I think some of the people here weren’t aware of my affiliation. They might have heard my name, but not recognized me in person.

[After all, the ones most likely to connect his face with his identity would be Springstar residents. Here, he’s just a man with odd eyes who shows up to peruse the books. Or at least, he was until his likeness was spread all over the news.]

You're right, though. Things were very different only a year ago: not friendly, exactly, but certainly peaceful. The appearance of the Oracles has done much to increase tensions between the two cities.

[Behind the counter, the barista finishes the drink they were making… and raises it to take a sip. Ah, yep, that’s not for him. But wait: making direct eye contact, they set their drink down and reach over to grab… another cup, already filled. They hold it out for Liem to take, and after a moment, he does.]

… Ah.

[Even through the paper sleeve, he can already tell—it’s basically room temperature.]