Shade was not worried that Flora would be seen through by Miss Reinhart. After all, even he, blessed by the Snow Mountain, had nearly failed to see through the owl's true nature just now.
He was only concerned about Flora:
"Following us around all day without showing yourself will be exhausting. You'll have to fly everywhere and hide constantly. How about standing on my shoulder? I can say you're my second pet after Little Mia."
The black-and-gray-haired young lady smiled and gave him a light smack:
"You really are something. How can you make young ladies into your 'pets'?"
"Sorry, what I meant was—"
"I understand, I understand. But it's fine, it's only for one day. Besides, the owl form doesn't really take much effort."
As she spoke, she transformed into an owl again amid the light. She circled above Shade's head, swooped down to peck his cheek, then flapped her wings as though saying farewell before flying into the woods beside the path and vanishing from sight.
However, judging from the response of the Witches Detection Badge, Flora was still nearby.
Thinking of Miss Owl, Shade formally entered Kael-Todd Town at nine in the morning. Miss Reinhart had not specifically come to greet him at the town entrance today. He saw her on the third floor of the Harpoon Hotel.
The witch was assigning tasks to her apprentices and followers, asking them to assist the local priests with preparations for the Ten Thousand Spirits Festival. Confirming the safety of the Snow Mountain route, setting up markers along the way, and helping gather the unusual herbs needed during the festival—though the locals could handle these matters themselves, their efficiency was ultimately too low.
Seeing Shade appear, the platinum-blonde-haired witch gestured for him to wait. Once everyone had received their assignments