Scenario:Indala and Payila - Yay Work, Nay Work

Yay Work, Nay Work

While visiting Indala for the passing on of year spirit duties, Payila requests Shiro's skin as one of her treasures. After agreeing to call down rain for local drought-stricken farmers, Payila is thrilled to receive the beautiful molted skin in return, but declines Indala's suggestion to take on more work herself.

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As the year draws to a close, Payila heads to the Snake Temple for the passing on of year spirit duties.

Payila: I'm here.

Indala: ...

Payila: Indala? Are you listening? I went out of my way to visit, so how about offering some tea?

Indala: ...

Payila: Look here.

With a gentle prod of her fan, Payila finally gets Indala to turn around.

Indala: Oh, if it isn't Payila. When did you arrive?

Payila: Just a moment ago. I'll have you know I tried to get your attention multiple times.

Indala: Sorry. I've been entirely focused on planning my schedule for the next month.

Indala: My goal is to complete as many tasks as possible, with maximum efficiency.

Payila: Your passion for work is as strong as ever. One could say it even borders on obsessive.

Payila: All right—I'm intrigued. Let's see what exactly you have lined up.

Surveying the sheet in Indala's hands, Payila's eyes widen at the densely packed agenda.

Payila: ...!
This workload is absurd. It would take five of my shikigami to handle such an amount!

Payila: And unless I'm mistaken, these aren't even related to your temple duties!

Indala: Correct. Is that a problem?

Payila: Unbelievable. Your primary obligations are already a tremendous burden as it is...

Payila: Yet you're opting to take on more? What unholy fiend has possessed you?

Indala: Hehe, you certainly don't mince words. But that's what I like about you.

Indala: I simply want to work. If my efforts can make someone happy, then it's a win for everyone.

Payila: "A sound mind is one that desires little," is it? Surely there would be no harm in requesting a treasure or two.

Payila: I pray you don't grow weary of such meager rewards and end up losing your mind.

Indala: I appreciate your concern.

Indala: But I assume you didn't come here personally just to praise my work ethic.

Payila: Oh?

Indala: Ordinarily, you would have sent one of your shikigami to manage the handover.

Indala: The fact that you came in person suggests there's another reason for your visit. That's my suspicion, anyway... Well?

Payila: Heh... Hehehe.

Payila: Indeed, you see right through me. I suppose there's no need to hide it, then.

Payila: I want Shiro's skin.

Shiro: My skin, you say?

Payila: It's been on my mind ever since I saw it displayed here at the temple.

Payila: With pristine clarity akin to the purest air... and a cherry blossom pattern that exudes an elegant charm...

Payila: Such exquisite beauty is worthy of becoming my treasure.

Indala: I'd expect no less of you, Payila. Recognizing the allure of Shiro's skin is a true testament to your discerning eye.

Payila: Heh, who do you think I am?

Indala: I'm confident you would treat it with care.

Indala: Shiro, it's molting season for you, isn't it? Would you be willing to relinquish the skin you shed?

Shiro: I have no objections. However...

Seeing Shiro's restless movements, Indala realizes something.

Indala: (Ah, I see... I'm reluctant to give it to Payila in its current state.)

Indala: (There must be a practical solution...)

After a moment of thought, she turns to Payila with an idea.

Indala: I have one condition. Could you assist me with a certain request?

Payila: You intend to have me work?

Indala: It's something only you can do. But don't worry—it's not a physically strenuous task. I promise you won't regret it.

Payila: ...

Payila: Very well, if I must. It would feel better knowing I'm offering something in compensation.

Indala: Great. We have a deal, then.

Payila: This entire village area, I presume?

Indala: Yes, please.

Payila: Then I shall begin.

The moment Payila waves her fan, dark clouds swiftly cover the clear sky, and rain begins to fall.

Payila: Huff... Puff...
Is this sufficient?

Indala: I knew I could count on you, Payila. You straightened everything out in no time.

Indala: Several farmers in the village had informed me of their struggle with water shortages due to a recent drought.

Indala: But it was an issue I couldn't resolve on my own, so I had been racking my brain trying to figure out how to help them.

Indala: Of course, I did all I could! I spent three full days and nights researching rain rituals and praying!

Indala: I even brought in people from nearby islands with a reputation of being magnets for rain. That was quite an ordeal.

Indala: Then I tried building a massive bonfire—

Payila: A-all right, enough! You've made your hardships painfully clear!

Payila: So that's why you requested my help. Indeed, with my power, it was a simple task. Though it did tire me out somewhat.

Indala: You truly saved the day. It pained me deeply to hand over this task, but now I can deliver some good news to the farmers.

Payila: Was it really that agonizing? I'm genuinely starting to worry about you...

Indala: Now, time to fulfill our end of the bargain.
You should be able to shed comfortably in this weather, right, Shiro?

Shiro: Indeed, these conditions are perfect.

As the rain pours down on Shiro, she slowly begins to molt.

The freshly discarded skin is left shimmering with a silklike sheen.

Payila: Oh... How magnificent! It's even more stunning than I envisioned!

Payila: The smooth texture is especially delightful. Heh, I'm tempted to nuzzle it against my cheek.

Indala: You seem pleased. It was a wise choice not to part with it when you first asked.

Payila: A wise choice? What do you mean?

Indala: When I took a closer look at Shiro's skin, I noticed it was quite dry.

Indala: For a flawless shed, the environment needs to be just right. Humidity is crucial.

Indala: We could have created a humid space indoors, but there was also her overall health to consider.

Indala: Being out in the open seems to do her more good than staying cooped up inside.

Payila: I see. Then this weather must be nothing short of paradise for Shiro.

Indala: I wanted to present the skin to you in optimal condition. And seeing that smile on your face makes it all worthwhile.

Payila: So you pulled the scales over my eyes.

Indala: Are you angry with me?

Payila: Normally, I would have struck you with lightning for daring to deceive me.

Payila: But I'm in an exceptionally good mood today. So I'll let it slide this time.

Indala: Hehe, I'm relieved to hear that.

Indala: Say, Payila. Why not use this opportunity to take on more responsibilities?

Indala: Your work brings joy to others. Not to mention, you might stumble upon unexpected treasures along the way.

Payila: That's true... Yes, I think I'll have my shikigami work twenty percent harder from now on.

Indala: Do the work yourself...

Despite Indala's sigh, she finds a familiar comfort in Payila's characteristic response.