Sakuramoria

Barbarian Bellring arrived at the exam, thoroughly tired and sleep-deprived. One might think it was because of Futaba's restless sleep, but no, the Refitean girl slept soundly — the bigger factor was that she hadn't really slept much that night at all. Her last attempts to review the material ended with a nighttime session in the library, which was not very productive due to nervousness, and the girl only closed her eyes towards morning. With unseeing eyes, Varya stared at the blank sheets of paper in front of her, and then at the board where the exam questions were written. Sinking into sleep for a few seconds, the girl also sharply snapped out of it with the thought: "What is this? Am I really that sleep-deprived, it can't be? I'm a night owl, my head might ache a little, but surely I can concentrate?" Other thoughts followed: "Maybe there's something foul going on here? A curse? The evil eye? Hex? And that pagan bear from the decor shop, it really did disappear... I don't know who it was, Shera or Nira, but never mind, I'll show you!" At the monastery, Varya was taught how to deal with curses, and the girl tried to follow all the instructions: she evened her breathing, steeled her will, said a short prayer; it seemed to help. Though whether it actually did, only the result will show. Okay, what next? When the drowsy state passed, she got an unbearable urge to copy off someone. Of course, it's wrong, and if she were caught at the monastery, she'd definitely be in big trouble. But here, in Sakura-moria, it seemed that the relationship between teachers and students was somehow simpler; maybe Teacher Titus wouldn't scold her if he noticed? Though it's better if he didn't, otherwise what's the point... So, then. Drop the quill, completely by accident, of course... *The quill lies on the floor between the desks* Now bend down to pick it up, because you need to pick it up, right? Varya's head will just reach the neighboring desk, and she might be able to glimpse something useful. No... She can't. If Teacher Titus sees, even if it doesn't affect her grade, it would be too shameful to be caught in such a disciplinary violation. The girl leaned back in her chair, staring sadly at the ceiling, and took out a spare quill. She had to manage. The preparation, first with Yukka and then with Michaela, couldn't have been in vain. Yes, they had actually practiced even the questions similar to these, quizzing each other on the material covered. And they looked for additional information in books. She remembers. Probably better than she expected of herself: after all, she's not stupid, and she does learn the lessons. So... Local teachers like students to think for themselves, right? Well then... [spoiler=Text of the answers to the questions] **Question 1: Describe your thoughts on the course you have taken.** Lafrenia is a seething cauldron of various peoples, beliefs, priorities, and simply the interests of certain groups. It is only natural that constant conflicts arise between them, which is why Abel's work is never done. One might think we are currently living in something like a snake pit... But that's not the case! Firstly, we have the example of Sakura-moria, which has managed to unite under its hand the most diverse and dissimilar peoples. A country within which there is the nature-rich Muraya and the industrial Miporin? Orion, which believes in Dante, and Hergeya, where all power belongs to the Cult of Seven? One might think that the contradictions in our country were resolved thanks to the competent rule of the current emperor and his predecessors, and in many ways this is true. Strength and will, whether external, from someone trying to subjugate you, or internal, from your ruler, are very, very important for establishing order. And when our state was forming, they were of utmost importance. Now, as far as I can judge, Sakura-moria exists quite peacefully, despite the lack of pressure from the government. And the rest of Lafrenia, despite the presence of states dominant in military power and economy, is still a seething cauldron of contradictions (though we also have some with certain other countries). What is the reason? One author had a good comparison for this; he recalled the prisoner's dilemma. The gist is that two criminals under investigation play a game: the first criminal can blame the second or confess himself. The second criminal can do the same. If both criminals confess, they get the shortest sentence. If only one confesses, all the blame is placed on him, giving him the longest sentence, and the other prisoner is released. If both blame each other, both get a long sentence. The problem is that neither prisoner knows what the other will do, and assumes the worst according to their own cynicism. From the standpoint of overall utility, the prisoners should trust each other and confess, getting the shortest sentence. But in real life, they would most likely decide that their partner, out of spite and for personal gain, would want to set them up, and they will blame their partner. Even if one suddenly trusts the other, the temptation to avoid punishment altogether through deception is too great. In the end, both blame each other, and both end up badly off. This is roughly how different countries behave, and this is often the basis of their