☀️ Arselia and Akonia

Moving to a private, secluded spot: - Hello. It's been a while – longer than the time between the first and second time, hasn't it? I could have told you so many things... a long time ago, but now it doesn't matter anymore; only two things matter. The first... - she pauses, and a painful emotion flickers across her face for a couple of seconds. - I beg you, never do that again. I'm talking about your gift stunt. Sonata was with me at that moment, and not just her. Do you understand how difficult it was for me to brush it off as a joke and cover for you in front of her, so she wouldn't misunderstand and think you're a complete idiot? I wouldn't want her to think that. Whatever you think of me personally based on our relationship, if you can even call it that, it shouldn't affect other people's opinions. And there was also a girl from the official team. What do you think the consequences would be if she understood what was going on and I couldn't smooth things over? It wouldn't be very good for you, but not just for you. It would definitely affect your friends and Sonata too. Do you want them and her to suffer the consequences for your thoughtless impulse? I don't. I don't think you do either. Okay... - she sighs. - And secondly... You know, despite the fact that you're just a "simple Kriedearian," you're a great young man in your own way. Because in this world, there have only been two people who have managed to throw me off balance, and you're the second of them. It's an achievement, in a way. And yet, I can't be angry with you anymore. You don't seem to care at all, as if you're not even aware or don't care, but... - for a few moments, she deflates like a punctured balloon. - I'm really sorry. I'm very, very sorry about what happened to Kriedear. I've never been there before, and I don't have any relatives there, so don't attribute any false subtext to my compassion. In fact, you don't even have to accept it; it doesn't matter to me. I know that when disasters happen, it doesn't matter where or under what circumstances. Ordinary people always suffer, and that fact alone negates any possible nuances. If you ever want to open up and talk, I'll always be ready to listen. As arrogant or unbelievable as it may sound to you now, it's not a joke – the Kami-sama are witnesses to my words. I was going to give up on you once, but now I'm not. I might even thank you for these unfortunate moments – by striking at the weak points of my heart when I was calm, you strengthened it where it needed it most. You once wanted to hear my opinion, and when you heard it, you didn't accept it; instead, you trampled on everything that was dear to me, remember? Then I told you it was a ten out of ten, even though you didn't hear my reasoning. Now I'll say it's an eight – because these events have awakened emotions in my soul that I would have consciously denied until the very end, because for a miko, such things are sinful. So, the difference is three. You were measuring the discrepancy between internal and external assessment, if I remember correctly? I can't wait for you to publish this work in a natural science journal. Anyway... What was I saying? I was saying that I'm probably justifying my harshness towards you, even though it's a negative emotion. I apologize for that, - she clapped her right hand against the palm of her left hand a couple of times. - Rejoice, "simple Kriedearian," an imperial princess is apologizing to you. ...as the sycophants would say. But, returning to everything I said... I don't think you deserve hatred. Until recently, I thought it was just a misunderstanding. Maybe now I've decided to continue thinking that way. I would like us to turn the page, if possible, - rummaging in her bag, she takes out and hands over the last chocolate cat. - This is a chocolate cat; I bought it before the operation, and after our first meeting, I wanted to solemnly give it to you, as if you were a child, as a joke, but it didn't work out. What a silly and tasteless idea... What was I thinking? - she shakes her head at the absurdity of it. - Now I'm doing it sincerely. It's very tasty and healthy, they say. You can either turn away or throw it away, or you can laugh and insult me again, or you can do all of that in your mind, as if you were sitting in the back row of school, and openly flaunt your new "title," which I never asked for, if you think it can be used against you, although that would disappoint me after everything you've done. I don't think you'll go back on that. Anyway, it's all up to you; I've turned the page, even if you've stayed on the old one. That's just the way things are now. The giggles and hahas are over. Come on, get your act together, - with her hand free from the chocolate cat, she slaps him on the bicep. - And I will too; there's no other way.