The moment the bell downstairs rang, Shade abruptly stopped in his tracks. He glanced at Mia, who was dozing before the fireplace, then hurried downstairs.
When he reached the foyer, he took a deep breath while facing the door, then put on a beaming smile before opening it.
Priest Augustus, standing outside against the lively backdrop of Saint Derain Square, asked curiously:
"Detective, are you really that happy to see me? I'm honored."
The Old Priest wore clerical robes, and the Dawn Church carriage was parked not far to his side, near the 1st Floor window of Shade's home.
Shade took another deep breath. Without explaining the reason for his strange expression, he tentatively asked:
"Priest, you aren't here to ask me out right now, only for us not to return until the afternoon, are you? Did something happen? Or does Bishop Owen need me for something? Don't tell me a plea for help from our traveling friends was delivered to you?"
"What?"
Priest Augustus raised an eyebrow, feeling that Shade was acting very strangely today.
"Bishop Owen knows we're close, so he asked me to inform you that the Year-End Festival ceremony on the day itself has been moved up from nine o'clock to eight forty. Can you arrive on time?"
This sort of matter could have been conveyed by anyone, but the Year-End Festival celebration was the most important holiday besides the Dawn Church's Saint Prayer Day. To ensure that every important member attended, Bishop Owen had specifically sent Priest Augustus.
Shade nodded, indicating that it was no problem. The priest looked him over again and advised him that, if he truly could not think of a gift for someone, he could make some meaningful handicrafts himself. Only then did the old man climb back into the carriage,