Since the topic had turned to "old maids," the skinny old woman looked at Miss Winslet again:
"Flora, hasn't your mother written to urge you again? Didn't she bring this up with you during last year's Year-End Festival? If I remember correctly, you and my second daughter were born in the same year, and now you're both—"
"Cough, cough."
Flora Winslet successfully interrupted the other woman before she could state her age, then looked at Shade.
"Madame Bovary, I have a male companion today."
The elderly lady scrutinized Shade again, her expression visibly dissatisfied.
"He does look rather good, but it's a pity he's from the Northern Kingdom. Don't be like that Countess Belinder from Moon Bay a while ago and find yourself a Northern Kingdom lover. Young ladies these days, really... But considering your age, one can't ask for too much."
The gray-black-haired lady's expression darkened somewhat, while those around them all laughed kindly. Everyone clearly knew of Madame Bovary's traditional "Northern Kingdom prejudice." Such people were not uncommon in either country, especially among the elderly, since the two nations had not been nearly so peaceful during the era when they grew up.
Upon hearing "Belinder" and "Northern Kingdom lover," the clever witch's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively thought of Shade.
Could it be...?
But she immediately dismissed the thought. During the Moon Bay Incident, Galina had only rushed to Moon Bay near the very end to join the battle. There was no reason for her not to go herself while sending her lover to Moon Bay to keep Bella Belinder company.
After all, the Duchess did not seem like someone with that sort of peculiar preference.
In any case, talking with these artists bearing so many titles was quite pleasant. Having achieved the goal of making