Clementine had hit a wall, for three weeks she made little to no progress on her most recent automaton design. Adelaide and Dr. Thornevale did their best to help assist her in any way possible but to no avail. Clementine had to troubleshoot the issue to be two minor technical flaws in the design and the largest problem of all was in the power source. Clementine's newest intervention would require a large power source that low-grade ether stones couldn't provide.
Ether stones were sold based on their grade. High-grade ether stones had a high power output, lasted longer, and with higher rarity could have unique characteristics. Merchants wouldn't sell high-grade ether stones to researchers easily, the research either had to have a deal with the merchant or pay an exuberant fee. The ether stone that Clementine used in her Apollo automaton was on the low end of high-grade ether stones but even with the money coming in from royalties Clementine wouldn't be able to purchase a high-grade ether stone.
Clementine had been ruminating on the issue for a couple of days when she remembered a point mentioned in the original book. In the book, it's revealed that Dr. Thornevale has a deal with the owner of a highly reputed ether stone quarry that would allow him to purchase ether stones from the quarry for a lower price than on the market. Unfortunately, Clementine remembered that this quarry was the location where the cannon fodder died, the cannon fodder purposely went into an older tunnel after the female lead argued against entering the tunnel, then an earthquake made the tunnel collapse and she died buried under the rubble. Clementine didn't want to go into that death trap but she knew it was the only place where she would be able to purchase a high-grade ether stone. Clementine didn't want to tempt fate, she was unsure if the novel would attempt to recorrect itself if she went to the quarry. Having made up her mind Clementine rose from the floor and walked towards Dr. Thornevale.
"Dr. Thornevale I need your help, I want to acquire a high-grade ether stone but I can't afford those on the market. I was hoping you could help me." Clementine probed.
"I may be able to help. I have a deal with the owner of an ether stone quarry, I give him mining equipment and automatons, so he allows me to come in person to the quarry and choose an ether stone with a reduced price. The deal is a little bit on the down low which is why I've never taken you before but I believe you should choose the most appropriate ether stone." Dr. Thornevale responded.
"That's great!" Clementine said pretending to be shocked.
"Dr. Thornevale may I go with you two as well. I'm interested in going to the ether stone quarry in person." Adelaide chimed in.
"Yes, it's fine. I'll send a message to the owner we likely will be able to visit the quarry by the end of the month." Dr. Thornevale hummed as he walked away to his office.
Clementine was about to slink away from the female lead when a gloved hand landed on her shoulder. Clementine looked up to see the very eager eyes of the female lead, it looked like she wanted to spend time with her. Clementine tried to refuse but as she looked into the female lead's eyes she felt her will sapping away from her.
"Do you wish to go on an outing now that Dr. Thornevale is busy?" Clementine probed hoping that the female lead could read her hesitation and refuse the invite.
"I would love to my dear!" Adelaide replied enthusiastically either missing Clementine's silent plea or purposely ignoring it.
Clementine was then dragged out of the workshop by a very enthusiastic Adelaide. The pair had barely reached the main courtyard when Clementine came to an abrupt halt. Adelaide stared at her in confusion, she was unsure what had caused her to stop walking.
"Before we leave the academy I have to ask what activities ladies usually do together," Clementine asked remembering how women of this period were restricted quite a bit.
"There are needlework and sewing circles, musical performances, we can go on a garden stroll, tea parties at the ladies club, and finally poetry readings," Adelaide responded not finding any issue with the list of activities.
Clementine grumbled internally she was a woman from the modern 21st century, there she and other women wouldn't be limited to just demure "ladylike" hobbies and activities. She wasn't insulting the women that enjoyed partaking in such activities but it felt wrong for her to be excluded from other activities simply because she was a woman. Of all the things in this world Clementine most hated was their treatment and viewpoints on women.
"Lady Adelaide you've likely felt this before but isn't it quite a shame that we can partake in the activities that the men do? We are exceptional women why should be excluded from their fun? Do you want to join me in a little bit of trickery today?" Clementine mused with a small smirk plastered on her face.
Clementine observed Adelaide's face, she saw her hesitation and concern but for a slight moment, she saw a flash of excitement, anticipation, and desire flash past her eyes.
"Clementine I'm not quite sure what you mean. How could we be allowed in the same space as men, we are properly ladies are we not." Adelaide's voice wavered but Clementine could hear the small amounts of hope in her voice.
Clementine took Adelaide's hand in hers and walked back towards the female dormitory. She brought Adelaide into her room and closed the door behind her. Opening up her closet Adelaide removed a black embossed box, she removed the top to reveal stylish male clothing. Adelaide looked at her confused but Clementine just smiled as she took the clothes out of the box.
"I have long been annoyed by the many flies buzzing around me when I leave the academy, so I thought I might as well purchase a disguise that would allow me better access to the many establishments that only allow men. Don't worry I have an extra you can borrow, since we are of similar sizes it should fit just fine."
Clementine passed Adelaide another embossed box and she took it with a small amount of hesitation in her eyes. Adelaide's body shook lightly as she watched Adelaide take a cloth binder and begin binding her chest.
"Why would you show me this? If I revealed this you could not only get kicked out of society but of the school as well!" Adelaide whispered as she buried her head into the box.
"Because I think you and I are similar people. I trust that you wouldn't reveal this information, since you are so eager to try this out!" Clementine chuckled in response.
That was all it took to convince Adelaide as she snapped her face up to meet Clementine's clear eyes.
"Do you have a spare chest binder I could borrow?"
"Second cabinet from the bottom."