instructus | lorelei's inbox

It's trickier than that, Hien. There's a fine line between allowing Florence to interact and mingle with the student body, and knowing when they should put their foot down and put an end to such behavior – as well as the consequences that may follow.

[ ... ]

I suppose I – no, we haven't found that line yet.

[ The entire tidbit is interesting for Hien, especially about Florence. Hm. ]

I assumed you had them at your beck and call, but allowing Florence to interact with us can help them learn about emotionally charged actions, whether little or not. If they start imitating us without knowing that line, that would be pretty bad, huh?

[ He's starting to think Florence is some sort of android with a quickly learning AI. That's what he's getting out of this conversation.

Anyway. ]

You mean yourself and the people who made Florence?

...Perhaps.

[ There's a pause before she answers his next question. ]

Florence and I, is what I meant. Nothing more, nothing less.

[ Hien thinks now would be the time to strike, but honestly... he'd rather sleep. He internally waffles over it a little. ]

I see.

[ ... ]

I have a question though. After we pass the course, would the pain sharing connection be cut while we're still here? Or is that only happening when we return to our respective worlds?

[ Her tone mellows out a little, yet again. ]

That's something I haven't decided on yet.

[ Hien is taking each and every verbal cue (or lack of) from Lorelei in an attempt to figure out how she feels and reacts. He thinks it's been working well so far, even if the information doesn't help with their situation.

That's not what he's looking for, anyway. ]

Hm, could I maybe persuade you on cutting it before we get to leave?

Oh? Because you'd rather not deal with Fai anymore?

Fai is fine. If anything, he's the one dealing with me.

[ If that gives Lorelei any information regarding their relationship, there it is. ]

I would like to have the opportunity to discipline a certain princess for thinking he can tame me.

[ Though with the intention revealed, he's pretty sure he won't have his way, but he doesn't sound strongly about it one way or another regardless of his words. ]

[ There's a little snicker at that first comment, then: ]

What are you implying, Hien?

[ She sounds genuinely curious about that. ]

Edited 2022-05-28 16:14 (UTC)

I'll tell you in exchange for information.

What sort of information are you looking for?

[ Even though this is a voice call, perhaps Lorelei can hear the smile in his distorted voice full of static when his tone of voice is usually bland under the add-ons. ]

I have two questions. You're free to pick and choose whichever one to answer.

1. What caused the lack of population and staffing within the campus?
2. What's your favorite coffee?

[ This shouldn't warrant such a smile on Hien's face upon asking, but he knows he'll get what he wants regardless of Lorelei's answer. Even if she hangs up on him, he'll get to know something about her.

That's all he wants to do, really. Getting to know someone who interests him is something he likes doing, especially if they're a little tight-lipped on giving information away. ]

Hmmm.

[ There's a little pause, one that's significantly shorter than the ones she had earlier – ]

You know, Hien, I don't think I'm curious enough to exchange that information with you. I think it'd be a lot more rewarding for you if you could find those answers yourself.

[ She does not sound very sincere about that, though. And is she referring to question 1 or 2?

The answer is yes. ]

Not even the coffee? I saw you drinking it so often that I was wondering if I should try it out myself, since you seem to like it so much.

[ He seems satisfied either way, as if he got what he wanted despite Lorelei sounded insincere. Any reaction is a small win for him, because anything tells him a lot about the person more than others think they do. That's just how Self is. ]

...Fine, I'll tell you what coffee I enjoy: Anything without condiments.

[ And that's that. ]

[ Hien laughs a little. With the distortion and static, it actually sounds demonic... maybe that's why he doesn't laugh often. ]

And here I thought I'd get a solid recommendation.

[ He still sounds amused, but a deal is a deal. ]

I wanna beat the shit out of someone, and Owen just happens to fit the bill at the moment. He even gave me permission to stab him.

[ He says that with no malice whatsoever. In fact, there's a small glee in his voice.

Anyway. ]

But I don't wanna get Riku caught up in it. That's why I'm suggesting that the connections be cut before we get to return to our respective worlds.

[ That elicits a chuckle out of her – a heartier one than any other one she's made thus far, as far as the students know. ]

Interesting, interesting! I can't say I'm entirely surprised, but that's quite the plan you've got there.

[ She doesn't seem to give her answer much thought, though: ]

I'll take it into consideration, but I make no promises.

Understandable.

[ He went into this with no guarantees anyway. ]

Guess that's all from me. Sleep well, Miss Instructor.

[ If she doesn't want to add anything, he'll hang up. ]

You as well, Hien.

[ End convo! ]

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