Huh.

Ash keeps trying to gather informations but there is nothing in particular yet and she is afraid what might happen if she didn't achieve anything, that's why she decides to try her all and approach Cloud Retainer again. She fears she could be suspicious, but at the same time, she has a very natural pitiful vibe.
She aims to head out but she suddenly feels someone touching her wrist. She freezes completely. "...Ash..." A manly, deep voice, sending a shiver down her spine.
She doesn't manage to turn around to face him. "W..what is it..."
She hears him approaching very close until she feels his warm breath against her ear. "Don't be afraid, my dear...I am the only one you can trust. I'll never let you down, as long as you obey me."
She shuts her eyes, struggling not to cry. "Y..yes..."
Verfall runs his finger across her jawline while staring at her creepily. "Tell me what you plan to do and I'll settle things for you."

Ash approaches the guards at the gates, trying to explain if it might be possible to meet with Cloud Retainer. They refuse to let her in though, as she is no one to them and they weren't warned. Verfall happens to arrive about the same time, to go back inside the palace, asking what's the matter. ''Worry not, young girl. I'll bring your message to her and if she is interested, she'll meet you. Don't leave just yet.'' And said that, Verfall pays a visit to Xianyun's residence.

1 | Mar 26th 2024 16:05

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CloudRetainer «It was particular, under very strict rules from the heavens. There is not as much freedom as in here, fate binds people to the roots of the world itself.» She sighs. «One has been there for millennia.»
She ponders. «One can not grant you to move to live in the palace without the King's permission, but if you desire, one can try to ask him. One will not require you to work the entire day, naturally. How is it, usually? From… 9 am to 5 pm?»

BOOM "And was it difficult in there, for those people? Not that here it is simple...without a guide...nothing from any God, except Rex Lapis."
She remains stunned by the amount of time she spent there. Also from her age. "Oh?
Yes...I guess the timing is correct. It is fine even if I stay where I am now...with a job I can continue to pay for the room." She bows her head. "Thank you...for everything you are doing for me..."

CloudRetainer «For some, it cost a very high price, for others… they did not even perceive the threat.» She sighs.
«People do not need gods to guide them, people know well what is right or wrong, they just prefer to hide behind gods and pretend that everything good and bad is their will.»
She tilts her head. «It was indeed quite a long time.»
She nods. «Very well, then. One will get informed on what's the appropriate salary for you.» There is no risk of being underpaid, quite the opposite, with her.

BOOM She tilts her head at her words, finding it difficult to imagine the whole matter with Khaenri'ah. ''And you also wanted to leave because of that?
Right...'' She takes a breath. ''Even though, I'm sure Rex Lapis is looking after us...I can feel his blessing.'' She doesn't exactly mean it, but prefers to look pious.
''Thank you...I'll be there in time, you won't find an assistant able to work harder than me!'' She could find someone less weak for sure, but she will do her best within her possibilities. XD

CloudRetainer «One did not really think about to leave, as one had gotten acclimatised to live there. One came back because one's friend proposed to.»
She doesn't know what to reply to that, since Zhongli doesn't seem to want people to believe he is Rex Lapis.
«One is certain that you will do your best, it will not be too difficult, in any case.» Luckily she is not a builder.