After Maki's reminder, Carl realized that he hadn't come here today to chat with friends—he had serious business to attend to.
He was here to negotiate with Arasaka on Dogtown's behalf. How had he started chatting again not long after arriving? He had clearly intended to discuss business seriously, yet he had relaxed the moment he got here.
"Right. After we're done, I still need to go back into the city and talk to some other people. Let's wrap this up quickly."
As she spoke, Carl remembered something. She glanced at the tea on Haruko's desk, then turned her gaze toward Chiyome. "Chiyome, could you pour me a cup of tea too? I rushed all the way here, and I'm a little thirsty."
Chiyome nodded slightly and instinctively moved to pour Carl some tea. But the instant she began to move, she froze. Then, as though realizing something, she secretly glanced at Haruko.
Haruko was not looking at her. Her gaze rested on the documents in Maki's hands before shifting to Maki's face. After pausing for a second, she withdrew her gaze without saying anything.
Seeing that Miss Haruko did not mind what she was doing, Chiyome did not know why, but she felt relieved. Then she moved naturally, as though that slight hesitation had never existed.
She not only poured Carl a cup of tea, but also refilled Maki's empty cup.
"Mm, I don't actually like tea that much." Maki hesitated, but still accepted Chiyome's kindness.
She looked at Carl, who was sampling the tea, and asked, "How does it taste, Carl? Do you like tea?"
"I'm fine with it. Don't treat me like you." Carl smiled. "You think it tastes like nothing and can't get used to it, but I drink it pretty often." As she spoke, she