Though a bit regretful, Estelle is still pleased with her trip. Particularly because she finally has time to discuss her favorite topic to her heart's content.
Snake VIII: Ever since humanity created literature, snakes have always been tied to curses.
Snake VIII: From the dust-eating serpent of Eden to the Epic of Gilgamesh, even the Melusine legend is like that.
Snake VIII: Sometimes this terribly anthropocentric view makes me so mad I want to give up literature altogether.
Prismagreen: You really must talk to Ulrich, my sweet little pumpkin. I remember he spent his vacation in your office recently?
Prismagreen: He's one of Laplace's most outspoken anti-anthropocentrism theorists.
Snake VIII: Really? Too bad I didn't get the chance to meet him.
Snake I: Two was barely touching the ground those days. But more importantly—
Snake V: You were brumating.
Snake I: Not that it's any big loss. He didn't seem like the literary type.
Snake V: But he might know a thing or two about fish tanks. His setup looked way better than little Cornichon's.
Just as the snakes begin to enjoy their chat, Hissabeth starts picking them up one by one, placing them back on her head.
Hissabeth: I will remember to write Ulrich about eco-tank material compositions. Maybe he has a recommended formula.
Prismagreen: Parting brings such sorrow, my dear Sylvie. Are you really leaving again?
Prismagreen: I've prepared a gift for you—a few of your favorite snacks that I know you can never find up there … oh, and this.
Prismagreen: My grandmother's handwritten recipe book. May you always have a healthy appetite.
Hissabeth: That's fantastic! Would you mind if I gave it to the canteen chef? You know I don't cook much myself.
Prismagreen: As you wish, darling. My grandmother was a kind and generous woman. I'm sure she wouldn't mind.
Prismagreen: I also prepared a long poem as a farewell. Shall I recite it for you now?
Hissabeth: Oh? Well, I really don't have much time. Besides—
Prismagreen: Of course, darling! I know you're not a fan of lengthy texts. Don't worry. I've prepared a condensed version just for you.
Hissabeth opens her mouth, but Prismagreen cuts her off with a theatrical gesture and clears her throat.
Prismagreen: Dear Sylvie, I must, once again, bid you a tearful farewell.
Prismagreen: I know that for my kind, it is difficult to imagine life from the eyes of a Melusine.
Prismagreen: But as a friend and, I hope you'll allow me to say this, as a mentor, I offer you all my respect and support.
Prismagreen: May your talent and vision shake Laplace once more.
Hissabeth: Parfait! I appreciate you condensing it down. It's beautiful, Camille.
Her overly cheerful tone breaks the slightly melancholic farewell mood and leaves Prismagreen's carefully built-up emotions crashing down.
Prismagreen: What?
Hissabeth: Oh, not the part about "shaking Laplace," that's not important.
Hissabeth: We came up with a brilliant idea last night. You're going to love it.
Hissabeth: Even if you don't, I'd still like all your respect and support. Those were your exact words just now.
Prismagreen: Hmm? I … Yes, I did say that.
For some reason, Prismagreen suddenly regrets her earlier declaration.
But Hissabeth is full of enthusiasm. She's certain her friend will be a huge help.
While feeding the fish in the morning, Kiperina hears from Pointer that the tank's owner has officially ended her vacation and will soon resume her feeding duties.
But the girl doesn't expect the path back to her friend to be completely blocked by moving boxes.
Kiperina: Miss Hissabeth, I just heard you've come back. Is everything going smoothly?
Hissabeth: Certainement. Smooth as can be.
Two little snakes drag a heavy box across the floor, and the kindhearted girl steps in to offer her help.
Kiperina: I used to carry props around all the time when I was with the circus.
Hissabeth: Thanks so much, Alia. Moving is a big operation. These samples and materials all need to be packed properly.
Hissabeth: If only we could move house using the teleport disk. Maybe one day. You think we could spin that into a new funding pitch—uh, I mean, proposal?
Pointer: If I understand you correctly, then what you're talking about was in fact our original purpose.
It seems her colleague is more than happy to snuff out Hissabeth's spark of hope from the moment she walks in.
Kiperina: So then you're heading back to the LSCC HQ, Miss Hissabeth?
Hissabeth: That's one way to put it. Don't touch that, Maxim! That one needs special containment.
Snake I: No need to shout. You'll startle the others.
Pointer watches the busy scene unfolding in the room and calculates the obvious conclusion.
Pointer: Looks like I'm not really needed here.
Pointer: In that case, I'll head back and get on with my own work.
Hissabeth: Oh, of course. I've got this all handled.
Kiperina can't help but join in the moving operation. Handled or not.
Kiperina: Wait, Miss Pointer—
The girl catches up, still clutching a box she hadn't had time to put down.
Pointer: Yes?
Kiperina: Aren't you going to do something? Like, maybe, try to keep her here?
Pointer: You mean Hissabeth? Why would I?
Kiperina: I just thought you two would keep working together. There's still so much unfinished work to do before the project reaches space again.
Pointer: There is.
Pointer: But Prismagreen's project is also excellent. Laplace doesn't give out top ratings lightly.
Kiperina: Then what do you plan to do?
Like with the boxes before, Kiperina feels compelled to help, even if she isn't quite sure how.
Pointer: Me? I intend to keep progressing our research and refining this proposal.
Scanning the girl's expression, Pointer eventually comes to a more human understanding.
Pointer: You don't have to worry about me, Alia. I was working on this project alone long before Hissabeth came.
Pointer: I predict that things will slow down without her assistance, but I'm certain we will still be able to correspond from time to time.
Kiperina: Are you ... sure?
Pointer: Within tolerances. But the point is.
Pointer brushes back her hair. The mechanical structure hums in precise motion—orderly, self-contained.
Pointer: No one can change her mind. If that's what she wants to do, she'll do it.
