"I want to get a cellphone."
Thera's words made Ezraphel, who was seated beside her, tilt her head in mild shock and confusion "eh? That's what you want to do first?"
"Yes."
Really?"
"Yes."
"Really-really?"
Thera gave her sister a look "yes Ezraphel, really."
"But why?"
"You mean other than the fact that it is a versatile piece of technology that the people of this world seem to place a great deal of importance on by virtue of its functionality and is therefore, dare I say, essential for me to have if I wish to navigate this new world without incurring totally avoidable issues of mundanity that, depending, will have me either seem strange or outright suspicious to the local population?"
Thera's words were sharp, concise and spoken in a way that made it seem as if she was lecturing her younger sibling. It came off as condescending to a degree that made Natalie and Ana pause.
Ezraphel however, already familiar with her sister's ways, took no offense and replied "I see your point but I did not have a phone for most of my time on Earth and I had little issue navigating the social strata of the community."
"Your husband took care of you and whatever needs you had" Thera retorted though not unkindly "I do not have such a benefit."
"I mean" Ezraphel hesitated a bit as she looked her older sister in the eye "you have me and Stanley so you don't really have to worry. We are willing to accommodate you for as long as you need."
Thera did not miss the dubious expression that came over Natalie's face via the rearview mirror.
"I thank you for your consideration sister but I am not looking for charity," Thera replied. "I will enjoy your hospitality for now but only until I learn enough that I feel satisfied before setting out on my own."
Ezraphel's eyes widened before they turned sad "oh, you are planning to leave?"
Thera turned to her younger sibling, her expression softening as she reached out to grasp her hand "not yet, nor anytime soon in fact" she reassured "but eventually I do plan to explore this world on my own. I would not impose on you and your husband indefinitely."
"It really would not be an issue for you to stay."
Thera chuckled "come now sister, as short a time I have spent with him, I can already tell that your husband is a man who does not take too kindly to those who overstay their welcome."
"You are my sister," Ezraphel countered sternly.
Natalie also decided to add her two cents "also, I think Stan is warming up to the idea of being around more people. Believe it or not he used to be a lot worse with that sort of stuff."
"Somehow that does not surprise me" Thera quipped in good nature before glancing at her sibling "truly you have found yourself quite the troublesome husband."
The younger Lilim giggled "I like the challenge."
That got a chuckle from the older Lilim "don't we all? Still, you know how I am. I do my best work within my own space and at my own pace."
Ezraphel wanted to say something to convince her otherwise but relented "very well then, I shall respect your wishes and endeavor to make your stay with us as hospitable as possible."
"That is all I ask."
There was a brief bout of silence before Ana silently gestured making Natalie pipe up "so about the phone. What exactly are you looking to do with it?"
"Why does that matter?"
Ezraphel decided to answer "most phones might be able to do the same thing, however some are better at doing certain tasks than others or are specialized in some way. All of this is dependent on the brand, model, year of release and other specifications."
"There's also the price to consider," Natalie added. "And as much as Ezraphel is willing to foot the bill for the expense, I think it's best we make a budget."
"There is no need" Ezraphel waved her off "I will spare no expense, after all money is no object for me."
"Is that what you're going to tell Stan after he gets his hands on the receipt?"
Ezraphel took exactly five seconds to digest that question with a blank expression before turning to her sibling "so what exactly are you looking to do with your phone sister? We can't make a budget without the specifics."
Thera raised a brow in amusement at the sudden shift in her tone and the seriousness she had.
"Why Ezra, did you perhaps learn financial responsibility during your time on Earth?"
In response Ezraphel huffed "just answer the question."
She did not deny it.
"Living with Stan, I'd say it's less 'financial responsibility' and more ingrained neurosis." Natalie commented.
"Either way it is impressive" Thera replied "I remember her being much more frivolous with her coin."
"I wasn't that bad!"
"..."
"I really wasn't!" She insisted.
After a moment of silence, extended more to increase her sibling's frustrations, Thera smiled "perhaps I have been a bit harsh Ezra, you truly weren't the worst spendthrift in our family."
"Thank you!"
"I'm kinda surprised that there are people out there worse with money than Ez" Natalie quipped from the front.
"I know you are joking Natalie, but that hurts, right here" she held a hand over her heart with a fake wince of discomfort.
"Didn't you once rack up a twenty thousand dollar tab ordering stuff from Amazon?"
"Okay, first of all I didn't actually order anything, I just wanted to see how much the things I happened to want would cost. Second, even if I did order those things the cost would pale in comparison to some of the things my sisters waste their money on. "
"That bad?" Natalie couldn't help but ask.
"Oh yes," Ezraphel nodded. "Let's just say my Stanley would have an aneurysm out of the sheer stupidity of their spending habits."
"Huh, I keep forgetting you Lilims are basically trust fund kids at the end of the day."
