As Tadamori touched the powdered snow-white rock, it disappeared in a sudden flash, blinding him and the surrounding people for a moment. When their vision returned, they noticed that the rock the young prince had chosen was gone. Seeing the growing concern, the king addressed the crowd and told them to let the Metal Rite continue. He then stepped away to speak with the elder.
After witnessing all of this, Tadayoshi turned back to the same man and asked what had just happened. The man told him to call him Thomas, then explained that the young prince had chosen a rare metal, something that did not happen often.
Tadayoshi then asked Thomas if he could leave. Thomas told him no, that the rite applied to everyone, regardless of status, whether they were full-blood, half-blood, or hybrid. Tadayoshi quickly explained what had happened to him, and Thomas told him that if that was true, he should try to inform the elder, but to be careful not to draw the attention of the king, queen, or their guards.
As Thomas finished speaking, the elder approached Tadayoshi and asked why he had not joined the others in choosing a metal. Tadayoshi motioned for him to lean closer, asking to speak quietly, and the elder allowed it. Tadayoshi then explained that after finishing his work in the kitchen, he had gone outside after noticing something strange in the bushes. There he had found a pitch-black rock covered in white polka dots that seemed to glow, fading in and out. When he touched it, it disappeared.
The elder stood there visibly surprised.
The king, noticing the elder's reaction, began walking towards them. As Tadayoshi saw this, he tried to step away, but the elder grabbed him, now paying closer attention to his features. The king approached and asked what had happened, and why this child had not completed the Metal Rite. The elder explained that Tadayoshi had already done so, though not in the way it was meant to be performed.
The king, visibly angered, demanded to know why he had done this. A moment later, his expression shifted as he properly looked at Tadayoshi and recognized him. Tadayoshi then explained what had happened. The king listened before saying that it was unusual, then asked Tadayoshi to come with him.
Worried, Tadayoshi glanced toward Thomas, but Thomas paid him no mind. He then looked to the elder, who seemed unaware of the tension in the moment.