Well, I’ve “enrolled” in the academy. It would be good to start studying, as befits diligent students. But the sheer amount of intrigues and attention to my person makes it hard to breathe… Right now I’d rather be in Siberia, in the countryside, than in stuffy palace halls. Although Foma clearly doesn’t agree, because there he won’t be able to replenish his collection. And the other familiars are against it too. Apparently, they liked their well-fed life in the capital. Which means they’ll all have to find a well-paid job—otherwise, I’m afraid, by the end of the year we’ll all start starving, with their unstoppable appetites.