>"An old disease, actually. Something called a blight."
>"And possibly information on a species of youkai that may have lived on Estval before it was colonizes."
>The secretary's frown deepens further. "That's... not quite what I was expecting. I'm not sure we're even the right people to ask about that, to be honest. But... I suppose she'd have a better idea than I would. I'll go ask if she's available."
>With that, the secretary stands up and withdraws into the back room.
>"Excuse me," you hear her say in a polite hush that's nevertheless no challenge for your ears to pick up. "There's a woman here inquiring about old diseases and pre-colonial youkai in Estval."
>"Old diseases?" comes a new voice, slightly stuffy and perhaps just a touch rankled. "That's not exactly our department, now is it?"
>"I know, but I wasn't sure who I should send her to speak with. She's a Seeker, by the way."
>"Is she now?" You can't quite decide if the woman is intrigued or staunchly unimpressed. There is a pause.
>"Should I tell her you're busy?" the secretary asks. "Or maybe suggest she speak with Professor Hiromi instead?"
>"Now, now," the voice says chasteningly. "That's even less her specialty than mine. You know that."
>"Then what do I tell her?"
>"Short of suggesting she fly out there in person to pester Keine?"
>The secretary chuckles. "Preferably."
>You hear a slight sigh. "Well, I suppose I wasn't particularly busy, anyway."
>"So... should I tell her to come in, then?"
>"Yes, yes, send her in." You swear you can
hear the dismissive hand-wave that doubtlessly accompanied that tone.
>The secretary reemerges from the inner room and gives you a polite smile and nod. "The professor can spare a few minutes to speak with you." She gestures towards the open door. "This way, if you'd please?"