"My dad worked in the private sector, but it's true. The spirit of academia never leaves you, even after you've earned a degree."

Don't worry, Felix, if anything goes wrong with Hecate, she'll find a way to blame herself. "Same," she says with a small laugh. "Or that only the wealthy would indulge in, maybe..." That they would also have this in common puts her further at ease, regarding Felix with a companionable warmth that she hadn't felt for him since before the invasion.

At least until he alludes to her stalker. Then she's suddenly all tense. Why bring that up here? Well, he must be concerned... at least when he isn't being distracted by whomever is walking past. "No... no, it's been quiet. I haven't noticed anyone following me or anything."