Loen Kingdom, East Chester County.
It was already the last day of March, and the weather in East Chester County was pleasant, with lush grass and trees. Even at night, there was no longer any need for a fireplace to keep warm, nor did it feel cold.
In her bedroom, Audrey, dressed in pajamas, declined her maid's help. Her pretty, fair feet padded across the soft carpet to the mirror, where she combed her own hair and said to the large golden dog lying nearby, "You know, Suzie, we can go back to Backlund in another two months."
The large golden dog lay on the carpet and said, "I think it's quite nice here. The smog in Backlund is far too bad. It always tangles my fur."
"It's all right. Someone will brush it for you."
As she combed her hair, Audrey said, "There'll be a hunt in a few days. You'll be able to stretch your legs then. Are you looking forward to it?"
Suzie raised her head to look at the radiant young woman. "Audrey, I'm no longer the dog I used to be. These days, I prefer reading to catching prey."
Audrey lowered her head and said earnestly, "Suzie, a dog should act like a dog, even if it's only for appearances."
"All right, I understand." The large dog lay back down.
"Besides, I'll soon be able to obtain the Hypnotist formula," Audrey said with a touch of pride. "To get it, I've spent more than two months patiently accumulating contributions."
Lying on the floor, Suzie said, "Audrey, I'm just a dog. You don't need to show off to me."
Audrey couldn't help pouting. Just then, boundless gray fog suddenly surged before her eyes. She saw an indistinct figure assuming a prayer posture in a room and