☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- It's quite possible. Our people are wise beyond their years. But you know, EdgeLord-kun... - she sighed. - Sometimes it seems to me that you took lessons from the Kraken. Yes, I remember the six out of ten, that memory keeps coming back to me day after day... And I assess such things soberly, but almost any woman would be offended by that. Even if it seems objective to you, each of us would give ourselves a ten, or at worst a nine, if we have self-esteem issues or view such things without prejudice. So, you're lucky that I'm not one of those, otherwise... - she paused, and still couldn't think of what she could do to annoy or take revenge on a superhuman with millions of rem in his account, spheres of space-time continuum, and his own business. - ...I don't know. But it would be a pity, - she added after a moment of silence. - Don't think that I'm pushing you to give compliments - insincerity doesn't suit a person. But I know that you are not the type to do it consciously. As for the dresses - you can thank the one you almost started a war with, - she smiled easily. - Thank you. I thought they wouldn't suit me at all, but I've already gotten used to them.

- Yes, I see, but for some reason, I often associated you with a bat. Let me answer that question as a bonus by saying that I am very drawn to exotic fish, although you probably already knew that... There is something in their funny, but at the same time elegant form and colors that gives them an aura of freedom, although it would seem at first glance that we - large and cunning terrestrial creatures - are completely in control of them. And now, answer an additional question that I keep forgetting to ask - what was the original answer to the box? Bors-san avoided my questioning hint, as usual... - she adds after a couple of seconds. - I doubt there is anything so personal that it needs to be kept secret, but if that is the case, I don't need to know.

- What is this mysterious goal, I wonder... - the priestess said vaguely. - A strong quality... And can you guess it? I think you have a chance, you already know me well enough.

- Well, listen, even someone like me is capable of making a mistake, although I have never been so wrong. And that's in the past. Give me gold and jewels, masterpieces of fine art, the majesty of nature, the genius of human architecture... Nothing compares to the beauty of your eyes and the soul reflected in them. - He scratched his neck with some embarrassment. - Although, you know, today I had the impression that my opinion might have lost weight for you, implying that it had some weight initially. Given my feelings for you, all this probably sounds unconvincing. Even looking at today's incident, I had to admit with a certain feeling of defeat that other people are capable of lifting your spirits much more than I can, no matter how hard I try. Is this a consequence of my dark craft and the peculiarities of our acquaintance, or is it the curse of a person in love, who is ready to give everything, and therefore his actions are doomed not to have the proper value? That is, for example, a parent's kindness towards a child is taken for granted, while the kindness of a stranger is almost an act of heroism. Something like that. These matters are too alien to the life I am used to, so I clearly lack philosophical wisdom in this area at the moment. - The Phantom imagines Aiyano in a red and white dress. - It's even a little interesting what prompted her to give you such a gift.

- Hmm... I wonder, will many people answer "your favorite animal" with something they eat? It seems not. Or are the fish you're talking about not used by humans for that purpose? And I remember - you asked me this question once, and I didn't answer it... Didn't it happen, or am I mistaken? I think so, but it doesn't matter. I opened the chest without a code, so I can't know for sure. - He looks at the priestess. - Spirit? Unwavering confidence in one's views and a willingness to go to the end, despite common sense and possible danger. This is from your or another person's point of view, of course. Because for me, your greatest quality is your radiance, which is able to drive away the darkness from the hearts of other people and, in return, instill warmth and hope.