As you slowly make your way toward the house's side entrance, you ask Lexicon Anathema one last question: how long would it take for your soul to return to normal after casting the spell she taught you?

Lexicon Anathema: "That depends on your soul's balance at the time. If I were to guess based on our time here alone, I'd give it a full day."

You pause to consider the possible double meaning of her answer, then nod. A full day, you figure, seems like a reasonable amount of time to wait between visits anyway — after all, you wouldn't want the filly's social well to run dry.

Lexicon Anathema: "Indeed."

You grin, and suppose that if she wanted to, she could always find a way to contact you. She nods at that, then uses her magic to slide the door open. The bright sunshine outside blinds you momentarily, and as you step out into the waving grass, you thank the hermit again for her hospitality.

As you turn, however, you find that there is nothing behind you but an empty field.

Honourshine: "Wh—?"

Moonflower: "Whoa! Where'd the house go?"

Tsu-Ko: "We can't see it, but she can still see us, I'm sure."

Unsure where to look, you try bowing farewell to Lexicon Anathema anyway, and promise to come see her again. You hear the little demon giggle in your ears in response.

Lexicon Anathema: "Heh heh heh... See you later."

With your audience concluded, you head northward to the tree on the hill. A light swirling breeze brushes against your mane. Up above, fluffy clouds drift across the fair blue skies, softening the harshness of the sun every now and then.

Before choosing which greater demon to seek an audience with next, you should first return to Yinshin-Pintai. With that in mind, you pull out the map that led you here, and begin to review your options:

• You could walk — you've been lucky thus far, but saving your energy in case that luck runs out isn't a bad idea;
• You could fly — you would arrive much faster, but Moonflower would likely need the rest of the day off afterward;
• You could take the shortcut again — at the risk of crossing through the imps' territory once more.