the most respected.  We have consistently met, if not exceeded, the required standards in all areas.”  She did not say it as a boast, but instead as a fact to support her statements.  “I cannot think of any reason someone might wish us closed, save perhaps those of rivalry with other such facilities.  If an issue of which I am unaware has come to the attention of the Department, I would hope they would inform me and give us time to address it, instead of hanging the threat of being shut down over our heads.”  The lady’s voice remained calm, but her words held a polite caution.  She and her husband were well-connected.  A move against them -- or against other noble families by way of the children in her care -- would not be without consequences.

[@TheMinorFall]