Crack!
Thunder streaked across the skies above Tobesk. The first rain of spring, which had begun on Tuesday evening, was still falling steadily by Wednesday morning. But this was a good thing; every spring rain was important in an era when most people still struggled merely to keep themselves fed and clothed.
At eight-thirty on Wednesday morning, raindrops struck the windows with a rhythmic patter. Though it was somewhat chilly outside, Galina Manor's main house remained as warm and dry as ever.
The Gas Lamps were still lit even in daylight, keeping the dim morning scenery outside. When the freshly washed witch entered the dining room with her maids, she immediately spotted Leisha sitting at the table, poking at the frosted pancakes on her plate with a fork.
Galina Cavendish's brisk steps instinctively paused. Then a smile appeared on her lips, and she continued into the dining room, taking a seat opposite Leisha.
Her Royal Highness the Princess, who had arrived early that morning, also looked up at her. She examined the witch's attire—the vivid red dress, the diamond studs in her ears, her rosy, fair complexion—before lazily saying:
"Though I hate to admit it, you look several years younger."
"Oh, little Leisha, you make it sound as though I was old to begin with."
The Duchess smiled as she spoke to her grandniece, while the maids pushed over a dining cart bearing her breakfast.
Shade had left shortly after seven. And while Tifa had helped her apply makeup and arrange her hair in the bedroom earlier, the witch had naturally noticed that she seemed to have become even younger and more beautiful. Thus, she had spent longer than usual applying makeup before the mirror this morning. Even witches of peerless beauty would not dislike becoming younger and prettier.
It