Posts from The Empire of Reimia (3)

— I, of course, have my own opinion, and there is a certain line that I, as a person, will never cross. I may not share the ideas of our leadership, but that does not negate my obligations to the country, its people, and Her Majesty.

Added 9 minutes later

— Perhaps. By the way, continuing the topic of competitions, I would like to ask you, if you have a free moment, to help me improve my shooting skills. As you may have noticed, I'm not very familiar with firearms – I unfortunately missed Realgar's first lecture. And I wouldn't want this gap in my education to drag our team down.

— No problem. I didn't attend his lectures very actively either, but by July, it became clear that things couldn't go on like this, and I tried my hand at handling some types of weapons.

— I certainly have my own opinion, and there is a line that I, as a person, will never cross. I may not share the ideas of our leadership, but that does not negate my obligations to the country, its people, and Her Majesty.

- Alright, I understand your position, - said Bert and fell silent, staring at the campfire. Then he looked at those around him and, turning his gaze to the girl, asked, - Do you like dancing?

Toutar set out on a campaign.

— To the same extent as any other person, and what about it?

Toutar went on a campaign

What cute, wagging dogs \0

- He should have worn heels too, - Lat chuckled. - And when did they even have time for that? Maybe he took pity on her... Her reputation suffered greatly after that scandal; I'm surprised she still has the strength to fulfill her duties.

- He should have worn heels too, - Lat chuckled. - And when did they even have time for that? Maybe he felt sorry for her... Her reputation suffered greatly after that scandal; I'm surprised she still has the strength to fulfill her duties.

— She's stronger than she seems, — Anelotta said it as if she knew for sure, — I wouldn't want to be in her shoes. More responsibilities and headaches, but what's the point? If she's lucky, someone will say thank you, and that's it.

- No tangible benefit, only moral satisfaction. But you need to have a connection with people, at least, which in turn will bring more suffering in situations like this. But never mind – when she goes through this, she will become even stronger. I didn't vote for her, but now I think it was the right thing to do.

The festival came to an end, and with it, the atmosphere of fun and carefree joy, for the next day, the military academy of Reim was filled with hustle and bustle. Euriala Grace's eyes darted frantically between the interior of the room and the appearance of the students. Was everything in order? No, was everything perfect? "Eli! What do you think you're doing!" Noticing something amiss, the teacher immediately rushed to the student and fastened the top button of her jacket. "I don't want to see this again, especially not today!" Euriala tapped Eli on the hands with a pointer. "Understood?" "Ouch!" Eli reflexively rubbed the spot where she was hit, and a silly smile appeared on her face. "Understood!" "Moriner!" This time, she approached the most successful student in her class and gave him a sharp tap on the shoulder with the same pointer. "What's with that bored expression? Latro, this applies to you too!" Now it was the technician's turn. "Berwang, stand still!" This absurd scene was the result of unexpected news about the Empress's intention to visit the academy that day. In the past, students at this academy had to take an oath upon completion of their training (that is, after three years of study), and only if they wished to continue their careers in the empire's armed forces. Today, however, it became known that changes had been made to this system, and the oath was to be taken today. Since the oath was not just a ceremonial rite, but also imposed legal responsibility, many of the students found themselves in a rather tense state, not to mention that some had to memorize the words of the oath in a sweat, because making mistakes would not only be a great shame, but could also have certain consequences. In addition, there was another factor that made the students of Class III feel depressed. "Parfinora, dear, I don't think I need to remind you that this is your duty, right?" It was recently announced that Shiris Reimford had applied to leave the academy. This meant that there were too few students left in Class IV, and Class III, as the largest, had to transfer one of its students to the neighboring class. It was decided that the choice would be made by a representative of the class. Now they stood in the same hall where, six months ago, they were greeted by Emperor Yujian Reim. Much had changed in that time, and today they were waiting not for Yujian, but for his sister, Empress Rinze Reim. She arrived accompanied by Engressa Roselite and Amsheim Northaft. Next to Maya's sister and Colonel Roselite, her graceful figure, only 162 centimeters tall, seemed very fragile and defenseless, but despite this, the Empress's movements were full of grace, and she retained an aura of impressiveness. She wore a light, open outfit, a short skirt, and high-heeled boots. Despite this attire, however, the Empress somehow managed to stand and move in such a way that her lower body was protected from prying eyes. Her chest was adorned with the "Pleiades," and the "Priscilla" rested in a scabbard on her belt. As for the other artifacts of the imperial family, the "Procyon" was in the hands of Amsheim Northaft. Seeing such an artifact in the hands of an ordinary person was an unusual sight, but hardly surprising: the children of Kamia Ren were not known for their combat skills, and as far as was known, Rinze Reim was not familiar with military craft at all. Moreover, she probably just didn't want to burden herself with extra weight. The "Foliola," on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps it would be imprudent not to use it, but it would be difficult to imagine the Empress in armor – it would not suit her image at all. In her brief address to the students, she spoke of dignity, courage, honor, compassion, honesty, duty, and many other things that were already familiar to the academy's warriors. Some might have found her speech trivial, but it was well-written and impeccably delivered. Tears streamed down Euriala's cheeks, and she clapped her hands enthusiastically, as if she had come to a concert of her favorite performer. Finally, it was time to take the oath. There was little time for each student, so it was not long before it was Class III's turn.

