Settling down in this strange Projection Village?
I had never even considered that. We had originally come down only to gather some information. Of course, I had been thinking too simply at first. Maybe expecting to finish the mission in five minutes by bringing down a USB Drive had been a little fanciful. But no matter how things developed, I had never intended to spend several nights in the planet's core. Yet this mysterious Grand Patriarch had already extended an invitation, and for us, it seemed that uncovering the truth without resorting to violence really would not be a quick matter.
"We won't be staying long, but thank you for your hospitality all the same."
Just as I was considering how to decline and go investigate other parts of the oasis, Older Sister suddenly spoke. From her tone, she really seemed to be planning to stay for a few days.
Facing my puzzled look, she merely blinked, signaling that she had another idea.
"Are you still going back up to Flame Heaven?" The Grand Patriarch glanced at Older Sister and asked calmly.
"We came from there." Older Sister's answer was deliberately vague.
"I see. The people of the oasis do not go to Flame Heaven, but that is still your home, after all. How do you plan to return? I did not see your great ship. I have heard that people from Flame Heaven need a great ship to reach the oasis, or else they will be stranded on the ground."
Before the Grand Patriarch had even finished speaking, Lilina's voice came through the Spiritual Connection. "She's lying! Her speaking pace is wrong!"
I could not see any sign that she was lying. This pleasant old elf woman spoke evenly, and her expression was perfectly normal. But Lilina insisted that