Last week, when Shade saw this carriage in the factory behind the Gear Workshop, it had still been only half-finished. Of course, it could not possibly have been fitted with everything by now.
But this was not the end of the world, merely a sudden torrential downpour. Mr. Finch clearly only wanted to test his prized creation in this sort of weather.
The carriage was driven by the Hermit Order's local Mid-Ring Arcanist. Though Shade had never met him, Mr. Finch guaranteed that the man was absolutely reliable. Aside from the coachman and the old gentleman himself, he had not brought anyone else along this time. Shade understood what Mr. Finch meant, so he asked him to wait a moment before returning to the house to say goodbye to Wei Ge:
"I'll be fine acting with Mr. Finch. He's a High-Ring Arcanist."
Wei Ge had also heard Shade mention the Guiding Light Hermitage, and she nodded:
"But you didn't bring that sword of yours today."
"As long as the Moon is still there, I will never lack a fine sword in hand."
Shade made a sword-gripping gesture:
"Stay home. Try not to go out until this is over."
Wei Ge nodded:
"If everything can end smoothly, come back quickly too. I'll have the bath ready for you at home."
The two looked at one another, both thinking of what had happened yesterday afternoon and evening.
Shade did his best to look as though he did not care much:
"Let's hope we can deal with this relic quickly. Then wait for me to return."
Although Mr. Finch's carriage had not yet been fully completed, its interior was at least no longer quite so empty compared to last week. Cabinets fixed to the carriage floor, a tool workbench, and a small alchemy