☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- Hello, - Belyana replied from inside, - do you want a book written for you on a chosen topic? This is a very extensive piece of work; don't count on a price lower than 2000.

— To be honest, I was thinking more about ordering books from elsewhere that simply bore your professional stamp of approval. Provided, of course, that such a service is offered. If not, — the inquisitor paused, weighing various factors in her mind, from the rarity of the material to the price mentioned by Belyana, — perhaps commissioning a book could be a worthy alternative. And such a price would be quite fair, considering the entire complexity of the research, the gathering of information, and the time commitment of such an undertaking. On the other hand, with such an approach, the information would be the freshest and most current, devoid of various already debunked myths. But alas, I do not have the free finances for something like that right now. Though it still makes sense to keep this option in mind for the future.
Perhaps a while ago Alaria would have been taken aback by such a price, but not after recent events. She had spent roughly that much of her own money on buying imperial biographies, even if such expenditures had a goal beyond idle curiosity. But the gathering of information about Nikkia, if one thinks about it, also went beyond banal whim. It would be, in a way, an investment in a compilation of research on overseas culture. It held a certain educational value. Especially if one paid extra to order a printed copy for the restoration of the imperial archive.

- Alright, we've worked great today! Everyone did well, I'm proud of you all! Let's run through the whole program one more time, exactly as it will be during the performance! The time has come... - Beata winked at Margina to ensure a drumroll, - for the dress rehearsal! - the circus performer howled in a grave voice and laughed demonically, before breaking into her usual giggle.

"Still, the talent and creative vein are visible, no matter what anyone says. Beata is such a star."
Already dressed in her performance costume, the Tanarsian listened intently to the speech of their own Carneolian ringleader. Trying not to miss a single detail and remembering everything down to the smallest point, she nodded affirmatively when the speech ended.

Costume (alas, nothing better was generated)

- Then Alaria will go and add some fire! Everything is fine with you too.

"It shouldn't just be 'fine,' it should be wonderful and breathtaking!" — the girl thought jokingly, nodding gratefully at the praise. After that, she thought for a while about a musical composition that would suit her performance. Although nothing came to mind immediately.
(need to think)

- Guilloche, Alaria, just like with the boss and Garret, since your acts aren't on yet, you're on security.

"I hope the demonstration of my skills during the performance will be an additional factor that might make potential troublemakers rethink and sit still."

- And then... - Beata looks questioningly at Alaria and Erephir, - shall we feed the guys?

— Of course we shall. After all the effort put in, it would only be right to show Carneolian hospitality!

Alaria, this doesn't concern you, you still have to cook. Sorry to overload you, but even your simple dishes turn out super tasty, so we don't need any oysters in Villian sauce, something uncomplicated will do.

— Oh, please, I volunteered to help you myself, even though my own duties don't go anywhere because of it, — she smiles broadly, — I'll manage. It's not my first time!

Guiyon casually pulls Alaria aside and lowers his voice so they aren't overheard.
- One of the performers has stomach problems... I would be glad if you prepared something that is not only simple to make, as Beata said, but also dietary, so that she can eat without consequences.
He gives appropriate dietary recommendations from his studies, [link from google here, I'm too lazy to google].
He didn't point a finger to avoid violating medical confidentiality, but revealed the performer's gender, because all the men had already eaten the non-dietary cooking and were fine, so it was one of the women, no secret there.

— You were right to warn me, actually. It's good to know such information in advance so that no awkwardness occurs. I would have asked myself, — a harmless smirk, — but I see that you take your duties responsibly. You saved me time. Thank you.