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— Well, here is the color-based one. It's somewhat similar in places, but in others... — the Tanarian frowned, — ...not very much. Well, in my opinion.
-- Uh-huh... After thinking about this test for a few more moments, I realized that I don't like it either, as it's similar to a fortune teller. Essentially, it's an attempt to throw a bunch of "predictions" at you in the blind hope that a couple of them will appeal to you or coincide with reality, and it's based on these that an impressionable person will say, "Wow, there's something to it, how insightful..." But in reality, this test is a collection of vague general words that contain almost no information. And how can you determine anything based on color preferences? I like metallic colors, and bright ones, and all sorts of reds and golds... So what? How does that characterize me?Author
— And this is the second one, about which Erephir and I agreed that it's strange. It also has a fair amount of neutrality, although less than some.
-- You also had to copy the result onto a non-original form... Well, that's clear. In general, the very first test was the only good one, thanks to its straightforwardness; it asked the test subject in quite detail and thoroughly about exactly what would later be used in the conclusions, without any frivolity.
-- As for your political views, some things are interesting in comparison to mine, yes. Why do you have less militarism, for example? We are sisters in arms! And where do you get your socialist leanings from? That doesn't seem like you at all. Well, thank you for sharing this with us, Alari. Uh, no offense intended by the previous comment. )
-- Hmm... After thinking about this test for a few more moments, I realized that I don't like it either, as it's similar to fortune-telling. Essentially, it's an attempt to bombard you with a bunch of "predictions" in the blind hope that a couple of them will appeal to you or coincide with reality, and it's based on these that an impressionable person will say, "Wow, there's something to it, how profound..." But in reality, this test is a collection of vague generalities that contain almost no information. And how can you determine anything based on color preferences? I like metallic colors, and bright ones, and all sorts of reds and golds... So what? How does that characterize me?
— So, you're not really a fox, but a magpie, attracted to everything shiny and bright? — the inquisitor smiled slyly, — Just kidding! I haven't read any research on this, so I can't say whether there are actually studies according to which people with certain color preferences have common personality traits. Maybe there is some basis to all of this. However, even if that's the case, — she gestures with her hands, — it doesn't mean that this test is free of subjective interpretations. Not to mention that trying to understand oneself through such methods doesn't seem like a sensible pursuit to me. I perceive it all as nothing more than a fun pastime. Still, I don't think that the complexity and fullness of the human soul can be reduced to dry mathematical formulas. "Because even people like His Most Reverend, who are capable of looking at others more deeply than most, can only see certain superficial aspects. And then, to the extent of their perception and life experience, they interpret these aspects."
Author
-- You also had to copy the result onto a non-original form... Well, that's clear. In general, the very first test was good because of its straightforwardness; it asked the test subject quite specifically and thoroughly about what would later be used in the conclusions, without any frivolity.
— Actually, the form is inserted inside 😅
Author
-- As for your political views, some things are interesting in comparison to mine. Why do you have less militarism, for example? We're sisters in arms! And where do you get these socialist undertones from? That doesn't seem like you. Well, thank you for sharing this with us, Alari. Uh, no offense intended.
— Because not everything in life can be solved with brute force, and it's not always appropriate. If you don't temper strength with wisdom, you'll only hurt yourself and the people around you, — the warrior looked melancholically into the distance, — even though I'm a warrior by nature, I would like to use my skills to protect people. Hunting monsters like Valis is closer to my heart. However, don't get me wrong, I enjoy the military profession. And I believe that without having these skills, it is sometimes difficult to defend one's ideals. One's right to exist. In fact... our shared experience is good confirmation of these words. That's how it is. Apparently, somewhere here lies the difference in our life philosophies, although I was a little surprised by my own results. As for the undertones, — she looks thoughtfully at Erefir, — is that so surprising? I am, of course, an enterprising girl and I am used to achieving everything myself. What is, is. And yet, I spent the last two days doing voluntary and unpaid work. I would be doing it today if I hadn't been turned away. It also coincides with the chosen course of the legitimate government of the empire from which I came.
