☀️ Arselia and Akonia

Erefir's perspective.
- You can visit me in person or contact me via mail if you need help or advice. To contact the architect, you can either visit the construction site in Folkvan in person or send him your requests in writing. I understand about the spy and will consider countermeasures. You need to discuss the communication device project with the Ministry of Science and Technology; you can find their office in the business district. If they confirm the feasibility of using the resources, your budget will be approved.

Essentially, nothing more, nothing less.

Having healed both of them from the wounds inflicted by Valis.

Erefir didn't expect the sudden, unpleasant feeling in her back to disappear. On the one hand, she was immensely grateful, but at that moment, she also realized that her previous, somewhat melancholic reflections were correct. She had conducted the diplomacy incorrectly, as even the perceptive Suzerain had perceived the purpose of the visit in that way. But that alone wasn't enough to account for the tinge of sadness that could be read in Naria's eyes; in this case, Erefir had violated protocol. She had failed in etiquette. Subsequent harsh words confirmed this.

Ironically, advice in this area was precisely what Erefir wanted to ask for. Twelve years of etiquette training, followed by eleven years of wilderness, and then—suddenly becoming the face of the monarch. She realized that she might make mistakes due to inexperience and wanted to try to avoid such situations in advance so as not to tarnish the Empress's honor in any way. Unfortunately, this happened sooner than expected, and to say that it happened in the most unexpected, basic, and obvious way would be an understatement. Because failing to recognize the monarch's hints through a servant is truly a sign of low intelligence; everything was very simple, and the solution was very simple. That's what she was thinking now.

For example, the tale of Daimyo Hazakura. He strictly adhered to the principles of honor and integrity, but one day he faced an unsolvable dilemma: the shogun, whom he served faithfully, ordered him to suppress a rebellion organized by his close friends. Unable to resolve this contradiction, he disemboweled himself.

"I cannot judge another culture, but in my opinion, friends who stab you in the back with betrayal are worthless, and any obligation to them is automatically nullified. The daimyo wasted his life."

Therefore, Erefir, my knight, if your loyalty to me is less than your loyalty to your friends, then I will find a replacement for you, and this will save both of us from inevitable disappointment. Think very carefully about what is more important to you.

The Iron Knight perfectly understood that any apologies in this case would be inappropriate; something else was expected of her.

—I have no doubts. I swear, it will not happen again," she said, placing her fist on her heart and bowing.

Meanwhile, there were unresolved issues, but since Naria indicated that the conversation was over, that was the case. Erefir was still unsure what gift to give for the coronation, other than that it should be something truly extraordinary. Dragonhide boots seemed like a great option, but even Crag wasn't capable of creating them due to resource constraints—but was there a hint from Suzerain last time that this would be inappropriate? Then maybe a pocket watch? She would have to go to great lengths to create one that would truly be worthy, but she could do it... The question is, does Her Majesty wear a watch?

She wanted to ask about Milady and many other things. But well, another day; today, Her Majesty is short on time.