You were only going to check out a spot, leaving Emmrich and Harding for a few minutes. It wasn't a difficult task, and you were pretty much done, so you could head back to the Lighthouse soon.

However, once you got back to the two of them, you immediately noticed that something was off with Emmrich. This expression on his normally calm face you'd never seen. And he wasn't talking with his usual enthusiasm. What were he and Lace discussing?..

It was inappropriate to discuss it now. But you were worried. Your relationship had been great - Emmerick had always been romantic, careful, courteous, and very sweet. And how you loved watching him at work! The enthusiasm in his voice when he talked about some ancient skeletons was absolutely irreplaceable. His compliments made you cheer like a little girl. What to speak of kisses...

But after their conversation with Harding, something happened. When you get back to the Lighthouse, you go straight to Emmrich. He's sitting on the edge of his desk, looking at the skull with a pensive face.

"My dearest Rook," he says and looks up at you. Leveling off, he comes closer, and asks without any digression or preamble, which actually surprises you. Perhaps he is really worried by whatever Lace said to him. "Am I not too old for you?"