- What nonsense... - Beata snorted, studying her result. - Absolute rubbish. I am the most satisfied person in the world with my relationships! Maybe there's a tiny bit of truth, but otherwise it's just crap. Especially regarding my personal life. Especially, f***ing, regarding my personal life, - she glared angrily at Guillon. - Why are you looking at me like Draco Mellis looks at the bourgeoisie? - he groaned. - I got some confusing crap too. And apparently, I also want to distance myself from relationships. I think this psychiatrist gave us this test on purpose just to destroy our relationship. - Guillosh, he hasn't even seen us... - He could have heard about us. From Metarma, for instance. - I barely spoke about you with her. I didn't want to trigger her. I didn't really talk much about you in general. Besides, back then we had only just taken our relationship to a new level; it was all a bit unfamiliar. - Then he found out from somewhere else... Are there any other hits? - Very few, just like you. - And how about the second test? - Well, something like this, - Beata waved the form. - I took the form they gave me; I didn't bother looking for anything else. - Heh, so you're for democracy then. - You bet! - Well, I'm for democracy too 😅 We got similar results. - Yeah, only you're more peaceful. As for them being similar, that's not surprising. After all, we've been together heart and soul for so long. If we were too different, we would have fallen out a long time ago... "I wonder what I would have done with Guillosh then? Sent him packing and found someone else, or reminded him of his place and forced him to obey me... Gods, how easy it would have been to do if only I had known back then... But now it's hard for me to judge what I would have done." "Yes, if Beata and I hadn't found common ground, she might have been harsher with me. But that would definitely have been better than Lower Lunaria. She could have been colder and more demanding, pressured me harder and not cared about my opinion, but it's unlikely she would have intentionally tortured me to the brink of death."
“What nonsense…” Beata scoffed, examining her results. “Complete rubbish. I’m the most satisfied person in the world when it comes to relationships! There might be a little truth to it, but the rest is just nonsense. Especially when it comes to personal life. Especially, damn it, when it comes to personal life,” she glared angrily at Guyon. “Why are you looking at me like a Draconian looking at the bourgeoisie?” he groaned. “I also got some weird results. And supposedly, I also want to distance myself from relationships. I think this psychiatrist deliberately gave us this test to ruin our relationship.” “Guyon, he hasn’t even seen us…” “He might have heard about us. From Metarma, perhaps.” “I didn’t talk much about you in front of her. I didn’t want to trigger her. I didn’t really talk about you at all. Besides, we had just taken our relationship to the next level, and it was all a bit unfamiliar.” “So, he found out from somewhere else… Are there any other similarities?” “Just a few, like with you.”
— Well, here’s a clear demonstration that you shouldn’t take the results of such tests seriously,” the inquisitor laughed, clapping her hands loudly. “The results only brought you closer together in your opinion about them, not the other way around!”
Author
“And how did you do on the second test?” “Something like that,” Beata waved the form. “I just took the form they gave me; I didn’t look for anything specific.” “Heh, so you’re a supporter of democracy.” “Exactly!” “Well, I’m also a supporter of democracy 😅 We got similar results.” “Yeah, but you’re more peaceful. And the fact that they’re similar isn’t surprising. We’ve been together for so long, getting along so well. If we were too different, we would have broken up a long time ago…”
— Based on these results, you could be suspected of belonging to a cult of chaos,” Alaria smiled, having reviewed the results of the sweet couple. “That’s just my humor, if you need to know,” the girl stopped herself with an effort and didn’t add “professional,” “don’t take it seriously. You are free-spirited, especially compared to Erefir and me. But I can’t say I’m surprised.”
“So, they are advocating for weakening the imperial power? That’s a rather unexpected position for members of the personal guard of the future empress.”
— Well, here’s a clear demonstration of why you shouldn’t take the results of such tests at face value,” the inquisitor laughed, clapping her hands loudly. “The results only brought you closer together in your opinion about them, rather than the opposite!
- Never mind, we can still argue about who will hold the person who created this test, and who will beat him, - Beata chuckled.Ple-Sen
— Based on these results, you could be suspected of belonging to a Chaos cult,” Alaria smiled, having reviewed the results of the sweet couple. “That’s just my sense of humor, if you’re wondering,” the girl stopped herself with an effort and didn’t add “professional,” “don’t take it seriously. You are free-spirited, especially compared to Erephir and me. But I can’t say I’m surprised.
