☀️ Arselia and Akonia

Naria, Ayano, and Sonata return to the villa, while crowds of townspeople surround Erephir, pelting her with a variety of questions.
- Where are you from?
- How old are you?
- Do you have a boyfriend yet?
- Can you slay a dragon with a single blow?
- Where did you study your martial arts?
- What is your favorite weapon?
- How much do you weigh?
- What do you like to do in your spare time when you aren't on duty?
- What do you love most about Margelle?
- Where can you be found most often?
- What do you think of your new appointment?
- How did you meet Her Majesty Empress Naria?
- What do you think of Her Highness Princess Ayano?
- Am I correct in understanding that a ponytail is your favorite hairstyle?
- How many regions of the empire have you visited?
- What are your bust, waist, and hip measurements?
- Which smithy would you recommend for buying equipment?

Nozenrotka had started walking briskly toward the Carneolians to congratulate them on the fact that they had all officially become true knights—officially now, and not just according to her, Phyr's, naming... But she realized too late that there had been a tactical miscalculation somewhere.

Naria -> retreat off-map
Sonata -> retreat off-map
Ayano -> retreat off-map
Erephir -> ???? don't worry, I'll hold them off ????

Oooooh, what's going to happen now... Okay, alright, stay calm. The Liege wouldn't have left things like this if she didn't believe she could handle it. Perhaps a slightly delayed retreat would have been a permissible maneuver, but... These weren't journalists, as far as she could tell, just ordinary people. Friendly and curious. They were joyful on this day and were taking that joy out on the first person who happened to be at hand, who had become, among others, an unwitting symbol of renewal. Probably... If the Hero of the Source were in her place, he would have waved and found something to say to them to share this festive feeling. Erephir, however, would act a bit more modestly.

-- Please, -- she smiled calmly and warmly, looking at the people as if they were her friends; after all, it was almost so, the atmosphere was informal. -- On this day, I would not wish to be the object of such intense attention. Today is a great holiday in honor of Her Most Glorious Majesty Naria and, of course, one should not forget Her betrothed daughter Princess Ayano, for thus the residents of the land learned about another person important to us. Another reason why your questions, though pleasant and kind, make me a bit shy—in a good way, of course—is that I am merely the leader of Carneol. Why "merely"? Because this is only one role, and it is not enough, for one man in the field is no warrior, never, and my loyal comrades have proven this. Her Majesty, -- a respectful pause. -- Bestowed a great honor, but not on me alone, but on all of us, our entire squad, and now—the order. I ask you, if you wish to pay your respects, then look at these people and make way for them, friends D They all became knights today; their names may not have been called, but they are already written into history.

-- If you like what I am saying, then allow me to introduce them to you; these are loyal members of Carneol, and all of them, like me, are equally Dragon Slayers. Beata Laxae, our marksman. Gion Tamaris, our primary damage dealer in that very battle. Kilika, a mage and martial arts master. Alaria Doran, the tactician. You are already acquainted with Garrett; he was granted double honor today... And also Kalina Mellis, our honorary member, who answered my battle call at a critical moment, -- Phyr relied slightly on the high beauty and charisma stats of some, as well as on Kalina's fame, in her monologue. Just as she relied on her sense of the atmosphere, -- Ask who made the primary contribution? I assure you, everyone is equally responsible. You'll say that's impossible? If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it myself, but it is the absolute truth, a percentage of dragon health here, a percentage there. Therefore, I ask you, be fair.

-- Is that all? By no means. By the will of Anuzish we became bricks, but our foundation is far wider than that. Not only our Glorious Patrons, not only the artisans of Margelle, not only those who worked in the rear—no, all of you, and those who are currently crowding around me )), and those who are not, were our foundation. Please remember this and be proud. Thank you. May no one ever again have to experience what happened then... But the dragon is now dead. Humanity has won, and so it shall be henceforth.

-- Well, I hope that what I have said was no less pleasant to your ears than what you expected to hear. Forgive me... As I said, I would not wish to delve too deep into personal matters; this is not my holiday, and it would be dishonorable to take advantage of such attention. But I believe I answered a few things, although when you all speak at once, it is difficult to track specific questions. Here, about slaying the dragon with one blow: we all acted, specifically 14 attacks were landed, half of which were for attrition and distraction, and in one turn it all ended. We even managed to save some strength; we fight fast )

-- I would also like to say, -- Phyr looked carefully at the remaining crowd. -- That we have plenty of creative people; however, we are not unique in this, for geniuses already live among us and many of them are only waiting for their moment of glory. In this regard, Lady Beata Laxae has decided to organize a small performance. Beata, if you wish, invite the people personally, -- this was said, perhaps, in a slightly more direct tone than before, accompanied by a nod.