conflicts, and it's simply called — "egoism". Unable to yield to each other and help each other, except for obvious gain or in fear of a force they cannot overcome, states often take their claims against each other and their desire for personal gain to absurdity, and in the end everyone suffers. A simple example is the pirates of Levya and Letargia. Instead of opening the southern sea passage for all countries at a reasonable toll and bathing in the money from the deal, they deliberately impede the passage of ships and navigation nearby in hopes of a big score. They suffer themselves because they don't know if they'll live to see tomorrow. Everyone else suffers, forced to repel their attacks and avoid certain routes. Their countries suffer, as few want to deal with them due to their behavior. But their governments (more precisely, the government of Levya; with Letargia it's more complicated) think everything is fine and don't want to establish order. Of course, this is not the only reason. For example, the ideology of Aokami inherently does not allow for friendship with anyone. However, one could ask whether they could have invented such an unreasonable and strange ideology if they had even a superficial understanding of the dilemma above? And yet, modern Sakura-moria is probably not what it used to be. There were times when people who emerged from the water, lost and stunned by their situation, did nothing but fight among themselves and against the monsters surrounding them, in a desperate attempt to survive in this new, dangerous world. Every migration of a tribe, every birth of a new god echoed across the entire continent, destroying some at their roots while elevating others. The current map of the world has been forming for millennia. It remains something that could change in the future, but still people have learned to get along a little better. Perhaps they have indeed learned a bit of order, but it's also possible that fear has simply increased, because today a truly major conflict could already claim the lives of many millions. In any case, increasingly, countries prefer to express their grievances and hatred towards each other with words, as well as in trade relations or the lack thereof, and take up arms relatively rarely, and more often in small local wars. The future of Lafrenia depends on whether the current fragile balance can be maintained. One madman, who cares nothing for others and doesn't even look after his own well-being, can plunge everything into chaos in an instant. The actions of someone who hates everyone cannot be predicted, it is very difficult to defend against them; you need an iron will just to react to them harshly in time. Once, you answered Layla's question that the most likely conflicts now are possible between Aokami and Sakura-moria, and also between Ditlind and Refitea. Well, apparently, both Sakura-moria and Refitea need to act as the gendarmes of Lafrenia now, and prevent wars, or win them. After all, a victory by Aokami over us would mean that their idea of "one people, one state" has the right to exist in the eyes of many. Empires could collapse because of this, and other nation-states would become bolder; outbreaks of wars and conflicts in other parts of Lafrenia would become a matter of time (and I'm also scared for Sakura-moria, what will happen to it.....) A victory by Ditlind over Refitea is very bad because of Ditlind's aggressive republican imposition; most countries of Lafrenia, as you noted to Nira, are monarchies, and everyone is fine with that, as far as I can tell. But, inspired by Ditlind's example, preachers of democracy could appear in many countries, maybe even sponsored (by pushing Refitea out of Eolia, Ditlind would acquire a good amount of resources for this). This means a lot of unrest with the most unfortunate outcome. The balance between Refitea and Altinia would also be disturbed, and this could be even worse for Lafrenia. Who knows, maybe Altinia's brilliant engineers have already exhausted resources within their country and are ready to continue expansion, regardless of potential casualties? If we manage to cope with the coming and current situation... I believe we are in for another 10-20 years of relative calm. Though it's hard to guess further, because technology is developing, people are changing, and dark forces sometimes rest, and sometimes suddenly make themselves known. By the way, if this question is supposed to include a review of the course taken, then I liked it, thank you very much. Quite a few thoughts came up, and it was interestingly told, and you answer questions to the point. Not like some other teachers. I thought I might take up history or geography as a hobby, but I'm afraid I'll forget everything right after the exam, so I'm not sure, but thank you anyway. **Question 2: Name three countries from the list that you liked the most and explain why your choice fell on them.** *Varya shook her writing hand several times. Man, even from wielding a weapon she didn't get this tired, how much writing there is, how much she wants to be done already! But she had to try, once a quarter, otherwise it would be a disgrace again. She knows all this, she's just not used to writing out her thoughts, right? She needs to get used to it.