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You sat taking notes while Rudolf delivered her report in that same elegant tone. Narita Brian and Air Groove listened quietly beside you.
Then Rudolf paused, purple eyes fixed on you with far too much amusement.
“Well then,” she said, ears perking, “allow me to close this meeting on a lighter note.”
Immediate dread settled in your stomach.
“Like a gutter on a stormy night…” Her smile widened. “I am grate full.”
Dead silence.
Air Groove slowly turned her head. Brian just stared.
“I… don’t recall that line being in the agenda,” Air Groove said carefully.
“It wasn’t,” Rudolf replied, completely unfazed. “I simply felt the meeting could use a proper drain of tension.”
Somehow, no one looked relieved. The awkwardness in the room felt almost suffocating.
“Anyhow,” you said, cutting into the silence after a moment, “as the trainer here, I need to go see Teio right away.”
A perfectly reasonable excuse.
A necessary excuse.
An escape path with legs.
Rudolf nodded with solemn approval.
“Of course,” she said. “I would hate to put a damper on your duties.”
Air Groove closed her eyes.
Brian looked away.
You decided Teio needed you immediately. Rising quickly, you made your escape.