Asha lifts his face from the book he was reading and slowly looks around the mansion. There is no reply. He's probably out in the garden, in town, or off on some whimsical walk somewhere.

He stands up with a wry smile. On the table is breakfast for two. The freshly baked bread, the warm soup—only the familiar's seat remains untouched. Muttering that, Asha uses magic to reheat the soup. He'll probably just laugh and say, "I took a detour," when he gets back anyway. Picturing that face, Asha lets out a small sigh, half exasperated, half happy. Another peaceful morning flows through the mansion today.