☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- Lady Erefir, the thing is, by Lunarian standards, I'm still quite young, and my parents were very much against my desire to see the world with my own eyes... I'm ashamed to admit, but before I reached Margel, I had to part with – sell – most of my personal belongings, so I apologize for volunteering to join your great order without having anything but a drum to my name.

-- You have nothing to be ashamed of; when I "started," all I had was a cheap sword and nothing else to boast about. Your worth has nothing to do with your possessions or wealth!

- Oh, thank you! And again, I apologize that I have nothing to give you in return except my loyalty and adoration... But rest assured that I will cherish your gift even more than my own life!

-- I'm flattered, but just in case, remember that in our business, you need to cherish your life more than objects.

- It's a bit weak, - Laikos concluded, testing Erefir's creation, - but still, thanks!

-- Is that so? One moment, -- Erefir took the expander back and adjusted it to the maximum. -- Here. It's adjustable; I hope it's better now. If you still don't feel tired after a thousand reps, then we'll have to replace the spring with a stiffer one...

- Please excuse me, Erefir, but although I am flattered by your attention, I cannot accept this gift. I am not sure that, given my position, it would be appropriate.

"Interesting... You readily ask me to visit the headquarters, read books, but you don't want to receive a little trinket along with the other visitors. )"

-- In my opinion, reciprocal gifts would be inappropriate, and I, by hosting guests in my Temple of Fire and Metal, am within my rights, and I don't think your wonderful commander would object, -- the girl shrugged. -- However, it also depends on your sense of ethics, multiplied by your obvious and commendable loyalty, so do as you see fit.

- It's not very objective, but okay, we'll accept it.

-- I'm not pretending; after all, I am the subject when I give assessments. ) But for me, the incomparable respect for the Sovereign in all aspects is as natural as breathing. And it seems that we are alike in this, with the correction that you are loyal to someone else, and I find that worthy of respect.

After the forge, Erefir, as usual, offered the trio tea or coffee with something light: something light, because they will probably have time to visit restaurants today, and you need to keep track of how much you eat; that's personal experience.