So, listen. A couple of days ago, I officially registered you as my adopted daughter.
Posts from ☀️ Arselia and Akonia
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-- Here's how... I believe you are familiar with my name. May I know yours, as well as the terms under which you are willing to share information?
- Ha-ha, it seems that it's not your culture that's seeping into the empire, but the imperial culture that's slowly seeping into you. - Mom playfully ruffled her daughter's hair. - So, listen. A couple of days ago, I officially registered you as my adopted daughter - there's no need for the masses to know that I gave birth to you from another world. Since you are not of my blood, you cannot claim the imperial throne and the wealth of the imperial family, but this still imposes certain obligations on you, so I support your idea, but let's do it within the bounds of the law and decency. My limit is a bikini.
- It will be tough, but they are strong and full of enthusiasm, so they will cope. Hmm, it's hard to say about the ancestors, but their descendants will definitely be happy to see a glimpse of your youth.
- I think it will be great. Imagine how many liters of... stuff... your admirers will... do... to you. Go for it!
- I shouldn't have asked you... Or maybe I should. Who else will delve into the essence of the question, stripping away all the false meanings from it? - she sighs. - Thank you for your wise advice.
- The owner of "Ideal" is a very principled and fair person, so I wouldn't worry about it - they won't force you to do something you don't want to do.
- I think you should try it, - Kayasa closed her eyes and nodded, - it's a good opportunity to look at yourself from the outside and boost your confidence.
- You know, you're not the first to "accuse" me of this. Maybe there really is something like that in me... Thank you, the opinion of a woman like you is worth more to me than anything else. I'll think about it.
- Is this some kind of test? To be honest, I would probably be a little jealous at the thought that any random passerby could just easily admire your radiant beauty, but if this is what you want, then I would be happy for your achievement. And who knows, maybe someone will see your photo and change their mind about jumping off the roof. Don't you believe that's possible? I do.
- B... - "darling" couldn't even pronounce the word. - I... I don't think it will come to that... But I understand. ... ... ...Hey, wait, did you register it? - She paused for a moment, considering whether it was even possible to adopt a fifty-year-old woman, but apparently, even if it wasn't, this law clearly didn't apply to this dynasty. - This is a bit unexpected. A strange feeling... But I'm glad you're happy.
- Yes, I wasn't thinking about it in that sense... And no, this isn't a test, - she smiled at this suggestion. - It's just that the opportunity arose to go through a certain path that Dia went through at one time... But! - she immediately raises a finger. - I was shown some of her "works," and although she is a stunning girl, such things are completely unacceptable to me. I think you understand what I mean - you know me. So, either there's a decent option, or there isn't. And I'll tell you, this isn't the time to compromise. As you said, "Ambiguity leads to misunderstanding and lies," and "If you're not doing something wholeheartedly, don't do it at all." So, if you have any doubts, express them right away - that's why I'm asking. I don't owe them anything, and it won't cost me anything.
I hope you understand that I wouldn't grant such an honor to just anyone.
I'm starting to think that maybe the Emperor from Warhammer 40k wasn't such a bad father after all.
- Shen Shao at your service," said the stranger, jumping into Erephir's room, "I offer not information, but a service. I can provide protection to the innocent from the Despair, provided you are aware of the next target of his attack.
"How can I keep his chance of a lethal attack, which he surely has, on the other side of the window?..."
"Meanwhile, the chain of events is as follows: the Senator learns about the dragon's assignment, then... scenarios? A magical artifact reproduces our conversation with his son, and it becomes publicly known that the empire wanted to sacrifice Kriedar, and yes, it probably did. They have Gnosis fans there; they could have come up with such an artifact. It's no more complicated than breeding a special type of fruit. This is used to strengthen Shen's position."
"Another option: when we kill the dragon, this fruit intercepts the stone from us, possibly by killing us. Then it uses it to trade with Naria."
"More options? Yes, there are quite a few. The problem is what he's going to do if I refuse. He's clearly a professional. He's clearly prepared to meet another professional in defense. No, in principle, I admit that he's not here for that; a private conversation makes sense even outside the context of killing an uncooperative leader. Let's see where this leads us."
-- I have great respect for Senator Shen Tao, so it's a pleasure to meet you. However, I'm not clear on two things: first, why you decided that I have information. Yes, I have certain connections, but you know, everyone in the country is playing their own game and is not in a hurry to say anything, fearing leaks. I have to act largely in the dark, unfortunately. So much so that, despite my formal closeness to the interests of the imperial house, I am even inclined to believe that it is rather you and the Senator who could share certain information with me about what is happening. Figuratively speaking. But, judging by the persistence of your intelligence, I wouldn't be surprised.
-- And secondly... what is the reason for such interest? Are you worried about the cities in your region?
- Yes, I registered you. - Nariya repeated, this time hugging her. - So, welcome to the family, officially... I hope you understand that I wouldn't grant such an honor to just anyone, and if I were to die prematurely, you would be my only legacy.
- ... Hiding your radiance from the world would be a crime against humanity and civilization, so I'm still "for" it. Besides, yes, I know you - you won't be appearing in any truly unworthy roles.
- ...okay. But if anything happens, you're in for a thousand needles.
-- I have great respect for Senator Shen Tao, so it's a pleasure to meet you. However, I don't understand why you think I have information. Yes, I have certain connections, but you know, everyone in the country plays their own game and isn't in a hurry to say anything, fearing leaks. I have to act largely in the dark, unfortunately. So much so that, despite my formal alignment with the interests of the imperial house, I'm even inclined to think that it's more likely that you and the senator could share some information with me about what's happening. Figuratively speaking. But judging by the persistence of your intelligence, I wouldn't be surprised.
-- And secondly... What's the reason for such interest? Are you worried about the cities in your region?
- This is a contract, he explained the obvious. - I need two signatures: yours and that of someone from the imperial family. If the agreement is concluded, I will protect the innocent from the Despair, and Carnelian and all its current members will come under the control of my father, Senator Shen Tao.
The stranger ignored the woman's expressed assumptions and responded by placing a sheet of paper on her table.
- This is a contract, he stated the obvious. - I need two signatures: yours and that of someone from the imperial family. If the agreement is concluded, I will protect the innocent from Despair, and Karneol and all its current members will come under the control of my father, Senator Shen Tao.
2. Erefir goes to Shen.
3. Karneol (1 person) and some random mercenaries, who happen to know each other and Erefir (6 people), go on the quest.
4. After defeating Despair, the random mercenaries prevent Karneol from completing Shen's task; they rebel, what a twist, too bad. Erefir is captured alive.
5. Karneol fails and is disbanded; Shen is sad.
6. Nariya creates "Never-Karneol-Again" with the same people in the same headquarters.
7. ???
8. PROFIT
🏹🎪+⛓️♿=💕
😔
I'm starting to think that maybe the Emperor from Warhammer 40k wasn't such a bad father after all.
🏹🎪+⛓️♿=💕
- A... arigato, - she replies. - I understand. But you must also understand that dying prematurely is not an option. Even if, by sacrificing your life, you decide to take your enemies with you. That would be completely unforgivable...
Turning away for a few seconds to hide the emotion that flashed across her face at the first part of the sentence, she responds to the rest:
- ...okay. But if that happens, you'll get a thousand needles.