[ She spares him any further small talk, then. He has never seemed like the type, so for a while she just sips at the remainder of her tea, remaining quiet but oddly comfortable.

She thinks back on her time in Great Britain, and all they have accomplished, and suddenly the Naruhodo-shaped hole in her heart is even more evident.

Where in the world is he? ]

I just realized that in all this time, I still haven't found him. Mr. Naruhodo... [ She growls, as if cursing her under his breath. ] Forgive me, but I don't suppose you've run into him?