Shade did not have to wait long. After only five or six minutes, the distinctive sound of high heels against the carpet came from the corridor outside. Judging by the footsteps, Leisha seemed to have brought quite a few maids.
He rose from the sofa to greet them. After one of Leisha's maids opened the door, Leisha entered with little Princess Angelina, who wore a long red dress.
The little princess greeted Shade very elegantly, then looked up at him with concern.
"Knight, were you all right on Wednesday night?"
This was the first time she had seen Shade since the Reading Salon.
"I'm fine. I was only unconscious for a day."
Shade answered, then looked at Leisha. Her Royal Highness the Princess smiled and nodded to him, looking exceptionally courteous.
"Mr. Hamilton, the accident on Wednesday night brought misfortune upon you for no reason. Inviting you to the opera today is my formal apology."
Though he did not know why Leisha was speaking this way, Shade went along with her.
"You needn't blame yourself. Besides, the Seer Association bears most of the responsibility, and they have already compensated me. I heard that you also spoke up for me in the matter of Founding. Thank you very much. I am quite healthy now, and that incident left me with no lasting effects."
Leisha nodded. The royal lady spoke softly.
"Even so, I should apologize properly. I can examine you personally. Gas poisoning is no trivial matter."
Angelina parted her lips slightly and looked up at her sister. Leisha's expression was very serious, as though she were discussing something entirely proper.
"After all, this began because I invited you to my Reading Salon. I must take responsibility."
As she spoke, she waved to the maids behind her. These were all Leisha's