Sakuramoria

Gideon's summer ended on such a solemn and triumphant note as winning the dueling tournament, and now autumn entered its season, casting a mysterious red shadow on the academy from the kaori trees that had once again changed their color. Looking out the window of his room, the young man wondered how these truly magical trees managed to change their appearance so dramatically and bloom always, regardless of the season. He wondered if they were deliberately planted here in such large numbers to enhance the beauty of this place, like a jewel of Alma, or if they grew on their own. It was no wonder that the national academy was located here; he was curious about what had been in its place before it was founded. An unexpected encounter with one of the illegitimate children of a libertine king made him think again about the difficult situation in the country. It was easy to dismiss the gossip of the NAILS students, and Futaba would have no trouble dealing with the most ardent rebellious leaders. She had already gathered her committee team, and Ianiira's soldiers were constantly moving between the city and the student council building. But when you hear something like this at the level of the royal family, it's worrying. What to believe now is not so important; the appearance of Rhododendron in Alma is an alarming sign, and Caladium is making its move. Informing Futaba about this was the least Gideon could do for her, at least out of a sense of camaraderie. Even if she was indeed a clever actress who had taken advantage of an unexpected opportunity to captivate the king, it was still necessary to remain on the good side in the eyes of Her Majesty, even though she had already defined her inner circle. However, should he do more? In any case, Futaba has become involved in a dangerous game, and taking her side almost certainly means facing the coming avalanche head-on. Meanwhile, the situation on the borders is also unstable; sooner or later, they will all be caught in the crossfire, either by their own or by others. He wished he could be with his friends somewhere far away from the center of this mess, before the hellish inferno engulfed him and those he cared about in its deadly grip... Well, keep your expectations in check. The expelled students did a great job; looking at them now is both funny and sad! Tioskeц smiled wryly, glancing at the figure of the Overlord – even in him, it seemed, there was more inner strength than remained in those unfortunate ones. What to do when the time comes, play the hero-suicide, scattering enemies like straw and doing something that seemed impossible? He could thus write his name in history and perhaps change the world, and then many would get what they deserve, including himself, most likely. Try to forge a different path for himself and leave beautifully in the sunset against the backdrop of a burning Sakuramoria in search of a better future somewhere in a more civilized place? That's also an option, perhaps even that's how he will eventually come to something good and bright, although the price of such a choice may be sadly high. ...No, there is no unequivocally right or wrong decision here. Right now, nothing can be done about it; all that remains is to try to spend the remaining time interestingly and productively. May the Wisest illuminate his path, whatever it may be, and give him the strength and determination to move forward to the very end. But for now... Gideon put the camera and its charger on the table. Time for research! He smiled, took a book on Bless technology, opened it, and studied the knowledge contained within.