Posts from ☀️ Arselia and Akonia Auto-translated

So... - she trailed off, unsure how to finish.

- You're such a sweetheart, - following up with a concise answer, Naria hugged her daughter to her chest, the size of which was inferior not only to Sonata's but even to Ayano's - I love you more than anyone in the world. After Anuzish, of course.

- Now that the matter is settled, if we have a few minutes, we could finalize the details regarding the coven... - she hesitantly suggests to the empresses.

Unlike Ayano, Naria and Sonata felt completely unperturbed by what had happened earlier.
- You know, you did a great job, - the dark-haired empress suddenly says to her, - you spoke well, and you held yourself with dignity, but what touched me most was the reaction of some of the townspeople; it was clear that they knew you and had a good opinion of you. And regarding the coven, - she turns to the fair-haired empress, - before that, I would like to find a way to reward the boys for their successful mission. This time, our friends with Ayano did the lion's share of the work, but each of my students performed well and promises to become a worthy warrior of Akonia. I think something memorable would be best, so if it won't cause a scandal, I suggest artifacts that belonged to one of the criminals, Adrian Spite. Or maybe you, Ayano, have a better idea? You seem to know them well already.

- Your Majesty...? - the knight hesitated for a moment. - Oh, let's just call it the Cleaver, especially for our fellow countrymen. - He dismissed the unfamiliar title, greeting the young man. - Nice to meet you, Anpan. Hmm, I recognize your name from our mutual acquaintance: Creon. We were going to find all the surviving members, but unfortunately, I only knew that you could be found at training near Her Majesty's villa, but it seems no one was "home" at the time...

"Oh, he's so cool. You can immediately tell he's one of us. Noble features and three S's - strong, stylish, and stately. And the sword on his back is incredible; with it, you could probably split mountains and seas in half. And how polite and easy to talk to he is! He's like the entire spirit of Kriedear gathered in one person and became his earthly incarnation. A noble avatar. With such a person at the head, the restoration of the homeland is not an impossible dream, but a real prospect. Ayano should take an example from him. Maybe if she spent a month or two talking to him, she would finally become a normal person. By the way, about her. I shouldn't have thought about her. It was unpleasant to listen to her speech. They asked her to introduce herself to the people, and she invites them to join her depraved cult. And she pretends to be so modest and vulnerable, but the people, in their ignorance, do not know what a shameful woman she is. And what did the empress find in her? She must be blackmailing her or deceiving her; otherwise, I cannot find a logical explanation for this state of affairs. But I am glad for Sonata, of course. She deserves to be in the front ranks of the empire! I hope we will meet her again today, because I'm afraid she will spend the whole day in work. What a saintly woman. She is always thinking about her duties."
- Cleaver! - This time, Sanex grabs the count by the other wrist. - I finally managed to get through to you! How are you? Are you okay? When Her Majesty deprived you of your disguise... I didn't know what to think.

- You're such a sweetie, - Narie said, hugging her daughter close. Her chest was smaller than Sonata's, and even smaller than Ayano's, - I love you more than anyone in the world. Well, after Anuzish, of course.

- Effo... Pwofu... Luvvi smoffyat... - she could only mumble incoherently in that position.

- You know, you did well, - the dark-haired empress suddenly said to her, - you said some good things, and you held yourself very well, but what touched me most was the reaction of some of the townspeople. You could see that they knew you and had a good opinion of you.

- Thank you. I thought my words sounded a bit cliché, but... they were all sincere. Almost all of these people are my friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. Although, you know that. I hardly deserve the kindness they showed me, so I was very happy. I... I had to restrain my emotions, because if I had let them show, it would have seemed fake, - she blushed, sighed, and pushed the strange thought out of her head.

And about the coven, - she turns to the fair-haired empress, - before that, I would like to somehow reward the boys for their successful mission. This time, Ayano's friends and mine did most of the work, but each of my students did well and promises to become a worthy warrior of Akonia. I think something memorable would be best, so if it won't cause a scandal, I suggest artifacts that belonged to one of the criminals, Adrian Spite. Or maybe you, Ayano, have a better idea? You seem to know them well now.

