Encountering such an awkward matter involving his own boss guaranteed that Fisher would be noted down in the other’s mental ledger, making even a scoundrel like Fisher unable to make a move. Moreover, since the other party was well aware of that disgraceful incident of Fisher being hunted down by Elizabeth, vigilance was bound to be at its peak.
For some reason, Emhardt felt immense joy upon seeing Fisher unable to continue deceiving women, a feeling more satisfying than reading several books he hadn’t read before.
As expected, Valentina’s brow furrowed slightly. She discreetly reached for a silk handkerchief on the table to wipe the corner of her eye, erasing the beautiful vulnerability along with the tears, and reverted to her usual calm demeanor... if one ignored the still slightly red eyes.
"Today is a day off, and it would be fine even if you went out to relax... But it’s so late, Mr. Fisher, aren’t you resting? Is there something you need to discuss with me?"
Although the words remained polite, the underlying message was quite clear, wasn’t it?
Faced with Valentina’s cold words, as if sending him away, Fisher wasn’t embarrassed or flustered. Without a word, he just grabbed Emhardt, who had been sitting on his shoulder and cheerfully watching the drama unfold, and stuffed him back into the pocket over his chest. Then, instead of retreating, he advanced into the room and casually closed the door behind him.
The room instantly became sealed off. Valentina pursed her lips and placed her hands unnaturally beneath the table, in front of her abdomen, rapidly rubbing the ring on her finger while cautiously observing his every move.
Seeing Fisher in front of her nod solemnly, he didn’t pick up on the hint in Valentina’s words to leave, but instead looked at her and said,
"Although my initial intention was just to come down and inscribe some magic in preparation for the journey ahead, Miss Valentina’s words did remind me... I indeed have some questions I’d like to ask you."
"...Let’s leave it for today, I’m not in the mood for serious conversations. We can talk about it tomorrow during the meeting with everyone else."
The Emhardt in Fisher’s pocket reveled in misfortune even more, almost bursting out in loud laughter, but clearly, Fisher paid no heed to his reaction, merely nodded with a touch of regret to show his understanding, then said to Valentina,
"Alright, I understand. I will discuss what Mr. Helldor last said to me with Miss Valentina tomorrow. For today, then, I’ll just take some Magic Materials and return to my room."
The motion of Valentina rubbing her ring came to a sudden stop, then she looked up at Fisher, who was about to move to fetch the magic ingredients, and she stuttered for a moment. After a second or two, her voice came out a bit hoarse,
"Helldor... what did he say to you?"
Fisher turned to look at Valentina behind the table, still silent, watching her without a word, causing Valentina’s head to throb with frustration. She rubbed her temples, then stretched out a hand pointing towards the front of the table, and said to him,
"Take a seat, Mr. Fisher. If you have questions for me, ask them tonight."
"...then I’ll impose, Miss Valentina."
Valentina glared hatefully at Fisher in front of her, for the first time becoming acutely aware of just how detestable the nature of this man from Nali really was.
He fully knew her mood was foul, and according to common sense after encountering such embarrassment, one would offer an apology and leave the room. Yet, he did not withdraw but instead moved further into the room and even used the words Helldor said to coerce an answer from her...
To then emotionlessly tell her "I’ll insist upon myself," using such courteous and tactful language – why did it feel so brazen coming from his mouth?
Fisher nodded and walked in front of Valentina’s seat. They were separated only by a table, but it was clear Valentina had not put books under her wheelchair this time, and thus appeared much shorter than Fisher, allowing him to catch sight of the tear mole at the corner of her eye.
That mole complemented her stunning beauty, like a frail doll in a wheelchair, a sight for sore eyes. Yet, it was precisely her determined and calm expression on her face that brought her to life, making her all the more intriguing and pronounced in character.
Fisher did not start speaking right away but glanced around Helldor’s workshop. On his previous visit, he hadn’t expected their separation, and thus hadn’t closely observed its layout. In this room without a bed, only the books, the magic, and the photo albums on the table remained as the signs of life.
"Mr. Helldor once entrusted me with a task; he wanted me to do everything in my power to help you find the mythical Frost Snow Phoenix Tree..."
"Ha, truly... the old meddler. But it’s like something he would say, he likes to worry about these matters, which also means he truly trusts you. No, rather, he trusts Helson’s student."
After hearing Fisher’s words, Valentina couldn’t help but curl her lips in a smile, but her gaze wandered, making the smile seem particularly desolate.
"Yes, that’s also something I can never understand. I think, as a student of the teacher, I shouldn’t have such great influence... Otherwise, I would be welcomed everywhere I go."