Many people possessed that key. Shade had also considered whether it was appropriate to give it to her now, but after thinking it over, he felt that the key itself was unimportant. What mattered was what he wanted to convey.
"This is the key to No. 6 Saint Derain Square. I hope you'll come visit me often.
"What I mean is, although this Sacrificial Ground is nice too, when you're troubled, it's good to walk around elsewhere. You're welcome to come to my place anytime. Given the relationship between us—I mean, the relationship of sharing power—I think it should be appropriate to give you this gift now."
The "she" by his ear laughed softly. After a brief silence, the nun withdrew both hands from the Fire Basin and used her right hand, still carrying its blazing residual warmth, to pick up the key.
"This is my return gift."
After putting away the key, the nun raised a hand to remove her blindfold, but Shade immediately stopped her:
"Please wait. I know I may have seemed as though I really wanted to see your face beneath that blindfold often, but don't misunderstand me as someone obsessed with beauty. In any case, don't do that. It would give me a very strange feeling.
"If you want to give me a return gift, then would you accompany me for a walk? To the stairs outside the Sacrificial Ground, to the Graveyard of the nuns of past generations, to walk among those stones of the ruins in the snow. I received some news just a few hours ago, and I happen to have no idea who to share it with."
A smile appeared on the nun's face. This time, Shade was absolutely certain he had not imagined it. After she nodded lightly and held