"Is this your cat?"
Miss Chloe asked softly, reaching out to pet Little Mia. But the orange-and-white cat twitched its nose, sniffed, and immediately made a threatening sound.
"This cat is rather shy around strangers."
Shade said as he affectionately patted Little Mia's head. Miss Chloe probably recalled how she had turned into a cat and curled up in Shade's arms last time, and a faint blush appeared on her face.
"I brought lots of vegetables this time. Oh, and the Spellcasting Materials you wanted. I nearly forgot about that."
Shade did not notice the young witch's expression and slapped his forehead.
"I also brought you something good."
As he spoke, he imitated a movement Sister Devlin had once made, pressing both hands to the ground as though holding something aloft. As the first crack appeared in his palms, marks of the First Fire Embers spread from his hands to his arms, though they extended no farther than that.
Dense crimson cracks covered Shade's hands and sleeves. This unusual sight drew the attention of the witch, Mrs. Marcus, and the cowering man.
In Shade's palms, a faint golden flame trembled. It was extremely weak, but its golden radiance was exceptionally eye-catching.
"This is a flame of Sun Fire."
Shade explained, smiling as he held the flame out toward Miss Chloe.
"This is for you. I think you definitely need it."
"Meow~"
The cat whose little head poked out from Shade's coat stared greedily at the golden flame in his hands, but no one paid it any attention.
"This fire..."
The witch reached toward Shade's palm, then suddenly withdrew her hand as though afraid of being burned.
Her scarlet-gold eyes looked at Shade as she gently shook her head.
"This is too precious. I can't accept it."
"This is a flame