- Well, yes, we are like that, free adventurers, - Beata snorted, patting Gion on the shoulder. - Freedom of choice, freedom to live as you want, is very important, - he nodded, clearly understanding what she was talking about. Title Ple-Sen
“So, they are advocating for weakening the imperial power? A rather unexpected position for members of the personal squad of the future empress.”
“Your Highness is our leader, but what if some other Sellun pops up, or someone else? And we’ll be stuck like fools with some idiot on the throne.” “In the long run, democracy is more beneficial and stable. Concentrating power in the hands of one person is dangerous. If it’s a good leader, then after he’s gone, a complete mess will begin. And if he’s bad, no explanation is needed.”
- Never mind, we can still argue about who will hold the person who wrote this test and who will beat them, - Beata chuckled.
— Oh, I see the fourth scale from the second of today's tests wasn't lying, - Alaria chuckled in response.Author
- Well, yes, we are free adventurers, - Beata snorted, patting Gion on the shoulder. - Freedom of choice, freedom to live as you want - this is very important, - he nodded, clearly understanding what she was talking about.
— Once, the road of adventure led me too... - the inquisitor smiled thoughtfully, - ...although, considering our activities, it still does. It's just that sometimes we had to make stops. I'd be lying if I said I didn't understand what you're talking about. Although, my results might suggest otherwise! "It feels like Reim would find a place in the Verben faction. Although, perhaps it's just my desire to see the best in my companions, considering which faction I would put Erefir in."
- People are different, so everyone draws different conclusions from their own experience, - Gillon shrugged.
- We are like you. The path of adventure still lies ahead of us, but we are taking a break for now, - Beata smirked.
- And your result looks a bit complicated, and I can't open it at work, I need to take a closer look at it...
— So, in reality, you aren't a fox, but a magpie, attracted to everything shiny and bright? — the inquisitor smiled cunningly, — Just kidding, just kidding!
-- I compare you to Knights, and you compare me to a magpie? I see... -- it was clear from Phyr that she did not appreciate the joke.Author
Still, I don't think that the entire complexity and fullness of the human soul can be reduced to dry mathematical formulas.
-- Yes, it would be boring if it were possible... However wonderful the process of discovery may be, it would lose all meaning if all the world's mysteries, including ones as non-obvious as the soul, could be easily reduced to a single sheet of paper; it is the infinite depth of the world that makes it so interesting and rich.Author
— Actually, there is a form inserted inside 😅
-- ? It seems we've misunderstood each other, or perhaps just I misunderstood you, but you're showing me a copy. The original form is given in a different format, or at least that's how it was for me; you saw it yourself, where there are equality signs, and also this logical &...
"Maybe it's not a problem with the test, but a problem with the universe, or am I actually going crazy? No, I'm sure there were clear formulas on how to add the stats, I remember them for some reason..."Author
— Because not everything in life can be solved by brute force, and it is not appropriate everywhere. If strength is not tempered by wisdom, you will only wound yourself and maim the people around you, — the warrior looked melancholically into the distance, — although I am a warrior by nature, I would like to use my skills to protect people. Hunting foul creatures, like Valis, is somehow closer to my heart. However, don't misunderstand me, I enjoy the craft of war. And I believe that without such skills, it is sometimes difficult to defend one's ideals. One's right to exist. In fact... our shared experience is good confirmation of these words. That's how it is. Apparently, the difference in our life philosophies lies somewhere here, although I myself was a bit surprised by my results.
-- No, I don't think there's a difference here, except perhaps I could add that if you want peace, prepare for war. That is, a peaceful solution is always better, but it is not an end in itself, because if you persist too much in trying to resolve everything peacefully, you will most likely lose. You need to know the right time and know when to stop and take up arms instead of a palm branch. Sometimes it is even naive to begin negotiations. Of course, the opposite is also true, that rattling weapons is generally not advisable, and a position in diplomacy, when such is possible, is quite precarious and even double-edged.Author
As for the notes, — she looks at Erephir studyingly, — is it really that surprising? I am, of course, an enterprising girl and I'm used to achieving everything myself. It is what it is. And yet, I spent the last two days on voluntary and unpaid labor. I would have continued doing so today if I hadn't been turned away at the gates. It also coincides with the chosen course of the legitimate power of the empire I came from.
