Double Leaf's fragile shoulders quivered slightly. After a long while, she replied in a barely audible voice, "It's more than that. At the current rate of spread, if we can't control it, the whole of Violet could..."
"I understand." Clavo suddenly interrupted the girl's words with a raised hand, then said solemnly, "You go back first. I will deal with this matter as soon as possible. I hope you can stay in the Red Court during this time. I will summon you again after confirming the specifics. Go."
Double Leaf nodded her head, gave Clavo a mage's courtesy, then turned to leave. Her glance back was full of pain and sorrow, with a hint of pleading.
"Please, before there are more sacrifices..."
Clavo faintly heard the girl's whisper. He was deeply moved by it. The sheet of music covered with cheerful notes slid to his feet from the table in a breeze and turned into a confetti flurry a few minutes later.
...
At the same time,
Misha County, outside Hover City
