As her words fell, the gray-black-haired witch with glasses watched with satisfaction as light flashed in the eyes of the handsome man, who had remained somewhat aloof and highly vigilant ever since entering the room.
Shade was indeed very interested in that card.
"So, will you consider doing me this favor?"
She smiled and asked again, folding her arms beneath her chest as she looked at the man standing in the sunlight by the window.
"I need to make sure that card isn't in the hands of your missing uncle, and that we'll need to find him to get it."
Shade asked very seriously. The witch immediately shook her head:
"Of course not. How could I do something like that? The card is with my apprentice. She's a Rhodes Cards enthusiast like you, though the card belongs to me. I merely asked her to safeguard it for the time being.
Before I entered Vesta Woodland some time ago, I parted ways with her and had her take my follower to Wilundell first to handle something with another witch. She'll arrive next week, and you'll be able to see the card then."
"I can't guarantee that I'll find the person you're looking for."
"That's all right. It's enough that you're willing to help me."
The witch smiled and extended her slender, fair hand to Shade again:
"Knight, happy cooperation."
Shade shook her hand, only to discover that the witch refused to let go:
"What perfect hands."
Shade pulled free on his own and thought her terribly rude. Artist Miss, however, paid no attention at all to his look and instead asked delightedly:
"Once this is over, let me paint an oil portrait of you, all right? I always used to find young ladies as models, but now I've realized that men