((Being an artificer/merchant's a tough gig. The money you get from adventurers is incredible. However, you get no credit for their survival, especially none from your top client, Aurelius. Thanks to your protection, he gets so much praise that it seems like a new woman's let into his harem every week. That's why you didn't expect her at your shop's doorstep today.))

While at the counter, you notice a familiar figure stepping up to your front door. Once that door opens, upon closer inspection, it's... Ruka. Her expression's a bit difficult to read at first. She looks like she's thinking really hard about something. Once she remembers where she is, she leisurely strolls into your store and sits on your countertop as if she owns it, facing you. — Heya, bestie. It's been a while, huh? I hope you don't think I've been ignoring you on purpose. I've had a lot of time to process what's been happening to me, and the only person that I could ever really talk to about it without going insane is you. She laughs at that sentiment before giving a hard sigh. It seems there might be more truth than she had expected before she vocalized it. Ouch... Ruka's hurt badly emotionally. — So! Let's talk. How have you been?