"I want to dispute that but it's true," Ezraphel lamented.
Thera shook her head before steering the conversation back on track "to answer your earlier question I plan to take advantage of your 'internet' to gather information on this world and its various cultures."
Her answer made Natalie hum "in that case I think you're better off getting a computer instead."
"Or a tablet" Ezraphel suggested.
"..." Ana 'chimed' in.
Their words both verbal and not made Thera frown before realization hit and she mentally admonished herself.
'I was so fixated on the utility of the phone that I overlooked the other devices that are more convenient to facilitate my research.'
Meanwhile the conversation among the three other passengers continued.
"Nah, a PC is definitely out of the question" Natalie argued.
"..." Ana 'chimed' in.
"Well I guess it depends on whether we're going to get the phone too" Natalie said hesitantly to Ana's 'words'.
"I still want the phone regardless" Thera jumped back into the conversation.
"Well in that case we're definitely not getting a PC."
"I could argue the benefits of getting one for Thera."
"You know Stan's not gonna be happy about that right?"
"..." Ana added.
"Yes I am aware" Ezraphel nodded solemnly with closed eyes "he will likely punish me for incurring such expenses, however" her eyes snapped open "it is a risk I am willing to take for the sake of my dear sister."
Her words were filled with conviction the scene held much dramatics and would have been effective if not for the red cheeks, lecherous smile and the faraway blissful expression on her face signifying that she was daydreaming something lewd.
'Ah, so it is that kind of punishment' Thera deadpanned.
The others weren't far off with Natalie commenting "nice speech there Ez, it would've been more effective if you didn't look so eager for my brother's 'punishments', ugh."
That popped Ezraphel's daydream bubble and she jolted "huh? What?"
"Indeed" Thera added with a nod "I have no interest in what you and your husband get up to in your private lives."
"H-hey…"
"..."
Ana's 'words' was the straw that broke the camel's back "this has nothing to do with that!" The Lilim defended.
In response Ana turned in her seat towards her and touched the corner of her mouth. The Lilim mirrored the Golem's action and got her fingers wet with drool.
"Oh shoot!" Ezraphel exclaimed, turning away to wipe the drool from her face and getting a laugh out of Natalie.
Even Thera couldn't help but smile at her sister's antics. A moment later Ezraphel turned back around with a mighty pout and puffed red cheeks while grumbling to herself though Thera could feel how amused she was.
As things settled down Thera said "you need not worry about payment, I plan to handle that myself."
"What, you got a stack of gold coins stashed on you?"
Natalie meant it as a joke but with a smirk Thera manifested a pouch and pulled out an actual gold coin.
"Seriously?" The disguised Wight said flabbergasted.
"Very" the Lilim replied as she rolled the coin along her knuckles she asked "I assume Earth places value in gold as Eos does?"
"We definitely do,"Natalie answered. We just need to find somewhere to exchange it for currency."
Finding a place that exchanged 'cash for gold' as Natalie put it was not difficult if you knew where to look. Luckily Natalie's phone could access a map that gave her the exact coordinates to their destination and even presented an optimal path to the area.
'Is there anythingthat device can't do?' The Lilim thought to herself genuinely.
She needed to get her hands on one asap.
"In the meantime I will search for information on how gold exchanges are done," said Ezraphel as she took out her own phone.
"Good thinking" Thera lightly praised.
"I have my moments."
Eventually they did arrive in the city proper but that's where they ran into their first problem. Natalie's experience in exchanging gold for cash as she put it amounted to going to a place called a 'pawn shop' where one can sell virtually anything of value. In Natalie's case she only ever sold old jewelry she had no use for and by her own admittance it was usually at a decent loss than what they were originally bought for.
Not exactly a stellar endorsement but through Ezraphel's own research they found that Thera actually had a lot of options due to the nature of the item she was exchanging. Genuine gold coins, irrespective of the world they came from, would gain a lot more interest than paltry jewelry of dubious quality.
From that their options expanded from shady pawn shops to the likes of: reputable jewellers who offer in-person transparent appraisals on the spot, coin dealers who specialize in buying rare and ancient coins as well as specialized gold (and precious metal) buyers who offer a higher payout than the rest who would offer a 60-90% market value for the gold depending on size, purity, etc.
Unfortunately the latter did not have a conveniently placed location nearby so they would have to conduct business online. Not only would it take time for them to receive, assess and give a price quote but Thera would need a bank account for them to 'wire transfer' the money.
Thera wanted cash now.
"At least we have options" Ezraphel commented before adding with a mutter "perhaps a bit too much."
"Well look on the bright side" Natalie said with more optimism "you're bound to get a decent deal at least."
This was both a blessing and a curse as while they would get multiple quotes for the value of Thera's coins it would involve having to venture to various stores across multiple city blocks which would take a great deal of time. Now usually Thera would find a way to opt out of such tedious work, especially when she had a specific objective in mind but thinking about it, wasn't this an opportunity?
