Shade and Wei Ge returned from Candlekeep Library to Fragrant Residence while it was still early. The young lady injured by the mysterious collaborator of the [Emerald Alchemy Association] was still undergoing treatment. As Wei Ge also needed to deal with some matters at Grey Rock Pass, she told Shade to rest or wander around the manor as he pleased:
"I'll definitely be back in an hour."
After arranging matters with the maids, she hurried away. Shade did not actually wander around someone else's home, however. Instead, he remained in the study, took a book from his own bookshelf, and spent the leisurely afternoon reading.
During his month-and-a-half vacation, he had not spent all his time dating the young ladies. His diligence in study during this period had also brought him considerable improvement. For instance, he had made great progress in exploring the nature of March.
Wei Ge did not return until four in the afternoon, far beyond the promised hour. The moment she entered, she tried to apologize, but Shade immediately stopped her:
"In the two days I've known you, the thing you've said to me most often is 'sorry.' I'm the guest imposing on you here. If you have important matters, go handle them. I'm perfectly fine."
He gave the Star Blue book in his hand a shake, causing it to dissolve into motes of light and vanish into the air:
"I spent the whole afternoon reading, and it was very fulfilling. Besides, the maids here are quite skilled at making tea, and I liked the afternoon tea pastries as well. Next time, I can bring the Cat I keep here to eat."
Wei Ge, who seemed to have hurried upstairs, finally closed her mouth guiltily, then coughed violently several times. This time, she was not pretending. Even