The wicked always have the worst timing

Natha's 'preparation' before he left took a few days, even though he should only gone for half a day.

But well...as long as he got his peace of mind. 

He was busy arranging so many things; he called all the servants and made them recite all of my needs, as well as checking my warehouse--the special one dedicated to my necessities--to check the remaining mana stones and ingredients.

He also checked the progress of distribution for the next batch, even though the ones in the warehouse still sufficed for at least two weeks--unless something drastic happened and my mana was drained again.

No! No jinx!

His biggest pull, however, was adding an entire brigade to guard the Lord Quarters--or rather to guard me. He had a long briefing with them, telling them to protect me without making me uncomfortable and such. 

Even then, he was still fussy in the morning before he was scheduled to go. "Maybe we should call your Aunt..."