Monday afternoon, at the villa on Williams Street.
"Invisible creature that roams the upper realms, strange spirit friendly to humans, messenger belonging solely to Bernadette Gustav..."
In the study, Lorne stood before the books and quietly recited the messenger-summoning incantation in Ancient Hermes.
A moment later, an invisible ripple spread silently through the room. A rift seemed to open in the air above the desk.
Lorne picked up his completed translation of Roselle's Diary and placed it inside the rift.
"Wait."
Just as the letter was about to be swept away, he took a heavy leather suitcase out of his Portable Space and handed it over as well.
The suitcase held a full ten thousand pounds in cash, his payment for the demigod potion he had previously purchased from Queen Mystic.
"Such a huge sum, gone just like that. It really does hurt a little..."
Lorne looked at the empty desktop and couldn't help muttering. Although his businesses were now very profitable, personally tossing ten thousand pounds in cash into the void still stung.
Straightening his clothes, he raised a hand to dispel the Wall of Spirituality sealing the study, then turned and opened the door.
He had barely taken a few steps before he encountered his slightly anxious housekeeper, Asnia.
"Sir, you're finally out. You should hurry and get ready. The first guests should be arriving soon," Asnia said, walking briskly toward him.
"So early?"
Lorne turned toward a nearby window. The sky outside was still bright, and sunset was a long way off. It was nowhere near the usual time for a dinner party to begin.
"Sir, it isn't early anymore."
Asnia explained earnestly:
"In Backlund's high society, the unwritten rules of social etiquette are extremely elaborate, especially for a grand soirée like yours today, which marks your