Posts from ☀️ Arselia and Akonia Auto-translated

I wouldn't even ban slavery...

Erephir was tasked with doing far from the most exciting job, and perhaps not the kind of job she had hoped for – she had to cast the main parts from metal, which were intended to connect all the other components of the machines and assemblies, again and again. At the same time, Beate was assigned to distribute the necessary materials and food to the workers.

"Really?" Ayano beamed, then quickly added, "It's nothing, four o'clock is fine. There will be a notice stating that the opening hours are temporarily adjusted; I think it might even be more convenient for some. Many people are busy during the day anyway, and there won't be much to do there, just minor tasks. And the fact that I haven't done this before isn't a problem; the most important thing is that the person is good. On the contrary, imagine what a valuable and unique life experience it will be. In my homeland, this is a perfectly normal practice: when a family historically connected to serving in a particular shrine doesn't have a daughter who can inherit the duties of a miko, the tradition absolutely allows for the temporary acceptance of a suitable girl. Don't worry about payment for the work; it's completely normal. Or do you mean that, according to local laws, this is considered something unusual? If so, I have permission to conduct spiritual activities – both from the imperial family and from the patriarch, so everything is fine in that regard. But in any case, even if not in this form of gratitude, we'll figure something out..." She paused for a few moments, frantically considering all the nuances of the matter, then, looking at the worried face of the sorceress, made an effort, calmed down, and took a deep breath. "...But let's not jump the gun," she continued in a calm and reassuring tone. "How about I come to pick you up around four o'clock today? We can go there, I'll show you what and how, and you can think about it. Or we can meet there around that time."

- Uh... Okay! I'll come at four and try to figure out what's what, and if I take on this important task, I'll do everything I can to not disappoint you! - Hearing the sound of the academy bell, Minako shoved the remaining food into her mouth and ran back to class. - See you later!!

Beata eagerly took on the task. Nothing complicated or requiring exceptional intelligence, but even such a simple job made her feel useful and needed. "Thank you, strongman, keep it up!" she smiled at the large man who had cleared some construction debris from her path. "The best tools for the most skilled hands, here you go," she said with a playful bow, handing over a toolbox. "You've done a great job – it's time to refuel!" she said, handing out paper bags of food to the tired workers. "With guys like you, we'll rebuild the center in record time!" she winked, taking a bag of construction debris to carry away. "The boss is here too! Now I'm really confident about the future of Margel!" she chuckled, spotting Erefir. She believed that even simple and somewhat foolish words of encouragement would lift the spirits of the people working to rebuild Margel. Yes, maybe some wouldn't like it, but if she could inspire even one person with enthusiasm, then her efforts would be worthwhile. *** After spending the rest of the day at the construction site, Beata returned home later than Guion. It is unknown whether she walked back with Erefir or alone.

Returning home, Beata feels that something has changed within her...

Beata gains the following profession:

Cheerleader
For every ten points of Charisma, the character can grant one additional turn to an ally once per phase.

- Agreed! - she managed to shout to her fleeing tribeswoman. - And they say school is an easy time... You barely have time to grab a bite before you're back at the workbench, - she gestured with her hands, but no one saw or heard her because there was no one else around and Edin hadn't returned yet.
"Oh well..."
Scanning the list of locations, she realized that today wouldn't take much time - almost everything she had to do was in the same area, which meant she could visit it on the way back.
- Hmm... - she said, thoughtfully moving towards [N-2] [X-4].

Erephir was assigned to a task that was far from the most exciting, and perhaps not at all what she had hoped for – she had to cast the main parts out of metal, which were intended to connect all the other components of the machines, again and again.

She was okay with it: she wouldn't go back there a second time, but she used this opportunity to carefully study each machine and where these parts went. Although there was nothing interesting in the casting itself, just hammering out molds, melting, and pouring... Yes, that was the nature of mass production, too narrow a specialization that distanced craftsmen from the work of their hands. To design and assemble everything herself from scratch? That would be cool and invaluable. To be part of an automated manufactory? Well, it's soulless.

But the main thing is to learn useful lessons. Now, after looking at each part of each machine, and then going to the workshop where these parts were assembled into finished products, the blacksmith was almost certain that she could make a similar one if needed. Of course, she already knew some things by asking the master about similar devices that were in the craft section of Chronos... But here, in any case, there were other models with their own characteristics, so, it's quite acceptable.

