When Shade arrived at the Cassandra Auction House from the rain with a bouquet of flowers, the first-floor hall that the Bloodkin had nearly smashed to pieces on Wednesday night had already returned to its former bustle.
Even though it was raining today, well-dressed merchants and nobles still happily moved through the auction house, discussing the lots they had their eyes on or joking about the latest news in the city.
As Shade put away his umbrella and handed it to an attendant, he even heard someone talking about the tree atop Sikar Mountain.
The witch's apprentice, Miss Rita Swift, with her lovely flaxen hair, happened to be on the first floor directing people as they rehung the paintings and photographs on the auction house walls. When she saw Shade, she warmly came forward to greet him:
"Mr. Watson, Grandma said this morning that you would definitely come today or tomorrow."
She seemed to be in an especially good mood as she led Shade to the top floor of the auction house to see Grandma Cassandra.
Only after they had climbed the stairs and there was no one else nearby did she blush and excitedly tell Shade:
"Teacher is letting me try managing the auction house now. It's only logistics and financial auditing for headquarters, but it's still a very good start. Teacher said I did well on Wednesday night. This is my reward."
The somewhat unconfident young lady was smiling very happily now:
"I know this must be related to you saving Teacher's teachers."
"No, no. The one who saved them was that one."
Shade pointed upward, referring to the deity.
"I only made a negligible contribution."
"That is still remarkable, you know? After I learned from Grandma what happened that night, I truly felt it was like one