Happy Life
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Closing her eyes and exhaling after such an excessive presentation, Ayano nods to twenty-four pairs of eyes:
- Hello everyone. You surely have important matters to attend to and an early start tomorrow, so let's try not to delve into overly stifling formalities, especially since there was enough of that yesterday, - she surveys the young soldiers with her gaze, allowing herself a brief reminiscence. - Just think, not long ago you were novice disciples on the path of the katana - the finest sword in the universe, a brilliant invention of Nihonese gunsmiths - and now you are officially recognized by Her Majesty and have your own headquarters. Not bad for a first step, is it? But don't let your head spin from success! For with great honor come great expectations.
Exchanging a glance with the second grandmother, the first one raises a finger attentively:
- You have all been gathered here for a single purpose. Despite the fact that we managed to eradicate the coven and even execute its leaders, the echoes of this affair still torment our unfortunate empire. That is why you have another mission of critical importance - to finally eliminate its consequences. Only your dozen is capable of it, and this time there is not a single person on Anuzish who can assist you in this, - she pauses with the most serious expression. - Your assignment today is to... Akhuli, - she casts a strict glance at the servant to pull the tarpaulin cover off a menacing structure, its silhouette standing vaguely on a wide table. - ...dignifiedly accept the unofficial gratitude and reward for your participation in the mission and its flawless execution, - on the table behind her, familiar ominous artifacts from the third game (for those who weren't too much of a zoomer to have played it) could be seen, nonetheless, despite their origin, paradoxically arranged in a rather cute composition. - They say that whoever collects the full set will turn into a person of exceptionally low moral qualities, ultimately doomed to a sad fate. However, in the hands of a worthy person, each of these items individually can change the life of its owner and those around them for the better.
- Yare-yare... - mutters the artifact expert, smirking at herself for all that incredible nonsense she just spouted with a straight face. - Well, if we drop the nonsense... after finishing off the Evil Eye, which was done in combat mode... and after yesterday's ceremony, which was done on behalf of the empire in an official capacity... Anuzish loves a trinity, so let this be an unofficial final thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart. For not letting her be wronged, - nodding at Sonata and shielding herself from her with a palm, leaning slightly forward, she whispers loudly to forty-eight pairs of eyes across the entire room. - She wouldn't have managed without you!.. - confirming her own words with a knowing nod and returning to her original position, she continues normally. - And... for finding the strength and courage to take on such a dangerous mission, not only executing it brilliantly but also... avoiding tragedies and returning alive and unharmed, - her voice wavering on the last note of the remark to her great displeasure, the princess bows to assassins, thieves, marauders, incels, fanatics, and simple workers - a bow that might have looked better for others and much worse for her, had she suddenly been wearing some kind of décolletage. - The empire is proud of you, the instructor is proud of you... And I am too, even if I am neither the empire nor the instructor. I hope - no, I am absolutely certain - that this emotion will only grow in the future, - she says, returning to her default position, and even though next to Sonata she was a typical forgettable "ugly friend," this realization still didn't stop her from critting ninety-six pairs of eyes with a textbook smile at full three hundred and forty.
- Alas, someone as fragile, weak, and short as I am can't carry heavy loads, so we'll do it this way - I'll call your name, and you'll come up one by one for your prize.
...
- Wanderlust Suien. Already back? You know, there are people who are hurricanes, people who are avalanches, people who are floods. Hmm... floods? Do those exist? Probably not important. And there are also people who are boulders and even mountains, whose presence instills confidence in those around them. I think you can be the ideal such person. So in my opinion, you absolutely need to be crowned with the grandmaster's helmet.
...
- Hiiragi Miyuki. Doesn't it seem, after some time, that channeling your inexhaustible energy into good and just deeds is a much more sensible and worthy thing to do? As someone somewhat kindred in heart, I see the spirit of a dragon in you. I hope you will never stumble again or tarnish your honor, - he is awarded an eye (an artifact one).
...
- Anpan. I've noticed you've made new friends. That's good to see. You should never close yourself off too much, otherwise it risks distorting your perception of reality - which is what that scoundrel who fell into a coma ultimately experienced. So I'm confident that this blade can be entrusted to you, - sword-2. - Surely your convictions, multiplied by your care for those around you, can transform the fate of this weapon into something honorable.
