D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad Chapter 2191 Minding the Matter

Appoline had pledged to compile a concise catalog of poisons that Kat ought to be wary of, intending to furnish her with the details promptly. The overarching objective was to delineate their respective costs, durations of effect, and critically, which ones Greaves might plausibly procure. Kat judiciously abstained from highlighting the clear improbability that the character Appoline was portraying would possess knowledge of such an extensive array of poisons accessible to individuals outside the tournament's confines. However, with Thyme remaining conspicuously absent from intervention, the prospect of free information was too tempting to ignore.

Post-dinner, Kat made an effort to check on Lily, at least to the extent her abilities allowed. Lily continued to maintain her emotional distance, though not with absolute finality. It was a peculiar sensation to experience; akin to encountering a protective curtain adorned with a 'Keep Out' sign. Though merely a 'curtain' that Kat could easily bypass without resorting to force, she was unwilling to betray Lily's trust in such a manner. Moreover, she could subtly sense Lily's general state through this barrier – not specific thoughts or feelings, but enough to ascertain that Lily was, at the very least, 'alright'.

Consequently, Kat attempted to rest. Following the events with Greaves and the prolonged hours spent meticulously channeling her demonic energy, Kat deemed the effort worthwhile. Her attempt yielded partial success; Kat managed to drift into a brief slumber, which was, in truth, more of a light nap than deep sleep. She found herself awake within the hour and, after another hour spent in fruitless attempts to resume sleeping, resigned herself to meditation. While not a perfect substitute, it proved considerably easier to achieve a state of calm.

An indeterminate period later, Kat perceived a subtle tremor. It lacked any alarming qualities, which, paradoxically, became a cause for concern until she recognized it as akin to a tentative knock emanating from Lily's side of their psychic link. Kat took a moment to fully awaken and examine their connection, now able to physically perceive Lily's focused attention. *It was unclear to Kat if morning had arrived, but it felt like the appropriate greeting.

Kat directed her gaze towards the window.

After a brief hesitation, Kat concluded it was more prudent to inquire than to remain uncertain. *

Kat appended privately. *

Lily, apparently preoccupied with her own internal deliberations regarding undisclosed information, failed to recognize the subtle deception in Kat's approach. **

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Kat sensed Lily's exasperated mental eye-roll in response to the observation.

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Kat raised a questioning eyebrow mentally. *

**Kat inclined her head in understanding, anticipating Lily's continuation, perhaps finally addressing the topic she had been deliberately avoiding. However, only silence filled their mental space. Kat intensified her mental focus. *

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** Kat released a subtle mental sigh. **

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Kat suppressed a snicker. **

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