But would Angel really release a universal-type item?
Midora wanted to ask, but felt too embarrassed to.
After all, they were both members of the Research Institute. Asking about the specifics before someone else had unveiled a new product could easily make the other party suspicious.
There was precedent for it.
Many years ago, an alchemy master had been preparing to unveil a new product. His enemies learned what it was and launched a massive publicity campaign... Not to disparage it, but to praise it wildly and build hype for him.
Anyone with eyes could see it was praise meant to kill.
If the product he eventually unveiled had remained the same as the original, then given the atmosphere of public opinion at the time, there was a very high chance that the unveiling would have become a laughingstock.
Fortunately, that alchemy master had switched products at the last minute, and the new product he unveiled was not weak. The attempt to praise him to death failed and instead made him.
Though it had ended well, the incident had made members of the Research Institute start harboring suspicions toward one another. Before a new product unveiling, no one asked too deeply anymore.
Of course, this was not some mandatory ban. If people felt they had a close enough relationship, they could still ask each other.
Given Midora's relationship with Angel, it would not have been a big deal if he asked... He simply could not bring himself to lower his pride.
While Midora was wrestling with himself, Antonio spoke from the side. "Is the item Mr. Pat is about to unveil a universal-type item?"
Antonio dared to ask because he had no psychological burden. Besides, as a guardian deity, with Dean Muse often in seclusion, he himself exercised part of