...
- Synartz Peony. I heard from trusted people a fact that in our battle yesterday, Rinze-sama herself helped. A worthy woman she is, if so. I suppose you're familiar with the concept of seeing something so beautiful that it takes your breath away and you feel like you're drowning in the moment. So this magnificent lamp will help your ignorant opponents get acquainted with this idea.
...
- Zohm Matthias. You put on quite an interesting event yesterday. Made a good profit, I suppose? See how you can stay within the legal framework and still live a perfectly decent life. I would very much like this to serve as an example for you and for you to leave old ways behind forever. Take this ring. It will go well with your pistol, don't you think?
...
- Zunbach Hugon. You're a self-sufficient guy, and even if I give you some advice or wish, you'll still do everything your own way. And that's right - strength of character is a positive trait. But still, sometimes, if only very rarely, it makes sense to stop for a few moments and catch your breath. No matter how irrelevant other people's opinions may seem, they exist in your circle, and sometimes that can offer a new perspective. Take this cloak. Let it shield you from the icy December wind.
Later, in a calm setting, rummaging through the cloak's pockets, he would find an unopened pack of elite "Boss" cigars and a short note stating that she had happened to learn he was a tobacco man, so this is a small extra souvenir.
...
- Ferlutius Tenok. People with a mind as balanced and close to reality as yours - you have to look hard to find them. For me, it's a breath of fresh air in the ocean of chaos and short-sightedness that our life represents. Being a fool doesn't take much brains, but awareness requires effort and understanding. I'm very glad that someone like you is there for your comrades, and not just me. I hope these magnificent artifact boots will always protect you from the unpleasant events of life. Just be careful in places where young women gather, or you might not make it home.
...
- Sima Yun. Some people, you know, separate intellect and spirit, introducing a dichotomy of mind and heart that seems logical at first glance but isn't always fair. Because in your case, for example, I see both in harmonious synthesis. Once I asked you if you'd potentially like to see your works in an exhibition or museum (or however it was), and you replied that few would understand them. But haven't the past months shown you that sometimes things you would have previously considered fantastic are undeniably and absolutely possible? So don't let dry reason outweigh your heartfelt impulse in this matter. And to ensure no extraneous variables have a harmful effect on it, take this hourglass. A sensible person should think such moments through in advance.
...
- Kizhdam Kanchan. This beautiful golden talisman will go to you. But don't think it's something like a calculated attempt to boost some hypothetical stat. You've proven your true essence through real actions, so... - closing her eyes and pressing the artifact to her heart, nodding confidently after a few seconds. - I feel a resonance between this item and your soul. No unworthy person would ever have received it from me. And that's not all! In moments of doubt, remember that you are capable of offering both your team and the world something that the vast majority of people cannot. Hope for a bright future. Perhaps you won't understand me yet, but someday, gradually, it will come to you. Ganbare!
...
- Amirega. You seem to have become more aware lately. Simpletons would chalk this up to details of game mechanics or some other tedious things, but that's all rubbish. My detectors never deceive me, and before me I see a person who has found new meanings for himself. Never let narrative and others' expectations shape the image of you that they want. ...I don't mean knocking the spirit out of them for such an attempt - it's about self-perception. But then again, you surely know all this yourself without my unsolicited and probably overly complicated analysis out of nowhere. Looking at this flamberge, I can't imagine it in anyone else's hands but yours - it just doesn't seem organic. So take it. If you think about it... maybe it won't end up in your hands but will move to a wall or be converted into something? But on the other hand, wouldn't it be cool if you learned to dual-wield with a katana? I'd like to see that.
...
- Antimachus Gilo. Hmmm... mm... mm... Amazing thing. Perhaps you are the only one to whom I cannot voice an ultra-useful observation or advice from the height of my default seventeen years. But I suppose you don't need it. Eh. A bit of a shame, but on the other hand - people like you are what hold any society together, both in its broader sense and within your group. Although listen: being a doctor yourself and aware of the harm, aren't you going to quit smoking? Or did your patients push you into it? Ha-ha, okay, okay, you're due a cuirass. And not just anyone's, but a grandmaster's. There can never be too many mountain-people in a team, and that's something to be proud of.
