It's Pretty Damn Efficient

Do you like it? When I'm away

"What... even happened? You look like a mess."

"Oh, why thank you."

Lucas had bags beginning to form under his eyes, his coat was covered in soot and burns covered his hands.

"I was doing some investigating, is all. It was messy, but the results were worth it."

It's funny how in her last life, Athanasia was constantly sprinting and running from the guards with Lucas by her side. Now she was one of them, walking next to the same magician.

"Should I be aware of what research you're doing?"

"I doubt that it will interest you, my dearest."

Athanasia found herself nodding along, before pausing. "Dearest? Where did that come from?"

"Felt like calling you that is all." Lucas shrugged.

"Mm." Athanasia glanced away, ignoring the red crawling up her neck.

Lucas glanced over, before doing a double take. "Wait- are you??"

"Am I what?"

"Oh my god you are." Lucas has a huge grin on his face. "You're flustered."

Athanasia frowned, raising a hand up to her face. "That's ridiculous. I'm not flustered."

Lucas doubled over laughing, Athanasia resisting the urge to punt him into the sun.

"Have I ever told you how cute you are?"

Athanasia frowned, looking over at Lucas. "Where did this come from...?"

"Can't I just compliment you?" Lucas let out a yawn. "You are positively adorable."

The knight looked away, a pretty shade of red settling on her face. After a short period of silence, Athanasia speaks. "Says you. Have you looked at yourself?"

Lucas chokes.

~

Athanasia frowns, inspecting every part of Lucas's face.

The magician doesn't notice.

"You have something on your mind."

"Hm?" Lucas finally comes too. "Oh, I suppose I do. I simply have a question for you."

Athanasia shrugs. "Hit me with it."

Looking her dead in the eyes, Lucas watches on with an aloof expression.

"Do you believe in reincarnation?"

Athanasia stiffens, ever so slightly, hoping Lucas doesn't notice.

But he does. Of course, he does.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Why... why do you ask?"

The sorcerer waves a hand in the air, casting an illusion. "Think about it, the gods thought that your life before was so pitiful they gave you a second chance. It sounds like something commonfolk made up just to escape from their pitiful lives. But oh, they wouldn't want to leave their dear friends behind! So, they delude themselves, thinking that if they were reborn someone would remember them."

Athanasia is silent as Lucas prattles on. "And even then, doesn't that defeat the purpose of their rebirth? They were given a supposed second chance, a fresh start. Doesn't the concept seem odd?"

"Can't you just- I don't know, magic it out? Figure out the answers to all the questions you ask me?"

Lucas sighs. "Unfortunately, no. Can we get off topic for a moment?"