«Sangreal, my sisters and I will definitely celebrate the success of our collaboration with the Alkahest» The researcher said quickly, seeking his sister’s gaze. Marti inclined her head; there was a silent exchange between the two, but finally she nodded, giving him the green light. «Do you want to be there? To celebrate with us?»

«Me?»

Sangreal's eyes widened, pointing to his chest with a stiff gesture.

«It won't be a fancy party, so don't expect a gala» Marti warned «It's just a casual thing between us»

«What am I supposed to do at a casual party?».

Marti shrugged, amused. «Dress comfortably and come visit us on the day of the party. We'll eat well, dance, play games, things like that»

«It's a good idea to get to know each other before work! Now you've met me and Marti, but our other sisters are here too» Seraphin encouraged him

«I must warn you, I'm afraid, that I don't know how to behave at human parties»

«Ah. What parties do you know how to behave at?»

«I must warn you that I don't know how to behave at parties»

«It's already looking wonderful» Marti approved, raising both thumbs

«We'll get some shrimp» Seraphin tempted him

«You're… really too kind».

Gentils, masculine, not gentilles. Seraphin took note of the other man's linguistic register, intrigued. He hadn't heard the overextended masculine used, not in French and not seriously, in a long time: it would have been ridiculous to refer to groups composed almost entirely of women in the masculine.

It was an ancient habit, a thousand-year-old man's, like wearing a tie.

Seraphin wondered if it was something Seras had encouraged him to do, since she seemed to enjoy that sort of thing, or if Sangreal often frequented places where large numbers of men gathered.

«I don't know»

«You feel obligated to be there!» The researcher reassured him «But I'd really like it if you were there too»

«Why?» He wasn't wary; he seemed genuinely impressed

«Well, we'll be a team soon! And it's largely thanks to you; you should celebrate with us»

«Thank you. I'll think about it» the man said, then took a deep breath «Actually, I'll be there»

The brother and sister greeted the news cheerfully, raising their voices a little. They offered to send him the details of the party via text or email, but once again he politely declined.

«Give this information to Seras; she'll pass it on to me. Thanks again for the invitation; it's truly appreciated».

The trio said their goodbyes and parted ways.

Seraphin and Marti faced the treacherous staircase of the Alkahest Tower again.

«We don't leave alcohol around him, right?» She asked him, walking with careful steps

«No»

«What if he takes drugs?»

«Then he takes his clothes off and risks ending up on Nana's blog under the name Jeangeorge. His risk».