After returning home from Coldwater Port, Shade wrapped a scarf around himself, took his cat and the gifts he had prepared for his friends, and left the house again.
The city was already preparing for the Year-End Festival celebrations. Beside the fountain statue in Saint Derain Square, workers stood on ladders, trying to hang ribbons on the girl holding up a water jug.
Every household had hung mistletoe wreaths on their doors, and middle-class families even spent extra Gold Pounds decorating their yards and fences. Everyone Shade encountered on the road looked festive, and even the coachman wished him a happy "Year-End Festival." Shade gave him an extra-large tip in return.
The festive atmosphere blanketed the entire city. In places Shade could not see, human civilization was celebrating the approaching holiday. The Fourth Chosen One's story had temporarily come to an end, and before a new story began, the Outlander could properly enjoy this important annual festival.
His first stop was Professor Manning's home in the University District, relatively close to Saint Derain Square. Although Shade had not arranged the visit in advance, the old professor indeed had no plans to travel before the Year-End Festival.
He happily welcomed Shade's visit. Shade hid Little Mia in the inner pocket of his coat, then presented a small black-cat figurine as a holiday gift.
"Over the past year, you've given me quite a lot of help."
Professor Manning gladly accepted the gift and gave Shade an exquisite metal pen holder in return. It was a handcrafted item, made entirely of metal. Gears were concealed inside, and pressing a button hidden among the decorative floral patterns at its base opened a small compartment underneath for storing notes.
"A few days ago, I received a letter from Professor Drake. It seems he has finally