Miss Aurora's "Invitation"

Holding the witch by the waist beside the moonlit bonfire, Shade found himself at a loss for words for a moment:

"Miss Aurora, thank you for your appreciation."

"Just thanks?"

She chuckled and stepped back with the rhythm. Shade carefully avoided stepping on those beautiful black patent-leather heels, following her forward before retreating again after three beats.

"I don't know what Galina promised you, but if you—"

"Please don't continue, Miss Aurora."

Shade stopped her in time:

"Miss Galina and I are not connected by mere interests."

"I knew it. That proud woman would fall in love someday."

The eyes behind the mask watched Shade. In heels, the witch was even slightly taller than him. The weather tonight was truly wonderful. Above Middlesburg Mechanical College near Sikar Mountain, the Star Sea glittered brilliantly. The bonfire and starlight adorned the festival guests, while March watched over this place, watching the witch and the Outlander by the fire.

"Everything she has, I have as well—power, wealth, even an entire estate full of beautiful young ladies, if you wish."

Their gazes met. The witch with long, wavy brown hair smiled and guided Shade as he held her, spinning in a circle:

"But I know you won't leave Galina, will you?"

"Miss Galina and I have many stories."

"Do those include that very well-built maid, Tifa Servit?"

She asked with a smile. The slight embarrassment on Shade's face had already given her the answer:

"That's why I said Galina always gets what she wants. That maid truly is quite wonderful... Forget it. If you could agree, I would actually be a little disappointed in you. What a contradictory feeling."

She smiled and moved with light steps as the violin solo began:

"When you have time, come to Kasonlik. I can introduce you to my