"But I have to go see you every monday."
The Elf Girl spoke hurriedly, but Shade shook his head.
"No need. You won't need to come see us on Mondays anymore, either."
He truly worried that the immature young woman before him might meet with some accident.
"Just remember to look for the secret chamber in Saint Byron's that I asked you to find. When spring comes and things here are over, we can meet again. Winter is already nearing its end, and spring is not far off. If we still haven't left by then, we can go for a walk around in the city together."
As he spoke, he took out a notebook containing poems he had written in advance.
"These should be enough to keep you studying for a while. When spring comes, I can teach you more Ancient Elf Runes. After all, phonetic symbols can help you learn how to read, but you still need to hear the correct pronunciations for yourself to learn them more accurately."
The Elf Girl clutched the notebook, her emerald eyes fixed on Shade. She knew that Shade was worried about her as well.
"I understand. Then you and that lady need to be careful too."
As she spoke, she rummaged through the pockets of her clothes. In the end, she only found some charms she had made herself, along with some Unicorn hairs stored in tiny glass tubes.
"Keep these. Please be careful. Then we'll meet again in spring. You must be careful."
She stood, preparing to leave. Shade stood as well, while the Unicorn reluctantly rubbed its head against the back of Shade's hand.
By the campfire, Shade watched the Elf Girl climb rather clumsily onto the Unicorn's back. She sat sideways, gripping the fur on the little beast's back,