Now free from that stifling cage, I was now in a position where I had to satisfy Lapis' curiosity.
"Now, show me that trick." [Lapis]
There wasn't really much in mind since I had come up with the idea on the spot.
("Maybe I could try using |Mimic|?") [Solace]
Looking at her expectant eyes, I knew I didn't have much time to ponder over it.
"|Mimic|. |Wardrobe|." [Solace]
Quickly using my skills, I took a human form and quickly clothed myself.
"Oh~. I didn't expect a spirit to have |Mimic|." [Lapis]
"What can I say? I'm different." [Solace]
Lapis tilted her head.
"I suppose." [Lapis]
("I suppose?") [Solace]
The way she said it was odd. It was as if she was saying it while knowing something I don't.
"I wonder... What god favors you?" [Lapis]
"None probably." [Solace]
"From the looks of it, I believe you." [Lapis]
"..." [Solace]
I said that as a joke. Instead of getting laughs, I received emotional damage.
"In any case, what were you doing here?" [Lapis]
"I was trying to get somewhere." [Solace]
"And that "somewhere" is?" [Lapis]
"Orinda." [Solace]
"Orinda?" [Lapis]
She brought a hand to her chin.
"That's quite far from here." [Lapis]
"How far?" [Solace]
"I'd say six months by foot." [Lapis]
That's when my jaw dropped.
("Nakros, what the hell?! Why'd you send me so far away?!") [Solace]
That was also when Lapis gave me a suggestion.
"How about this? You work for me for a bit, and I'll take you to Orinda." [Lapis]
"Nah, I'm in a rush. I have a deadline to get there." [Solace]
"How long?" [Lapis]
"It's..." [Solace]
It took me a second to do the math. I spent about a day in Camerina mine and about three days at Armsdale. My time limit was three months so I had a lot of time on hand.
"Almost three months." [Solace]
"Then we're fine!" [Lapis]
"...Elaborate." [Solace]
Lapis gave me a smug look.
"I'm not trying to brag, but I AM the great sorcerer of the moving tower." [Lapis]
"Okay, and?" [Solace]
She didn't seem to like how I said that.
"And? I'll have you know that we're currently INSIDE the moving tower." [Lapis]
"I still don't see where you're going with this." [Solace]
Lapis sighed.
"This is why non-intellectuals are difficult to deal with." [Lapis]
"Woah woah woah. How dare you call me that." [Solace]
Lapis then gave me a threatening look and summoned shreds of blue fire around her hand.
"Do you want to continue with this or move on?" [Lapis]
"...I'd like to move on, thanks." [Solace]
I knew I had fire resistance, but no way in hell am I going to fight someone with a title like that.
"Now then. If you were to use your brain correctly, I am offering to give you a ride within my tower. In exchange you will serve as my assistant and research subject." [Lapis]
"Wow, the terms sound- wait, research subject?" [Solace]
"Well, my tower can take you to Orinda within a month and a half. However, I don't want to do it for free." [Lapis]
Her reasoning did make sense. However, I wasn't sure what she'd do to me for research.
"That's very enticing and all..." [Solace]
"I'll pay you too." [Lapis]
"Okay, but-" [Solace]
"Room and board is included." [Lapis]
"Hold on-" [Solace]
"You will be treated to delicacies that many have not tried before." [Lapis]
Not going to lie, that did tempt me the most. Free food, and they're rare delicacies? That's a steal!
"If that's not enough, I'll even teach you magic and skills sometimes. If you're lucky, you can probably obtain some good ones in my library." [Lapis]
Alright, that one was the last straw.
"Deal!" [Solace]
As soon as that word exited my mouth, Lapis gave me the most devilish look I had ever seen in my life.
"Heh." [Lapis]