As Leisha spoke, she lightly scratched Shade's palm, neither too fast nor too slow:
"I'm not like the detective from Saint Derain Square, who clearly has an easy life every day but just won't visit his own princess."
"I—"
"I'm joking. I know you're busy. Have you finished dealing with things over at Green Lake?"
Applause and cheers erupted around them. The reddish-brown horse and rider who had crossed the finish line first received the loudest cheers. Of course, it was also possible that the nobles who had bet correctly were cheering because their wallets had grown thicker.
"It's mostly dealt with. There are still some books that need sorting."
Shade answered softly. Leisha also lowered her binoculars, looked around, lightly kissed the corner of Shade's lips, then covered her mouth and smiled as she started a new topic:
"I think Galina has already told you about Angelina."
She looked at her younger sister seated on her other side, and the latter immediately gave Shade a sweet smile:
"Good morning, Mr. Hamilton."
Leisha raised an eyebrow:
"Why aren't you calling him Shade this time? Shade, I know your perception is very strong, so I asked you to meet Angelina and see how she's doing. Also, although I became a Ring Arcanist before you did, your experience is obviously much richer. It would be good for you to give her some advice."
Those were all excuses. With Miss Galina around, there was no need for Shade. She simply wanted an excuse to meet him.
"Your Highness Angelina, please give me your hand."
As he spoke, the two held hands in front of Leisha. The red-haired princess raised an eyebrow again. As Shade felt the warmth of Angelina's bonelessly soft right hand, "she" softly spoke in his ear:
There's no major problem.