Benjamin emerged from his immersion in knowledge. Pale golden runes slowly faded from the depths of his pupils, like a layer of morning mist that had just dispersed. After confirming that he had fully learned and understood the knowledge at hand, he blinked and instinctively raised a hand to press his stiff neck. Just as he was about to close the light screen, the automatic door to the laboratory suddenly slid open without a sound.
Viola strolled in from the doorway with her hands behind her back.
She was not wearing her usual dark blue robe today, having changed into a looser, more homey outfit. Her silver-gray hair was casually tied behind her head, making her seem less imposing than usual and adding a touch of lazy nonchalance.
As she reached the doorway, her gaze swept casually inside and met Benjamin's raised eyes.
She paused, one brow lifting slightly, and an expression blending surprise and amusement immediately surfaced on her face.
"Yo?" she drawled. "You're alive?"
...?"
Benjamin was silent for two seconds, looking at her expressionlessly.
"What do you mean, I'm alive?"
"What do you think?" Viola leaned against the doorframe with her arms folded, her tone light and airy. "Ever since you came back from Broadleaf's place, you ignored everything and plunged headfirst into the sea of knowledge. You wouldn't respond when called, wouldn't move when shouted at. Even when that Living Test Tube hopped onto your workbench and bounced around, you didn't react."
She tilted her head, the amusement in her eyes deepening. "Everyone's been saying you're dead."
Benjamin immediately saw through the tale she had made up. "Clearly, you're the only one spreading rumors that I'm dead, aren't you?!"
"Oh my, you caught me." Viola showed not the slightest embarrassment at having her lie exposed. "But