Koyama no Kousagi

The Hand that Feeds 1-06

~Pantry~

By the time Artem hangs up his call and walks out, the pantry is already empty. He picks up the exam review book left on the coffee table and skims through the advancement exam notes. The neat handwriting catches his eye.

Artem: "Finding a partner..."

Artem puts down the book and sends a voice message with his phone.

Artem: "Celestine, you previously suggested that I find someone to share my workload. Do you have a recommendation?

Celestine quickly responds.

Celestine: "Depends on what kind of person you're looking for. If no one inside the firm meets your standards. I can look elsewhere."

Artem frowns and thinks for a moment.

Artem: "I'm not asking for much. Someone with integrity and an indomitable spirit who doesn't submit to authority. In regards to ability... Someone who shows potential. They need not be like me. I need a mirror not a clone."

It's rare for Artem to send so many messages, yet there is no response.

Artem: "No one...?"

Artem puts away his phone and is about to return to his office when Celestine responds.

Celestine: "And that's not asking for too much? Artem, get your head out of the clouds! You don't just find someone like that unless fate brings you two together!"

Listening to Celestine's tirade, Artem frowns again and sighs. His gaze again lands upon the book on the coffee table. His slender fingers run along its spine.

Artem: "Fate... bring us together..."

~Central Business District~

You had followed Winniw to Penny's Comfort Foods and unexpectedly encountered Luke, a close friend you had not seen for 8 years.

Y/n: "The private detective Winnie was talking about... It's you, isn't it!?"

National Central University's top bioengineering student is working not as a scientist, but as a private detective!?

Luke: "Indeed. I know you're surprised, but becoming a detective was my childhood dream. I finally made it a reality!"

Y/n: "I'm at a loss for words..."

Luke: "So, the lawyer that Winnie was looking for is you. Looks like you made it into Stellis University's law school, just like you wanted."

You're too shocked to process what Luke is saying.

Winnie: "Yep, it's her. To think you two know each other."

Winnie looks at you two. She doesn't seem to think further on the matter, and doesn't ask any more questions.

Winnie: "Grandpa Vern lives upstairs. He should be home right now. Let me check."

Winnie knocks on the door while you hurriedly collect your thoughts and focus on the job at hand. However, Luke continues to look at you with a smile on his face, his gaze unwavering.

Y/n: "Stop staring at me already..."

Luke: "It's been so long, but you havent changed a bit."

Y/n: "No way, it's been 8 years. Something has to be different. I'm at least a little taller."

Luke: "To me, you haven't changed at all. You've always been... Always been the girl I knew back then."

Y/n: "I don't like the sound of that. Are you implying that I'm short and immature?"