Dueling it out to your heart's content... it's a way of connecting with others. If you cheat, that's only sabotaging that connection. Who would be having fun at that point? Only the cheater."

lest you wish to weigh your heart on the scales."

over and over again would make anyone tired. What kind of cards have you played?"

Who cared where Alhaitham was? This guy was never around where Cyno expected him to be... surely, he would show up eventually.

Putting a smile on Kaveh's face was more important!

"I said I was going nuts... and I have Ajilenakh Nuts. It's funny, right? Because it's a play on the word 'nuts.' In this context, 'going nuts' could be taken as growing impatient while waiting, but it can also mean that I got hungry while waiting, and decided to eat some nuts."

+

the General Mahamatra...

"Somehow, Canned Knowledge is being produced and smuggled even without access to the Akasha. It might be another case like Siraj, if you remember."

Canned Knowledge shouldn't produce an empty capsule.

And so, we launched an investigation... it only took a day for me to find one of the culprits."

Cyno crossed his arms over his chest, red eyes narrowing as they did when he became serious with his work. An intimidating look fit for

+

this matter urgent. Around two days ago, the Matra uncovered a stash of used Canned Knowledge Capsules. This was already an anomaly. In itself, it shouldn't be a problem... for example, the stash could be old. But there was evidence of recent tampering, and we realized that used

+

Cyno was perceived as rough around the edges to most people, and that was something he seemed to have in common with Alhaitham. Ironically, being in his presence put him at ease as a result.

The report was placed neatly on the table as requested.

"That's the problem, and why I considered

+

Cyno counted the cups... two? Not the best at reading social situations, he decided he wouldn't make any assumptions for who the second cup of coffee was for until explicitly revealed, and instead focused on the matter he'd come with.

He wouldn't mind staying though - if it was an offer to.

+

"Really? No, I mean..."

Lacking confidence wasn't the mark of a good teacher. Cyno's expression hardened.

"Alright. Where should I start... do you understand what the purpose for telling a joke is?"