When her blacksmithing OD ran out, and the shift was over, she waved goodbye to the workers, changed clothes, and went to the exit of the workshop. Standing next to the manufactory, she paused for a moment, looking at the site of the hopeless impact, and thinking... Thinking like this: no matter what she does, no matter what the dragons do, life will inevitably lose its romance over time. At this rate, this beautiful, imagination-stirring crater will soon be filled in in the most utilitarian way, not with some mighty force, wondrous magic, or a huge mechanism the size of an entire district, but simply with a bunch of people and shovels. The dragon lost. He didn't stand a chance against the giant anthill called "civilization." It will only get worse from here, this force will only grow, and whoever is not with it will be consumed. But maybe the upcoming wars will bring some variety? We'll see.

If nothing is happening, then she should go further... Hmm, she can check on some acquaintances. In Grace, for example. I wonder how Belyana's new books are doing.

- Boss, it's you! Well, now I'm really confident about the future of Margel! - she chuckled, seeing Erephir.
She thought that even simple and silly words of support would lift the spirits of the people working on the restoration of Margel. Yes, maybe someone won't like it, but if it inspires even one person, then she's not wasting her time.

👍

- I remember, seven years ago, when prostitution was banned and brothels were closed, there was quite a bit of outrage in society, but not all work is equally useful and permissible, especially in the context of long-term consequences... And we actually lost our absolute freedom at the moment when we decided to leave the forest and began to invent our own rules, traditions, and laws, so those who are disadvantaged in one way or another will always exist, and all that remains for us is to hope that this will have a positive effect on society as a whole. As for tattoos and piercings, if you want my opinion, I don't see any reason to ban them from my ordinary point of view, although I myself would not use such services. It looks like a medical procedure on a perfectly healthy body.

"Actually, it's not the most surprising position for a healthcare worker. Klidna, as far as I remember, wasn't working in a hospital at that time, but even now, "romantics" sometimes come in, and we have to deal with the consequences of their love affairs."
— Not all, of course. Especially in the context of the consequences, I can understand this position. But I knew decent people who were driven to this by financial need. They ended up in a foreign and unfamiliar land, desperately needed money, and they were paid well, given their skills, but only in places like these. Although there is potentially less work there than here. As for the ban... I don't know, I wouldn't be surprised if this kind of activity is still practiced in the empire, just unofficially. But it is regulated worse, and those who suffer from this are, first of all, the workers. The owners of the establishments have been given free rein, they have nothing to lose. Perhaps the situation was not better before, of course. But I wouldn't dare to judge, as I don't know. But this is all related to the same issue of the disadvantaged," Alaria spread her hands, "we have what we have. I agree that there is little point in banning tattoos and piercings. It is also a form of art, even if it does not appeal to everyone. I once thought about getting a phoenix tattoo on my neck. As you can see, I refrained," she said with a slight smile, "I decided that I might regret it later. As far as I know, it's not that easy to get rid of."

- Hmmm... - she said thoughtfully, moving a piece on the [N-2] [X-4] board.

- Oh, Ayanushka, hello.
Standing at the entrance to the establishment that had opened in place of the fighting club was Nadia Aquamarine, handing out flyers for the upcoming contest - "Miss Margel".
- Tell me, are you here to sign up...?

- Hello. This... what is this? - she looks around at all the infrastructure. - To be honest, I saw an unusual name for it on the minimap.

If nothing is happening, then you should have gone further... Hmm, maybe check with some acquaintances. For example, at Haven. I wonder how Belyana's new books are doing.

By the time Erephir got to the store after work, it was already closed...

Yeah... Automation is automation, but the time was used up as planned, and even more, oh well. So, then there was another conversation with the Carnolians: Fyr goes straight to the headquarters and sits on a couch in the hall. If anyone passes by, he waves them over to the other couches.

A few months ago, the first meeting of Erephir and Mysterius.

Knight:
-- Ooo, guys, I found a strategic meat stash in case of famine! How thoughtful you are!

