Miss Sabelle truly seemed curious about this Thaumaturgy, but Shade was unwilling to lie, much less deny Adele's existence. Thinking of the girl who existed in a "nonexistent" spacetime, he tried hard not to let a lonely expression show on his face:
"It is indeed private. I won't tell you my teacher's name. She was very good to me, but we... probably won't see each other again for a long time."
"I'm sorry."
The Sorceress apologized softly. Looking at the expression of this unfamiliar, mysterious man, she did not know why, but she too felt somewhat sorrowful and upset. She pressed her lips together to stop herself from showing how she felt, yet she still took his hand of her own accord:
"Don't be sad or upset. I have always believed that time will bless those of us who walk within it. As long as there is still a chance to meet again, it is absolutely not a final farewell. Could you give me some more warmth? I feel like my feet are starting to freeze."
"Oh, sorry—Inner Fire."
The beautiful Ice Maid watched the two people, who had only just been unfamiliar with one another, now seeming like friends. She gently shook her head before announcing:
"You two have passable taste. Please continue upstairs with me."
Shade and Miss Sabelle, who had received a brand-new warmth crystal, followed her together. They first had to return to the front hall, then head upward by the stairs.
"After we reach the second floor, do we need to find new companions?"
Miss Sabelle softly asked Shade as she looked at the Ice Sculptures in the corridor and hall. Shade gently shook his head:
"Let's first see what we need to do next. If it isn't necessary, the two of us will be