instructus | lorelei's inbox

That's correct. I have a housemate -- dear Iris. She's ten. As you can guess, it's unacceptable to leave a ten year old alone for extended periods of time.

[Yeah, he's worried for Iris. Now that it was clear this wasn't something that would be over quickly, first thing he decided to do was get reassurances Iris would be safe. He's her surrogate father, after all]

For what it's worth, I'm fairly certain time passes differently here than it does where you're all from – it appears to be faster here than it does on, say, planet earth.

[ She takes a sip of her coffee and seems to jot something down, but Herlock won't be able to see what it is. ]

It shouldn't be an issue, as far as I'm concerned.

[So...time is passing slower at home? Well, given how they're in a different world that's not so implausible, he thinks!]

I understand. Of course!

[As if that's something he figured out just now]

Although it would be good if this program ends in the near future. Iris will be greatly alarmed if all of a sudden I return as an octogenarian, fifty years older than I was in the morning!

We don't intend on keeping you for fifty years, don't worry. If all goes well, it will only take around two months.

[ So that's that!! ]

I'm sure Iris will be safe and sound by the time you return home.

[This is a huge load off his shoulders. Sholmes merely smiles pleasantly, but inwardly he's very glad to hear this. Can he trust what she says? Maybe, maybe not, but the reassurance is good]

Wonderful. Now, answer me this, my dear madam! Why don't you come meet us all in person? Teachers are our guides. You can't guide if you stay secluded somewhere away like a hermit!

[She said she won't, but hey, sure doesn't stop him from asking why!]

You sure are adamant about me showing my face in-person, aren't you?

[ A dry laugh as she tilts her head a little, then: ]

Don't worry, I'm fully capable of guiding you as things are now. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this is how things must be.

Ah ha ha ha! Guilty as charged!

[Perhaps it's something out of her control, he thinks...oh well]

Now, you had mentioned you once were in your delightful assistant's position. Did you know Florence during those times?

[He's trying to figure out if Florence ever was a student, yup]

What an interesting question!

[ She nods as she props her elbow up on her table and leans her cheek against her hand. ]

I did, yes. Florence and I have been acquainted for a while.

Has Florence always been so...taciturn? While I understand Florence is an automaton, that doesn't mean your assistant needs to have a steely disposition.

Edited 2022-05-24 23:45 (UTC)

Honestly, yes. They've been quite...apathetic, for lack of a better term, in the time that I've known them.

Does it concern you?

Yes. You don't meet someone like them every day. It made me wonder if something ever happened, I'm sure you understand.

[Despite everything Sholmes is, he's not one to ignore people in trouble, most of the time]

This is just how Florence's programming is and always has been. They haven't expressed any issues with it, as far as I'm concerned. Should they mention something to you, however, please bring it to my attention.

[ That would actually be something to address, after all. ]

Certainly.

[He'll figure out if he should or shouldn't bring anything off to her attention. Who knows, probably will depend on what happens. Hey, if Florence begins destroying the university he sure will get in touch with Lorelei, don't doubt that]

They're so reticent to mingling with us. I'm sure several of us will try to correct that, of course.

[Sholmes sure will take as a good sign that Florence accepted to meet in person, at least!]

Haha, go ahead. I see no issues with that; it'd be good for them to get more acquainted with you folks.

[ She nods once, pauses to drink some coffee again before she adds on: ]

I appreciate your concern for Florence, Herlock Sholmes, but are you showing that same concern towards Shinei?

I have established communication with my partner. Quite the starchy young man, with the demeanor of someone several decades older. I would almost dare guess he was paired with me because we're like oil and water.

[He does...have some concern for Shin too, if he has to be honest. Kid is pretty stoic and is involved in military]

He does appear to be quite stoic, yes.

[ Shin is quite the interesting kid, yes. ]

Well, I do hope that the two of you can find a dynamic that works for you. I'm sure you'll both have a lot to learn from each other by the time this is over.

Indulge my curiosity, did you pair us on purpose?

[It would make sense if she did, he thinks! Trying to improve them as people!]

I did, yes. Everyone was paired together purposefully.

[ Another nod! ]

Hm. You won't find yourself disappointed, Miss Lorelei. You won't.

[Were it someone else saying it this would sound kind of ominous but he makes it sound playful. What can he say, he's interested in the kid and does want to know him better. It'll be fun!]

I'm very glad to hear it. The results of your partnership will be quite interesting.

[ Work hard, Herlock and Shin...! ]

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