Zat squatted before the fireplace, adding firewood. With the cold weather leaving little in the way of entertainment and not enough people for a game of cards, he could only stare at the crackling logs and listlessly brew some tea.
Just as he refilled Baisitina's cup with hot tea, the main door swung open, and a cold draft made him shiver. He was about to curse, but when he looked up, he caught himself and said instead, "Boss, is the banquet over?"
Levi, his stomach round from feasting at public expense, sank into a chair. With a look of pure contentment, he scooped up Buji as it flew over to him and nodded.
Baisitina immediately pouted. She had just managed to coax Buji into staying in her arms with various flavors of milk, but the moment the Lord arrived, the little thing completely forgot about her. It even presented the small milk bottles to the Lord one by one, CLINKING and CLANKING as if showing off its treasures.
'What an ungrateful little freeloader.'
