Before Shade appeared, Iluna seemed to be observing the surroundings from the Clock Tower's terrace, occasionally shaking the Holy Bell, throwing Sunlight Guns into the fog, or wildly slashing Pale Justice at the swarms of bats above the city. In truth, however, she had been secretly watching the famous red-haired Sorceress all along.
When she saw the Red Butterflies fly over, she knew Shade had arrived. But with others present, she did not enthusiastically say hello to him.
Miss Danist saw the Red Butterflies as well. When Shade appeared amid the swarm of butterflies, she teased him:
"Quite a flashy entrance. I had originally planned to wait until you reached the higher Rings before teaching you how to turn yourself into moonlight and fly."
"Good morning, Miss Danist."
Shade greeted her, making no mention at all of why he had come:
"How did your business away from home go? Did the believers of the Old God—Harmonious Weaver—have any clues you needed?"
The Sorceress considered for a moment:
"It's troublesome to explain. There were indeed clues, but things did not go very smoothly. Let's discuss it after the matter of Moon Bay is over. The scenery here is nice, but this is not the time for chatting."
She then turned to Iluna:
"Miss Bayes, you know Shade, don't you? Both of you are active in Tobesk."
The eighteen-year-old girl had not expected her to be so direct. She looked towards Shade, and only answered after seeing him nod:
"Shade and I are good friends too. When I'm in Tobesk, I often ask him for help."
"It seems my student is even more capable than I thought."
She and Shade tacitly understood one another and did not mention the God Summoner at all. Instead, she beckoned to Shade:
"Among Ring Arcanists in