Ten minutes earlier, outside the Drowned Ghost Tavern at the City of Time Wheels docks.
Amid the fluttering Red Butterflies, Sivie, burning with pent-up frustration and considerable displeasure, still passed through the barrier personally set by Mr. Snake under Grace and Helen's escort. The Red Butterfly Young Ladies would also take this opportunity to leave. Before departing, they asked Shade whether he needed them to bring him out with the power of the Space Chosen One after meeting up with the writer and the Princess, but Shade refused:
"You hide in the shadows and follow Sivie to the mountaintop. Protect Stella and Ellie, and don't let them out of your sight easily. Though Lady White can still restrain Mr. Snake until the Seventh Act ends, since it managed to appear once, it can appear a second time.
I have a way to get out myself. Stella and Ellie's safety is in your hands. They are the most important right now."
Because Mr. Snake's barrier carried the power of doomsday, only a complete Space Chosen One could completely penetrate it. At present, Grace and Helen could only send Sivie away on their own.
"See you later, Shade. I hate snakes!"
With reddened eyes, Sivie fiercely kissed Shade before leaving with the Red Butterflies. Shade did not need to think to know that no matter what enemy this Thirteenth Order Great Witch encountered next, she would strike with exceptional brutality.
Sivie was deeply dissatisfied that her "good thing" had been interrupted like this. Shade was not happy either, but they were still in the midst of a great battle, and he knew what mattered more.
When the young ladies left the docks, it was ten minutes past midnight on Saturday.
After returning from that false yet true world, Shade had fully recovered.