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"It won't distract, but today you still separated them for a short time so they could get acquainted))," Erephir guessed positively, having found out everything she needed thanks to the rhetorical question with a catch that she habitually threw into the conversation. Both this fact and the fact that Anpan was quite a sincere guy, judging by the fact that he fell for such a trick, meant that his smile could be trusted, even if it showed some underlying assessment and possibly a comparison. Well, she'll just have to get used to it; many will do the same, and what's wrong with that? Looking at others, searching for beacons for one's beliefs among them, and sometimes finding them – that's great. Judging by their looks, the group of cadets had clearly found them in Sonata, and this new friend had also found them in Kline, so let him stick to that. After all, the future (or rather, even the current) count needs allies in his difficult task.
-- That's right, thank you. Kline truly deserved these precious moments of happiness, both with his life and his service. How did you like the presentation?
- Neither with me, nor with anyone else among us. But that's not surprising, after all our prayers and, um, - she smiles reassuringly. - However, the main credit goes to all our comrades, especially Sonata. In a way, it's ironic, but I think the Kami-sama fully appreciated her determination and duty, and helped her do what needed to be done.
- Sonata-san, - she bows deeply before the Reimosoba, - although I don't know the details, from the bottom of my heart I thank you for protecting Aiyano and everyone else. - Well, well, don't be so formal, Aiyano is embarrassed, she would have coped with everything herself, and we just helped a little. But thank you. - Hmm? - Ahuri was surprised, surrounded by the elders. - Sonata-sama, didn't you lead the... ...But Ahuri covered her mouth with her hand, preventing her from finishing. Smiling at this scene, the girl decides to leave the question at that.Author
The number of visitors has increased many times over, which is not surprising during such a difficult period. I thought it would be calmer, but I guess I forgot to calculate for this scenario, - she sighs. - It's strange, considering the number of omens that kept flashing through my mind throughout November... How are they managing, how are they not losing hope? People. And today is a special day. Or are there always this many?
- Today there are a little more than usual, usually about twenty people come to the temple during the day. They are coping... in different ways. You may have noticed that there are mostly pensioners here, perhaps because they have more free time... Oops! I don't mean it in a bad way. - She waves her hands. - But I noticed that at this age, people are mostly concerned about the fate of their families and their health, so today's ceremony has instilled a little hope in their hearts. Her Majesty knows how to lift spirits!Author
Yes, where are my manners. This is Kleona-san, and those two cuties are Ahuli- and Ahuri-san. They came with us and now live in the capital, - Kleone nods. - This is Minako-chan - our kindest friend and an angel who descended from heaven during a difficult period. She is taking care of the affairs of Kamimori while we were away. This also makes her a full-fledged miko. Yes, and besides, she is also the president of the student council of the Margela Magic Academy, - she nodded importantly, adding this detail.
Minako and Kleona shake hands. - In my world... - Kleona clicked her tongue irritably. - That is, in my homeland, I also had a similar profession to yours. Of the two of you, Minako looks more like a priestess. From Aiyano, I get the impression of someone who travels and punishes those who are undesirable to this world. - Uh... - The miko-san blushed. - No, it's not like that... I'm just a temporary replacement, you could say I'm not a real miko... Oh, Aiyano, I'm sorry, you just said that I am a full-fledged miko, but... I still have a long way to go to be like you.
Added 19 minutes ago Ment
"She won't distract, but today you still separated them for a short time so they could get to know each other ))" - Erefir guessed positively, figuring out everything she needed thanks to the habitually thrown rhetorical question with a catch in the conversation. And this fact, and the fact that Anpan was a rather sincere guy, that he would fall for such a thing, you could believe his smile, even if it showed some underlying assessment and possibly a comparison. Well, you'll have to get used to it, many will be like that, and what's wrong with that? Looking at others, looking for beacons for your beliefs among them, and sometimes finding them - that's great. A group of cadets, judging by their looks, clearly found them in Sonata, and this new friend also found them in Kline, so let him stick with that. After all, the future (or even current, oops) count needs allies in his difficult task.
- That's right, thank you. Kline certainly deserved these precious moments of happiness, both with his life and with his service. How did you like the performance?
"I wonder if she's thinking about me right now? Maybe she's laughing, thinking I'm weird, obsessed with Kline, who I barely know, or that I have some kind of strange appearance? I actually participated in an operation to eliminate a dangerous cult that had been terrorizing the empire for decades. They could have shown a little respect. Someone might object that she also defeated a dragon, but she obviously has significantly higher physical characteristics than mine. It would be unfair if she came to Matthias' tournament." - It looks great. I especially liked how enthusiastically your organizer performed. "She's the organizer, right? Well, yes. Although it wouldn't be strange if she wasn't. She has a bit of a gangster look, even though she seems sincere."
- Today, there are a few more than usual; about twenty people usually come to the Temple during the day. They are holding up... in different ways. You might have noticed that most of them are retirees; perhaps that's because they have more free time... Oops! I don't mean it in a bad way. - He waves his hands. - But I've noticed that at this age, people are mostly concerned about the well-being of their families and their health, so today's ceremony has given them a little hope. Her Majesty knows how to lift spirits!
