◆ plotted starter for @veritvincit
"Aren't we lucky to be graced with the presence of one of the greatest minds of our time today?"
Jade's voice was sweet and soft, carrying over with the usual amicable tone that was reserved for those entering her pawn shop - however, it was directed at the scholar who had just crossed the threshold to the little terrace where the moneylender was nursing a goblet of wine and an elegant charcuterie board. The restaurant where both of them were at was one of the most celebrated locations for fine dining at Pier Point - and with a lovely view of the city, too. It was the type of establishment only a certain clientele could afford, Jade and Ratio included.
Gesturing towards the empty chair by her table, the woman invited the other to keep her company over a meal without saying a word - undoubtedly a surprising choice when the professor was famously difficult to interact with and many people simply got offended or tired of his behavior. Jade, on the other hand, found Ratio fascinating - and saw in the member of the Intelligentsia Guild someone who had avoided her own services long enough.
The precious gemstone yielded by Ratio's desires would surely be something to look at and hold in her hands, she thought.
"You may sit without being afraid I will harass you about visiting my shop later, my good doctor. I am on a rare break tonight and I just craved the simple pleasures of a fine dinner," raising the glass with the red liquid within, Jade offered Ratio a simple toast with a smile that looked as charming as ever - hiding the fangs of the poisonous snake that could reveal itself at a negotiation table, "Even the best of the mundanities has to eat at some point, I imagine."