"Based on the company's current situation, we've outlined the following proposals..."
"You had made some solid plans, but..."
As the conversation went on, the conference room was filled with tedious contract term explanations and convoluted legal jargons. Freesia sat at the large table, diligently noting every word her esteemed clients said, as she always did.
Even though most of the time they repeated questions that had already been answered several times or made unreasonable demands, she remained composed.
"... You were zoning out during the meeting, weren't you?"
Freesia, who had been sorting her files, was startled. She had assumed her mentor, preoccupied with dealing with the difficult clients, would pay less attention to her. But to her surprise, the seasoned advocate saw it all.
After admitting her lapse, Freesia couldn't help but ask a question that had been on her mind.
"This is our third meeting with this company. Why are they so slow in giving us an answer? Why do they keep sending different representatives to hear the same proposals?"
"Good question. Consider it a standard procedure. The larger the company, the more complex its internal structure."
"We need to gather feedback from all sides and tailor a proposal that satisfies the group with the final say."
"With all due respect, I think this approach slows down the process."
"That's not our concern. As advocates, our job is to fulfill the client's needs."
"... I understand. Thank you for explaining."
The afternoon sunlight poured through the window, offering an invitation to nap. Even though Freesia maintained a healthy routine, she still felt her eyelids growing heavy. She looked out the window.
It was the perfect weather for practicing dueling techniques outdoors.
How long has it been since she last felt an adrenaline rush?
When she vowed to become an advocate, she thought she was stepping into a new "dueling arena," just as the respected ancestors of her family had done.
She longed for simple, direct fights, but reality was different from what she wanted.
"... Thank you. See you tomorrow."
After saying goodbye to her mentor, Freesia stepped out of the imposing building, feeling unusually tired.
"Excuse me, miss... Are you an advocate?"
A couple approached her, interrupting her thoughts. They were dressed in simple clothes, looking both anxious and earnest.
Freesia nodded seriously.
"Yes, how can I help you?"