In the plan Shade and the Doctor had discussed beforehand, Shade being targeted early was an essential step. The Doctor, who was accustomed to preparing multiple plans for everything, had even figured out how to protect Shade. But now, it seemed those measures would not be needed for the time being. The battle that would begin this weekend could only be considered to have just started warming up.
"However, since it has already come looking for me, it probably won't go after"
After entering the city via Saint George Stone Bridge, Shade took a carriage to Belinder Manor. But the Countess had business today and had gone out early with the maids, so when Shade arrived at the manor, he saw only Emilia.
When he had been at Dragon Nest just now, he had intended to seek out Mr. Bernhardt, but he had already abandoned that idea. While waiting at the manor for the witch to return and keeping Emilia company as she performed experiments in the Alchemy Laboratory, a hazy drizzle had begun falling over Wealth City.
Shade had asked the manor's maid, and Miss Belinder had said before leaving that morning that she would return at eleven thirty for lunch. If she had business and could not return, she would also send a maid back to inform Emilia.
But when the time reached eleven thirty, there was still no sign of the carriage returning beneath the gloomy sky.
Shade and Emilia watched the manor entrance together from the 2nd Floor terrace. Little Unicorn and a high-ring maid with brown hair stood behind them.
"It's exactly eleven thirty."
Shade suddenly said, turning to ask the maid. She lowered her head slightly.
"Miss Belinder's morning itinerary was to visit the City Council first, and then call on George Dalmanin Earl,