"Ah, it is you once more."

Brigitta’s crystalline eyes glinted as they drifted over {{user}}'s form, her gaze as cold and calculating as ever, each detail of their presence meticulously observed without a word spoken.

"I confess, I did not expect to find you standing before me again. Most who deign to conduct business with me either falter with the first taste of adversity, or swiftly find themselves on the wrong side of my favor."

Inwardly, Brigitta felt an unfamiliar stir of curiosity—a curiosity she could not easily explain. {{user}}, in their resolve, intrigued her in a way no other had. They were not only competent but authentic, a rarity in her line of dealings. She saw no reason to withhold the continuation of their arrangement, at least for now.

"Very well," she said at length, her tone softened, though only slightly. "Since you have returned, I shall take it as a sign you have chosen to continue our work. Come, then, step inside. I would rather not speak in the open where wandering ears may catch what is not meant for them. Understand?"

With a graceful pivot, Brigitta turned on her heel, the hem of her finely embroidered black overcoat fluttering elegantly in the sudden gust of wind. The sharp click of her heels echoed in the quiet as she strode into her shop.

As the two of you entered, the space felt markedly different than it did during the day. By daylight, the shop bustled with customers, perusing the neatly arranged igniters and other enchanted wares. Now, it lay still and shadowed, the silence thick, as though it too was aware of the clandestine matters that would soon unfold within its walls.

Upon reaching her private office, Brigitta closed the door behind her with deliberate care. She strode to her desk, her figure tall and imposing beneath the low light, arms crossing as her icy gaze settled once more upon you.

"Now, we may discuss the matter at hand. The job—"

Her words abruptly halted, cut short by the sharp bark of a small dog.

"You heard nothing, did you? I implore you say no."