She was probably worried that Shade was unprepared, so she also revealed to him:
"At tonight's banquet, aside from the local nobles, I'll introduce you to several great nobles from Tobesk City. Yes, including the Duchess of Saladir. You know of her, don't you? She's called the Cavendish Royal Family's most radiant rose, a noble lady adored by countless men and women, the guardian of the Southern Border, and His Majesty the King's aunt."
"I know, I know. I've heard a little about her. Don't worry, I received thorough training in noble etiquette. I won't make a fool of myself."
Shade felt guilty, yet he could not say why.
"Another girl you know trained you, didn't she?"
Audrey mistook his restraint for nervousness, assuming he had never met someone so important, and teased him. This time, however, she was entirely correct.
Rose Manor, where Miss Galina was staying, could be considered the largest estate in the center of Green Lake City. By the time the carriage carrying Shade and Megan arrived, the endless stream of carriages had nearly blocked the broad street.
The location was excellent. When Shade was the first to jump down from the carriage, he could see the side of Green Lake City Hall to his left and the city's Clock Tower to his right. Not far away behind them, the silhouette of a church spire was hidden in the night.
He turned and took Audrey's hand, allowing the witch to carefully step down while holding the hem of her dress. Together, they looked up at the red carpet illuminated by Gas Lamps, stretching from the manor gate all the way to the main house. The witch softly remarked:
"That really is extravagant."
The banquet had invited prominent members of the negotiating delegations, local noble officials of