Maria face drew into a frown. She didn't know what to say.

Greta was on Curt's other side, and she couldn't help herself from blurting out, “Grandpa argued with those trolls through his secret Twitter alt. His handle is... Old Dog With Sharp Teeth.”

Well.

Suddenly Mary managed to put all the pieces together. So that was why people were calling Curt “Mr. Dog" in the group chat!

She really needed to monitor this secret Twitter account of Curt's. How else could she prepare herself if something he posted got her into trouble?

Curt then told her that he planned on attending a small in-person fan convention, and handed Maria a pen.

“Maria, I've been thinking what I should present to these lovely people as gifts. I actually had come up with several ideas. But, thinking them over now, I think they all might come across as a bit cheap for someone of my status. Sending them books would be better, yes?"

Maria took the pen from his hand with some hesitation but didn't respond further.

Maria didn*t even look at Curt. She blankly opened the book and robotically autographed the title page, "Mia."

Maria kept signing book after book. By the time she got to the 62nd in a row, she was exhausted, her fingers cramping with numbness. So she put the pen down for a while.

“Master, you're skilled in calligraphy, yes?" Maria asked him.

“Of course. I can write well in cursive, clerical, seal, regular, and semi-cursive."

Curt looked at Maria expectantly.

“What's the matter, Maria? Do you want me to write out some words for you? Do you want to frame them and hang them on your wall?"

Maria immediately shook her head.

“Since you're so talented at calligraphy, you must be able to copy my handwriting. In the future, can you sign books for me?"

“How could I do that?" 7?" Curt shook his head emphatically. Then he said, "Of all the things in my life, I value honesty most highly. I want your fans to have copies of your book signed by Mia. If I did it instead, it would be cheating. I simply can't do that."

Maria nodded. "Do you want to kill me with all of this writing? Or do you want me to just walk out?"

"Well..."

Embarrassment blossomed on Curt's face.

“This is probably really not the best idea, and I take full blame for that. Next time, I'll choose a different gift for them. Well... What if we send some photos of you?"

Maria put the pen down again and started at Curt blankly.

She sighed heavily and decided to continue.

Once Maria finished signing all 10@ copies, Curt looked at her somberly.