... Interesting that it was only when he didn't want to be interrupted that people felt compelled to speak with him. Light supposed that was just Murphy's law gleefully making itself known again-- unless it was some quirk of the institute itself? Knowing the Head Doctor's sense of humor, it made more sense than he'd like to think, but further inquiry into this subject would have to wait. He had a supplicant, and it simply wouldn't do to ignore her.

"Hello, Arlene-san, and of course you may," he said, setting aside his book for the moment and smiling up at her. "Obviously I can't claim to be as knowledgeable about the subject as practitioners of the art here are, but considering the fact that you're asking me rather than them, that isn't the sort of discussion you had in mind, is it?" If it was, it would be a simple matter to direct her to the relevant parties, but since he doubted it... "Please, have a seat."