* *After thinking a bit, Varya switches to her left hand. It was a bit uncomfortable, and her handwriting slanted the other way, but basically it's fine; she could also write with her left hand (she once broke her right hand, so she learned, which was surprisingly not that difficult).* Country number 1 — Refitea. Of course, because it is my Homeland. Of all countries, I love Refitea the most. Maybe if I were born a different person, even in the same country but in different circumstances, it might not be so, but... Though it's hard to imagine, because whether you are a poor person, homeless, or an orphan in Refitea — you will always find people here who will help you and lend you a hand. Being a noble or just a person who is not in need, you will appreciate the local fair order. And only if you are an incorrigible villain or simply a rebel will you feel constrained, but even then you will be given a chance for reform and a decent life, only deprived of the opportunity to harm other people. In any case, whether you live in this country or come from outside, you will see the same as I did. Endless fields of lupines and fireweed that bloom in summer, and in winter they will be covered with a thick layer of snow, so deep I could sink entirely into some snowdrifts. On the snow, here and there, there will be fox tracks: the tricksters have a hard time finding food, so sometimes they dive into the white blanket up to their tails to pull out a mouse. These tracks won't be visible for long: the next blizzard will cover everything. Mountains covered with permafrost. Cold lakes where trout splash, small rapids-filled streams... Pine forests where you can pick lots of blueberries and raspberries (but beware of vipers basking on rocks on sunny days). Amidst all this splendor, there are occasionally plowed fields where wheat or, more often, rye grows, and in every self-respecting village there is a small church. Refitean cities are large and beautiful. Those that are older bear a tinge of old, deeply religious culture, and every building, every fortress, resembles a temple or monastery. Newer cities were always built with an eye on the best master architects from other countries, and in them you can find echoes of the most diverse cities of Lafrenia. The wealth of my Homeland is not limited to the borders of Lafrenia alone; there is even more on the northern continent. To everything listed there are added steppes, completely different forests and mountains unlike ours, seas with sandy or pebble beaches, and islands with birches growing on them, and sometimes kaoris trees... And many peoples, who are all now collectively called "Refiteans", because for this country there is no difference whether you live in a log cabin or a mansion, in a city or a yurt, whether you wander from place to place or tend cattle in a Cossack stanitsa, on the border with enemy territories, always ready for defense. All these people, and all these vast expanses, are permeated with a feeling of gratitude towards each other, and whether you are a noble, a tsar, or a commoner, you always think of others. Here, in Sakura-moria, where there are no nobles, the presence of people with privileges might seem somewhat backward, but if you look at it from the point of view of responsibility, upbringing, and the fact that a commoner always has the opportunity to earn a noble title, it makes sense. The culture of this country has become classic among peoples; it is distinguished by its constant openness to new things, while at the same time old traditions are not forgotten. Mass metallurgy and excellent ability to create firearms provide Refitea's huge army so that it can defend its interests in any corner of the world. The very long history of Refitea, the size of this country (which here in Sakura-moria often shocks people when they realize what's what; Sakura-morians are used to thinking that *they* have a lot of territory, which is also true)... Its success on the political arena. Its long, firm confrontation with Altinia, an incredible technological giant that no one else can successfully fight. All this stems from the inner strength I saw in our country. From its wealth, diversity, sense of camaraderie and mutual aid, strict and just order... By the way, I think Sakura-moria is in some ways similar to Refitea... Except for the order. *At this point, her left hand nearly fell off; now she had to write with her right again* Country number 2 — Emeraldia. Generally, it's hard to form an impression of countries while being far from them, in another part of the continent. The order in Emeraldia could even be called a bit more free than in Sakura-moria, and this is not what I am used to in Refitea with its clear hierarchy. However, you can look at it from the other side — the Queen of Emeraldia is subject to the laws to the same extent as her subjects. With such a level of responsibility, can this country be called insufficiently organized? In this country, judges and law enforcers are not directly subordinate to the monarch — although the latter can still reassign them (I think this is correct; the law is the law, but a little hierarchy should also be present). Emeraldia's system of government was established as a result of not the most pleasant events. In the past, popular unrest in this country threatened the then-ruling monarch with disaster, and it must be said that it was