☀️ Arselia and Akonia

“You know, Ayko Virensencer, our situation, along with Nora’s, perfectly illustrates the harsh realities of our world.” Resigned to her fate, Zoritsa tried to distract herself from the impending doom with prayers and meaningless conversations/monologues. “People are generally judged not by their character traits or even their actions, but rather arbitrarily, depending on luck and circumstances. For example, one can be punctual, polite, honest, generally decent, and considerate of others, but if someone finds a reason to pick on them, all their virtues will become meaningless. Perhaps they dress in a way that is considered inappropriate, or they hold views that are deemed incorrect—this alone can negate all their other positive qualities. And that’s what’s happening now. If there is a conscientious, decent, and principled person—someone who is needed in any society—then, in a situation like the one we just witnessed, they will become the victim, while a more pragmatic, selfish, and perhaps even somewhat arrogant person will end up being among the first to survive. That’s the paradox. But this is inherent in any mortal, and therefore no one should be blamed for it. Let’s rather rejoice for those whose lives our choice has saved. To be honest, at one point I was afraid that… Hmm, what was her name? Not Nora, but the other woman that Merel threatened with a gun. Well, I think you know who I mean. I sometimes even forgot that she was with us, haha. So, I was afraid that in her anger and fear, she would shoot the sphere, and then we would all be doomed, but fortunately… Although, perhaps that’s not quite the right word.” Zoritsa gently stroked the sleeping Nora’s face. “In short, that didn’t happen, and that’s good. And you know… Beata told me a lot about your Carneol while we were in prison together. Just casual things, not related to missions, but about what kind of people you are. So, when I was offered to be released early in exchange for completing Princess Naria’s assignment, I was very happy. I hoped that maybe I would finally find kindred spirits.” Zoritsa finally couldn’t hold back and started to cry. “Just know that it is an honor for me to meet my end with you.”