Although he could not immediately locate the First Fire, confirming that it was indeed on this island was already a tremendous gain.
Shade did not pay much attention to the matter. Based on past experience, failing to find it was the normal outcome. By the time Shade and Emilia returned to the town at the foot of the Snow Mountain, night had completely fallen.
Miss Reinhart, dressed in formal attire, was waiting for them in Snow Mountain Hall. When Shade arrived, she carefully looked over his outfit.
"Not bad. A handmade formal suit? Looks like you attend these sorts of formal banquets quite often."
Emilia had no interest in aristocratic banquets, so she and Miss Larson remained in town to look after Unicorn Ellie. It had to be said that Emilia was truly a professional. In only three days, the unicorn's spirits had visibly returned to normal. Though its injuries had not fully healed, it was already much sturdier than when Shade had seen it on Sunday night—
That also reminded Shade that he absolutely could not let Emilia manage Little Mia's meals.
Emilia had agreed to help Shade examine whether the unicorn bore any message left behind by the Ancient Witch. The carriage headed for the city had already been prepared. After the witch explained how her apprentice should handle any trouble that arose during the night, she and Shade set off together by carriage for the City of Time Wheels.
The Grand Duke of Laggson intended to mediate the relationship between Delarion and Kasonlik, so this island welcome banquet was being held for both sides. The Grand Duke of Laggson had specifically come from Lomari City, the duchy capital, and the venue was his private estate on the island.
It was a luxurious estate on the northern edge