a very dangerous step for the government to make concessions and limit its own power. Under other conditions, such leniency and permissiveness could have led to a further deterioration of the situation, lawlessness, and revolution, or even civil war. But the people of Emeraldia proved they can be grateful and honest, did not become intoxicated or deluded by their success as many others would have, and as a result, this state still lives and prospers, maintaining all its strict moral principles. Probably, this alone is enough to respect Emeraldia. But its confrontation with Bastion, which is, on the contrary, a model of amorality, evokes an additional feeling of solidarity. Emeraldia's successes on their front against the evil mages were, alas, small, and Bastion has never wavered from the kingdom's attacks. Still, I hope that in the future Emeraldia will prove the strength of its principles. Country number 3 — Celine. A clear example of what well-organized people, united by common ideas of honor, are capable of. The Order of Celine once took advantage of how human vices alienate people from each other, and thus gained the upper hand over many peoples. It is also an interesting example of a modern religious state (of course, there are others, like Elision or Kermia, but their life principles are too distant and incomprehensible to me). Another reason for my love for Celine is personal. Probably, the warm (though not allied due to relative territorial distance) relations between Celine and Refitea have always been felt in both peoples: in our newspapers, one could often read notes about events happening there, showing Celine in a good light, and pilgrims often go there (and vice versa too, because Refitea has many shrines interesting to the Order). And also, Celine is an ally of Emeraldia. Now Emeraldia is a secular state, but probably the traditions of the church are still strong there, and they need to stand against Bastion together, so such a friendship is quite understandable. **Question 3: Name three countries from the list that you liked the least and explain why your choice fell on them.** Country number 1 — Aokami. The Aokami people may consider themselves superior to others as much as they like, but in the eyes of those very others, it will all remain foolishness. The terrible truth is also that, despite, it seems, not understanding simple truths about how meaningless and harmful it is to hate everyone around, this state still exists, and even feels better than some others. I suppose it's all about the special natural "strength" of these primal people, which helps them time and again defend their own place in this world against all common sense. But sooner or later this must give way. If Aokami neighbored several countries, it would be like three hundred barbarians in a ring of enemies: on one side, they could hold their positions for some time, but given their numbers, any attacks from the flanks or rear are fatal. And they apparently have no ideology or tradition that would allow the Aokami to at least take a neutral position in case of claims or conflicts, let alone compromise. You could say they are lucky that their direct competitor at the moment is only Sakura-moria, although our country alone already has a significant numerical advantage. Country number 2 — Bastion. Not by blood, but by abilities, the mages of Bastion also consider themselves something special. However, these very abilities they usually receive from gods like Risha and Invidia, which greatly diminishes their own merits (some Chachamaru don't need gods). A contemptuous attitude towards non-mages, the use of slaves in inhumane experiments, the lack of moral principles — the Bastionites do not understand that science should serve people, not the other way around, and have therefore lost their human form. Their state is definitely one of the evil forces on the political arena, and it can bring many more misfortunes to Lafrenia. Country number 3 — not even a state in the conventional sense, Letargia — a strange entity, a union of "people" similar in hair color and worldview, if they are indeed people at all. Don't get me wrong, I know there are green-haired people in Sakura-moria too, especially many in Taimania, so the problem is hardly just the hair. But that the ancestors of modern Letargians were exiled to their island might have had some basis, perhaps prophetic, because being left to their own devices, instead of finding an acceptable way of life, instead of seeking contact with other countries, they began to lead a truly demonic, bandit lifestyle. This cannot be justified by any poverty or need, and do such people even want anyone's justification? Their life consists of taking other people's lives for shiny coins; what humanity can be talked about in such a case? Of course, one could also give examples like Altinia, where any person lacking talent is forced to live a beggarly existence, while perhaps the completely soulless iron golems exist peacefully, though deprived of any privileges (thank goodness they didn't think of that), but still technical specialists care more about their condition than about the health of some of their own people. And Levya, Letargia's ally and helper in piracy. And Ditlind, which implemented the power of those who shout the loudest instead of real