-- Oh indeed, in a burst of enthusiasm, it slipped my mind that this isn't actually very right. And the problem here isn't the lack of a reward as such, but that people in a healthy society should feel uncomfortable being debtors. Take Blade, for instance; as soon as he heard about the performance, he immediately asked how much admission cost. Normal people are used to an exchange: you give to me, I give to you. And even if services are rendered by those for whom a century wouldn't be enough to pay back—saving their life, for example... Just a little bit of attention in return, a tiny drop expressed in any reciprocal service: whether they let you stay the night, feed you, give you books to read, or write chronicles about you; in short, any small reward is simply necessary so that a proper, trusting relationship is established between the giver and the receiver. No one is a burden to anyone, no one shows ingratitude, for ingratitude is the worst human trait of all. That is why I want to give gifts to those who have done something for me. That is why I do such meticulous work... And you know, this recent hammering of metal blanks for a "thank you" was actually wrong; now I understand why it felt a bit unpleasant to do, putting aside the problem of faint-heartedness.
-- The honor of the benefactor is in their reward, and the honor of the beneficiary is in the little they give in return. So, perhaps, if I am given a symbolic coin from the donation box at tomorrow's performance, I won't be against it.
"And yet, they still haven't thanked us for the dragon... Even if we didn't work perfectly clean there, it's still a bit hurtful when you think about everything."
Author-- I am comparing you to knights, and you compare me -- to a magpie? I see... -- from Phyr's tone, it was clear she didn't appreciate the joke."And here comes the manifestation of authoritarianism!"Author
-- Yes, it would be boring if one could... As wonderful as the process of cognition is, it would lose all meaning if all the mysteries of the world, including non-obvious ones like the soul, could easily be reduced to a single sheet of paper; it is precisely the infinite depth of the world that makes it so interesting and rich.
— That is true, — Alaria nodded solemnly, — that is true. Even if you lived a thousand lives, you would not know even a grain of everything provided to us by the universe. And the deeper you delve into your knowledge, the more you will understand how insignificant it truly is. Some people, often philosophers, wizards, and simply men of science, sometimes dream of the concept of omniscience, but it does not seem attainable to me. And even if it were, the human mind could not withstand such a flow of information. And if someone says otherwise, that they have grasped the essence of being... — she smirks, — ... for me, that is a sure marker that the person is simply limited and has hit a ceiling. Either that, or they are deceiving others for profit.Author
-- ? It seems we've misunderstood each other, or perhaps only I misunderstood you, but you are showing me a copy. The original blank is given in a different format, well, at least it was for me, and you saw it yourself, where the equality signs are, there's also this logical &...
Alaria silently points her finger to the image located at the bottom of the sheet.Author
-- No, no, there seems to be no difference here, except that I could add: if you want peace -- prepare for war. That is, a peaceful solution is always better, but it is not an end in itself, because if you persist too much in trying to resolve everything peacefully, you will most likely lose. One must know the right time and know when it's time to stop and take up arms instead of a palm branch. Sometimes it is even naive to begin negotiations at all. Of course, the opposite is also true: that rattling own weapons is generally not advisable, and a position in diplomacy, when such is possible, is quite precarious and even double-edged.
