☀️ Arselia and Akonia

-- It shall be done. So... to summarize, sending more than one person is pointless? Forgive me for clarifying this point, but is it dictated by the nature of dragon society and psychology, or is it simply to save our time?

- To save time. But if you believe it is better to go as a group, you are free to do exactly that.

Added after 56 minutes
— Now, let's see. — Sonata paused, trying to recall everyone who might fit Ayano's description. — I'll take the liberty of adding some accompanying comments, alright? If any of this sounds a bit blunt, please know that it was not my intention.
1: Princess Nariya. By the way, she told me to address her informally, apparently because of my former status, although it's a bit strange, since I am essentially a nobody in this world.
2: Servant Manin Tai. To my shame, I admit I've never figured out which is his surname and which is his given name. But he is a very good boy and I owe him a great deal. Caring for an unconscious person is very difficult work.
3: Mr. Bors, a benefactor to both Azarina and myself. I dread to imagine what would have happened to us if not for his boundless kindness.
4: Miss Morax. When I was little, my father told me that a crisis can help mend cold relations between a husband and wife by melting the ice and allowing past grievances and misunderstandings to be wiped clean. That is exactly the impression I have of Mr. Bors and Miss Morax.
5: Alice from the "rabbit hole." I mentioned her already, but I owe my clothing to her talent and the princess's generosity. I haven't had the chance to get to know her better yet.
6: Jingo Mei: this young man noticed me as I was passing by his workplace and offered to let me be a model... I refused, but I must note that he was very polite.
— That should be everyone? I hope I haven't forgotten anyone, as that would be poor form.

- It's good that you understand that. I learned this hard lesson from my own experience and believe me—they are to be avoided at all costs. One mistake and you're finished; they likely won't stand on ceremony.

— Yes, after everything I've been through, being exiled would be a bit disappointing. I would prefer such a fate to avoid the pages of my life's history.

- Indeed, I never expected to meet a Nihongo-speaking person here, and if someone had told me it would be you, I would have laughed in their face and decided they had a heatstroke. For the most part, they ignore it, though sometimes they widen their eyes, - Ayano waved her hand vaguely. - They are used to all sorts of foreigners, so it doesn't surprise them much. I carry this with me as a piece of my homeland. Besides—I can't exactly relearn everything over such a trifle? Though you probably wouldn't agree with me, since you've had time to forget the past.

— I have been here for more than three decades, so there is nothing to be done about it. In this context, I want to think that I myself am a piece of my homeland, but perhaps I am simply justifying my own faint-heartedness. To tell the truth, in the final years of my, mm, first life, I almost stopped thinking in terms of countries and nations; only my family and people known to us mattered to me. I suppose my subjects deserve my apologies for that.

...if you ever have dark thoughts or any problems, even trivial ones, or conversely—those that seem insurmountable, do not try to work through them alone or do anything strange. You can always come to me with them, and I will help, no matter what they are. It is the least we can do in gratitude to the kind people who accepted us, - she holds the gaze without looking away or blinking. - Can you promise me this? And keep that promise?

— Thank you, Ayano. — The woman's gratitude was brief, but her sincerity was conveyed by a warm smile. — I found my place in life long ago, so I seek no grandeur, power, or even anyone's recognition. You needn't worry about that, but if you still wish to hear my promise, then so be it. — Placing her hand over her heart, she speaks. — I promise that if dark thoughts ever begin to torment me, I will certainly seek help and advice from you or another of my benefactors. You know... I already mentioned my husband. I don't know your romantic experience, so I'm not sure how you'll take this, but listen anyway. Although he has long been gone from me, he continues to serve as my moral compass. When I face a dilemma, I remember him and try to imagine how he would have acted in my place or how he would have viewed a particular action of mine. Because of this, I feel that he is still with me, and it helps me maintain my personal pride and the ability to continue living with my head held high despite everything.
A single tear rolls down the woman's cheek, but it exudes not a feeling of cold sorrow, but a warmth filled with love.