🍁Nine Ancient Obelisks

– Greetings, Lady Kimchilla,” Camistella began in her usual manner. – And greetings to you as well. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the pleasure of learning your name back then. But you must admit: the world is surprisingly small. Are you now offering participation in experiments to the most influential lords of our kingdom? I am filled with vague doubts. Dispel them!

- Oh, Lady Camistella... - Kimchilla was somewhat distracted at that moment. - Something tells me I haven't seen you since our last meeting; what are you up to these days?...
- Pfft," the scientist made an unpleasant face. "My name is Snafghoria, and let it be known that if it weren't for experiments, we would all be living in caves right now, and there wouldn't even be any talk of civilization's benefits. Scientific research is the highest form of human intelligence! It is the only thing noble in this vulgar world!"
- Well, well, Lady Snafghoria," the artist interjected, "don't go too far criticizing the world, or you might end up on the stake; I heard that an inspection is being carried out in the capital." The word "inspection" clearly worried the researcher. "Tell us better what interesting things you have here, some alluring little bottles." To confirm his interest, Phainant twirled one of them between his fingers, almost dropping it on the floor. "Oops..."
- Be careful!” Snafghoria exclaimed indignantly. “This is a very valuable specimen!”
- I’ll explain,” Kimchilla offered. “They should help me change my natural eye and hair color, and then...”
- A-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A! - The artist suddenly screamed as if he had found himself on an operating table without anesthesia, forcing both women and the servants milling around to cover their ears.
- W-what's wrong, sir?” The wealthy woman stared at the guest in bewilderment.
- It's you.”
- Huh?
- You. After the experiment is completed, when your reflection appears in the mirror. What if you turn into some hideous hunchback? To reinforce his words with an image, the artist hunched over, made an idiotic face, and laughed disgustingly. "Hehehe!" And then immediately straightened up. "But even if you get lucky and that doesn't happen, the object of your desire will never reciprocate your feelings. Never, under any circumstances. Do you understand?"
- Why is that?...
- Because, however unbelievable it may sound coming from me, appearance isn’t everything. And you, Lady Kimchilla, by rejecting what was given to you at birth, will lose something very important – your own dignity. Do you think anyone will be interested in you romantically after that? There will only be one path left for you: to become a priestess of Nanaya, because not even a self-respecting Scrye would want you.