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The compliment did not yield the expected result. Instead Ena straightened her back, straightened her robes and let out a sullen sigh.
"It's not dedication, it's desperation. I've been given freedom to act as I please for the first time in my life and I feel like I must produce something for it. But I am... not like you. I don't know what I'm doing, out here or in general. I'm afraid I was not cut out for this. All my life I thought I'd spend all my days at home, researching. This, I failed to prepare for."
Ena looked over her own shoulder and gave her husband a sad, pathetic, painful smile. Jet never thought he'd ever see the day when an exalt would give off the same sensation of being lost he felt his entire life. He stepped over and gently gave her shoulder a reassuring touch.
"You think I know what I'm doing? I'm also just throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks. I had no plans beyond escaping the Blessed Isle and... I'm sorry for dragging you out here with me."
"Don't be. This is my shortcoming, not yours. I simply have to overcome it and be the dynast I'm supposed to be. And it's true that out here I could discover far more than I ever could from the confines of the family labs."
"I see. If there's any way I can help, please say so. But until then, want to take your mind off of it?"
"What do you have in mind?"
"I'm having some problems with the construction. Namely workers. Do you know how to summon demon servants?"
Ena is taken aback by the request.
"Catala is a small branch, so we have to make do wherever we can. Thus all sorcerers are required to learn demonology. So I know the basics of demonology but I've never tried it before."
"Sounds like a good opportunity to broaden your horizons then! I'm sure successfully doing it will do wonders for your confidence. And don't worry, Kaya and I will be there for support."
"I-If I am to do this I'd rather not involve you. Demon summoning is not as dangerous as people think, but it isn't safe. Especially for-"
She clasps her hands over her own mouth.
"It's fine. You can say it. And don't worry. I won't do anything stupid. I'll merely offer moral support."
"R-Right."
The two of them headed back to town to make some preparations. The ritual to summon a demon from Malfeas must be done at sunset and it culminates at midnight, by that time they need to be ready to start. They moved whatever components were necessary far out of view of the village and began setting things up. Warding sigils of salt, ritual circles drawn into the earth and candles placed down in a spiral pattern were all they needed. In truth all of these could be foregone, but each ward helps the process so there's no reason not to do it. And in case things go south Kaya was ready with her Daiklave to smite the demon, should it break out.
"Alright. I'm ready to begin. Now to decide what sort of demon it should be... I guess simple blood apes will suffice."
