"A refusal to speak would say something on its own in this instance," says Mikoto.

They might have made it to the palace quietly, except that they happen to pass a visiting group of Burmecians right about then.

Because Regulus is trying to stifle a double-take at the sight of giant rat-people, he also happens to see one of them pick up a loose cobble from the street and throw it at the Magelets. But even ex-Seekers are fast. "Protego!" The first rock bounces off the shield charm as Regulus counters with something that has the offending Burmecian dangling in midair as if suspended by an invisible hold on his ankle.

The spooked Magelets all huddle close to Vivi.