"I'll be taking my leave now, Mentor."
Allen gave a slight bow. He glanced at Victor, who was still trying to inscribe something with his eyes closed, then turned and left the office.
Back at his dorm, he knocked on the door. It was opened gently from the inside.
Ah Fu stood just inside, dressed in the same crisp tailcoat and top hat, looking quite elegant.
"Welcome back, sir."
It took the overcoat Allen had removed and hung it on a rack. A moment later, a hot drink, warmed to the perfect temperature, was brought over and placed on the table beside Allen.
"For you, sir."
Allen lifted the cup and took a sip. As he enjoyed his steward's consistently thoughtful service, a strange mix of emotions welled up inside him.
He stared at Ah Fu's face—a face made of metal that should have been expressionless—and seemed to see the faint, blurry shadow of another life within it.
The living room was silent. For the first time, he was examining this creation of his so seriously.
