It’s true, Atsuko was as difficult to read as it got. She was out of the cold, so her composure was no issue. At least on the outside. On the inside, she had many thoughts and concerns about the situation. But Atsuko simply never liked exerting the mental energy to worrying about those things. Maybe she would the longer their stay became, but in the couple hours it had been, she wasn’t going to waste the time or energy being nervous.
Fenna Van Daalen “Ah, I can’t blame ya, dear, it’s certainly not fer everyone! Some folks just need a place ta blow off steam, and I’m just here ta see it happens in a reasonably legal fashion. I’d call the place… middle a the road, maybe?”
Atsuko shut her eyes, deep in thought.
“…I see. That’s the kind of place it is.” Somehow forboding, if for no other reason than it came from Atsuko. She gripped the strap of her bag in her hands, making sure she didn’t drop it.
“…People will find a way,” She spoke again after a moment. “To do illegal things. If their heart is set on it… it doesn’t matter… how hard you try not to. But with your years of experience… you probably know that already.” Again, oddly forboding words spoken by someone half Fenna’s age. But business owners would be business owners, right?
Fenna Van Daalen “The Hearth of Hokkaido Inn… That sounds lovely! I haven’t had a real vacay in a looong time… Learning a new language at my age, though? Hmmm.”
“…Thank you. I came up with the name myself.” Ahh, she gave her first thanks, and it wasn’t even to Haruka for lending her the scarf. Looks like being praised was the route to go.
“…I wasn’t expecting you to actually do it. And while visitors keep the Hearth running… I can’t recommend coming to Asahikawa. It’s… one of the coldest cities in Japan. If you have to go, you should go someplace warm instead… Although, that’s the whole point of the Hearth… to keep the cold at bay. So if you end up dead-set on it… I won’t stop you.”
