D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad

Chapter 2137: Chapter 2137 Watching Sleep

--- Kat ---

Tweedle was probably too tired for that second attempt, looking back on it. Nothing super interested happened, but the multiple yawns before the cauldron exploded was probably reason enough. Once Tweedle failed, everyone decided it was time for bed. Well, except Appoline but she wanted to get that last potion so that the scar treatment could be started.

So Kat got to organising everyone into their rooms. Tanisha ended up conning Furen into a sleepover so they were sharing, Tweedle was offered a room because it was far too late for her to walk home, and after making sure they were all heading to sleep, Appoline was basically done. A bit of help with the cleanup later and Appoline was off to get her own sleep.

For Kat though? It was already quite late and she just couldn’t be bothered sleeping. Lily had no such issues... though apparently Kat was more comfortable then a bed even while moving around. Lily was currently curled around her neck like a scarf. ”So your scars will be gone soon. Is this faster then you imagined?”

”It’s certainly not outside of my expectations entirely though I had envisioned some more annoying restrictions if I wanted it to be done this fast. I’m almost annoyed at the lack of challenge... but I have also come to realise more fully just how much was spent on my lab and it’s already going to be a pain to set everything up again,” sighed Appoline.

”Is it really that bad?” asked Kat.

Appoline nodded, ”Even if we ignore the fact that the location would probably be worth it, I am constantly realising that I lack so many of my more niche equipment. I don’t really use them all that much so I suppose I was mentally labelling them as ’something cheap I can get later’... but I am increasingly realising I was a hoarder and that specialised equipment is expensive...”

”When did you... remember that?” asked Kat.

”I’ve been asking Tweedle what the cost of various things will be and she didn’t even know that some of them exist... so it’s possible that the makers are dead. Which means I might need to hire a set of mercenaries to investigate the ruins of my lab... which will be... interesting. Finding ones that aren’t simply going to rob me is going to be expensive, more so when you consider the fact that the potions I had stored there have likely made things much worse,” explained Appoline.

”Ah... yeah... and it’s still worth it?” asked Kat.

Appoline sighed, leaning against the nearby wall now that the cleaning was basically done. ”I don’t know Kat. I truly do not know. As I said, these were niche tools I didn’t make use of all that often, but some of my more intricate basically require them unless I want to design something to solve the issue myself. I guess I didn’t properly account for not having all my tools.”

Appoline shook her head. ”I took into account that other people won’t have them plenty of times, but for the rarer potions I never intended to release to the world? I didn’t care if it took all of my skill AND all of my various items to make them because they were never intended for anyone else except perhaps, the most direct apprentices I took... and in that case I assumed they’d have access to my tools.

”Yet at the same time, they’re not the most necessary. While I never gave myself a clear path to building myself back up I know such a wide variety of potions that I struggle to imagine I’ll be truly stuck. Then again, I could just limit myself to healing potions if there was a true need for something like that. Which brings me back to the cost. I just don’t know if it’s worth it to re-acquire some of them. Their uses were niche and the potions that require them are even less likely to be useful... mostly.”

Kat shrugged, ”I suppose it depends. I mean if it’s something that you like to collect and don’t mind the expense go for it. To me, it seems like you’re going to have to prioritise for the first time... in what decades? I don’t think I ever got a good idea of how old you are,” Kat shook her head. ”Regardless of that, it’s been quite some time since that sort of thing has ever really come up. I imagine you just ordered whatever you need regardless of the price.”

Appoline sighed, ”Yes, and it’s a bit worse then that because a lot of things were offered in exchange for various difficult potions. As long as they provided the ingredients I didn’t mind it too much and just assumed I was getting cheated a bit on the price... but looking at things now? It was probably a way of convincing me to even TAKE the commission. I likely got the better end of those deals which... is a bit weird to look back on now.”

Kat nodded, ”That’s fair. Lacking context and then not having anyone explain it to you... I can’t see any other way that could have gone.”

Appoline nodded, ”Stil makes me feel like a bit of a fool but... yes I suppose you’re right. Though it does also mean that one of the reasons so many struggled to replicate my more advanced potions might be due to those same limitation and not simply an issue of skill like I once assumed.”

Kat shrugged, ”Can’t really comment on that part. I know you’re good but I know basically nothing about alchemy that you haven’t taught me so... my own perspective is just too shallow.”

Appoline started to nod at this, knowing full well Kat’s limited experience only to be caught up in a yawn. It took a while, but when Appoline finally regained the use of her mouth her eyelids were drooping and she looked so much more tired then she had just a few moments ago. ”Haaa, seems I need some sleep as well. Not ideal considering we’ve got work to do in the morning... though perhaps I can rest before that a bit? I’m not sure that I actually have much work until after you get through more of that investigation.”

Kat shrugged, ”I couldn’t say,”

Appoline yawned again before agreeing, ”Yeah that’s fair. I really should sleep now. Lead the way I guess, let’s head inside.”

”I’m actually probably just going to sit up on the roof and watch things. I’m not tired really and I think I’d be worse off if I had to wake up for no reason. Probably not tired, but annoyed or something. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” explained Kat.

Appoline shrugged and started for the door. Apparently she didn’t have strong opinions on the matter. Soon she vanished inside and Kat listened to the elf climbing the stairs, pausing, grabbing something from the kitchen and THEN heading for the showers. Kat supposed that made sense and she focused her hearing elsewhere.

Hopping up onto the roof was easy and settling down wasn’t too hard. Plenty of places to lean that felt like they could support her weight without issue and were decently shadowed. It did require moving Lily. No reason to squish her against the chimney after all... though Kat would be getting up soon after.

Lily had been moved to Kat’s lap and she was enjoying relaxing while running her hands through Lily’s fur... only to realise that the silvery sheen on her outfit was fairly visible. Not completely, and sure she could sneak around with it on, she had plenty of times... but if someone was casing the place and looking careful it was quite noticeable against the rest of the roof.

So Kat hopped off, found a somewhat ratty blanket that didn’t seem too precious and made her way back to the roof. Now the blanket would disguise the shiny silver of her outfit. Kat nodded to herself... and caught a glimpse of her hair out of the corner of her eye. It was in that moment, she realised she was being an idiot.

Sure the silver was somewhat noticeable in the dark... but what was even more noticeable? Why her bright red hair of course. *Dammit. Of course my outfit isn’t the main problem. I’ve never bothered before now because it wasn’t necessary and if I was worried about being spotted I’ve got much bigger problems then a bit of silver!*

Kat let out a long sigh. *I’m getting paranoid. Then again, this conspiracy seems to have at least a few plots running at a time. They’ve attacked here once before, though that was back when they thought the place was empty. Though... does that mean they’re more or less likely to have people watching the place? I doubt they’re interested in initiating a fight... but watching? Perhaps I should be on the look out for others on the nearby roofs just like me.*