...
- Rottenmind Haynes.
...
...
...
Turning to the empty table, the princess shrugs disappointedly.
- Alas. For some reason, our scoundrel was walking around without gloves, and so - there are only eleven artifacts, and twelve of you. So, no offense... - pausing to gauge the reaction, she reaches into a tiny pocket on the side of her rabbit cloak. - ...But you'll have to get something from the princess's personal collection.
From the pocket emerges a magnificent picture of a beast-girl with +80% experience, stacking with intelligence.
- To a connoisseur of aesthetics capable of challenging even Yun-kun, I believe something like this should be to your liking. Let this image guide your vector wherever you wish, - analyzing the situation, frowning and putting her hands on her hips. - In both effect and sentiment, it's the best artifact offered! Stop pouting! Emo kids don't walk around with faces like that! Maybe I should issue an edict that all gloomsters be executed? Wait until you're over thirty, even close to forty, then you'll fully feel such an emotion - if you haven't gotten on your feet by then, you know what I mean? Alright, - she sighs. - Do as you wish - as you've done all your life - but I firmly know that you won't let all the efforts go to waste, and you'll overcome whatever life throws at you. You're not the type of person to give up in an unpleasant situation. And as a black-hearted person to another... Don't ignore the attention of those close to you, whoever they are. Even if at the moment it seems inflated and unnecessary compared to your "hardest problem in all of Anuzish's history under the whole wide sky," you'll later realize that it was their efforts that helped you pull through. Cherish them. And let's together believe in a bright future that will surely follow the resolution of this current divine comedy.
Taking out souvenir cookies from Arcelia from a magic container, Ayano hands the box to the student in both palms.
- And this is just... An extra prize. Just don't think it was bought for 20 rems at the nearest store. There's much more put into it than it might seem at first, second, or even third glance. You won't find another like it in this world. If you're curious, this inscription in hieroglyphs means a wish for happiness. And this wish will definitely come true if you use this box to its fullest. Don't even doubt it. You have my word as a princess. And as a high priestess. And simply as a close person who genuinely wishes you well.
- Hello everyone. You surely have important matters to attend to and an early start tomorrow, so let's try not to delve into overly stifling formalities, especially since there was enough of that yesterday, - she surveys the young soldiers with her gaze, allowing herself a brief reminiscence. - Just think, not long ago you were novice disciples on the path of the katana - the finest sword in the universe, a brilliant invention of Nihonese gunsmiths - and now you are officially recognized by Her Majesty and have your own headquarters. Not bad for a first step, is it? But don't let your head spin from success! For with great honor come great expectations.
Exchanging a glance with the second grandmother, the first one raises a finger attentively:
- You have all been gathered here for a single purpose. Despite the fact that we managed to eradicate the coven and even execute its leaders, the echoes of this affair still torment our unfortunate empire. That is why you have another mission of critical importance - to finally eliminate its consequences. Only your dozen is capable of it, and this time there is not a single person on Anuzish who can assist you in this, - she pauses with the most serious expression. - Your assignment today is to... Akhuli, - she casts a strict glance at the servant to pull the tarpaulin cover off a menacing structure, its silhouette standing vaguely on a wide table. - ...dignifiedly accept the unofficial gratitude and reward for your participation in the mission and its flawless execution, - on the table behind her, familiar ominous artifacts from the third game (for those who weren't too much of a zoomer to have played it) could be seen, nonetheless, despite their origin, paradoxically arranged in a rather cute composition. - They say that whoever collects the full set will turn into a person of exceptionally low moral qualities, ultimately doomed to a sad fate. However, in the hands of a worthy person, each of these items individually can change the life of its owner and those around them for the better.
