After leaving the Tower of Marvels, Shade first took the suitcase back home. After all, he had no intention of carrying a dangerous relic around for no reason.
It was nearly noon by then. Luvia had caught up on her sleep and was busy in the kitchen preparing lunch for herself and the Cat.
Shade called out to her:
"Luvia, don't cook. Let's eat out."
Luvia had originally thought he would go looking for Wei Ge Astley. Although the Girl with Purple Eyes wanted Shade's relationship with the Witches to go further, she was naturally happier that he could spend time with her:
"We should stay in today. Let me show you what I can do. I've been learning from Winnie lately. I wouldn't dare claim I'm as good as Dorothy, but I'll definitely surprise you."
Shade did not head out again until after lunch. Once back in rain-soaked Arcadia City, he went straight to Fragrant Residence. The rain was even heavier than it had been that morning, and thunder had begun to rumble. It did not look likely to stop before evening.
The maids at Fragrant Residence all recognized Shade by now. After he knocked and entered, a maid took his umbrella and handed him a towel.
Though it was Sunday, neither Wei Ge nor Miss MacDonald was there. Mr. Bernhardt's letter had arrived yesterday, and Miss Lorraine, who had remained in the house, had resumed her role as housekeeper and gave the letter to Shade in the study.
The handwriting on the letter was very messy, as though it had been written in haste, but it was undoubtedly Mr. Bernhardt's familiar hand.
However, instead of first explaining the results of his research into the corpse, the opening of the letter informed Shade that they had left the mansion