Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

After nearly polishing off their plates, Scales stood up to settle the bill.

Just as they were about to leave, they bumped into Slater, Sybil, Grace, and Arkle. The only one missing from their usual troupe was Hertha, which wasn't surprising considering she never dined at places like this. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Ms. Payne's three musketeers?!" Slater broke the ice with a smirk, but his teasing tone made people uncomfortable.

Roseanne and her companions didn't respond.

Slater's smile stiffened a bit before he continued, "What a coincidence running into you here. Didn't see Ms. Payne with you. Too stingy to treat you to a meal at such a swanky place, huh? Not like us; Ms. Edna covered our tab today." "The department really does spoil us, huh? Most of this year's research funds went to our project."

"It's a real shame, you know. You guys work your tails off for a grad degree, only to end up with an advisor who barely has a say. What kind of future does that hold for you?"

Slater's words flew non-stop, while Sybil and Grace looked on with cold indifference.

Only Arkle, ever the peacemaker, tried to intervene but was briskly pushed aside by Slater-

"Back off, bumpkin! I don't want to catch your country stink!"

inferiority flashed in his eyes, but he continued, "Come on, we're all classmates here. No need to... make it

it? You think you have a

speak? I've got a mouth,

arguing was not

got a temper. Know your place, will

Arkle hung his head.

you're strong enough to make them look your way. But Arkle wondered, would fairness still

suddenly spoke up, "let's

Ms. Edna and Carlson always say they hope we can

deliberate move to remind Slater not to overdo it, considering Arkle

someone too hard could lead to

his steam, "Alright, alright. Wasn't trying to give him a hard time. Just

her group, "Speaking of which,