☀️ Arselia and Akonia

-- There was some furniture, gathering dust in the basement... I guess it's time to use it. Thank you, Alaria, now I know what to do. As for the books, we need to figure out how to send them to the future archive, if our contributors, including Milady, agree.

— You seem to have forgotten that budget money was also spent on our research. You're right, — the inquisitor nodded, — these books are no more "ours" than the headquarters building itself. We don't have the right to dispose of them without the approval of our patrons. Apparently, I must have overlooked this because my brain was too tired from the search.

-- ... I have another interesting conversation for you, please remind me in a more private setting. So that people don't think, "Oh, here's that Red Fury again, she knows something but won't tell anyone." It's nothing serious, but you'll find it interesting.

— Oh, is that so? — she said with a wide smile, — Have I finally earned enough karma to be transferred to the ranks of "trusted Carneolians" and be privy to your many secrets? You're intriguing, I must say! Thank you for your trust, I'll try not to forget it. Otherwise, I'll regret it, haha!

Upon returning home, they tell Tay that the situation was resolved thanks to the governor's efforts. Unfortunately, they didn't have the physical strength to go to the villa.

Perhaps her colleagues' work was coming to an end, but her own responsibilities were not. Upon returning to the headquarters, Alaria stretched a bit and went to prepare a warm dinner for her comrades. Just in case Tay decided to stay, she made a portion for him too. The guy deserved it. Without his heroism, today's story could have turned out very differently. And in general, he was already, one could say, an "honorary Carneolian." At least, in the eyes of the Tanarisi herself.