Shirogane Ushida sat down on the couch opposite to Mr. Pike and Rose. Crossing his legs, he interlocked his fingers and placed his hands on his lap, smiling all the while.
"First question." He said, his voice calm and unhurried. "Was this audience your goal for choosing to stay in Blue Ember?"
Rose glanced beside her, allowing Dante to see Mr. Pike as he prepared to answer. He seemed to contemplate for a couple of seconds before letting the corners of his mouth rise.
"Though I'm a rather ambitious man, I'm nowhere near the position that would allow me to aim for something like that."
"That is quite peculiar." Said Ushida. "You seemed to have the perfect gift prepared in advance."