- Yare-yare... - mutters the artifact expert, smirking at herself for all that incredible nonsense she just spouted with a straight face. - Well, if we drop the nonsense... after finishing off the Evil Eye, which was done in combat mode... and after yesterday's ceremony, which was done on behalf of the empire in an official capacity... Anuzish loves a trinity, so let this be an unofficial final thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart. For not letting her be wronged, - nodding at Sonata and shielding herself from her with a palm, leaning slightly forward, she whispers loudly to forty-eight pairs of eyes across the entire room. - She wouldn't have managed without you!.. - confirming her own words with a knowing nod and returning to her original position, she continues normally. - And... for finding the strength and courage to take on such a dangerous mission, not only executing it brilliantly but also... avoiding tragedies and returning alive and unharmed, - her voice wavering on the last note of the remark to her great displeasure, the princess bows to assassins, thieves, marauders, incels, fanatics, and simple workers - a bow that might have looked better for others and much worse for her, had she suddenly been wearing some kind of décolletage. - The empire is proud of you, the instructor is proud of you... And I am too, even if I am neither the empire nor the instructor. I hope - no, I am absolutely certain - that this emotion will only grow in the future, - she says, returning to her default position, and even though next to Sonata she was a typical forgettable "ugly friend," this realization still didn't stop her from critting ninety-six pairs of eyes with a textbook smile at full three hundred and forty.
- Alas, someone as fragile, weak, and short as I am can't carry heavy loads, so we'll do it this way - I'll call your name, and you'll come up one by one for your prize.
...
- Wanderlust Suien. Already back? You know, there are people who are hurricanes, people who are avalanches, people who are floods. Hmm... floods? Do those exist? Probably not important. And there are also people who are boulders and even mountains, whose presence instills confidence in those around them. I think you can be the ideal such person. So in my opinion, you absolutely need to be crowned with the grandmaster's helmet.
...
- Hiiragi Miyuki. Doesn't it seem, after some time, that channeling your inexhaustible energy into good and just deeds is a much more sensible and worthy thing to do? As someone somewhat kindred in heart, I see the spirit of a dragon in you. I hope you will never stumble again or tarnish your honor, - he is awarded an eye (an artifact one).
...
- Anpan. I've noticed you've made new friends. That's good to see. You should never close yourself off too much, otherwise it risks distorting your perception of reality - which is what that scoundrel who fell into a coma ultimately experienced. So I'm confident that this blade can be entrusted to you, - sword-2. - Surely your convictions, multiplied by your care for those around you, can transform the fate of this weapon into something honorable.
...
- Synartz Peony. I heard from trusted people a fact that in our battle yesterday, Rinze-sama herself helped. A worthy woman she is, if so. I suppose you're familiar with the concept of seeing something so beautiful that it takes your breath away and you feel like you're drowning in the moment. So this magnificent lamp will help your ignorant opponents get acquainted with this idea.
...
- Zohm Matthias. You put on quite an interesting event yesterday. Made a good profit, I suppose? See how you can stay within the legal framework and still live a perfectly decent life. I would very much like this to serve as an example for you and for you to leave old ways behind forever. Take this ring. It will go well with your pistol, don't you think?
...
- Zunbach Hugon. You're a self-sufficient guy, and even if I give you some advice or wish, you'll still do everything your own way. And that's right - strength of character is a positive trait. But still, sometimes, if only very rarely, it makes sense to stop for a few moments and catch your breath. No matter how irrelevant other people's opinions may seem, they exist in your circle, and sometimes that can offer a new perspective. Take this cloak. Let it shield you from the icy December wind.
Later, in a calm setting, rummaging through the cloak's pockets, he would find an unopened pack of elite "Boss" cigars and a short note stating that she had happened to learn he was a tobacco man, so this is a small extra souvenir.
...
- Ferlutius Tenok. People with a mind as balanced and close to reality as yours - you have to look hard to find them. For me, it's a breath of fresh air in the ocean of chaos and short-sightedness that our life represents. Being a fool doesn't take much brains, but awareness requires effort and understanding. I'm very glad that someone like you is there for your comrades, and not just me. I hope these magnificent artifact boots will always protect you from the unpleasant events of life. Just be careful in places where young women gather, or you might not make it home.
...
- Sima Yun. Some people, you know, separate intellect and spirit, introducing a dichotomy of mind and heart that seems logical at first glance but isn't always fair. Because in your case, for example, I see both in harmonious synthesis. Once I asked you if you'd potentially like to see your works in an exhibition or museum (or however it was), and you replied that few would understand them. But haven't the past months shown you that sometimes things you would have previously considered fantastic are undeniably and absolutely possible? So don't let dry reason outweigh your heartfelt impulse in this matter. And to ensure no extraneous variables have a harmful effect on it, take this hourglass. A sensible person should think such moments through in advance.
