Because Old Dad John had written to Shade early Tuesday morning to tell him that he had acquired a brand-new Time Key for him, Shade arrived in Moon Bay somewhat late that morning.
He was to attend the king's birthday banquet in Tobesk that evening, which was also the important Red Butterfly Day. Therefore, Shade planned not to come over in the afternoon; his morning visit to Moon Bay was only so he would not miss the latest news.
He had thought nothing would happen overnight, at most that there would be more victims of "radiance." Yet upon arriving at the witches' manor, he found that the atmosphere was somewhat off. The maids and servants working in the manor all looked exhausted. Even the genuine Ring Arcanist young ladies appeared as though they had not woken up.
Though Miss Matilda, who led Shade to the study, forced herself to stay alert, when they crossed the corridor on the third floor and passed a maid carrying bedding out to air, the blonde Head Maid could not help letting out a small yawn after the other maid yawned.
She raised a hand over her mouth and stared straight ahead, resolutely refusing to look at Shade's expression. But Shade, following slightly behind her, could clearly see that half her face and both ears had turned red.
After entering the study, Shade did not make small talk by saying, "Why is Moon Bay so cold today? Surely it isn't going to snow again?" Besides Miss Belinder, there was also Little Unicorn curled up on a cushion, with Emilia asleep atop the unicorn.
Miss Matilda fetched a blanket and covered the Elf Girl with it. With her eyes closed, Emilia rubbed against the unicorn's back fur before continuing her deep sleep. Once a Silence Charm