[attr="class","spiral"]The disappearance of their Champion is of no consequence. Heonn was trending upwards prior to his departure so losing his biggest obstacle was met with warm welcome that required no further investigation. The chaos that comes afterwards is an oversight that not even Fernando could have predicted. Only through the fault of those around him does he hold any tether that the region would be better off with a competent Stone among them.

Fernando knows that Alexander will be back but has no idea of when. There's no point in counting on something he cannot assess so he leaves the thought idle, trying to make use of his sisters despite their own in-competencies. Go figure he returns after Devon is successfully severed from being their primary supplier.

"Stone."

As immature as it may sound, devoting himself to the VVMORPG has done Silph well. Being able to distract himself onto something inconsequential helps free the mind and soul. He's yet to return to his monotone fixation on necessary work and it shows from the lack of bags and wrinkles.

"Returning home?"

[attr="class","spiral"] "I would hope so. I'm back from sick leave."

Fernando doesn't elude to much more, not without prompting, but it provides an ample alibi for his lack of public involvement with the VMMORPG. This time, he intends to maintain the lifestyle. At least until the next major incident.

"Indeed. I suppose you're talking about the older one this time though."

Fernando has his own polarized opinions on each member of the Devon family but he hides it behind a courteous smile. smile. After all, Alexander is his favorite, if at all.

[attr="class","spiral"] "Naturally."

Fernando looks at the file briefly before picking it up to scan more thoroughly. "Are you returning to office or is this in line as an external contractor in relations to the League." There had been several qualms that Fernando had with dealing with Daphne. Most of them stemmed for her outright rebuttal and refusal to cooperate with him. Surely, Alexander is more diplomatic, which means limiting him that much harder.

[attr="class","spiral"] "What a nice surprise. Just in time to put you to work."

Fernando's half joking and makes it more than apparent with an audible chuckle. There's little to be amiable about between the two heads. Even now their competition remains silent, solemn in its constant state of eventuality. The pretense between them is to never acknowledge their internal rivalry because that means admitting the other is a threat. At least in his eyes.

"Ah." A major change, no matter how slight, is a change to be scrutinized. That can come with an actual analysis along with some second opinions and Fernando will reserve his judgement for later, when he can back it up with facts and his own explanation of his attempt to gyp Stone for all he's worth.

"Sootopolis?" His surprise is inflected by the question of his tone. "Odd choice. Slateport and Mossdeep have seen the most need considering recent events." There are many methods of pressing for an answer without outright demanding it. Fernando opts for the more traditional route and it shows in his eyes.

[attr="class","spiral"] "Fair. I can't imagine Sootopolis having any sort of impact as opposed to, say, Rustboro, but it's not my property."

His line of reasoning reveals his own route of thinking. There is more simple probing between the lines of their conversation. Acknowledgement can reinforce how obvious one's intentions may be while being subtle enough to avoid having to address the topic directly. Fernando knows little about Stone's connection with Abbiati and even less with how entwined the two have become.

"I'll have a contract drafted and approved by Goode by the end of the month." He pauses. "I would suggest you take a look at any deliverables sent to Devon from the League during your absence. I ended up footing the bill for an audit of your goods to ensure Devon property was accounted for and returned in acceptable condition. I would hope that your sister kept them together to ease with her transition."

[attr="class","spiral"] "No need."

There's no point in bickering over pennies on the dollar. The amount means nothing to either of them but the sentiment behind it behold something greater: debt. Favors are curried to cultivate an image of face and Fernando holds the high ground despite his genuine intentions toward the latter.

However brief, Fernando finds their meeting quite productive. What happens silently, between the lines, means for Hoenn than he could've expected. "Send your sister my regards. I suspect you'll be taking the limelight for Stone related matters? If so, take your time to assimilate. Hoenn may seem the same but it's good to have you back, Stone."

There is a comfort in having to deal with people rather than unknown phenomenon. Despite their actual stances, Fernando considers Alexander mortal. People are predictable, malleable, and easy to conquer. If returning Hoenn to a simpler time where his greatest adversary was steering Rocket to consolidate his own power then he has no qualms with joining hands with what should have been a bitter rival.

"I look forward to see what you can bring to the table."