order, and for some reason wants everyone else to be like them. And Eolia, which is not a disturber of Lafrenia's peace in itself, but leads a poor existence, like an unreal, formal state controlled by others. And the Witch's Forest, whose people can only hide in the forests, often even living alone (apparently, they have completely lost their minds from their dark past, or have cursed themselves and their children, seeing no other way of existence). Elision and Kermia, countries that have bowed to their lusts. There are quite a lot of negative examples of states in Lafrenia, alas, but I have identified the worst three above. The main reason is simple: being born in any country other than those three, you have a chance to live at least a somewhat decent life. And, under certain conditions, you can also become a good person, although this may require a re-evaluation of your national values, or at least a calmer attitude towards them. Being born in Aokami, Bastion, or Letargia, for one reason or another, is almost a doomed fate, so these are the worst countries to live in. Coincidentally, they also seem to be the most terrible threat to the peace of Lafrenia, present or future (except perhaps Altinia). **Question 4: Which countries would you like to see students from among your ranks after the start of the next quarter, and why them?** From the point of view of my own desire, of course, I would like it to be someone from countries easier to understand and make friends with! Of course, practically any country has people with different attitudes, but... Sometimes having enough reasonableness to fit into the group would be more of a coincidence, and a very lucky one at that. Say, one or two students come here from Aokami and look askance at everyone because we don't have blue hair? And then they'll just go back, having learned various useful skills from us, but continuing to hate Sakura-moria. Moreover, given the strength of the Aokami, our students would find it hard to compete with them, meaning it would be bad for us. At least if we can't hold our positions in the rankings. It's clear why rankings are needed — our future depends quite heavily on them. So I don't really want to compete with someone who won't appreciate it anyway. Of course, if such an Aokami came to study in Sakura-moria, he might have reasons for it, for example, atypically high friendliness and interest in another culture, but even so, bad upbringing is unlikely to fade away quickly and easily. Probably, one could get along well with someone from Sangvinaria. The indigenous Sangvinarians clearly won't shy away from the fact that Sakura-moria's customs differ in some places, because with their own numerous diverse tribes, they feel at home. This is especially true for their tribes, which are in their own way a little wild, but probably know how to get along with those who are different from them, and do not have an untamed temper. Perhaps it would be interesting to see them, in connection with their military traditions. They'll probably be like Ixora, with their weapon styles. I'm especially interested in the Chachamaru tribe — so small, but they learned magic without the help of gods, which means their spirit is truly very strong for their size! Emeraldia, which you called our sister in state and internal structure, could also send us excellent students, who we wouldn't think were foreigners if not for their accent. Also, regarding Celine, I think it would be interesting to see people from a non-Refitean order and exchange experiences with them. As strange as it may seem, I think that Ditlindians and the people of the Eastern Federation, despite the fact that I don't always understand and approve of their countries' policies, are still quite good people in themselves. We have few points of contact with them in terms of religion or traditions, but their countries generally value the same positive qualities as we do (both in Refitea and Sakura-moria), and I expect that students coming from there will meet them sufficiently. Though I'm still a bit afraid that some completely uncouth Irin people might come with their rubles. Besides my personal considerations on this matter, there might be some political ones, because student exchange can affect the attitude of other countries towards Sakura-moria. Perhaps, given how few friends we have in Lafrenia (from your words, it seems none at all, at best relations are neutral), it would be good to take advantage of such cultural exchange. It's just that it's a big responsibility, because with the current level of security, visiting students might instead get traumatized, or even worse, and that could lead to war. In general, by countries and peoples, I would say things are like this: - Aokami — no! - Sangvinarians — yes! - Yasha — yes? - Dondon — yeeees? - Gyaria — yes - Kinki — this is scary... Still, rather no, their art is a bit strange - Sansevieria — yes! - Chachamaru — yes! - Oleander — why not: the main thing is not to choose them as class representatives - Elision — depends on the province, but generally rather no. The cults of Seven in their extreme manifestations are not very pleasant, except from Akedia I don't expect anything like that. - Kermia — if students from there are too obsessed with money, we're unlikely to be friends... - Celine — yes, of