Putting the Pieces Together (Mayumi x Irene FTE)

Irene looked across the room at its other occupant, a magazine in her hands, before setting it down on her lap. This one was the Graphic Designer, was she not? Another one, the best at their talent, a fellow competitor. While she was unacquainted with the girl's work as far as she recalled, there was respect to be given. Respect that she had seemingly interfered with, though quite unintentionally, while looking at a magazine about cats. She adjusted the lens attachments for her goggles again, moving the more focused ones out of the way.

"I apologize for any disturbance. I was reading this magazine, and arrived several minutes ago. If I have watched you, it was only for a moment, and without meaning to." She picked up the magazine, turning it so the inside faced Mayumi, and displayed a picture of a cat, as was probably expected. She moved no less mechanically as she did this, setting it back down on her lap after holding it up for a few seconds. Her expression was no more emotive than before, and her goggles still hid her eyes, but there was no mechanical clicking to accompany her movements this time, gratefully.

"If it is my goggles that are causing you discomfort, I can make adjustments. I did not intend to be rude."

Irene listened intently, slowly nodding. While Mayumi was competing against her, it seemed an attempt was being made to socialize. There had been no disrespect, it appeared, but a show of respect on the other's part. Perhaps she should make a similar attempt, however unusual it would be for her. It would not do to isolate herself from the others for the duration of the competition. This girl, while a stranger, had reached out, and it would be rude not to respond. She remained silent for a brief time as the metaphorical gears turned in her head, though for all anyone knew there might as well have been literal ones in there with them.

Something resembling a smile appeared on her face, though her tone remained the same. "Steam... punk, you say? I believe I have much to learn in this competition. I give you my thanks for the compliment. My outfit has been chosen in order to remain professional, and as a matter of efficiency. My goggles are a useful aid in protecting from any possible injury to my eyes, work needing a precise hand, and magnifying, providing slight improvement to my eyesight. It is unimpaired, but one must continue to improve in order to remain the best."

Irene nodded again. There appeared to be something of a mutual understanding forming between them on some subjects. She had expected something of the sort to happen, as they were each the best, and thus were likely to have something in common, of course. Mayumi seemed to be interested in increasing this understanding. She considered this respectable. An understanding was necessary if they were to be competing and staying in the same place for some time, and thus it was another goal to be reached among the others.

She nodded again. "My trade is what has brought me here, and what I am able to rely on most. However, my clothing has been chosen precisely to avoid caring about it. This is the only outfit I have specifically selected, and so there is little need to spend time choosing in the mornings. It allows me to get to my work as soon as possible. The mechanical cube... Similar to others, but one I have assembled myself. I have considered creating one with a locking mechanism and a compartment, requiring a specific pattern to unlock... A project for another day."

"To answer your question, I enjoy a good variety of puzzles. It is necessary to keep the mind optimally functioning to remain the best, both by practicing at my trade and in other areas of study. Puzzle cubes, jigsaw puzzles, logical conundrums. Quite fascinating. I do not wish to assume, due to the old adage, but do you also solve puzzles when not at work with your craft?"

Things were proceeding interestingly. Aside from sharing common circumstances in competition and skill level, they seemed to share a pastime in common, and Mayumi seemed content to discuss it with her. It was not quite the same as conversation with many of her customers, as there was a service being provided, and it was a matter of being polite. This was more similar to some of the regular customers, visiting even when not making a purchase, simply to talk for a while. Was this what they called friendship? What vaguely resembled a smile now resembled the same small smile she had on her face earlier.

"You seem very enthusiastic about them. I do not have much experience with electronic amusements, but I am certain there is a challenge to be found in them. Logic puzzles very much provide the mind a good amount of activity, and are among my preferred ones. They require a balance of several different skills, as you have said, and yield a satisfying conclusion. However, once the conclusion is reached, there is no longer any puzzle. Much of the satisfaction is in the journey to reach it, then. But there is elegance in the solution, and in the puzzling nature of the puzzle itself."

She paused, then shook her head. "Forgive me, I have strayed off. It was unintended."