Is it right to take an oath with such wording, where so much attention is paid to the empress, who formed an alliance with Usami Kyoko and executed journalists? Miya had some doubts about this, but decided that the oath speaks of loyalty and the health of the empress, which is quite good, as it signifies sincere service, and not the execution of bad orders, should they ever be given. She even liked the part about her will.
If Xenomia was wrong, she hoped that the bracelet would help her at that moment to not fully commit an imprudent act.

— Parphinora, dear, I don’t think I need to remind you that it’s your duty, right? — It was recently announced that Shiris Reimford submitted her request to leave the Academy. This meant that there were too few students left in class IV, and class III, as the largest, had to transfer one of its students to the neighboring class. It was decided that the choice would be made by a representative of the class.

-Oh, that’s easy - Parphinora replied - we’ll give them Toutar.

"I, Marey Mainz, swear that in life and in death, I will be eternally loyal to the Empress and her land, I will defend the interests of the Rheimian Empire, and I will not disgrace its name. Enemies may destroy my body, but they will never conquer my will. The Empire is above all else; long live Her Majesty Rinze Rheim." Marey recited the oath in a calm, even voice, without hesitation or mistakes. Neither before, during, nor after the ritual did his face change from its usual impassive, cold, and firm expression. What meaning do his words have if they are not related to his actual thoughts? The oath is just another foolish tradition, but the form it took this time unpleasantly surprised the student. "Indeed, war is coming soon. But—who will lead us in this war? Kyoko, the leader of degenerate fanatics, Carmina, the product of incest, and finally, these women, female generals in skirts. Are these commanders, leaders? Who should be impressed by these speeches about honor, duty, and other nonsense from these office dolls? Ah, I'm starting to understand the phenomenon of Theria. He certainly didn't give off that impression. Although, some are ready to lick the boots of anyone who sits on the throne." Marey glanced contemptuously at Evriala.

-- I, Xenomia Neriss, swear that in life and in death, I will be eternally devoted to the Empress and her land, I will defend the interests of the Rhemic Empire and will not disgrace its name. *Enemies may destroy my body, but they will never conquer my will.* The Empire above all, long live Her Majesty Rinze Reim!
She monitors the reaction of the bracelet during the process, then leaves and lets the others read it.

- It's pointless, except for moral satisfaction. But you need to have an affinity for people, at least, which in turn will bring more suffering in situations like this. But it's okay - when she goes through this, she will become even stronger. I didn't vote for her, but now I think it was the right thing to do.

— Perhaps, — a barely noticeable irritation appeared on Anelotte's face as she continued to observe Parphinora; she jumped up from the ground, took Lattro by the hand, and dragged him along, — let's go.

He monitors the bracelet's reaction during the process, then leaves and lets the others read it.

The bracelet hurt her, but in the current situation, she didn't have much of a choice, so she had to endure it. All that remained was to guess what would happen if she ever had to resist orders from above. For violating the oath, whatever it may be and regardless of the reason, the bracelet clearly wouldn't praise her.

If there were any doubts before about whether a war was coming, they were now gone. And it was more than clear that Rynze planned to use all available resources for this, even the green cadets from the first year. Nevertheless, even during the July news, Neya made a firm decision to go all the way, despite her opinion of the new Empress and her personal ideals. In the current situation, she believed that this was the most reasonable choice, even if she had to play by the rules of the deranged ruler. When Rynze delivered her empty and pompous speech, the girl listened to her with a confident face, as if these words truly filled her with pride. And when her turn came, the Reymian clearly and firmly, without a single hesitation, recited the sacred oath:
—I, Linnea Sherman, swear that in life and in death, I will be eternally devoted to the Empress and her land, I will defend the interests of the Reymian Empire and will not disgrace its name. Enemies may destroy my body, but they will never conquer my will. The Empire is above all, long live Her Majesty Rynze Reym!