"The new clan chief's taste." Elonore swept a glance over it.
The young elven guard at the entrance stopped them. He looked at Su Li, then at Elonore.
"Who are you two?"
"Elonore," she said.
The guard froze.
Three minutes later, seven young Magic Forgers rushed out of the workshop. The one in front was still clutching a half-finished circuit board, his face speckled with copper shavings.
"Mentor Elonore? You're really the author of the Fifth-Tier Buffer Circuit?"
Elonore stepped half a pace back. Su Li's arm blocked her from the crowd.
"One at a time." He pushed the excited young elves back. "Don't crowd her."
The chamber of commerce's manager was a middle-aged elf with a round face and a kindly smile. He came over carrying tea, his manner respectful.
"Senior Elonore, we grew up reading your papers. If you would be willing to stay on as an honorary mentor..."
"I won't stay." Elonore accepted the teacup. "Three months. I'll teach one course cycle, then leave."
The manager's smile stiffened for a moment.
"Three months is good too! Wonderful!" He rubbed his hands together. "Then as for accommodations..."
"I'll find my own," Su Li cut in. "Is there an empty smithy beside the chamber of commerce?"
The manager looked at Su Li.
"And this gentleman is...?"
"My husband," Elonore said, taking a sip of tea.
Su Li's teacup stopped at his lips.
For a moment, the manager's expression was spectacular. A human. Fifth-tier. The husband of a legendary elven Magic Forger who had not returned in one hundred and seventy years.
"There is a shop." The manager swallowed every last question and put his smile back on. "It's free."
"No need for free." Su Li set down his teacup. "I repair things for money. I'll use that to