☀️ Arselia and Akonia

Being in somewhat mixed feelings after returning and informing the cohort of Carneolians about the events in the capital, and after the awkward explanation with Klyn, in which he preferred not to interfere, the Asterian returned to his room. As usual, the figurine standing on the nightstand greeted him. /..! ..? / "Yeah, hello. Yes, it was successful. Yes, he's here, in the bag." For some reason, Garret wasn't in a hurry to include Harold in the conversation this time. /?? ... / "No. I already know what he'll say, and for now, I prefer to perceive this achievement as a heroic feat at a considerable cost rather than an epic, flawed massacre. He can tell you the details later." /. . . ^^ ..?/ "I'm not being modest... It's just that there's a lingering aftertaste, and I don't want to burden you with it. And don't worry about our storyteller; he's getting better with each attempt. Okay, let's change the subject." Rummaging in the bag, Garret takes out the Moen sword and places it next to the figurine. "By the way, check out the awesome weapon the recruiter got me. It's from Astellia, bless her. I don't know if it will be useful, considering I'm a ranged fighter, but it's definitely better than a simple steel staff, right? And, it seems to suit you? Well, maybe based on your aura. Yours will probably be more convenient, and this one is a bit too big. But it's a fancy thing, no arguing with that." / ? *...* ..! / "Heh-heh, I knew you'd like it! Okay, Snow White, you admire my big, cool sword for now, and I'll talk to my brother." He takes out Harold's skull, but this time he doesn't put it next to the figurine; instead, he examines the empty eye sockets, holding it in his hands. ..?! ..! "That's exactly why. Calm down, brother, everything will be alright. Just tell me, how do you feel about the recent events? About the dragon, Kridear, and that rebellious zealot..." . . . ... ... ? "Yesterday's hero. Or the day before? Never mind, you're right overall. I mean, this kind of thing is more of an exception than the rule in our line of work. Epic feats of defeating a terrifying ancient evil just before it annihilates everything. Well, not exactly before, more like... it seems we're not legendary heroes, but rather average guys who take down a bully after he's already caused some damage and then enjoy the view of the ruins he created, feeling proud of our great achievement. Yes, it's unlikely that we'll be showered with laurels for this." ..! ... "Yeah, Klyn, now he's in a way like you and me, it's sad. You sit there, thinking you have a homeland and family, and then bam, it's all gone. But the redhead did the right thing; the mission was accomplished, and it was done quite professionally. Listen, brother, what do you think... Did Aster look like this in his last iteration? And in general, what kind of legacy would you like to leave in this world? Because we're probably the last..." . . . ..? ... "Well, you didn't meet Kripp, I would have liked to see you... Okay, it's a difficult question, but think about it. As for the other one, I may not be a genius, but my level of intelligence is enough not to chase after him blindly. Besides, the redhead has already hinted with her 'reasons' that we're being watched, and there's nowhere to go; they've shut down almost everything in the city, and our patrons don't have time for us right now... So, for now, we're just waiting for news. Rest, brother. Entertain Snow White with a story about incredible adventures; she's already dying of curiosity."