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‘In that case, I am surprised you were not much more aggressive upon first seeing us here,’ said Ax. ‘Perhaps I was mistaken, but you came across as more annoyed than truly threatening.’

“Hmph. I do not eagerly resort to violence. Much more can be learned and accomplished through conversation, even with hostile individuals. Sometimes, especially with hostile individuals.”

Ax kept pushing, though. ‘Even so, you are trying to protect your life’s work, are you not? I hardly would’ve blamed you if you considered that more important than virtually anything else and had decided to attack us on sight.’

Daro met the reaper’s gaze steadily. “My friend, you are either very understanding or very much trying to coax something out of me.”

‘Heh. Well, I am a reaper, after all. ‘Twas not my intention to pump you for information in any surreptitious manner, but perhaps my instincts got the better of me. I apologize if I have caused offense.’

“Hmph.”

Zeff eyed the both of them for a moment, then decide to address Ax openly. “If you’re curious about something, then just be direct with him. That has always been our way.”

Ax returned a look. In the echo of privacy, he said, ‘It most certainly hasn’t.’

Zeff just furrowed his brow.

After another few silent beats, however, the reaper spoke publicly again. ‘Fine. Mr. Bright. I’m quite old. I’ve known many a powerful inventor in my time. And heard the tales of many more. But never have I known them to be so... calm when the fruits of their long labors have been threatened. Now, I am not saying that Zeff and I are such a threat, of course, but it does strike me as quite strange that you are not MUCH more upset with us for being here, right now.’

Daro’s flat expression didn’t budge. “So? What of it? Am I supposed to be bothered about being different from all the wackos you’ve known?”

The reaper chortled. ‘I should think not, no. But it does make me question how precious this ‘workspace’ is to you. It seemed quite a useful and powerful thing to have, at first. In fact, I can say I’ve never personally seen the like before. But perhaps to you, this place is actually... quite mundane and unimportant? Just one of many, perhaps?’

The Black Artisan made no response.

Zeff was beginning to feel impatient. “Ax, what difference does it make? This is none of our business.”

The reaper sighed. ‘Why do I feel like the two of you are cut from the same cloth?’