"I can't believe it. And to think Guyon told me how important simple words of support are. That a kind word spoken at the right time can be so vital. Well, look at that... It really is pleasant to help and bring people a good mood. Hm, maybe I could find a short cheerleader dress and big pom-poms, remember a few suitable routines, and come up with a couple of silly chants? No joke, Rinze, maybe that's how I'll boost morale even more. Alright, I'll think about that later... I'm dog-tired."
After soaking properly under a hot shower, Beata changed and went down to the hall. She was absolutely not in the form to go anywhere, but if she lay on the sofa for a bit, she'd find the strength for some activity within the walls of Carneola... Probably.
Beata flopped onto the sofa and with pleasure kicked off her shoes, throwing her legs over the armrest. Nice...
- Oh, you're back! - a voice called from the kitchen.
- Guyosha! You're home! I didn't notice! - Beata sat up on the sofa.
- Just lie there, lie there. I returned recently, no one's around, so I decided to do some chores, because Astellia... You know how it is.
- I know. We really need to find her a proper assistant; we've completely run her ragged in her condition.
- Exactly...
- So what happened? You're beaming like a cat that's gorged on cream.
- O-o-oh! - Guyon's eyes almost lit up. - You won't believe it! I went to work at the hospital for the benefit of Margel, you see 😅
- Don't keep me in suspense! - Beata slapped the sofa in impatience.
- Anyway, I got to talking with my mentor, word after word... I'm now a full-fledged doctor. A real one.
Beata needed a few seconds of agonizing silence to digest the news. Then, as if in slow motion, a grin spread across her face from ear to ear.
- Guyosha!!! CONGRATULATIONS! I never doubted you!!! - In a split second, Beata covered the distance from the sofa to Guyon's neck.
- Ow... you're strangling me... - he laughed.
- Congratulations-congratulations-congratulations, we have to celebrate this!!!
- Definitely! We'll tell all our friends, get everyone together. Only... - Guyon turned serious, - there is one point.
- What? - Beata tensed up.
- Well... to become a doctor, I took a medical oath. That I pledge to respect life, do no harm, and all that. And... I understand that on one hand, these are just words, but out of respect for my profession and my colleagues — for me, they are not just words. I haven't forgotten how to wield a weapon, and I won't hesitate to use it if my life, your life, or the lives of our friends depend on it, but...
- I understand, Guyosh, - Beata nodded seriously. Holding a dramatic pause, she continued her thought with a mischievous smile. - So it wasn't the curse after all. You really are just that disciplined.
- Not entirely, - he smiled bashfully.
- Well, you're lucky I broke up with crime, - the ex-bandit smirked. - Six months ago, for statements like that, I would have sent you to Lower Lunaria to return defective goods under warranty, - she giggled quietly in his ear.
- Six months ago, I would have thought twice before making such promises, - he huffed in response.
- Oh, come on. You were always a softie. Sometimes I even felt awkward making you get your hands dirty.
- Well, it's not like I was strongly against it. I'm a soldier first and foremost, and I've seen enough shit not to overthink some dirty business. It's easier for me to live with a clear conscience, true, but I'm not some stuffy paladin who faints because someone dared not help a grandma down from a tree or help a kitten cross the road.
- I'm happy to live with a clear conscience myself... Today I helped clear some rubble. You know, you were right... Praise and kind words are very important. A couple of kind words here, a smile there, and it felt like the workers started working twice as hard. It's a very pleasant feeling — to instill joy and enthusiasm.
- Just try telling me you're useless and good for nothing after this.
- Well... I thought about that too. That you're right, even someone like me can show their better side.
- I always believed in you, and I always will.
- Thank you...
Beata sank back onto the sofa, pulling Guyon down beside her. This time she rested her legs on his lap. He didn't mind.
- Listen... if you're so worried about killing someone, maybe you could try controlling your strikes somehow? I think your arguments, - she nodded toward the swords hanging from his belt, - would be quite convincing even without a lethal outcome.
- That's true, I've thought about it. I even thought I'd make up excuses like "He accidentally fell on my swords six times!". But I don't know, I was trained to kill, not to disable.
- We could ask the boss. She's a jack-of-all-trades; maybe, I don't know, she could forge some gloves for you so you feel the weapon better and know when to stop.
- That's an idea! Although it might be difficult...
- Well, it's a good idea. As for how difficult it is — she'll know best. I'd suggest tinkering with the weapons, but why ruin good swords? This way, everyone is happy.
- Agreed. Then we'll wait for her and talk.
- And figure out how to celebrate.
- What's there to figure out... we'll coax Alaria into getting a cake, and that'll be that.
- True enough.