"Shade, Dorothy told me just now that you seemed to have gone out in the middle of the night. Is that true?"
Early morning on Thursday, the view outside remained shrouded in gray fog. At the end of winter, the smog in the Steam Capital was still severe, leaving not only the city dim but most homes gloomy as well.
But at least the gas lamps in the dining room at 6 Saint Derain Square provided ample light. The family sat around the table, while Little Mia eagerly stood beside Shade's hand, watching the maids in the kitchen prepare to bring out breakfast.
Shade was reading a newspaper report on the Dellaireon Kingdom's trade protection agreement when Galina suddenly asked him that question.
Tifa, who was in the kitchen, instinctively paused, though only for a moment. She then continued with her work, while Shade nodded without changing expression.
"I went to get a drink of water, then couldn't fall asleep for a while, so I got dressed and went to Vesta Woodland to make a few Star Dew drops. I left them in the study. Later, I'll take them to the Snow Mountain and give them to Vanessa and the others."
"What did you use to make them?"
Galina asked suspiciously. Shade answered with certainty:
"Blood. Don't worry, I didn't make many this time. I was mainly worried something unexpected might suddenly happen over there, so I wanted to make sure everyone had at least one drop."
"If I'd known you were going to make Star Dew, we would have gone to Moon Sanctuary for a hot spring bath last night. Once winter ends, the snow scenery in the woods will disappear too."
The Witch muttered softly, and Shade saw Dorothy smiling at him. Miss Writer clearly knew more, but