- I know some of them, but not all of them that well. Some of them certainly have their own interests, but it shouldn't be a secret to you that the best gift, if not for all of them, then for most of them, would be you? - she makes a Suzumena-like gesture. - Some kind of special time together, perhaps. Although they would prefer it not to be in a group format, but that would lead to obvious and unsolvable complications... You and them haven't managed to get together and spend time in Risserlande, and they haven't seen you in a long time. Under normal circumstances, I would suggest a small vacation... but not to the hot springs, I hope you understand. But... - she sighs. - In our situation, with the unaccounted aggressors and the phantom Bruno-shinpu, that's out of the question. So, maybe... uh... hmm. An event like a picnic has proven to be effective in bringing good friends together... - she absentmindedly stroked her hairpin. - But for the same reason, it won't be possible to hold it outside the city - unless it's somewhere in the suburbs. Maybe somewhere on the grounds of the villa? However, that seems like a waste today. There are so many fun festival celebrations in the city - I haven't had time to figure out what's available yet, but I'm sure I can find some entertainment for you and the little ones. In Nihon, that was always a working option. Well, and the artifacts... If it's acceptable, they can also be given out. So that the young people have a positive reinforcement, both material and, uh, spiritual. Some of them are problematic, and they need to understand that decent service is not only a whip, but also a carrot, which they would be deprived of in any other circumstances. They have a very serious and responsible job ahead of them, and they need to be as loyal to the crown as possible. ...But some of these artifacts seem a little more dangerous than others. So, uh, if you give them out, you need to distribute them wisely among the guys. I wouldn't want any of the reckless ones to get something suboptimal. True, there are eleven of them.

- Klin! - This time, Sanex is grabbed by another wrist. - Finally, I managed to get to you! How are you? Are you okay? When Her Majesty stripped you of your disguise... I didn't know what to think.

—Oh, Sanex! Your worried voice would bring me back even from the depths of the deepest abyss. —the Kridean embraces the woman tightly with his free hand. —You know, Her Majesty is not the kind of person who is capable of... of anything worth thinking about. How am I? It's hard to say yet, too much adrenaline is coursing through my body. It's like being reborn, only now I'm aware of everything, I guess?.. Hmm, by the way, let me introduce you, this is Anpan. —he introduced the pensive young man. —Like me, he belongs to the glorious mountains of Kridear, and I will certainly be glad for his support in their restoration.

Naria, Ayano, and Sonata return to the villa, while crowds of townspeople surround Erephir, pelting her with a variety of questions.
- Where are you from?
- How old are you?
- Do you have a boyfriend yet?
- Can you slay a dragon with a single blow?
- Where did you study your martial arts?
- What is your favorite weapon?
- How much do you weigh?
- What do you like to do in your spare time when you aren't on duty?
- What do you love most about Margelle?
- Where can you be found most often?
- What do you think of your new appointment?
- How did you meet Her Majesty Empress Naria?
- What do you think of Her Highness Princess Ayano?
- Am I correct in understanding that a ponytail is your favorite hairstyle?
- How many regions of the empire have you visited?
- What are your bust, waist, and hip measurements?
- Which smithy would you recommend for buying equipment?

Nozenrotka had started walking briskly toward the Carneolians to congratulate them on the fact that they had all officially become true knights—officially now, and not just according to her, Phyr's, naming... But she realized too late that there had been a tactical miscalculation somewhere.

Naria -> retreat off-map
Sonata -> retreat off-map
Ayano -> retreat off-map
Erephir -> ???? don't worry, I'll hold them off ????

Oooooh, what's going to happen now... Okay, alright, stay calm. The Liege wouldn't have left things like this if she didn't believe she could handle it. Perhaps a slightly delayed retreat would have been a permissible maneuver, but... These weren't journalists, as far as she could tell, just ordinary people. Friendly and curious. They were joyful on this day and were taking that joy out on the first person who happened to be at hand, who had become, among others, an unwitting symbol of renewal. Probably... If the Hero of the Source were in her place, he would have waved and found something to say to them to share this festive feeling. Erephir, however, would act a bit more modestly.

-- Please, -- she smiled calmly and warmly, looking at the people as if they were her friends; after all, it was almost so, the atmosphere was informal. -- On this day, I would not wish to be the object of such intense attention. Today is a great holiday in honor of Her Most Glorious Majesty Naria and, of course, one should not forget Her betrothed daughter Princess Ayano, for thus the residents of the land learned about another person important to us. Another reason why your questions, though pleasant and kind, make me a bit shy—in a good way, of course—is that I am merely the leader of Carneol. Why "merely"? Because this is only one role, and it is not enough, for one man in the field is no warrior, never, and my loyal comrades have proven this. Her Majesty, -- a respectful pause. -- Bestowed a great honor, but not on me alone, but on all of us, our entire squad, and now—the order. I ask you, if you wish to pay your respects, then look at these people and make way for them, friends D They all became knights today; their names may not have been called, but they are already written into history.