— I agree, one should not go to extremes. It is important to maintain sobriety of mind and rationality of thought to realize which decision will be correct in this specific situation. After all, even a conditional peaceful solution can hide a trap, being used by a conditional opponent solely to gain the opportunity to restore their strength and try again. One can believe in human kindness as much as one likes, but Sillion's period of prosperity was largely built on his personal power as a Wizard. Whatever you say, sometimes fear is an extremely effective weapon.Author
-- And indeed, due to bursts of enthusiasm, it slipped my mind that this isn't actually very correct. The problem here isn't the lack of reward as such, but that people in a healthy society should feel uncomfortable being debtors. Take Blade, for instance; as soon as he learned about the performance, he immediately asked how much admission cost. Normal people are used to making an exchange: you give me, I give you. And even if services are provided by those for whom centuries would not be enough to pay back—saving their life, for example... Just a little bit of return attention, the tiniest drop, expressed in any return service: whether they let you stay the night, feed you, give you books to read, or write chronicles about you; in general, any small reward is simply necessary so that correct, trusting relations are established between the giver and the receiver. No one lives off someone else's dime, no one shows ingratitude toward anyone, for ingratitude is the worst human trait of all. That is why I want to give gifts to those who have done something for me. That is why I perform such painstaking work... And you know, this recent hammering of metal dummies for a "thank you" was actually wrong; now I understand why it felt slightly unpleasant to do that, even setting aside the problem of faint-heartedness.
-- The honor of the benefactor is in his reward, and the honor of the beneficiary is in the little he gives in return. So, perhaps if I am given a symbolic coin from the donation box at tomorrow's performance, I won't be against it.
— I cannot say that I would be against some kind of conditional reward. Or if a person I once helped suddenly approached me and gave me a pleasant gift. After all, I am used to returning kindness with kindness myself. Nevertheless, in many ways, we perform such selfless acts for ourselves. Doesn't your heart feel warmer when you realize you've saved someone's life? That is also a reward, one that doesn't depend on anyone but yourself. But the expectation that someone must inevitably repay you according to your merits, — a heavy sigh, — I don't know, does it not undermine the sincerity of your act? Not all people are capable of appreciating the care shown to them. Not all those who do appreciate it do so immediately. Sometimes one can even be a hero, save a thousand lives, and then be branded a villain because someone decided to blacken your reputation, — Alaria wanted to cite the story of the Baldurian Virgil as an example, but she wasn't sure if Erephir had read up to that point, — does that make you a fool who lived their life "wrongly"? Does it devalue, in one moment, the acts of heroism you displayed? I don't think so. But I agree with you on the topic that excessive fanaticism is also harmful here. Knowing your own value, having some inner core, is also important so that others do not abuse your kindness. If you and your loved ones suffer from your selflessness, then something has clearly gone wrong. One must feel a sense of moderation in everything, and far from all people are lucky enough to afford caring for others. And it doesn't bring happiness or a sense of satisfaction to everyone. In general, that is also normal and there is nothing wrong with it. The ability to live for oneself is also important.
- So, I temporarily managed a themed cafe. My life's calling is a spiritual and divine path. Although, I also enjoyed that job... Even though it was all geared towards the materialistic needs of the people, there was something tangible about it... And what do you do for a living?
- Oh-oh-oh! It's a great honor for me to meet such a multifaceted woman as you! I'm sure your clients from both jobs are grateful to you for everything you do for them. And I helped my parents with the housework, and my dream is to run my own family and not be employed. After all, in my opinion, it's better to work for the good of my husband and children than for strangers.Author
- Thank you for your concern, EdgeLord-kun. I was able to let my mind and heart go in such an unusual situation only because you were there and I was sure that nothing would happen to me.
- Is that so?.. Heh. I... I'm glad to hear that.
- Lord, you could boil water for tea on your head right now, - Gaheris joked, - cool down a bit, or you'll burn out before we even get there.
- Go away...
Author
- Ooo!.. Even though you don't drink, here you could say "experience is the best teacher." I take off my metaphorical straw hat in front of your experience in expeditions... and let me clarify - that is, you are suggesting that we go straight to nature?.. In general, I'm not against this option, but rather for it. Hanging out in restaurants has never been good for the spirit and mind. We'll have time for that on the way back.
- Yes, Sonata wanted that, as far as I understand.
- Uh-huh, exactly.
Author
- This is... an interesting custom. I can't say that I'm close to it from the point of view of my cultural tradition, but... I can understand where it comes from. Hmm... - she tilts her head to the side. - So, you're going to Risserlang specifically for this?.. In my opinion, in the capital, even though there may be more competition, there is still a wider choice. Although... If your certain paradigm-life paths in Margel did not lead to the desired result, then trying another place is quite reasonable... And you are probably looking for someone special - some specific character traits, or maybe a certain level of wealth or lifestyle?
