Routine
It had been two days since I brought Nicte back. I had her familiarise herself with the layout of the house and the kind of work I do. She didn't say much at first just short replies like "Yes" and "I understand." Hearing her sweet voice was pleasant, but I can't say I didn't want more. And as if the very gods were listening to my lamentations, she asked her first question.
After answering her, it felt as if I had opened the very floodgates of Mitlan on myself. She asked things like why I didn't replace my injured arm after she had bitten it. Like come on, lady. I know you've just returned to the world of the living, but if I had to replace every part of my body that gets even a small injury, I would hardly be human. Of course, I didn't say that to her directly. Instead, I answered with the most logical response that came to mind: "It would be a pain to replace parts of me for such a small injury.And anyway, the pain helps remind me that I'm still me." While slightly touching her left chest, Nicte muttered to herself: "Still me…"
The House
My house was a regular two-floor apartment built from stone and volcanic rock, smoothed with clay and painted in ochre red and black ash. Thick wooden beams lined the ceilings. Smoke still clung to the rafters from last night's fire. They say during the Fourth Sun only the rich had two-floor houses.I wonder how true that is…The house had two rooms upstairs both currently used as bedrooms and three rooms downstairs.The first room was my office, the first thing anyone would see when they entered, directly connected to the stairs. The second room, right behind the office, was used as a kitchen. And behind the kitchen was the final room: my workshop, the place I liked to practice alchemy in peace and quiet.
Alchemy Practice
For the past two days, I'd been training Nicte on the principles of alchemy. With a normal homunculus, you just have to tell them something once and they'll remember it for life.
But Nicte was different. She forgets stuff just like a normal human.Parts of me were happy about that. Even though most people wouldn't be.To me, it was proof that I didn't completely fail."NICTE, I NEED YOU!" Oops. I didn't mean to shout. Guess I really can't contain my joy.
"I'm coming, Sir Oroel," Her sweet voice came from upstairs. I really wish it wasn't sir, but it's better than being called master, I guess.
In a matter of seconds, there stood beauty itself. She was wearing a white dress with multiple red threads forming flowers.
"I assume you know why I called you here," I said, trying to look and sound as serious as possible. "Of course I do, sir. Today you'll test me on the principle of alchemy, and if I pass, you'll teach me how to use it, right?"She said that with a smile on her face. "Well, you're damn right." I couldn't help but smile as I responded. This really did feel like old times.
"Alright, first: what is the absolute rule of alchemy?" In an instant, Nicte replied with full confidence: "It's equivalent exchange. You can't gain anything if you don't sacrifice something of equivalent value."
"Well done. That is indeed correct.
Next tell me how value works in alchemy."
Nicte paused for a bit, her eyes wandering around the office. Then she continued:
"Um… I think it's something like this: equivalency is determined by what people believe its value is."
I could tell she was having a hard time with this, but this is what I wanted.So I'll keep pushing.
"Alright. Well done. Now give me an example."
Huh? My body felt an instant chill… and that feeling was coming from Nicte. She was staring at me with pure malice. Is she angry at me?
"Hey there, lady. Don't go getting angry at me I'm just doing my part as your boss. So pretty please, calm down." Alright, she seems to have calmed down. Thank the Sun… I was getting scared for my fingers. "Anyway, do you have an answer?" I said, composing myself. "Hmph. Of course I do. I'll give you one example, though."
…Did she forget I was in charge? For someone who was hardly speaking a couple of days ago, you've surely got an attitude now, young lady.
Not that it doesn't make me happy. "Alright, fine. Go ahead," I said, still trying to make it seem like I was in charge."Gold.It's a common belief that nothing humans can obtain through natural means will be as valuable as gold.So, theoretically speaking, you can't use alchemy to create gold.As you said with gold, you can pretty much get anything you want."Those are, in fact, my exact words.With gold, you can get anything from houses to the lives of others. "Well done. These are the main things I wanted to test you on.Of course, there's more, but we can take it a step at a time as you practice alchemy."Nicte's eyes started shining at the mention of alchemy practice.I guess she really did want to learn it.But I shouldn't be surprised the old her was always a fan of using alchemy.
"Oh! I have a question, Sir Oroel," Nicte said, eyes still shining. "Yeah, go ahead," I said, praying it would be something easy to answer.
"Is the reason you only take requests for gold coins related to what I just mentioned?"
I can't say I was completely surprised by the question, but I'd better clear things up before she actually starts working. "That is part of the reason, but not all of it. If someone comes to me with a gold coin for a request, it means they have no one left to turn to and absolutely no other options. After that golden coin is given to me, I'll do my best to grant their request as long as it's something possible." I said while trying to as serious as possible "But… I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy having gold on me.Even from a young age, I was more interested in gold than others were.But that's a story for another day. Anyway, you ready for the lesson?" I clapped my hands together.
The Lesson
"Alright. First, you'll tribute this axe for a macuahuitl." I dropped the axe on the floor of the workshop."This should be easy. They're around the same value, so you won't need anything extra. Using the book I gave you, try imagining how a macuahuitl looks and do the chant. A magic circle should start appearing."
I was sure she would do well. "I got this, Sir Oroel! I'll give it my all." Nicte sounded confident. I'm glad. The magic circle started forming I assume she decided to do the chant in her head instead of saying it aloud. I guess she wanted to do it the hard way. Ah, finally a bright light enveloped the magic circle and the axe. Let's see what she got."As expected a successful tribute. You should be proud, Nicte," I said, giving her a genuine smile. "I had no doubt I would succeed.Anyway, let's move on to the next one." Nicte was all excited.
Alright, next yo—
Before I could get my words in, I was cut off by the sound of the doorbell ringing. I had designed it so the sound could be heard throughout the house."Well, I guess we'll have to wait before this lesson continues," I said to Nicte sympathetically. I knew she was excited for this. But then again, this could be a job."Finneee," Nicte said, following me to the front door.As I opened it, there stood a disheveled man with pale skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair. Before I could even get a word out, the man fell to his knees and began crying."Please help me, Servant of Gold! I'll give you any amount of gold you need just save me!"