That afternoon, Flora played several piano pieces for Shade on the stage, bringing the day's exploration to an end. Of course, she claimed that she was gathering inspiration for completing that elven-style composition later.
Just then, someone knocked on the performance hall's door. Miss Bell went to answer it, then somewhat awkwardly asked another young lady to inform the Witches both on and below the stage, as well as Shade, of the situation:
"Prince William Anjou heard that Miss Flora was here and wishes to pay her a visit."
People always seemed to believe that visiting famous writers, musicians, or painters could improve their artistic taste—or at least raise their perceived artistic standing in the eyes of others. William Anjou probably thought the same.
He merely exchanged a few words with Flora during his visit. The two had met before in Wilundell—or rather, Flora had met everyone in the Anjou Royal Family.
Seeing a young man beside this artist rumored to prefer women, His Highness the Prince tactfully did not linger and soon took his leave. Although Margaret seemed to look down somewhat on this brother of hers, William Anjou was merely less outstanding than his elder brother and younger sister. By average standards, he was not bad at all.
After returning to the Accordion Hotel that evening, Shade announced something else:
"I have something to do tomorrow, so I probably won't show up all day. I'll come back on Friday."
He was too embarrassed to explain that tomorrow was his date for Red Butterfly Day. Fortunately, neither lady questioned him:
"Bronte's matter has come to an end, and we are no longer interfering with the investigation of Love Lake. Take a little rest before the next matter appears."
The red-haired girl said this thoughtfully, even suggesting that Shade could