-- If you like what I am saying, then allow me to introduce them to you; these are loyal members of Carneol, and all of them, like me, are equally Dragon Slayers. Beata Laxae, our marksman. Gion Tamaris, our primary damage dealer in that very battle. Kilika, a mage and martial arts master. Alaria Doran, the tactician. You are already acquainted with Garrett; he was granted double honor today... And also Kalina Mellis, our honorary member, who answered my battle call at a critical moment, -- Phyr relied slightly on the high beauty and charisma stats of some, as well as on Kalina's fame, in her monologue. Just as she relied on her sense of the atmosphere, -- Ask who made the primary contribution? I assure you, everyone is equally responsible. You'll say that's impossible? If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it myself, but it is the absolute truth, a percentage of dragon health here, a percentage there. Therefore, I ask you, be fair.

-- Is that all? By no means. By the will of Anuzish we became bricks, but our foundation is far wider than that. Not only our Glorious Patrons, not only the artisans of Margelle, not only those who worked in the rear—no, all of you, and those who are currently crowding around me )), and those who are not, were our foundation. Please remember this and be proud. Thank you. May no one ever again have to experience what happened then... But the dragon is now dead. Humanity has won, and so it shall be henceforth.

-- Well, I hope that what I have said was no less pleasant to your ears than what you expected to hear. Forgive me... As I said, I would not wish to delve too deep into personal matters; this is not my holiday, and it would be dishonorable to take advantage of such attention. But I believe I answered a few things, although when you all speak at once, it is difficult to track specific questions. Here, about slaying the dragon with one blow: we all acted, specifically 14 attacks were landed, half of which were for attrition and distraction, and in one turn it all ended. We even managed to save some strength; we fight fast )

-- I would also like to say, -- Phyr looked carefully at the remaining crowd. -- That we have plenty of creative people; however, we are not unique in this, for geniuses already live among us and many of them are only waiting for their moment of glory. In this regard, Lady Beata Laxae has decided to organize a small performance. Beata, if you wish, invite the people personally, -- this was said, perhaps, in a slightly more direct tone than before, accompanied by a nod.

Meanwhile, Beata would like to share:

Instead of giving banal answers to equally banal questions, Erephir delivered a whole speech. And it was no worse than that of Her Majesty or Ayano. Perhaps, if there was anything to criticize, it was the silence about Astellia's arduous work and Merel's participation in the mission. But Alaria could understand the latter – it was simply unpleasant for the knight to talk about the death of a glorious comrade, especially in such an unsightly way. There was nothing noble or heroic about his death. The search for divine patronage was generally not included in the redhead's story, for very obvious reasons, so she probably chose the vague formulation in the form of "patrons." It was simply impossible to mention singularities, the image of Raidar, or even His Eminence, who served as a consultant. And, as if that weren't enough, Beata caught the hint and skillfully used the attention while her image captivated the crowd, subtly advertising her circus performance.

"Damn, what kind of a lady am I, boss? Okay, Your Majesty, but where are you going? You know I'm a real rogue."
But still, since this "boss" kicked her out for public amusement, Beata decided to at least pretend to have some manners.



– That's right, in two hours, a circus performance will take place at Carneol's headquarters, which we were preparing for all day yesterday! And in this regard, we offer you a unique opportunity to reveal your talents! If there are any talented musicians or professional acrobats, jugglers, equilibrists, or animal trainers among you, we invite you not only to watch others but also to show yourselves! Of course, for a reward! Who wants to join, come with us, and we'll be waiting for the rest at the walls of Carneol in a couple of hours!
"She's putting on a good show," thought Guion, trying to pretend to be part of the scenery.

- Matthias was planning to organize a tournament in honor of the holiday, so they would most likely go to the new square where the event was scheduled to take place. If you want, we can visit them a little later and bring them gifts. - suggested Ayano, the Empress dressed in white. - I think they would be very happy to see you. - Okay, I've decided. - Naria looked decisively at her beloved daughter and her trusted, albeit alien, companion. - We will give Adrian Spight's artifacts to your students, Sonata, but on one condition! Let Ayano distribute them. - That's a wonderful idea! - Sonata was genuinely pleased with the suggestion. - However, as Ayano rightly pointed out, there are eleven gifts, but I have twelve students. How will we resolve this discrepancy? - Let Ayano come up with something for the twelfth student and give it to the student she likes the most. - Sonata and Naria looked at Ayano at the same time and "mischievously" smiled. - If you need my help, feel free to ask, my dear, but let the creative process be entirely up to you. - So it's decided, - Sonata agreed, - the picnic idea is also good, but it's better to have it on another day, and even better, with the entire Risserland company. - So be it, - Naria closed the discussion about the gifts, - Ayano, tell me, how are things going on the love front? Has anything changed since our last meeting?

- What a wonderful idea! - Sonata was genuinely pleased with the suggestion. - However, as Ayano rightly pointed out, we have eleven gifts, but twelve students. How will we resolve this discrepancy?

A. Anpan receives nothing. The problem is solved.
B. A date with Heinos.

I suggest combining them. Heinos gets Anpana.

