After Migaro left, a faint, cool, alluring scent of algae and pine still lingered in the office. Boer stood before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window with his back to the door, watching the wisps of dust rising from the harbor reconstruction site below as his fingertips absently brushed arcs of electromagnetic light.
Knock, knock.
Two soft but evenly spaced knocks sounded, and then the door opened.
Nico Robin entered first, followed by Ginny, the Revolutionary Army captain whose smart secretary outfit did little to hide her seductive air. Robin wore a fitted, deep-purple turtleneck sweater with black trousers beneath a light-gray long coat. Her long hair was gathered into an elegant, slightly loose bun, with a few strands falling languidly beside her cheeks. A barely perceptible urgency showed on her face, but when Boer turned his gaze toward her, it softened into a mixture of worry and relief.
Ginny surveyed the room with interest-from the broad, heavy mahogany desk to the detailed map of the West Blue and various mechanical blueprints on the walls, then to the wall-spanning bookshelf behind Boer, crammed with ancient books and technical manuals. Her gaze finally returned to Boer. A knowing, slightly teasing smile curved her lips, and she reached out to give Robin's sleeve a gentle tug.
Boer's gaze swept past Ginny and settled on Robin's face. He couldn't help chuckling as he returned to his desk and propped his chin on one hand, his posture relaxed.
"What wind has blown my rose in for an inspection today? Has Her Excellency the administrator come to check my work, or..." He drew out the last word, playful warmth in his eyes. "Did you simply miss me?"
Robin's cheeks flushed faintly. She hurried to the desk, her voice a little quieter than usual, with a trace of