Her gaze was piercing.

Hes an energetic animal, so youll need to walk him often. If you dont, hell chew on your furniture.

Yes, I will. I dont think hes an ordinary puppy, either. Hes small but really strong, and Ive never seen a dog with golden eyes. This dog must be special.

Clette wanted to say that Snow wasnt a dog; he wasnt even a puppy. He was a demon.

Tita hugged Snows body tightly. An angel must have given Snow to me, he said.

WhatWhat did you say! Angels? Thats nonsense. Angels have much more important things to do than giving lonely children dogs. Clette groaned. How could Tita compare Clette to an angel, when in reality, she was an ill-tempered, silver-haired witch?

Yes? Oh yes, thats right, an angel must have given him to you.

Edmunds voice trembled slightly. He was embarrassed by Titas descriptions of Clette.

To be honest, I feel quite lonely here. How did the angel know that and send Snow to me? You know, at first, I wanted to name him Angel.

Tita didnt recognize the heavy atmosphere around him. As Clette heared Titas enthusiastic remarks, her face flushed red as a beet. Clette glanced at Edmund, who was trying his best not to laugh. She could see his shoulders shaking. For a moment, Clette was grateful that Tita had named the Canis Snow. (Canis was the name of the demon species.) If hed named it Angel, Edmund would have teased her until the day he died.

Actually, I just remembered I left something in my office. Tita, you should take your dog for a walk now.

But we-

Edmund could barely restrain his laughter, so Clette stepped on his foot. He choked and stopped laughing.

Well take our leave now.

Before Tita could answer, Clette quickly walked past him, followed by the limping Edmund beside her.

Hey, my lady. Are you planning to go to heaven without my knowledge now? Switching careers from a witch to an angel. Do you really think the gods would allow you to do that?

Stop it. I dont want to hear it.

Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. But my lady, does Tita know the dogs a demon?

Lets keep it a secret for as long as we can. Its species is known for being loyal, so even if its on the brink of death, it wont hurt its master.

Even though they lived in a fantasy world, magic was still unusual to most of the people who lived here. Many of them died without ever seeing any. Since shed come from an ordinary world without magic, Clette could understand how overwhelming magic could be, especially for a child like Tita. She knew how hard it was for him to get used to this place.

As for the Canis, well need to tame it properly so that we wont need to worry about it.

Edmund didnt look convinced, but he eventually agreed with Clettes words. She looked back at Tita, who was playing joyfully with Snow. He looked so happy that she was almost pleased.

**********

Several days later, the chief of the Kata tribe arrived at Clettes mansion to ask for help to cure his sick daughter. The child was not in critical condition, but needed attentive care, so Clette ordered Edmund to bring the herbs and potions she made for the girl.

By foot, the journey between the ice castle and the Kata tribes village would take two and a half days; but since Clette could use teleportation spells, they could travel there in a flash.

Only

Are you ready?

Yes.

Wait, leave the teleportation scroll here. I want you to return as late as possible. It would be much better if you just stayed there for a while.

Edmund clutched at the scroll, afraid Clette would take it away from him.

Why would you say that? If Im not here, who will deliver your messages? Edmund protested.

Clette placed her hand on his forehead, and blinding white light burst from her hand, wrapping Edmunds body with magic.

Your grace, please get along well with Tita while Im gone. Be nice to him.

Edmund was worried about leaving a little boy, a demon, and a witch behind; so Clette still needed to convince him to leave.