- Matthias was planning to organize a tournament in honor of the holiday, so they will most likely go to the new square, where the event is scheduled to take place. If you want, we can visit them a little later and bring them gifts. - suggested Ayano, the empress dressed in white. - I think they will be very happy with your visit.

- We can, - he nods, then mutters almost inaudibly. - But whether they will be happy is another question...

- That's a wonderful idea! - Sonata was genuinely pleased with the suggestion. - But, as Ayano rightly pointed out, we have eleven gifts, but I have twelve students. How will we resolve this discrepancy?
- Let the twelfth student also come up with something, and Ayano can give it to the student she likes the most. - Sonata and Naria looked at Ayano at the same time and "mischievously" smiled. - If you need my help, feel free to ask, my dear, but let the creative process be entirely up to you.

- I don't really like the emotion you put into that suggestion... But okay, it sounds like an option.

- So be it, - Naria closed the topic of gifts, - Ayano, tell me, how are things going on the love front? Has anything changed since our last meeting?

- Huh?.. - the priestess was very confused by this question. - What do you mean? Uh... Sono... Well, to some extent... But what does it matter now?..

Added 2 minutes ago

I suggest combining them. Heinos gets Anpan.

I don't think it's ironic that a normal guy would solve many of Anpan's problems.

A decent guy with three S's: Style, Strength, and Status.

—Oh, Saneksa! Your worried voice would bring me back even from the depths of the deepest abyss. —the Kridean embraces the woman tightly with his free hand. —You know, Her Majesty is not the kind of person who is capable of... of anything worth thinking about. ...As for me? It's hard to say yet, too much adrenaline is coursing through my body. It's like I was reborn, only now I'm aware of everything, I guess? ...Ahem, by the way, let me introduce you, this is Anpan. —he presented the pensive young man. —Like me, he belongs to the glorious mountains of Kridea, and I will certainly be glad for his support in their restoration.

—Klin, you can't imagine how happy I am that you are finally healed! Now, together, we will be able to bring all our dreams to life!
Saneksa Rimm leans against Klin and, for the first time in a long time, feels his warmth instead of the chilling cold, which makes her eyes moisten with genuine joy.
—Oh, I'm sorry, —wiping her eyes, the woman meets the gaze of the young man, —your name is Anpan, right? Nice to meet you. Klin told me a lot of good things about your homeland. Please accept my condolences.
—Thank you... Likewise. Klin, is this your wife?
"Strange. Is she pregnant? But if Klin was undead, how is that possible? Something is not right here. Or did they conceive a child first, and then he turned into undead? I don't understand. But she seems like a nice woman, and their relationship seems genuine. Well, it's probably not my business. But maybe I should still tell him about it? ...No, no, he's obviously not a fool or blind, and he has more life experience than I do, it would be strange if someone like me gave advice to such an important person, and he will figure it out without me."

Added 12 minutes ago
Erephir's unexpected speech had the opposite effect of what she intended — instead of drawing attention to the other members of Carneol, the townspeople's eyes lit up with even greater curiosity, but all of it was directed at her.
—Oh-oh-oh! She is also modest and graceful!
—She cares that her comrades are not left out!
—She is worthy of Princess Aiyano!
—Her Majesty knows how to choose people!
—She is surrounded only by the most worthy!
—Erephir Lin'el Darvening, I love you! Please, marry me... —the voice is drowned out by a legion of others.
—Erephir, with you, neither Margelu nor Welfern will be afraid of any enemy!
—Listen to her! She is not only modest but also pious!
—Guys, someone here is talking about a cir... Ra... Ving... —another voice disappears in the chaos of the crowd.
—Erephir, allow me to offer you to become the face of our company!
—No! Come to me, we will publish your memoirs!
—And still, do you have a husband or at least a boyfriend?
—Yes, yes! Tell me, do we have any chance at all, or should we give up right now?
—Erephir!
—Erephir!
—Erephir!

"Idiots," Alaria shook her head, suppressing the urge to blast the crowd with a gigavolt, in order to save Erephir from the approaching anpals, "they're practically pushing me to request a transfer to the aconites, if such an opportunity arises."
Other desires of the Tanarsian included the idea of diverting the attention of the onlookers to something else, but shouting "Dragon!" would be cruel. Perhaps she could exclaim about the sudden return of Her Majesty, but it was unlikely that it would reach the ears of the zombie horde. Maybe Beata and Guion would have better ideas? And for now... for now, she decided to take a closer look around, trying to understand what was going on with all the green things here.

Beata couldn't come up with a better idea, and she stared at Erephir in confusion – it was clear that she had a much better chance of being heard, while Beata herself was now just a decoration in the eyes of the crowd.
Guyon didn't even try to attract unnecessary attention to himself.