☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- Well... Regardless of whether you see them or not, they still exist, right? It's sad to think that people can enjoy life without realizing they are surrounded by these poor souls. Besides... Please don't take this as disrespect for your profession and the experience that comes with it, but I think the world of the living might actually be even more terrifying than the world of the dead. - Sonata paused, considering how best to phrase her thought. - What I mean is, life is the best teacher. Thank you for the invitation. Even though I'm not one of the chosen few, I'll try not to defile your Sanctuary with my presence, so I'll come in the state of mind that is required of me.

- I see you studied under the Polivan system, - Miko frowned. - Kannushi. And that's clearly not something that would be approved by our clergy. I'm afraid that women haven't broken through the glass ceiling everywhere yet. ...But, in a way, that's true. It's ironic because I hardly ever did such mundane things, and I rushed to seek my own path as soon as I gained independence. I was only interested in traveling and ridding the world of evil, and "family rituals were not my thing," as I used to say. But there, I had a Sanctuary that I was spiritually connected to, no matter where I was in the world, and there were always other girls who could take care of this necessary, but tedious, work with the population. And here... Unfortunately, neither of those things exists, so this responsibility falls on my shoulders, - she shrugs. - Or maybe I've just gotten soft with age and I'm making excuses for myself. Who knows.

- Yes, yes, that's exactly what his name was, he was a famous linguist in certain circles of the empire. I'm surprised you know his name. But you certainly caught me off guard... Tiary, and even more so Yubin, knew Nihonki better than I did. They are my brothers. You've probably heard of the first one, and have you heard anything about the second? You know, he was very handsome. Like me, he had a mole under his right eye and the same hair color. Hmm... Perhaps that sounded a bit conceited. But I'm getting to the point, even though he was a prince of the empire and a potential future emperor, he once married a Nihonki woman of humble origins against our father's will, and a year later he joined the liberation movement of that country, can you imagine? This surprised both the inhabitants of the empire and Nihon itself, because at that time you, the outsiders, were not exactly well-liked, but he was welcomed very warmly. So, to answer your question - I believe in love. It is a force that can change people.

As they walked, a man passing by joined their conversation.

- Excuse me. My name is Dionysus. - Usually easygoing, he gets down on one knee and takes Sonata's hand. - May I have the honor of knowing your name, oh empress of beauty!
- My name is Sonata Reim. How may I help you?
- Sonata! What a beautiful name! I must admit that my eyes have never before beheld a woman of such stunning beauty! Looking at you, I feel joy that I was born and lived to see this day.
- Oh, thank you for the compliment. It's nice to hear that my presence in this... This country has had a positive effect on the mood of one of its inhabitants. If that's all, then...
- May I ask you to be a model for my photographs?
- Perhaps another time... My friend and I need to go. - Freeing her hand (in which a photographer's business card had been placed), she continued on her way. - Goodbye, Dionysus.

- Do you need it? - She shows the business card, returning to the previous dialogue. - If you are going to be responsible for maintaining the Temple and organizing all religious ceremonies, then you will have to look for new Miko... You won't be able to do both functions at once, will you? Do you have anyone in mind?