Because Luvia knew Daniste had stayed over on Saturday night, she did not come early on Sunday morning. She deliberately gave her time to wash up, only using her key to open the door of 6 Saint Derain Square at eight o'clock.
Luvia's timing was perfect. By the time she reached the 2nd Floor, the windows in the living room, kitchen, and bedroom were all open. It was a rare fine winter day, and Shade was airing out the house. Daniste had already vanished without a trace, while Little Mia lay on the windowsill basking in the sun. Shade emerged from the study.
"How was last night?"
The diviner teased him. Shade knew she was making fun of him, but Luvia did have the right to do so, and thus he answered honestly:
"Daniste isn't like the Red Moon in the sky. She's more like the Red Moon reflected on a lake."
"What does that mean—can you easily scoop her up?"
"No. I mean that no matter how you want to play with that Red Moon, you'll make a huge splash."
Luvia recalled what had happened during the Year-End Festival:
"That does seem to be the case."
She had come early in the morning to learn whether last night's trip to the Silver Moon Library had gone smoothly. Shade had no need to hide anything from Luvia.
He briefly explained the relationships among the Ancient Gods, focusing on the Miracle—World Spirit Rune, followed by the "Annals of Time" and his new Thaumaturgy.
Luvia had frowned throughout his account of the Ancient Gods' secrets. Shade had used metaphors rather than speaking directly, after all, Luvia's Mental Resistance was ultimately not that of Long-Haired Luvia.
When Shade began speaking of the World, she suddenly said:
"I think I've heard of this Spirit