Amanises felt her brain wrinkling.
Old Neil taught her about the four levels of the Soul: The Astral body, Spirit body, Body of Heart and Mind and the Ether body.
She felt that it would take an incredible amount of time to understand each of those concepts, luckily for her, there was enough time to do so during her nightly walks.
After the mysticism lesson was done, Amanises left Old Neil to tend to his matters in the Alchemy room, opting to leave for her own private affairs.
On the way, she spotted Royale Reideen and Seeka Tron, silently chatting away in the grand, scarcely decorated rotunda.
As per the customs of the Tingen Branch, or what she considers to be customary, Seeka made a gesture for Amansies to approach.
"Good evening, Miss Evelyn. Today was the first day of your mission, right? How has it been?"
Amanises chose a seat next to the two women and started chatting.
"Oh, it's already known what my assignment is? There really is no privacy!" She chuckled in jest.
"I visited the University today, it's truly as grand as I've imagined! I spent the whole morning engrossed in a book series in the library. It was just too good!"
Seeka smiled wide and clear, she didn't have any apparent smile lines which means this was quite an uncommon action.
"So you like reading?"
"From time to time, yes." Amanises glanced at Royale from time to time, but the woman simply chose to stay quiet.
"I also attended Khoy University long ago! I still miss those simple times. I can't believe I was so hurried to graduate!"
Evelyn sighed. "University seems so fun! I was mostly home-schooled so I didn't have any chance to attend one, I'm sure it would've been fun!"
After her statement, there was an awkward silence stretching in the circular hall, which gave Evelyn a twitching smile.
It's really hard to talk to non-sociative people. Especially when you're one yourself.
Although she was trying to play the extroverted role, Amanises was failing miserably.
But, as per God's salvation, a set of footsteps could be heard getting closer and closer, like the ticking of a clock moving nearer the end of a school lesson.
Soon enough, one of the doors burst open and the ever enthusiastic Rozanne entered. She had a wide smile on her face, something which told Amanises she had a good time at work.
With her being a receptionist, I'm sure this is an unordinary occurrence.
Nevertheless, it was extremely welcomed by the women, sparing them of this awkward moment.
"Ooh! The three of you are hanging out? Am I permitted to join?" She asked them, her tone curled up a note.
"Naturally!" The three of them nearly jumped in unison.
Rozanne chuckled lightly: "Well, what were you talking about?"
Seeka didn't want to say they were talking about something as boring as reading, even though she considered it to be the most entertaining of all! So, she changed it a little: "Oh, we were discussing about our hobbies!"
"That's right!" The other two women nodded.
"Hobbies! O-oh!" Rozanne exclaimed and then rummaged her handbag.
After a few seconds of straight shuffling sounds, she finally took out five pieces of smooth and colored paper, waving them in the air.
She turned to Royale and spoke.
"Royale, I remember you like operas, right?"
The black haired woman was a bit startled to be addressed to, she dusted off invisible crumbs off her dark skirt and stuttered. "A-ah! Y-es! That's right! I've been enjoying them for a while." Her voice trailed off at the end.
"Perfect! I bought us all five tickets for the one tomorrow afternoon! Miss Daly asked me to organize a get-together, to remove some of the tension. What do you think?"
She asked, seeking the opinion of the three women present.
Each of them side-eyed each other, not knowing what to say.
In the end, Evelyn was the one that spoke: "Since it's in the afternoon, then I'm completely free. I don't have much to do after running circles at the University, anyway!" She said in a joking manner.
Although, she never personally attended any operas—Evelyn did. It was pretty boring and the memories are already almost forgotten, so she could try it again and see if her taste had changed.
The other two nodded their heads and expressed their agreement to go.
"Pefect!" She leaned on the armrest of Evelyn's chair and started chatting away, speaking about how her day went and how one of the most beautiful clients charmed her heart.
"I swear hearts hovered around him, even the lighting did him favour! I've never seen anyone glow so much before!"
Must've timed it perfectly. Props to him! She joked in her heart.
***
The rest of the day was just as monotonous as the rest, although Amanises was quite nervous about going to the Opera House with her new colleagues, she managed to calm her heart and go on with her daily routine.
The next day, Amanises left once again for the University. She lamented the fact that Reader's Point of View wasn't going to get another volume for a while, so she decided to look for another story that brought the same premises.
It was nearly impossible.
The author really did a good job on originality. I can't say if that's a blessing or a curse!
Tracing her hand over the spines of numerous books, she picked one up that caught her attention.
It was mostly black and bright red, there wasn't much of a balance between the colours but it did its job on being eye-catching.
Hmmm...'Binded by the shadows'. She read the small summary provided, it was mostly action focused with eventual romance snuggled in.
Why not give this a try?
She looked at the ticking clock on the wall, it showed 9:56am.
There's still some time before 11:45. I'll manage.
Before coming into the library, Amanises made sure to check the teacher's timetable.
Azik Eggers' classes officially ended at that time. This will be a very 'accidental' bump in that her mind cooked up.