course! - Eolia — I got the impression you don't really like it, but the description of those who live there sounded normal, and there's nothing like that in the literature either, except for some oddities in marriages, so we'll wait - Refitea — definitely, most of all! - Ditlind — yes? - Eastern Federation — well, yes? - Levya — no... - Letargia — definitely no, they have no king in their head at all, and the rules of their country are completely different from what we are used to, so they will do whatever they want - Witch's Forest — no, but it's unlikely anyone will come to us from there, they keep to themselves - Bastion — no, please! - Altinia — also keep to themselves, and I don't know if I want to see their "artificial life"; surely their androids and automata don't behave like people (even if their people don't behave like people) - Emeraldia — yes! **Question 5: Which countries would you not like to see students from among your ranks after the start of the next quarter, and why them?** It seems I got a bit carried away and answered this question in the previous point... I'll repeat the main idea: it is important for me personally and for other students of NAILS to feel comfortable next to foreigners. Well, my assumptions on this and the list can be seen in the answer to question 4. Please don't lower my grades for violating the order, or for something like that... **Question 6: If a military conflict breaks out between Sakura-moria and another country in the coming years, what will be your emotions about it, and will you go to the front?** *Remembers the sessions with Yukka* As I understand it, in Sakura-moria people prefer that their patriotism and loyalty to their country be based on something, and not dictated merely by obedience and goodwill towards the Fatherland. Therefore, the correct answer to this question is that one needs to understand the causes of the war that has arisen, the goals of the parties in it, and the role of Sakura-moria itself, because there is no point in a war that does not serve some good foundation. Any war is pain, and going into it, you need at least to understand that after victory this pain will subside a little. And yet, on the other hand, you need to soberly assess your own abilities, your level of knowledge in politics, your ability to see the hidden and determine the near future based on what is visible from your perspective as an ordinary person. In this regard, in such a critical situation as war, it may, of course, be necessary to trust the ruling power, and it seems to me that King Moechi Castellione Starlet, along with the council of Sakura-moria, fully deserve this trust. That is, if it were about another country or perhaps another time, one should ask oneself: who attacked whom, what will happen in case of victory? And in case of defeat? In former, wilder times, some mad monarch could have turned half a country to ashes, not necessarily a foreign one, for his base ambitions, and fighting on the side of such a person would be shameful. Even now, countries are different, but I think I am lucky to live here now. If you were right in your lectures and a war between us and Aokami is indeed the most likely, then in the event of a real war, I will go to it to repay those who helped me (and will help me further, I hope) get a good education and generally gave me shelter. Besides, I wrote earlier that I am afraid of what could happen in case of a loss to such a country as theirs, so it will be an honor for me to help prevent the worst outcome. In the case of a war with Levya or Letargia, it's also clear. Although these countries, due to their mentality, are unlikely to want to engage in open battle with anyone, due to insufficient unity or strength they risk losing too much, and their current state as sea robbers probably suits them. Still, it cannot be ruled out that Sakura-moria will decide to act more decisively on their side, and then I will also be happy to help my country. There are also Oleander and Sangvinaria. We have disagreements with both countries over territories, with Sangvinaria being more recent. Of course, I don't really want to fight Sangvinaria; even if they are a bit wild, I got the impression that it would be more beneficial to be friends with them. Now that in the last war we showed them we are stronger, this should become possible, although it depends on the will of politicians and on how much their common people are offended by Ingrid. But still, given their and our worldviews with an emphasis on the unification of different peoples, and given the current peaceful position of the King of Sangvinaria, this does not seem impossible. Our conflict with Oleander is more ancient, and for various reasons there have been no wars with them for a long time. Perhaps an attack by this country on Sakura-moria would be possible if Aokami attacks us first? It would be an advantageous position for them; well, in that case, we'll have to respond. It seems those are all the possible scenarios. In any case, I count on Sakura-moria being fine, whether it has to draw the sword or not. Well, I will help the country as much as I can. *"At least by writing this exam well," thought Varya, falling asleep. Her back, both arms, and shoulders ached badly from the unusual work, but still it was a pleasant sleep...* [/spoiler]