In the end, the group stopped beside a mountain stream and set up camp on a pebble beach. This time, Shade did not need to use Thaumaturgy; the maids quickly arranged a temporary camp. The horses were tied nearby, while the werewolf was put back under a coma effect. There were no trees above the stream, and the weather outside the city was fine. Clear moonlight illuminated Shade as he helped the witch sit on a soft cushion beside the fire:
"Rest for a while. Don't worry."
Miss Belinder softly hummed in acknowledgment, leaning against Shade's shoulder without saying anything. Beside them, Miss Matilda had the vague feeling that her mistress had deliberately chosen that posture. But since she could not see the expression on the half of her face hidden by golden hair, she could not tell what was strange about it.
"Mr. Watson, do you really have a solution?"
She asked anxiously. Shade nodded.
"You would need some time to go to the Council and wait for people. It would be better to send Miss Belinder directly into the Council. Perhaps we can borrow the Council's strength."
"No, I won't go. I won't let them see me like this."
Her translucent right shoulder was concealed beneath the coat draped over her, while her loose hair covered the glowing right side of her cheek. Though she was still weak, she would never permit such a thing:
"I look far too ugly like this."
Miss Matilda looked to Shade as though asking for help. Shade shook his head.
"There's no need to go. I have a solution. But I need to leave for a moment. Please wait for me to return."
But the witch with the crimson birthmark between her brows suddenly grabbed Shade's hand.
"N-no, don't leave, all right?"