The Empire of Reimia (3) Auto-translated

Latro gently took Azarina by the shoulders as she returned to the hall. "You did well," he said, patting her shoulder sympathetically. "Your actions are worthy of respect. I will accept the torch from you." This was one of those situations where a man had to pull himself together. With a measured step, he approached the nearest beastman and took the handkerchief, then repeated the procedure. "Thank you for this gift, your majesty. You are even more beautiful up close. Happy holidays." What was intended as a way to put on a good face had a second meaning – Latro didn't really want to go through with this charade after having his boot kissed by fifty people. "I've won," he decided.

Latro received a small box as a gift, tied with a festive ribbon. If you shake it, you can hear something metallic inside, but of course, it would be impolite to open it now, so he will have to wait until the ceremony is over.

Parfinora was surprised that Latro decided to go first. She didn't know much about this classmate, but he didn't seem particularly enthusiastic about the new regime. Parfinora followed Evriala's instructions exactly and tried to combine the best elements from the examples shown by Latro and Azarina in her movements.
-Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, - the aristocrat said softly, but without excessive flattery - the very privilege of seeing you today is the best gift.

Parfinora received a rather large, oblong box as a gift, containing something heavy inside.

Latro didn't really want to deal with this nonsense after his boot had been licked by fifty people.

Those who don't suffer from germophobia won't understand the depth of this wise statement.

//Well, they gave me a dildo as a gift//

/ This is a commander's staff. /

Something got mixed up in the supply department, and the Academy received a commander's staff, while Parfynora received...

- Can I kiss something else instead? - Bert asked.:smile08:

The Empress once again demonstrated her eccentric nature as a ruler, doing something that no one expected – organizing a costume performance. It was somewhat like a repeat of the oath-taking ceremony, but in a more festive setting and with themed costumes. Formally, it was a generous gesture from Her Majesty. In reality, it was another reminder to those present of who was in charge and where their place was. In any case, this method yielded results, and Nea saw no reason to resist it – she had already become accustomed to the current state of affairs and was more than willing to do what was required of her. Even if it didn't bring her the same joy as Azarina, who had volunteered to go first.
Linnea did everything exactly as Evriala had described and as those who had received gifts before her had already done. "Thank you for the honor you have bestowed upon us today, Your Majesty. You have given us the greatest possible end to the year."

Miya follows Linnea.
-- Thank you, Your Majesty. I... I am not worthy of such great generosity and attention, but I will now strive even harder to serve the Empire in any way I can...
Xenomia couldn't hide the treacherous tremor in her voice from excitement, but at least no tears flowed.

Both Linnea and Xenomia receive small, flat, festive gift boxes.

Moriner ran a cool hand over his forehead, smoothing back the hair that was falling into his eyes, adjusted his shirt and trousers, took the practiced, confident stance he had learned over months of training, and took a step forward. With a firm stride, he approached the deer and took the handkerchief, feeling the touch of the soft silk fabric. Then he knelt before the Empress, respectfully bowing his head. Hunching his back and leaning his entire body forward, he touched the tips of his lips to the elegant boots, carefully but with the precision that was characteristic of him, wiping away the remnants of his despicable spirit with the handkerchief. "On behalf of my humble person, I congratulate Your Majesty on the upcoming New Year and sincerely thank you for the opportunity to behold Your Radiance at this New Year's celebration, and especially for this gift." Extending his hands in front of him, Moriner waited to receive the gift, stood up from his knees, and returned to his place.

The gift box that Morineer received turned out to be identical to the one that Xenomia had received.

Bertrand performs the necessary procedure.

Why so little enthusiasm?