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> You will pass, but encourage their initiative. Maybe you can use it.
> Library seems interesting, especially at night.
> What are you fiddling with under that desk?
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> [D1: Late Afternoon] (Day 1 of examinations, current time)
> [RES:56] (Current RES)
> [SC:42%, Threat:+26%] (Current corruption %, estimated rise at the end of the day)
--
Silence befals gold-basked chamber as the sounds of mechanical reeving dies down. Across the room, Jaq relents her gaze and moves on to assist Alex with the furnace - with her mind made up, you bet. At least you can laugh as the tip of her blonde tresses barely protrudes above the wall of - now mostly empty - cardboards... Damned skeptical shortie.
More pressingly, sitting ahead of you in a small lodge of her own, your overseer awaits her answer - almond-shaped eyes wide, and eyelashes fluttering like fine fans in an act of naive hope.
But you have to break in the news. "I will pass. I'm sorry." You finally say, and Angelina sighs heavily, then nods. You aren't really a party person, but the whole ordeal does sound interesting. Or at the very least, holds potential, so hastily you add."But I think it's a good idea, over all! This library sure is interesting, and at night, too? I think you will be having a lot of fun."
You might be on the different sides of this conflict, but you don't want to hurt her anymore than you have to. That's probably Jaq's task, hopefully she won't scorn you both for this too much.
"Yes, it sure is..." She finally says, and looks away, in surprising shame. "I knew you wouldn't want to... I'm sorry, for being so pushy all of a sudden, and all that."
"Eh, it's fine." You say, and shrug. It's nice to talk to honest people, sometimes. But there is one more thing that piqued your curiosity.
Casually, you lean on the verge large counter, catching the still brooding Angelina by surprise, and making her look up again. "But I've been meaning to ask." You say, pointing down with your free hand. "What were you fiddling with down there?"
"Down... Here?" She asks quizzically, following your instructions. Then realization hits her like a monster. "Ah, you've seen?"
"You were... hiding 'it'?" You say, bordering on pity and incredulity in equal measure.
"No! I just... no, it's the surprise for the party."
Hiding your disappoinment at the revelation, you press further. "But what is 'it', exactly?"
Thinking for a moment she whispers. "It's-" but stops midway, and furtively looks around. Upon seeing Alex keeping Jaq busy, she goes on. "Aki, do you remember when I told you this library predates the nation itself?"
Intrigued, you lean in closer, and Angelina beams in turn, happy she's got your attention, at least that's what you think. "I sure do. Go on..."
