"Would I be able to get a set of photostones?"
"Photostones? Now that's a rarity. Most people prefer to pay for drawings or paintings, Photostones tend to be a bit brittle."
"They aren't for me, they are for Nofafi. He always goes on about wanting to show me the landscapes he sees during his jobs, but he has neither the skill nor time to draw them for me."
"I see... I would still be concerned over them fracturing in his bag. Does he have a spatial ring or will he need one? Actually, never mind that. It would be a good idea in and of itself to store them in dedicated ring."
Breda knew little about photstones except what the attendant had told her, so she surrendered herself to the flow and went along with his suggestions. She ended up spending almost half of what she sold the gel for. Terrifying to someone who was used to moderate living standards, coming to the understanding that she was living in a different world in comparison to those who had real money. The way Merri essentially gave away this amount of money to her bothered her.
It seems the rumors alchemists make a killing was not without grounds.
In the end, her purchase consisted of an ornamental spatial ring, three sets of photostones, one circular one rectangular and one square, a Development pass that would allow for the image slates to be expanded onto a canvas free of charge, a few cushioned boxes to protect the slates after they were peeled off the stones, three photogems, each with a slightly different coloration, and a pamphlet that detailed how to use them.
Breda tried to memorize how to use them so she could try and help Nofafi learn how to use them, but it was far too complicated for her. The circulation of Xan required to make it was especially difficult for her to get down. Both her insignificant cultivation and being past her prime made it difficult for her to get a handle on it.
"If that's all I will be on my way. As annoying as it may be at my age I do still have work. I will have somebody escort you back to the palace."
"Palace?"
"The place Kelvin lives. It looks like a mansion but the work that goes on inside qualifies it as a palace. I personally think it is stupid that buildings can be categorized by the work done inside of them, but I've not the patience to fuss over it."
Breda was sick of this sort of thing. Why did nothing make sense anymore? "In that case I thank you sir. I hope he enjoys his gift."
"My pleasure. Although it is a bit late for this, drop the pleasantries. The heavens gave me a name for a reason."
"Then thank you, Gillian."
"Eeeeh, half right but close enough. I thought it would have been obvious by the massive sign over the front door, but my name is Gillian House. I can see how you might get it confused."
"...eh?"
Today had shaped up to be a colossal brain drain for Breda, and she lacked the capability to process what she was told. Later, after a warm meal, long bath, and a period of relaxation on her bed, she would come back to this specific instant and ask, "why?"
Why would someone think that would clear up anything?
Why would that be your solution?
Why is that even an issue?
Why is this a palace?
Why do I get the feeling that man was being more tactful than he would otherwise be?
Why would Ezer Ji feel a connection to one of his stars after being beaten?
Why did Merri let me go by myself?
It wasn't long before she was questioning why she was falling asleep.