Shade gave Angelina no chance to object:
"I'll look for another gift. Also, from now on, please call me by my name, Your Highness."
Only then did the little princess reveal a sincere smile, while Leisha made sure she understood reality:
"When you send out the invitations, don't forget to send one to Dorothy Louisa. Also, prepare a safe, soundproof resting room for us at your birthday banquet. Yes, the kind with a large bed."
She smiled at Shade:
"Knight, Red Butterfly Day is coming. Are you ready?"
Half an hour later, 1st Floor, Bountiful Earth Inn, Randall River Valley City.
Though the inn was crowded on Monday morning, it remained peaceful. The guests enjoyed their lunches, and in the spacious first floor, no one paid much attention to Luvia and Shade sitting by the wall.
Mia had stayed in Tobesk and been carried off by Leisha. Little Mia would get to enjoy royal cuisine today.
As Shade ate, he spoke with Luvia about what had happened last night and this morning. The Girl with Purple Eyes nodded as she listened, then offered her conclusion:
"So, you really are interested in young ladies' legs. How did I never notice you had that hobby before?"
"Is that the point of the story?"
Luvia smiled.
"All right, the point is the relationship between Mr. Lathers and Thomas Granger. Assuming they belonged to the same organization—actually, there's no need to assume it. Both were souls who died because of Mad Earth, both gained Earth Power after death, and both appeared at the most dangerous moments to save the earth. They must be connected, and they definitely knew one another."
"Yes, and neither wants to meet us. But don't worry. Since we've confirmed that the church statue truly is Mr. Lathers, there are plenty