Since he had already delivered Iluna's Year-End Festival gift early that morning, when Shade returned to Tobesk at noon on Tuesday, where lanterns and decorations filled the streets and celebrations were everywhere, he went straight to Yodel Palace to await the king's summons.
King Larus III seemed even busier than usual today. Shade met the King punctually at one o'clock, then received highly formal praise and a reward. Just as Director Anlos had said, Leisha's father hinted that Shade should maintain his relationship with Princess Margaret. Of course, it was only a hint; there was no evidence that His Majesty the King had ever given such an order.
The knighting ceremony would be held publicly after the new year, and by then they would need to come up with a suitable reason for Shade's merits. As for the bonus, His Majesty the King naturally would not hand it to Shade himself. But after Shade left the king's study, the red-robed eunuch attendant who had led him there handed him a bill of exchange:
"1,000 pounds? That's generous."
Shade chuckled inwardly, but kept a straight face as he put away the bill of exchange.
As the attendant led him out, they unexpectedly ran into Leisha and Angelina, both dressed in full finery. The princesses were not walking down the same corridor as Shade, but with his exceptionally sharp hearing, he still caught their conversation.
The younger princess seemed to be asking Leisha why she had been looking younger and younger lately, only to be scolded by her elder sister:
"Angelina, did I not look young before?"
Even on the Year-End Festival, Leisha did not hesitate to display her authority before her younger sister. What Shade was more curious about, however, was how Leisha and Dorothy had arranged the timing with Luvia.