☀️ Arselia and Akonia

Kosha finally crawls to the longpost Beata and Giyyon finally crawl to the books and read seven tomes.

VI - Floris es Diesra Arual

 - He was a good man. I didn't know such a catastrophe had befallen the Mindjins.
 - There was a whole story there with their homeland... But yeah, he certainly combined business with pleasure. Helped people, gained a new ally, and damaged the enemy.
 - That's what I'm saying! What a mind! Stories like that inspire me so much! Oh, Giyosh, do you think if I were empress, I could do the same?
 - I think you could do even more. I've always said and will always say that you are a good person at heart. And I'm glad you're starting to realize it yourself.
 - Well... maybe only "good" for you.
 - I think for the Carneolians too. At least. And in general... look, the residents of Vallen would hardly consider Floris good.
 - Ha-ha... You're right about that.

Beata: +5 Spirit.
Giyyon: +5 Spirit.

I want to restore their normal spirit soon, I liked it.

VII - Saikam es Diesra Arual

 - Yeah, they're spinning a yarn... As if I'd believe he fell for his own sister's curves just because of pregnancy relief.
 - Well, there's a grain of truth in that. But as a medic, let me tell you—it's no guarantee; pregnancy and childbirth are a lottery, you can never be sure how it will turn out.
 - That's partly why I think the ban on terminating unborn is stupid. Maybe I want to keep living, and what if the pregnancy goes wrong?
 - Agreed... At least that way one person can be saved. But for what it's worth, I studied obstetrics too, albeit in general terms... Just in case, you never know what happens in life.
 - Giyosh, I'm not sure yet if I even want to have children. Definitely not now. Let's put this conversation off until better times.
 - Agreed, now is not the time... neither for our children nor for the conversation, - after a pause, Giyyon changed the subject. - I wonder if any samples of Saikam's drawings or sculptures remain? There was nothing like that in the museum.
 - What a shame... We need a new museum—of imperial art. I would visit one like that.
 - Yes, it would be quite interesting.

Beata: +5 Luck.
Giyyon: +5 Luck.

I'll bump their crit a bit; they're chunky enough already, but both have weak luck.

VIII - Sillion es Diesra Arual

 - Magic-shmagic... This Sillion was a decent guy. Helped everyone, protected the country.
 - Yeah. If only we had him in our time... He'd have dealt with Hopelessness too.
 - Uh-huh, uh-huh. He'd blast that scoundrel with a fireball between the eyes, and he'd be gone instantly. No, he was a good king. Only his story with his wife bothers me.
 - That he created her from the remains of Akonia? Yeah... But I think it's just a legend.
 - I think so too, although who knows about those mages... But that could explain why we're digging remnants of Akonia out of apostles. And... something else... something we definitely did not see in that alleyway.
 - Brr, reminding me now... But I think since Princess Naera possesses magic, then His Highness knows a thing or two about it too.
 - He surely does.
 - I suggest we just consider His Highness a very powerful Sorceress. It'll be more peaceful for both of us.
 - Agreed. We have plenty of worries without that.

Beata: +100% Spell Power.
Giyyon: +100% Spell Power.

Far from it, they'll probably never be able to cast spells anyway. But let it be; they need HP even less.

IX - Flanaravi es Diesra Arual

 - Well... what you grow is what you get.
 - Well, that's the eternal problem of good leaders who stay in power for a long time. After their death, some stupid mess always starts.
 - But he was Sillion's son! Could he really not raise him properly?!
 - He tried, I think.
 - Uh-huh, tried... Good thing he at least won the brawl he started.
 - Won, lost... a lot of people were killed either way.
 - True... And did you appreciate what a pickup master he was? - Beata giggled.
 - No woman could resist, - Giyyon snorted in response. - I think no man could either.
 - You'll "resist" when a maniac dictator of your country pins you against the wall...
 - But it works!
 - Eh... if only I were a maniac dictator, it would be much easier for me to gather a harem!
 - I even know what the uniform in your harem would be.

Beata: 50 exp every day (static).
Giyyon: 50 exp every day (static).

X - Velfern es Diesra Arual

 - Heh-he, he was an interesting fellow...
 - Yeah... That feeling when your state bears the name of a man who wrote "69".
 - I'd read it!
 - Who doubted that... I'd read it too.
 - Well, he was a versatile man! He knew politics, established order, loved fishing, valued education, respected art, and could party hard.
 - I'm surprised how he had the time and strength for all that.
 - Perhaps some of the work was done for him by his mistresses.
 - Easily. Most likely, he had a very weighty... argument.

Beata: +25% to reward amount for completed quests.
Giyyon: +25% to reward amount for completed quests.

XI - Raidark es Diesra Arual

 - Ah, so here is our mysterious benefactor.
 - Uh-huh. Well, now everything has fallen into place. That Sillion's "Akonia" was some Lunarian princess. Hence the ears and the magical talent.
 - Strange that only he developed those ears.
 - That's how heredity worked.
 - Heredity... But by all appearances, as a mage, he was even more "cheerful" than his legendary ancestor.
 - Who here is any more legendary... Subjugating the Dragon King is no small feat. You saw for yourself what he was... what he was.
 - Yeah. And then he decided to play diplomat instead of fighting.
 - Indeed... But he decided to fight everyone else. Well, we're understandable, but why fight same Kridear... Maybe if he were independent, he'd still be intact now.
 - Uh-huh, and what if Hopelessness had attacked your hometown back then?
 - Well... screw him, probably? I don't know. I had a couple of buddies there, but I bolted from there at the first opportunity. Far away from my family.
 - Family is family, but do you really not miss the city itself?
 - You know... not really. Maybe sometimes.
 - You don't love your homeland.
 - And do you love yours?
 - Well, what a comparison! Your ancient and powerful land with a rich history, "strong economy and effective system of government," and my hole.
 - Not such a hole. I don't think the Buruakas complain much.
 - But I'm not a Buruaka! If I were a frog, maybe I wouldn't complain either! Or conversely, I'd complain that all these pink-skins are walking around and getting in the way of living!
 - True... Well, one way or another, I don't harbor any particular patriotic feelings for Luencia. I'm even a little glad we're part of Velfern... You can find a place to your liking at the other end of the empire while still being its citizen.
 - Probably... I wonder where I would be now if I were a frog.
 - I think with your character, you'd become a traveling frog.
 - Giyosha, would you love me if I were a Buruaka?
 - Now those are some questions...
 - Just kidding, just kidding, - Beata laughed. - Ifs and buts... We are here and now, we are together—that's what matters.
 - And we achieved this by our own strength... although I still believe you were sent to me by the gods.
 - Uh-huh, I was sent to you, but I could have also "sent" you... Trust in the gods, but don't be slack yourself. If you just sit on your ass and make no effort, nothing will change, even if you beat your forehead raw in prayer.
 - Agreed... I also think the gods favor first and foremost those who are something themselves.

Beata: 5% chance to receive a random element blessing, -10 Faith, +10 Spirit.
Giyyon: 5% chance to receive a random element blessing, -10 Faith, +10 Spirit.

Not RP at all, but spirit is somehow tastier.

XII - Sellun es Diesra Arual

 - The best emperor. Did nothing, just enjoyed life and slacked off. I want that too.
 - Well, he had zero influence on state affairs. I'd also do nothing and just enjoy the privileges.
 - You? I think you'd stage a coup and seize power back.
 - No way... If it works—don't touch it. I'd find something more interesting to occupy myself with.
 - And maybe I would seize it... And yes, we absolutely need a museum of imperial art.

Phew... Now I'll go look for content for the persimmon... probably.