Mesmer Jr.: He found the Rutile?
Mesmer Jr.: ...Alright, I understand. Prepare the remaining materials to enhance the divining rod for him. Is he still with you?
Mesmer Jr.: Not anymore? Where could he have gone—
Ezra: Phew... Excuse me, Miss Mesmer Jr.!
Mesmer Jr.: ......
Mesmer Jr.: Here, have some hot water, and this is a blanket, wrap yourself in it.
The boy, disheveled and with reddened cheeks from the cold, stumbled in.
Ezra: Oh... Thank you...
Mesmer Jr.: Climbing a mountain is far from a walk in the park, you know.
Mesmer Jr.: But congratulations on your success. The Rutile sample you've provided is excellent in size and purity; just a small piece will strengthen your divining rod.
Ezra: Yes, I got lucky.
Ezra held the hot water, his smiling face obscured by steam.
Ezra: And I found this—
Mesmer Jr.: What is this ...?
Ezra: Mandrake, also known as a Mandrake Root or Circe's Plant in some places.
Ezra: It's a standard 12 inches, with oval leaves and bell-shaped white flowers. I deliberately kept some of its leaves.
Ezra: Since the Middle Ages, arcanists have used Mandrake leaves to craft soothing teas, a gentler and safer practice than consuming its roots. It has a long history...
Mesmer Jr.: An interesting tale, but I don't understand why you've brought it to me.
Mesmer Jr.: ...Perhaps it could be useful for your snowy mountain ecology exhibition, but my Artificial Somnambulism patients have no need for Mandrake hallucinogens.
A self-deprecating smile appeared on Mesmer's face, her sense of humor always a little offbeat.
Ezra: Yes, it could be a good exhibit item.
Ezra: I'll set up a spot for it in the exhibition hall, prepare the soil, and use calming sprays to keep it from waking up halfway through the exhibition and emitting its piercing screams...
Ezra: But before that, I'd thought I might leave half of its leaves for you, Miss Mesmer.
His face beamed like a flower in sunlight.
Mesmer Jr.: I don't need these. I'm not a plant researcher, nor am I in the hobby of collecting such specimens.
Mesmer Jr. looked at the Mandrake cluster.
Mesmer Jr.: And frankly ... it's ugly.
Ezra: Ugly ...?
Ezra widened his eyes with shock.
Ezra: I think Mandrakes are one of the cuter types of plants used in potions...!
Ezra: They have a human shape, and people often prefer things that are "humanesque;" like... dolls or the subjects of paintings...
Somewhat embarrassed, he fumbled the Mandrake on the table back into his pocket.
Mesmer Jr.: ...You have peculiar tastes.
Mesmer Jr. placed her hands on her knees, taking a deep breath.
Mesmer Jr.: So, you put down the Rutile, and rushed half-frozen into my office without looking back, all to show me this Mandrake?
Ezra: Yes.
Mesmer Jr.: ......
Mesmer having exhausted her questions, fell silent, unwilling to speak further on the matter.
Whenever two intelligent people stumble over a subject for too long without finding agreement, it's usually best discarded.
Ezra: I just wanted to give you... an option.
It was a concession.
Ezra: The option to take it.
Ezra: But I understand... You don't need it for now, at least. Still, if you change your mind—please let me know.
Ezra stood up shakily, looking at his wristwatch.
Ezra: I gotta go now. I have another meeting with some colleagues... Phew...!
Mesmer Jr.: Be careful.
Mesmer Jr.: Your body is still weak... You should rest a bit more.
Ezra: I... I'm fine. Just a bit tired... Don't worry about me.
Ezra shook his head once and then shook it again, almost to convince himself.
Ezra: There's not much time left to prepare for the exhibition. I have to make the most of every moment.
He stood up once again, much more carefully this time, his movements slow and deliberate.
Glancing back at the door, Ezra bowed slightly and then bid farewell.
Ezra: Thank you for your help, Miss Mesmer Jr.
Ezra: Without your guidance, my journey would have been much more difficult, and perhaps I would have been unable to successfully detect the plants I need.
Ezra: You have been the driving force behind the Snowy Mountain Ecology Exhibition.
Ezra: Later in the evening, I'll have my assistant send over tickets to the exhibition.
Receptionist: Dr. Mesmer, there is a package for you to sign for.
Mesmer Jr.: A package? Where is it from?
Receptionist: It was received by the front desk just after Director Ezra left. He asked me to deliver it to you.
Mesmer Jr.: I'll pick it up later.
The package was light, containing two tubes of pale yellow hand cream in aluminum packaging, along with a note.
"The hand cream is made from honey in Sydney."
I noticed some wounds on your wrists; moisturizing them could help with healing. I don't know much when it comes to skincare products, but I hope you don't mind the scent.
"Yours sincerely, Ezra."