As the thought came to mind she heard Ezraphel ask "where should we go then?"
"Let us visit all of them."
That got surprised looks from Ezraphel and Natalie, the latter of whom asked for clarification "you want to hit all of them?"
"Yes,"
"But that is going to take forever~"
"Yes, perhaps even most if not the entire day" the older Lilim added.
Ezraphel's face further twisted as she groaned and complained "I was hoping we'd do something more fun than that."
Thera couldn't help but to roll her eyes playfully "Ezra, I'm not suggesting we can't do something fun I just recognize an opportunity." She held up a hand "you want to give me a tour of the city" she held up the other hand "there are quite a few exchange establishments scattered about said city."
"Oh, so we can give you the tour while also visiting these places."
"Exactly, everyone wins."
"I thought you wanted the phone now though."
"It can wait," she waved off, "and this is important too."
After all, while Ezraphel was treating this like just another outing Thera treated this like an assignment. Specifically, a long term infiltration and reconnaissance mission but the difference here was the scope and the fact that there wasn't necessarily a deadline because she didn't have a superior or someone else she was held accountable to. As much as she would love to hand this matter over to her mother and let her deal with this, Thera was weary.
Stanley's little intimidation tactic last night, blunt and clumsy as was, did succeed in sowing doubts in the Lilim. Ezraphel's confirmation and the brief skimming over the world's most recent history of warfare only caused the seed of doubt to sprout. It was already a given before but under no circumstances could they afford to have a conflict with Earth and she knew more than a few overzealous factions both within and outside the Makai forces that would literally jump at the opportunity to get a piece of a new world with such a dense human population, advancements and other resources.
In that sense, Stanley made the right choice, preventing Ezraphel from finding her way back to Eos.
'Of course now the onus is on me to salvage the situation.'
That meant gathering as much information as she could about Earth, its history, culture, politics and such, compile said information, analyze it and do an assessment whereby she would present it to her mother. She would also be playing an advisory role in all this seeing as she was one of only two mamono native to Eos who spent time living on Earth and Ezraphel wasn't exactly up to the task.
Thera would essentially be the Makai ambassador to Earth.
Her hand suddenly flew up to firmly but gently grasp a finger that was about to poke her cheek "what are you doing?"
Her voice was not unkind as she looked at her taller sibling from behind her bangs.
Ezraphel looked sheepish as she replied "apologies sister, you looked distracted and I couldn't resist."
Thera released the appendage while she said "I am not distracted so easily Ezra, you know this."
"Well it's just that you have the same expression my Stanley does when he's in deep thought to the point where he 'zones out' ignoring the world around him."
Thera rolled her eyes at being compared to that man again.
"You shouldn't assume me to be exactly like your husband Ezraphel" she lightly chided.
It's not even that she couldn't see the comparisons but it's one of those things that could become grating.
In response Ezraphel tilted her head "I don't."
Her simple answer made Thera huff lightly "I believe we've been standing here for too long, let us go."
As the four walked Ezraphel couldn't help but ask "so what were you thinking about so heavily?"
"Nothing of note" she sidestepped smoothly.
Unfortunately for her Ezraphel wasn't going to let it go so easily "it didn't look like nothing of note."
Thera frowned, giving her sibling a side glance.
She was about to open her mouth to get her to drop the matter when Ezraphel surprised her by continuing "if you don't want to tell me, that's fine, I was just curious since you seemed very pleased about what you were thinking about."
Thera's eyes widened a fraction though before she could retort Ezraphel shrugged and looked away to turn her attention away.
"..."
Thera couldn't help but to purse her lips as she turned over that conversation in her head. Ezraphel's words weren't incorrect as the idea of being ambassador to a foreign world was very appealing to her. For decades she had been languishing as a glorified minder, middle woman, infiltrator and supervisor and while she was good at these things and even thrived in them Thera held ambition for more. So this opportunity presented to her with Earth was actually a blessing, a chance to accomplish something none of her siblings or really any other mamono had done.
So yes, Thera had been pleased at that moment but that didn't explain how Ezraphel knew that. Thera had practically mastered the art of concealing her emotions both internally, externally and through magic. That hadn't changed and she hadn't let her guard down in that regard as she was constantly regulating her emotions with only a few minor lapses in control over the last few hours attributed to discovering some troubling facts about Earth.
As far as she knew Ezraphel didn't have keen insight capabilities…at least that wasn't the case a year ago. Yet she was able to read her emotions even with her guard up.
'A fluke?'
Perhaps, Ezraphel always had an uncanny intuition but this was different, it felt different and Thera's instincts told her that there was more going on here. She's learned to listen to those instincts across the centuries of her life and what they were telling her was ultimately something she did not like.
The question had been asked before but now Thera had to ask again.
'Just how much have you changed in the past year sister?'