...
- Kizhdam Kanchan. This beautiful golden talisman will go to you. But don't think it's something like a calculated attempt to boost some hypothetical stat. You've proven your true essence through real actions, so... - closing her eyes and pressing the artifact to her heart, nodding confidently after a few seconds. - I feel a resonance between this item and your soul. No unworthy person would ever have received it from me. And that's not all! In moments of doubt, remember that you are capable of offering both your team and the world something that the vast majority of people cannot. Hope for a bright future. Perhaps you won't understand me yet, but someday, gradually, it will come to you. Ganbare!
...
- Amirega. You seem to have become more aware lately. Simpletons would chalk this up to details of game mechanics or some other tedious things, but that's all rubbish. My detectors never deceive me, and before me I see a person who has found new meanings for himself. Never let narrative and others' expectations shape the image of you that they want. ...I don't mean knocking the spirit out of them for such an attempt - it's about self-perception. But then again, you surely know all this yourself without my unsolicited and probably overly complicated analysis out of nowhere. Looking at this flamberge, I can't imagine it in anyone else's hands but yours - it just doesn't seem organic. So take it. If you think about it... maybe it won't end up in your hands but will move to a wall or be converted into something? But on the other hand, wouldn't it be cool if you learned to dual-wield with a katana? I'd like to see that.
...
- Antimachus Gilo. Hmmm... mm... mm... Amazing thing. Perhaps you are the only one to whom I cannot voice an ultra-useful observation or advice from the height of my default seventeen years. But I suppose you don't need it. Eh. A bit of a shame, but on the other hand - people like you are what hold any society together, both in its broader sense and within your group. Although listen: being a doctor yourself and aware of the harm, aren't you going to quit smoking? Or did your patients push you into it? Ha-ha, okay, okay, you're due a cuirass. And not just anyone's, but a grandmaster's. There can never be too many mountain-people in a team, and that's something to be proud of.
...
- Rottenmind Haynes.
...
...
...
Turning to the empty table, the princess shrugs disappointedly.
- Alas. For some reason, our scoundrel was walking around without gloves, and so - there are only eleven artifacts, and twelve of you. So, no offense... - pausing to gauge the reaction, she reaches into a tiny pocket on the side of her rabbit cloak. - ...But you'll have to get something from the princess's personal collection.
From the pocket emerges a magnificent picture of a beast-girl with +80% experience, stacking with intelligence.
- To a connoisseur of aesthetics capable of challenging even Yun-kun, I believe something like this should be to your liking. Let this image guide your vector wherever you wish, - analyzing the situation, frowning and putting her hands on her hips. - In both effect and sentiment, it's the best artifact offered! Stop pouting! Emo kids don't walk around with faces like that! Maybe I should issue an edict that all gloomsters be executed? Wait until you're over thirty, even close to forty, then you'll fully feel such an emotion - if you haven't gotten on your feet by then, you know what I mean? Alright, - she sighs. - Do as you wish - as you've done all your life - but I firmly know that you won't let all the efforts go to waste, and you'll overcome whatever life throws at you. You're not the type of person to give up in an unpleasant situation. And as a black-hearted person to another... Don't ignore the attention of those close to you, whoever they are. Even if at the moment it seems inflated and unnecessary compared to your "hardest problem in all of Anuzish's history under the whole wide sky," you'll later realize that it was their efforts that helped you pull through. Cherish them. And let's together believe in a bright future that will surely follow the resolution of this current divine comedy.
Taking out souvenir cookies from Arcelia from a magic container, Ayano hands the box to the student in both palms.
- And this is just... An extra prize. Just don't think it was bought for 20 rems at the nearest store. There's much more put into it than it might seem at first, second, or even third glance. You won't find another like it in this world. If you're curious, this inscription in hieroglyphs means a wish for happiness. And this wish will definitely come true if you use this box to its fullest. Don't even doubt it. You have my word as a princess. And as a high priestess. And simply as a close person who genuinely wishes you well.
My sword, my trusted ally, unphased by my aspect.
