Shade fell ill.
The illness had not come without warning. After seeing Doctor Schneider off at Randall River Valley train station on Wednesday and returning home, Shade had felt that something was not quite right with his body. The initial symptoms were a slight sense of weakness and mild dizziness, but he had assumed that he had simply been overworking himself lately and that his body had yet to adjust to suddenly relaxing.
Therefore, after busily finishing the report for Miss Danist titled "Report on Miss Fiona Drago and the Establishment of the Academy," he spent a rather pleasant night with Luvia, who had not stayed overnight at 6 Saint Derain Square for quite some time.
Just as Miss Galina had said, the Girl with Purple Eyes had known about their relationship in advance. Thus, when they nestled together at midnight and Shade spoke of his apology and his plans for the future, Luvia was not angry. Instead, she pressed a finger to his lips:
"We agreed on this from the beginning, wandering knight. If it is for our cause, I will not object to what you do."
By then, Shade could already feel the dizziness worsening, but the gentle young lady in his arms prevented him from thinking any further.
"You are restrained in love and have not wantonly exploited the trust I have in you. You have very good taste in choosing your targets. Even I must admit that Galina Cavendish is truly beautiful. I have spoken with her, and she will help us with all her strength. The power of the Witch Council will eventually fall into our hands."
She lightly kissed Shade's cheek. A reserved yet alluring expression appeared on her face at once:
"On a night like this, do not talk about such disappointing matters.