"Sorry, Shade, but I'm afraid I have to stay in Wilundell. I'm still Margaret's personal physician and mathematics teacher, and there are many things during the Year-End Festival that require me to appear with her."
Sylvia was the first to apologize. Then Grandma Cassandra also smiled and shook her head.
"You young people go have fun. I'll stay in Middlesburg. But Grace and Helen can go."
The sisters shook their heads.
"Qi Na, we should stay with you. We can visit him anytime."
They knew that the witches were actually somewhat afraid of them. Besides, the sisters usually only appeared when they had Shade all to themselves.
Unexpectedly, Vanessa also declined.
"I'm terribly sorry, Shade. If Siris were here, she might agree for me, but I can't stay in Tobesk alone while they return home. It is the Golden Dawn Opera Troupe's tradition to return to Randall River Valley every winter to rest and celebrate the Year-End Festival together.
"The troupe can't remain in Tobesk until the end of the year. Sorry, Shade."
"It's all right. There will be plenty of chances for us to celebrate together in the future."
After saying that, Shade looked at Megan and Bella.
"Then surely you two won't also—"
"I definitely have no problem with it. Even if Speaker has us dealing with the most troublesome matters, Megan and I will certainly go to your place."
Audrey said this. Ever since she had recovered from her "illness," her mental state no longer occasionally spiraled out of control. The business of Paradise Island Pharmaceuticals, which the sisters managed together, was flourishing as well, so they did not need to devote special effort to handling matters there.
As for Green Lake Island, although her cousin, the Corpse Ghoul Nicholas Green, and her twin niece and nephew—Helena