Shade had known for a long time that noble banquets usually could not truly fill one's stomach, so people would eat something beforehand before attending. But this Thursday, because he had seen Emilia and the others off, he did not have enough time after returning home. Before setting out, he had only eaten a few small rolls from the household stores.
By the time Shade hurried into the city from Saint George Stone Bridge in the north and raced without pause to Belinder Manor, the witch's party had long since finished preparing to leave and was merely waiting for Shade to arrive.
Tonight was nominally a celebration for Earl Hawthorne's youngest granddaughter's full moon, but in truth, it was a long-overdue gathering of the Seven Great Families to discuss how to deal with the "Dragon." Therefore, the witch with the Crimson Birthmark between her brows was dressed quite formally. Shade had been active in Moon Bay for more than half a month, but this was the first time he had seen the Great Witch of Fate wearing her most formal gown.
It was an exceedingly beautiful golden dress with layers upon layers of skirts. She wore white lace gloves on her arms, while the maids had woven her long golden hair into dozens of elaborate interlaced braids. She was already tall, and after putting on high heels tonight, Shade standing before her even felt as though he had become the shorter one.
"No, Mr. Watson. Miss deliberately chose heels of the right height. She is still slightly shorter than you."
Head Maid Miss Matilda spoke from the side, as though she knew what Shade was thinking. Miss Belinder shot her maid a reproachful glance, then explained to Shade:
"I invited you to the ball as my male companion. Naturally, I