☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- Look what I found, - Guyon placed a dusty, worn book on the table. - Where did you get that? - Beata asked suspiciously. - I don't know... It just appeared between the shelves, I guess. I think literature like this is banned. - What kind of literature? - Read the title. - "Memoirs of Cadets of the Reimean Military Academy, or..." - Beata frowned, - "The Rise of Rinze Reim"?! She recoiled from the book as if it were a poisonous toad. - Guyosh, what the hell?! Put it back in that dark corner where you found it! - If you don't want to, don't. I'll read it myself. It will be interesting to learn more about a potential enemy. - When will you read it? - Before bed... Or during dinner. - Will you sleep here too? - I'll take it with me. No one has missed it for so long, and they won't miss it now. We'll just put it back later. *** In the evening, Guyon, as he had threatened, began reading the book. Beata pretended to sniff and grimace, but eventually, curiosity got the better of her, and she joined him. For the next few evenings, they spent their time studying the adventures of the academy students, observing their adventures, ups, and downs, while also watching Rinze's rise to power and the establishment of her dictatorship. After finishing the book, Guyon, as he intended, put the worn book back somewhere between the shelves, so that it would not be found for as long as possible. *** - Well... The Radiant Empress, what a bitch. Utopia, what the hell. Where, with all the choices, you either bow at her feet and march in formation, singing songs, or you get shot in the back of the head, and your head explodes like an overripe watermelon. Just like in Tais, only on a planetary scale. A nightmare. - Yeah... I'm probably glad I didn't end up in Tais. - Well, it was nice there. But creepy. Everything is too refined and beautiful. And the death camp on the outskirts is the price of this beauty. - Yeah... Totalitarianism rarely ends well. And which of the heroes did you like the most? - Me? Well... They're all good. But I was impressed by Parfinora's decision at the end. That she ran away from the empire and led a mercenary squad. I hope she gave the Rinzeites a good beating! Oh, I wish she was in Tais, that would be great! - Yeah. I also liked how Linnea decided to give up the path of an idol. And her terrible visions, ugh. - Yeah, it was really creepy. I thought it was serious... - Beata shuddered. - Complete immersion, I was very worried about her too. But it was hard not to worry. And about Lattro, who covered his comrades who were ambushed and almost died. And about Moriner, who was almost shot during a breakthrough, and they barely saved him. And about Xenomia, when she and her friend were attacked by bandits while walking... - Yes. And I was also worried about Lattro and his senpai's relationship more than about my own, - Beata giggled, but then became thoughtful. - And Ikigai, it seems, is a bit strange... Murder, terrorism? Hmm, does Kalina know? - Maybe she does, maybe she doesn't, - Guyon shrugged, - in any case, here he can evolve into another, better, and more noble branch. - Let's hope so... And did you also want to hit Rinze hard when she ordered them to kiss her shoes? - Me... - Guyon flinched at the flashbacks. - I don't think I could have kept my composure in that situation. Especially now that the only thing holding me back is my own willpower. - Yeah... Sorry I brought up the topic. - No, it's okay. At least now I fully share your feelings towards her. Beata thought for a moment. - Guyosh, do you think an idol outfit would suit me? - she smirked. - Uh, what? - Bea-chan wishes you well! I love the whole world! Tuturu! - Beata said in a deliberately squeaky voice, desperately making faces, and put her hands in a heart shape. Guyon put his hand to his face. - You're lucky no one is watching us, or you would have to confess. Beata burst out laughing. - Yeah, I would look really stupid in that outfit. And now imagine Erefir in an idol costume... Or Alaria... Or Kalina... Guyon collapsed in laughter.