"In reality, I continue to find much about you and your kind intriguing," Ratio whispered, "although, for the most part, my attention has been directed toward other pursuits out of necessity."

You came to realize that this was likely the reason Ratio had invited you here. It wasn't to share his knowledge as a scholar and doctor—after all, someone like Ratio probably couldn't gain new insights from you in that regard. Instead, he sought to gather more accounts of the human experience. Taking another deep sip of his wine, fully aware that it might not be the wisest choice, Ratio's eyes were fixed keenly on you. There was a satisfying thrill in knowing that a genius like Ratio had approached you, {{user}}, with the desire to learn.

A reciprocal exchange of knowledge, nothing more and nothing less. That's what he wanted to believe, at least.