That morning, Shade and Mr. Albert discussed many matters. At eleven o'clock, the two parted ways outside the Spider Inn.
With his hands in his pockets, Shade stood sideways beneath the bright sunlight and watched the Coroner, clad in a hooded robe, walk toward the pitch-black sewer entrance leading to the morgue. Perhaps because of the warm sunlight, or perhaps because the end of the divine war had lifted a great weight from his heart, he was in an exceptionally good mood:
"Luvia probably won't leave Moon Bay right away. The next time I visit Mr. Albert, Luvia should come with me too."
The Girl with Purple Eyes surely wanted to speak with the Seventh Chosen One in person before returning home.
What should he do next?
A gentle breeze brushed against his cheek as "she" softly asked.
Shade turned to look toward the other end of Spider Alley, then raised a hand to stroke Little Mia on his shoulder.
"That Mermaid is willing to help me. The price is that once everything is over, I have to go find her, and she'll give me a task. If I remember correctly, she also wants me to bring a full bottle of Pink Essence as a gift."
Wasn't it nearly full already last night?
There seemed to be another meaning in "her" smile. Shade shook his head.
"I think she means the glowing, high-concentration kind of essence. And I don't want to do anything so mentally taxing today. The Battle of Moon Bay is ending, and so is the summer of 1854. I want to rest for a while. Yes, just rest."
By the time he returned to Belinder Manor, Galina had already taken a small number of maids back to Tobesk. Aside from the maids, only Leisha had left with