Excuse me, kind sir.

Pardon my forthrightness, but might I beg a moment of your time? I work under Professor Tankin, and am in search of a capable <Sheet(ClassJob,PlayerParameter(68),0)/> to assist with his research.

That is your profession, is it not? In which case, I wish to discuss potential employment with the Faculty of Anthropology. Assuming, that is, you have an interest in our work?

Magnificent!

Searchers' Meet, where we currently find ourselves, is a place where gleaners connect with the faculty and students of the Studium. It allows us to acquire the necessary materials for our studies and also provides us with a place to store supplies and specimens.

And with your help, I believe I may be able to procure what is needed for the professor's research.

It would be a great loss for the Studium, as he is a remarkable scholar. The very definition of calm and collected...until he discovers something that piques his interest.

Then his eyes widen and his cheeks take on a rosy hue. Honestly, it's like he regresses to being a young boy!

...Ahem. Returning to the topic at hand: your first task will be to “procure” Professor Tankin himself! I imagine you'll find him somewhere in Noumenon, if you would be so kind...?

Wonderful. And when you find him, pray offer him this slice of Archon loaf. Like as not, he's forgotten to eat as usual.

Wh-What!? Damn it all, I succumbed to the sweet song of slumber yet again. She always strikes when I least suspect it.

I don't suppose you would happen to have a morsel of food to spare on your person? I seem to have built up quite the appetite whilst dead to the world.

Hinageshi sent you, eh? Of course she would insist that I eat Archon loaf...

At any rate, you have my thanks. I hope you do not think me rude for indulging right away.

That ought to silence my stomach for a while. Truly, I am indebted to you, sir. Dozing in the midst of research is an all-too-common─and routinely ignored─occurrence around here. There is no telling how long I would have slept had you not come when you did.

In fact, it calls to mind the tale of a researcher seeking a means to traverse the aetherial sea. He wished to do so while still amongst the living, you see, but they found him dead in the midst of a pile of books...

Provided our research is deemed of value to the Studium, we are supplied with clothing, food, and shelter. But only the bare essentials, mind you.

You need but look around to know the veracity of my words.

We do as we are instructed, researching and gathering resources, but what value do these things truly have in the grand scheme of things?

I must confess you do have a point about our garments... Should my shirt and trousers be soiled, I would have little recourse but to wear them inside out.

I am resolved to change our current way of life. However, in order to do so successfully, I must first determine what cultures are best suited to blend with ours.

Which is where your experience as a botanist comes into play. I would have you gather the materials necessary for said recreations.

Though we do have a great deal of resources on hand at present, they are as yet inadequate for my plans.

It is a relief to see Professor Tankin has at last chosen a subject for his research proposal.

I myself have long been interested in the world's myriad peoples and their customs. In fact, that is precisely why I was so keen to work with gleaners, well versed as they are in the lore of distant lands.

My parents too had a love for learning of other cultures. It was their fondness for the Far East, and its beautiful flowers, that gave them inspiration for my name.

Despite knowing the origins of my name, I never gave it much thought. That is, until one day when the professor commented on it in one of his enthralling lectures.

However, he did not stop there. Professor Tankin continued by musing on how even a single flower can go by many names—different regions will know it differently, after all. He then went on to talk of how this difference in location, language, and lifestyle can have a profound impact on how we think.

“We Au Ra have our roots in the Far East, though I only know the Sharlayan way of life,” he said.

“I have long wondered what change might occur within my own mind should I someday visit my ancestral home. It is this very question which drives my research.”

Yes, even now I remember his words oh-so clearly. That lecture inspired me to take up my current post.

Yet though I have done my utmost to assist him, our failure to present any findings has left me with naught to show of my own achievements.

Wh-What are you implying with that tone!?

...Hmm. No, perhaps it is time I was honest for once.

You see, I am...rather fond of Professor Tankin.

To be honest, it is more than a little disconcerting that he has not noticed my feelings when even you have.

However, given that his current research is squarely focused on creating a better life for us, I feel this is an opportunity I cannot pass up.

But I have no experience in matters of the heart. Like a fool, my youth was spent with my nose buried in books...

Would you, perchance, be more experienced in matters of romance? I would be forever grateful for your help in winning the professor's affections!

As you are doubtless aware, Sharlayan is frightfully cold all year round. However, this has led to rapid progress in our ability to control our environs.

Nothing proves this fact more than Labyrinthos. It is so pleasantly warm down there you would be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere altogether more tropical.

This has inspired me to look into the lifestyles of those who actually reside in balmy climes. We may yet happen upon a discovery or two that would never be made simply shivering in the cold.