The evening was beginning to settle in by the time we finally reached home. I handed Count Wallace over to Remi and bolted up the stairs, only to hear him call out behind me.
"Ah, Master, the custard!"
"Put it in the kitchen, I'll pick it up later!" I hollered, not slowing my pace.
Some of the guests had already arrived, including my family. I hurried past them with brief, polite greetings—too rushed to stop—and made a beeline for my room.
I needed to change. There was barely any time left before the party began. Bursting into the room, I found Lyall and Enora already inside. Both were dressed impeccably and seemed to be waiting for me.
"You two—"
"Hurry over, Master! You're already late!" Enora called, waving me over with urgency in her voice.
I sighed and tugged the mask off my face. Lyall stepped forward without a word, slipping off my coat with practiced ease and placing the box of custard on a nearby table.
