When Shade woke on Monday morning, fine snowflakes were drifting outside the window. Tobesk's winters were always snowy.
"Monday again."
Yawning, Shade climbed out of bed. After washing up, he had been planning to go downstairs and carry up the Gift Box, feel this week's gift before breakfast, when he unexpectedly heard the sound of the downstairs door opening.
"Oh?"
Curious, he walked downstairs and saw Dorothy, dressed in heavy winter clothes, brushing snow from herself. The Blonde Young Lady wore a red coat and a scarf around her neck, with traces of snow still clinging to the toes of her lady's boots.
"It's so cold."
She complained, then lifted the food box in her left hand.
"Good morning, Shade. I brought you breakfast."
"Good morning, Dorothy. Is there some reason you came here so early?"
Shade asked with some concern, but the Blonde Young Lady shook her head.
"It's nothing. I'll be following you all day today. Leisha asked me to keep an eye on you and make sure you don't forget about tonight."
As she spoke, she laughed as well.
Shade was quite happy not to have to prepare breakfast himself. He went with Miss Writer and Little Mia to the dining room, chatting about tonight's performance while they ate. But just as breakfast ended, someone actually knocked on the downstairs door.
"Who would visit you this early? I thought I was the only visitor you'd have today."
Dorothy asked curiously.
"Princess Margaret."
Shade shrugged.
"I have something to discuss with her."
"Is it something I'm allowed to know?"
"Of course you can know, but it concerns Ring Arcanists. Are you sure you want to reveal your identity?"
Miss Writer thought for a moment, then followed Shade downstairs with him.
After Shade opened the door, Princess Margaret Anjou