Chapter 182: Unwarranted Sermon

"Still, I hope that it is not too late to introduce myself," I courteously bowed to what was essentially my elder. "My name is Narcissus, I hope that our first impression of each other won't prevent a further friendly interaction."

"Likewise," Viviane sighed.

The revelation of my curse and Viviane's unwilling—though begrudgingly insightful—help lingered in the air like a bitter aftertaste. 

Despite her frosty demeanor, I saw an opportunity in this self-righteous Lady of the Lake.

If the Neuro Alloy project was going to progress beyond our current resource limitations, having a water source as abundant as hers would be invaluable.

And if this water was connected to Viviane herself… well, then perhaps the Lady of the Lake wasn't just a poetic title.

"Lady Viviane," I began, my tone smooth as a perfectly drawn curve, "Is this lake yours?"