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Backlund, at the home of the furniture merchant Hampres.
At the appointed time, Audrey once again met Hvin Rambis, a member of the Psychological Alchemists' Council.
The elderly gentleman remained gentle and refined, his thick, snow-white hair neatly combed, his deep blue eyes seeming to hold countless stores of knowledge.
At the sight of him, Audrey's eyes first grew confused, then filled with realization, as though she had finally woken from a long dream and recovered her lost memories. Yet she felt neither surprise nor astonishment at this, accepting the fact without any resistance, as though it were perfectly normal.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Rambis." Audrey greeted him with etiquette so impeccable that not a single fault could be found.
Hvin nodded lightly and responded with a smile:
"Good afternoon, our girl."
Although he had already given up on having Audrey obtain high-society intelligence for the Psychology Alchemists, Hvin Rambis had not removed his psychological suggestions. Instead, over their several meetings in the past month or so, he had gradually guided Audrey into seeing herself as "the pride of the Psychology Alchemists" and "the most important girl."
Audrey lowered her head to glance at the diamond collar pin on her chest, then took a seat with a smile and waited for Hvin Rambis to speak.
In truth, his suggestions and guidance, of which he might have been quite confident, had had little effect on her, since she came prepared every time. She also knew perfectly well that Hvin wanted her to become increasingly arrogant and self-satisfied, making her easier to control. Now, hearing Hvin Rambis's form of address, she very much wanted to roll her eyes, disregarding her image, her etiquette, and the risk of exposing herself. In the end, however, she restrained herself and let nothing show.
Hvin Rambis