Lake Acuity was empty now, in its most natural state, and Lisia's heart was full of anticipation and longing.
"If you came to see Lake Acuity now..."
"I'll help!"
Taking Lisia along was not out of the question. Her initiative and judgment deserved recognition.
As for trust, Lisia and Shen Qi had been through life and death together, so there was no issue there either.
"I'll talk to Li Ke."
"Please do!"
Although he knew Lisia only had fun in mind, that would not negatively affect this research expedition. With another person searching, perhaps they really could tease out one more clue from those elusive possibilities.
"Ah~ sorry for the wait~"
An overly sweet voice rang out as Hinako and Li Ke walked out of the shop, carrying bags of supplies of all sizes.
The fruitless expedition was disheartening, but Hinako's thinking was simple. One big shopping spree was enough to leave her thoroughly satisfied.
"Li Ke, there's something I want to discuss with you."
Shen Qi introduced Lisia. Her background was impressive enough that even if someone had never heard her name, they would at least have to know her uncle, Wallace.
"Lisia... said she wanted to come have fun at Lake Acuity and help out along the way."
There was no need to hide anything from Li Ke. Lisia's purpose was plain to see.
"Then let her come." Li Ke smiled wryly. "She's not some suspicious person. Besides, if someone of her standing really wanted to visit Lake Acuity, she could just have her family apply for a research project. It'd be easy."
During his time as the newly appointed administrator of the Pewter Science Museum, Li Ke's rigid mind had developed some understanding of social dealings.
Letting Lisia come to Lake Acuity now would do no harm,