It was not until eleven-thirty that morning that the Countess returned with Miss Matilda and the other maids. Shade was still in the study, discussing Moon Bay's current situation and the plans ahead with the girls.
When Bella Belinder entered her own study and saw Shade sitting on her sofa, surrounded by a circle of girls, she immediately felt something hollow inside, as though she had lost something.
"Miss Belinder, sit here. We were just discussing Margaret's welcome banquet tomorrow evening."
Shade patted the spot beside him. Miss Benanis rose with a smile and gave up her seat for her. Only then did the Countess nod with feigned reserve.
The news that Emilia could remain until the Moon Bay Incident was over also delighted Miss Belinder. Aside from the Unicorn, she genuinely liked Emilia as well.
At noon, everyone had lunch together. Afterward, Iluna, Miss Benanis, and Miss Sylvia each left, as they had matters of their own to handle.
Shade naturally did not leave. In fact, after seeing Miss Sylvia off, the Countess fiercely grabbed his sleeve and dragged him all the way to the upstairs study.
"Shade Hamilton, is it?"
There had been no chance for them to be alone yesterday afternoon, and Shade had left in the evening, so she had never found an opportunity to discuss these things with him in private. With others present, there were things she simply could not bring herself to say.
And when the Great Witch of Fate spoke now, even without divination, Shade could imagine how she had tossed and turned last night, pondering how exactly she should question him today.
So, facing the Lady before him, Shade decided to answer her in the simplest way possible.
After the Countess put up a token struggle, he opened his arms and