"Um... Nahida, why doesn't anyone around here question or seem curious about your appearance?" March 7th asked, her face full of curiosity and confusion, as they left the House of Daena and the bustling crowds.
"Just a little trick," Nahida replied casually as they walked. "My true appearance would draw too much attention and create unnecessary complications. So, I've used a minor technique to conceal it. Throughout Sumeru City, and even the entire Apricot Grove star system, the number of people who know my true appearance can be counted on one hand."
"Concealed? Where's the concealment? I can't see it..." March 7th scanned Nahida from head to toe, scratched her head, and declared she couldn't detect any concealment at all.
"That puzzles me too," Nahida said, stopping in her tracks. She glanced at March 7th with a puzzled expression, then at Stelle and Little Swarm.
She continued, "I'm not surprised that this little swarm can see my true form. I can sense her Emanator aura, however faint it may be."
"But you two are clearly very weak. How could you possibly see through my disguise?"
"Hey, aren't you even weaker than us?" March 7th retorted, exasperated by Nahida's condescending tone.
When it came to physical strength, two Nahidas probably couldn't even match a single March 7th...
"I suspect it's because you've had frequent and prolonged contact with Lady Lumina," Nahida continued, ignoring March 7th's remark. "That has caused her aura to linger on you, nullifying my concealment effect."
"Alright, let's not dwell on this. Let's discuss the matter of time."
Giving the matter no further thought, Nahida glanced around at their surroundings, shook her head, and stopped walking. Her gaze settled on March 7th and the others as she said flatly, "You said you have money now and want to buy my time?"
"If you're only offering a few thousand or tens of thousands, don't waste your time. Just have Lady Lumina issue an order. I'll come myself, without you needing to ask."
"Who do you think you're looking down on?! One million for one night—is that enough?!"
Though Nahida's words were perfectly neutral and conveyed no particular emotion, March 7th immediately detected an undercurrent of contempt.
She promptly pulled out her phone, opened the Irminsul System app, and shoved her account balance in front of Nahida's face.
"I can't tell if you're just naive, stupid, or naively stupid, but you keep saying things that people will misinterpret."
Hearing March 7th's yet another outrageous remark, Nahida sighed and pressed her hand to her forehead.
This silly child... I'll have to properly educate her later. You can't just blurt out such things so casually...
Shaking her head, Nahida dismissed the thought. She glanced at the balance on March 7th's phone, crossed her arms, and said coolly:
"One million World Credits... that might barely buy me ten minutes of my time."
"One million World Credits?! That's equivalent to 480 million Credit Points! And all you're offering is ten minutes?! This is highway robbery!" March 7th's confident expression instantly morphed into stunned disbelief.
"Is robbing someone this fast?" Nahida retorted.
March 7th: ...
"Alright, I'll give you another option."
"Starting tomorrow at 6 AM, you'll accompany me until 6 PM. During this time, you'll cover all my expenses."
"After 6 PM, I'll grant your request. How does that sound?"
Nahida stated the third option in a completely calm tone.
"Uh..." Hearing this, March 7th and the others didn't rush to answer. Instead, they exchanged glances.
"We..."
"The expenses during this time won't exceed one million World Credits—not even ten thousand," Nahida interjected, cutting off March 7th. Having anticipated their concerns, she preemptively addressed their worries.
"Really?"
"Why would I lie to you?" After saying this, Nahida gave them no further time to consider, turning and walking away.
"If you agree, meet me tomorrow at 6 AM at the entrance of the House of Daena."
With these parting words, Nahida's small figure walked alone into the darkness...