As Shade spoke, everyone at the table raised their glasses.
"No matter what, at least this time we have taken the initiative in terms of timing. Of course, even with a meticulous plan in place, unexpected situations are bound to arise tonight. This time tomorrow night, I hope you will still be here, raising your glasses with me as you are now.
"I won't waste any more words. Stay safe, and may everything go smoothly."
"May everything go smoothly!"
Everyone drained their glasses. As Shade sat back down and the lively dinner officially began, Iluna, seated to his left, said:
"This reminds me of when the three of us were preparing to make me the Balanced Chosen One. Back then, there were only you, me, and Luvia. We spent that final night at your home, and I still remember that it was raining that night."
"Who could have imagined that in less than two years, so many people would be sitting here with us?"
Luvia set down her glass and looked at Shade, seated at the head of the table, with a smile.
"There will be even more people at this table in the future, won't there, Shade?"
Dorothy, seated beside Luvia, held back a laugh. Leisha would arrive an hour later, but Shade was certain she was laughing at this very moment as well.
He did not deny it.
"Violet, Blaney, Miss Feliana, Chloe, and the others will all be sitting here sooner or later."
Iluna asked again:
"So, when you head to the tavern at the City of Time Wheels docks in a while, are you sure you don't need anyone else to accompany you?"
"Even if they came with me, they probably wouldn't be able to affect that card game in any way. Iluna, once you confirm