☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- Chegver-dono?... Or rather, Chegver-sama, - Ayano bows to the countess. - And...? - she asks, looking at Sanex. - Good day. I presume many have already congratulated you on your appointment... - she hesitated, unsure how to continue. - Although this is a very terrible situation. Although formal condolences are worth nothing in light of what has happened, and yet... however bland it may sound, my heart bleeds. Something like this should not have happened. It is still difficult to believe.

—Oh, Your Excellency, I am glad to finally meet you! - the mountaineer replied, mentally berating himself for his shamefully low perceptiveness. - Allow me also to congratulate you on receiving the high title and wish you success in your future endeavors. Ahem, allow me to introduce my companion, - Sanex Rimm. And... Thank you for your kind words. And not just for the words. You know, if circumstances had been a little different, my gloomy face might have been the first one you encountered "upon arrival." And although this was not meant to happen, ironically, echoes of your valiant deeds still reached and saved, perhaps more than once, my life. And the fact that you mentioned my humble homeland in your first speech... means a lot to me. To all of Kridear. No matter how heavy my heart is at the thought of the lost past, sometimes it all still seems like a bad dream, and yet... I cannot help but feel an inspiring hope from such broad support from the imperial family for our future. This truly gives me the strength to move forward, towards revival, just as what happened to me today.