- It must be a person who can provide for a large family, so a certain level of wealth is the most important thing. And, of course, he should not be cruel, irresponsible, or indecisive, and as for the rest... I'll adapt to him somehow.
“Well, something like this.” The knight finished with his tests. “In the first one, some parts resemble me, but mostly it’s not very similar.” He didn’t mention the curse that influenced his choices.
“And the second one is more fitting. Although, I answered from the perspective of my homeland, not as a resident of the capital.”
- Ah, so that's why you're never at headquarters; you're isolating yourself from us and thinking about your own things, - Beata said sarcastically. Guyon just rolled his eyes and shook his head, giving Klin a guilty smile.
- Heh, so you're for democracy then. - You bet! - Well, I'm for democracy too 😅 We got similar results. - Yeah, only you're more peaceful. As for the similarities, that's not surprising. After all, we've been soulmates for so long. If we were too different, we would have fallen out a long time ago...
-- So that's how you are... I've seen your love of freedom, but this point is slightly unexpected, I must say. )Author
Alaria silently points her finger at the image at the bottom of the sheet.
Fyr shrugged. She (and Beata and Guillon, it seemed) had a test with a typo in the form of one extra space that broke all the formulas, so for a beautiful result, everything had to be copied and calculated correctly on a separate sheet, but if Alaria was luckier, then good...Author
— I can't say that I would be against some kind of hypothetical reward. Or if a person I once helped suddenly came up to me and gave me a pleasant gift. After all, I'm used to returning kindness with kindness myself. Nevertheless, in many ways, we perform such selfless acts for ourselves. Doesn't your heart feel warmer when you realize that you saved someone's life? That is also a reward, one that doesn't depend on anyone but yourself. And the expectation that someone will definitely repay you according to your merits, — a heavy sigh, — I don't know, does it not undermine the sincerity of your act? Not all people are capable of appreciating the care shown to them. Not all of those who do appreciate it do so immediately. Sometimes one can even be a hero, save a thousand lives, and then be branded a villain because someone decided to blacken your reputation, — Alaria wanted to use the story of Virgil from Baldur as an example, but she wasn't sure if Erephir had read up to that point, — would that make you a fool who lived their life "wrongly"? Would it devalue, in one moment, the acts of heroism you performed? I don't think so. But I agree with you on the topic that excessive fanaticism is also harmful here. Knowing your own value, having some kind of inner core, is also important so that others do not abuse your kindness. If you and your loved ones suffer from your selflessness, then something has clearly gone wrong here. One must know moderation in everything, and far from all people are lucky enough to afford caring for others. And it doesn't bring happiness or a sense of satisfaction to everyone. In general, that is also normal and there is nothing wrong with it. The ability to live for oneself is also important.
-- All of this exists to some extent, but the reward for a hero is needed primarily not by the hero; it never compensates for all the feats and risks, regardless of its presence or size. A reward for a hero is specifically needed by those who were saved. And no, the expectation of a reward does not undermine the sincerity of my act because it is not the goal; it is a valuable ritual that makes the action complete. And one can easily be branded a villain and receive evil in return for good, but again, who is worse off from this, who is left looking like a fool? Clearly not the one who readily faces death at any moment of their life—they don't care—but those who repel the ones who did them good deprive themselves of a future with their own hands. If they do everything correctly and perform the ritual of gratitude, even symbolically, then they ensure their own prosperity, first spiritual, and then it can easily be converted into physical. That is all.
-- As for the ability to live for oneself, I actually believe that altruists in the full sense of the word do not exist. Every person lives specifically for themselves; it's just that some find pleasure in something more mundane, like accumulating wealth, for example, while others are many steps above this and their happiness lies in what they do for the world, and I hope to be exactly such a person... But in the end, it's about one's own feelings, so I don't want to compare how people live; here one could say that those who are less selfish in the eyes of others were simply lucky enough to acquire the right perception. Or they try to be such through force, breaking themselves, but then that is unlikely to lead to anything good.
He should be someone capable of providing for a large family, so a certain level of financial stability is the most important thing. And, of course, he shouldn't be cruel, irresponsible, or indecisive, but other than that... I'll adapt to him in other ways.