Before the Storm

"Inquiry Meeting?"

In the Empire, the faint sound of distant bells drifted over.

Within a magnificent Workshop like a Sanctuary, the aged Artisan let out a soft sigh. "That's the one good thing about the Association—no one likes putting on an act."

"Ah?"

The dull young man, still studying the Wristwatch, raised his head and looked towards his teacher.

He did not understand what he meant.

"Once they put on that rigid, high-sounding mask, they can't even be bothered to keep up appearances. They can't stand seeing others do well, can't stand newcomers making a name for themselves, can't stand anyone being better than them... The lotus had barely shown its pointed bud, and already the probing had begun."

The old Artisan bared his teeth in mockery. "Should I say that they were Artisans after all, or that they truly were worthy of being Artisans?"

"I don't understand."

Andre shook his head without the slightest attempt to hide it.

"If you don't understand, then you don't understand. Everyone has their own way of living. Understand everything, and you'll tire easily."

The old Artisan propped up his chin carelessly and said calmly, "Whether it's scheming alliances and maneuvering, or lying low for three years before astonishing the world in one stroke, whether it's intrigue and infighting or exhausting every scheme—it doesn't matter.

There are so many ways to solve things in this world. If you succeed, you're right; if you lose, you're wrong. If you can live openly and honestly like this, casually crushing every clown who jumps out, that's not a bad solution either."

"Oh, then I'll try my best."

Andre nodded, as though he understood, yet also as though he did not. He made no effort to hide that he didn't care.

Instead, the old Artisan laughed softly at