Artificial Core of Existence (VII)
Read the room and tailor your approach.
The fortune-telling essentials shared by the second-rate diviner Chie Kisaragi were surprisingly well suited to commercial use.
Lady Claire was still somewhat wary, so guiding her required a little more tact.
For now, the pressure had been applied just right.
Seeing the wariness that flashed through Claire's eyes and was then hidden almost perfectly, Fu Qian was deeply satisfied. He pressed on.
"I don't just know your husband's last name is Wesley. I know yours is too."
Humor was a lubricant for conversation. An ill-timed joke would effectively make anything suspicious seem even more suspicious.
"Heh... You're more easygoing than I expected, sir."
Claire's expression had stiffened somewhat, but she still nodded along politely.
After hesitating briefly, she even reached out and took the little transparent bottle from Fu Qian.
"I'll try to follow your advice as best I can... Sorry, would it be all right if I used the restroom?"
She turned the bottle over in her hand a few times, then glanced unconsciously at the metal jar beside Fu Qian. Suddenly, Claire looked apologetic.
"Of course."
Fu Qian had always believed in making guests feel at home. How could he refuse such a reasonable request? He gestured toward the restroom.
Besides, as the Dream Master, he had played some part in bringing about the reactions her body was experiencing.
The modest-sized restroom was soon locked from the inside. Then the sound of running water began.
In the living room, Master Gorimshaw waited for his client to return, his gaze fixed thoughtfully on the metal jar beside him.
After a few seconds, he suddenly moved with surprising speed, pulling open a hidden compartment at his side.
Inside was an identical jar.
He took it out, swapped