Hehe! I'm a genius! She thought with silent laughter.
***
Amanises was a lot more cautious with this book than the first one. She didn't get too 'attached'.
Sure it was a good book, awesome one might comment. It fed her need for action and otherworldly powers that many people dream of, powers that she can actually get if she doesn't lose control that is.
But the romance part was rather questionable. Sure, there was a stoic and powerful female lead, one that completely overshadowed the main character in ways that are completely predictable. But, there were also numerous moments of tension.
She found a newspaper in the library's collection from where the first and second volumes were being published and found an extreme amount of people complaining about the woman.
Of course, this was today's society. Women were oppressed and caged as if they were birds.
God forbid one knew what she was doing. Blasphemy!
None of these people would survive modern day Earth. One singular complaint and they would get a viral hashtag on Twitter!
That didn't mean that women weren't oppressed during the modern day, but they had a means of fighting back.
She closed the book and sighed audibly, it was plain as day the series wasn't finished. And from the way the author liked to drag the story, that wouldn't happen for a while.
Luckily, he must've smoked something strong, since new volumes would come out each two to three months. And this one came out a month ago. How delightful, indeed!
The woman rubbed her eyes a little to get rid of any exhaustion that might've creeped in, and glanced at the round, ticking clock that nearly touched the ceiling.
It was exactly 11:45. Perfect! She thought.
Amanises bid farewell to the obvious occupied librarian, who simply waved her off in annoyance. How dare she not realize that they were reading a very important book! This was crucial reading time she was disturbing!
The hallways bursted with life, many students kept talking about the interesting lectures, but even more were talking about getting coffee and snacks. This almost made Amanises's stomach rumble. She patted it down calmly. No, it's not time yet!
She remembered the number of Azik Eggers' auditorium, it was located on the third floor and the stairs closer to it were, coincidentally, the ones closest to the library and the entryway.
So, this all made sense for a natural and accidental bump-in.
As per numerous simulations in her head, she started walking at a strange pace once the corner of her vision struck bronze skin.
Faking dizziness, to which her natural pale complexion helped wonders, not to mention the non-hidden eyebags for today, she gave her best act for the most natural fall!
It wasn't the sort of faint one would see poorly executed in low-budget movies, or over the top edited ones in Bollywood, but a true actress giving her Oscar performance on the podium.
Many students nearby stopped in their tracks, hurrying to catch the beautiful and curvy old lady, but none were fast enough as the one that was literally next to her.
Warm, but strangely cold hands in a way, caught her by the shoulder, books and papers flying in the air.
This could be called a cliche romantic sub-plot, but one that brought most results, for she could clearly witness the undisguised concern that had stricken the teacher's eyes.
Had this not been a performance, Amanises may have even blushed a little.
"O-oh! By Steam! I'm so sorry!" She stuttered out, trying to lift herself off her feet but failing miserably.
The gentlemanly Azik Eggers helped her stand up, noting the woman's embarrassment and nervousness.
She nearly fainted, but it looks like this brought her back into conscience.
He wasn't sure how long this could continue for.
But the woman was still hysterical in countless apologies, he felt that she would get on her knees and bow soon. "I really didn't mean it! I'm not sure what happened, I'm so sorry! H-here I'll help!"
Amanises bent down to gather the scattered documents, but before her knees could bend, a strong hand held her arm tightly.
"There's no need, really."
While he was talking, the nearby students got the cue and started helping out, gathering the documents and books.
"I think you should be more concerned about yourself, my lady. I could take you to the infirmary nearby." He offered his sincere help, hoping the lady could accept.
But she refused. "I really can't bring myself to waste any more of your time, kind sir! Thank you for the offer! I was just about to leave, anyway so I'll take a quick stop at the hospital. I don't really trust infirmaries."
She tried to give a good enough reason. Brief contact like this was enough. As long as Azik noticed her and remembered her face, even if it was because of such an embarrassing act, it was enough.
Amanises wasn't afraid to make a fool of herself in public like this, as long as it was all planned, of course.
She dusted off her dress which hadn't even touched the ground, and scurried off hurriedly.
Naturally, she had to complete the act by almost shouting more stuttered apologies on the way!
Poor lady. Azik thought as he massaged his temples, easing off a headache.
He was handed back his documents, which were now completely disorganized, but at least, back in his hands, and continued with his day.
***
Once she was far enough from the University, Amanises changed her pace back to normal, not having the slightest intention of visiting a hospital.
Pwahahah! Mission accomplished! I deserve a full meal for this!
She turned a lefty and pushed open the door to a restaurant. The heavy aromas pierced her nostrils, inviting their way to her brain.
While preparing her food to eat, adding seasonings and folding the paper napkins to her desires she started gathering her thoughts.
Now that brief contact was made, I'm sure such an occurrence is bound to stay in his mind for at least two days! During that time period I need a new, viable reason to make contact. I don't have unlimited time!
She started brainstorming ideas while stuffing her stomach full.