[Puzzle 004]

[hisapprentice]

[A dejected little boy young gentleman in blue sits in the library today at a table, journal open off to the side. In front of him is a book with a red cover, full of intermediate-level puzzles and riddles. There's a piece of paper beside it, on which he solves most of them - if they require paper.

There are a few interesting ones copied down into the journal, for reference later.

YYHLYEYT?
6L=12 6S=18 6LS=?
Meanwhile...

After a while, Luke sighs in a most ungentlemanly way.]

I wish I knew why this book feels so important. [the sound of ruffling pages] Maybe if Professor Layton were here he-

[Luke cuts himself off almost sharply, closing the puzzle book and doodling a few little pictures of fish and mice instead. One of the little mice wears a tall top hat.]

I wish I could go home.

Comments

[failguardian]

Is he from your world? [BEING SO DISCREET ABOUT APPROACHING THE SUBJECT OF HOMESICKNESS]

[hisapprentice]

[Luke nods.]

Mmhmm. We...we're friends.

[failguardian]

You sound like you admire him a lot! Is he here too?

[hisapprentice]

No. He's...not here.

[This is the saddest Luke.]

[failguardian]

[She would give him a quick hug, but this position's too awkward to reach over from.]

I'm sure you can see him again someday!

[hisapprentice]

I know... [Well. Sort of.] And it's not fair to wish he was here. ...But I still do.

[failguardian]

Yeah...It's pretty hard to be here sometimes.

[hisapprentice]

...You miss your home, too, don't you?

[failguardian]

I think most people do.