The carriage stopped at the entrance to the town. Shade carried the Corpse Ghoul up the mountain first. After returning the carriage and asking her Teacher about her current climbing progress, Miss Larson met up with Shade at the cliff outside town.
The low cliff she had pointed out was easy to find. It faced the town and the sea, offering an exceptionally broad view. Shade even felt it would be a fine place for a picnic.
"Meow?"
"We're not having afternoon tea. I was just sighing... Wait, I was only sighing in my head. How did you know what I was thinking?"
"Meow?"
"You think the Corpse Ghoul smells terrible, right? Sorry, sorry. I'll stand upwind."
It was past three in the afternoon when Miss Larson came to meet Shade. Although winter darkness fell early, the Sun was still in the sky. On a clear winter day, standing here and looking at the scenery beneath the Snow Mountain and the town not far away was truly pleasant.
She had brought Shade news of Claire. The witch had safely passed the most dangerous stretch above the mountainside. She was now crossing castle ruins left behind from some unknown age above the mountainside and climbing toward a higher place. If all went well, she would reach the summit by evening.
"I'll fly directly to the destination later. This way, we can save some time. Elder Harald is injured, and he's busy as well, so he won't go greet Claire. Are you coming with me?"
Shade extended the invitation to Miss Larson as well. The White-haired Girl had never been to the summit either. She really wanted to agree, but when she thought of Shade having to hold her while flying up there, she felt a little embarrassed.
"Wouldn't that be a