- That's true; young people have very demanding jobs and other responsibilities in these turbulent times. Older people can also contribute in their own way to the common good and to the well-being of their own families, which ultimately contributes to the common good. I'm glad they have something like this for themselves. As for Her Majesty... yes, I agree with that.Author
Minako and Cleona shake hands. - In my world... - Cleona clicked her tongue irritably. - That is, in my homeland, I also had a similar profession to yours. Of the two of you, Minako looks more like a priestess. I have a stronger impression that Aiyano is someone who travels and punishes those who are undesirable to this world. - Uh... - Miko-san blushed. - No, that's not true... I'm just a temporary replacement, you could say I'm not a real miko... Oh, Aiyano, sorry, you just said that I am a full-fledged one, it's just... I still have a long way to go.
Nodding approvingly at Cleona's remark about "homeland," but sighing at her comment about appearance, she says, gently placing her hand on Minako's shoulder: - All great and small achievements begin with the first step. I had no doubt that you would succeed, but our circumstances exceeded my expectations, and even with them, you coped magnificently. It is sometimes said that a talented person is talented in everything, and this principle makes sense, and yet, in my opinion, to attribute any success to him as a matter of course is short-sighted. Behind each new facet of the common "talent," expressed by the final success, lies not an amorphous impulse of "doing things well," but a specific effort, the application of thought and labor to a specific task, and this requires understanding and awareness. So, I can well understand your modesty, but in your case, praise is absolutely justified. Looking around at the situation, she says: - But let's not delve into philosophical depths at the moment. After all, people come to you for confession, don't they? Or is it just today? I'm talking about announcement #24732.
- Uh-huh, they do, but today I was just thinking that the Temple could join in the general celebration... Maybe if people express themselves and shed the burden that has been weighing on their hearts, they will be able to greet this day in a better mood... Was that too presumptuous of me?... - ... - ... - A-Aiyano! Ano! - Minako blushed, unsure whether to voice the thought that had been troubling her heart or not. - Tell me... Is it really possible for me to become a full-fledged miko? What do I need to do for that?
- No, that's absolutely right. You've captured the atmosphere perfectly. Hmm... - she thought about something, but hesitated. - Oh, well, never mind.
Author
- A-Aiyano! Ano! - Minako blushed, unsure whether to voice the thought that weighed on her heart. - Tell me... Is it really possible for me to become a full-fledged miko? What do I need to do?
- Do you really want to pursue this seriously? - the priestess's eyebrows rose. - I'm surprised. But in a good way, - she tilts her head to the side. - You already know the basics. You need practice and a deeper understanding of the subject. I would be happy to teach you everything I know, but... you need to understand that this path in life is not for everyone. Not in the sense that it is difficult or easy, but in the necessary direction of one's spirit, - she is silent for a few seconds. - There is one unpleasant burden that weighs on my heart. Unfortunately, I have no one to turn to with it. But perhaps you can give me some good advice? If there is even one person in the world who can help with this, it is you.
As she escorted Laikos backstage, Beata praised him again, expressing her full approval.
"Well done! A fantastic debut! A natural performer!"
She generously sprinkles her hands with talc for a better grip and returns to the stage, as if casually finding herself near the bars.
"Whew... Laikos was really lifting some heavy things, wasn't he? You know, I'm already tired just from watching him! So, I won't do anything, I'll just take a little walk!"
She signals to the musician to start playing.
To the rhythm of the music, Beata leisurely walks towards the bars, and as soon as the first passage ends, the acrobat soars upwards, settling on the lower bar.
"I'll sit here for a bit," she says, swinging her legs.
Listening to the music, catching the right, anxious note, she does a backflip and grabs the upper bar with her hands, pulling her whole body up. In a second, she is slowly walking along the bar.
"And in general, this is my show, and I'll do whatever I want. I want to walk here, and I will!"
Beata theatrically stamps her foot just as the calm part of the melody ends and a dramatic rise begins. As if by chance, she stumbles and falls from the bar, but...
...of course, it was just a trick, and in a precisely calculated fall, Beata, as if at the last moment, grabs the lower bar and does a handstand.
"Okay, you convinced me!" she shouts cheerfully, sending her body flying towards the upper bar, and the rest of her performance continues without comment. The gained experience is not an obstacle for her comparably strengthened muscles; her mind frantically works, going through acrobatic elements. Beata flits from bar to bar, generously incorporating half of a standard trapeze program – yes, there isn't much room to maneuver, and it doesn't look as impressive, but the sturdy pillars, which, as she found out during yesterday's rehearsal, can easily support two people, inspire much more confidence for the stage assembled in half a day. Beata improvises as usual – now no one will tell her that she is wrong and that it wasn't in the program; she is the program herself! And even if some backflips look a bit strange in an attempt to adapt them to a different apparatus, and a couple of sequences were put together frankly hastily, only another experienced acrobat could tell the difference. After all, if it works, it's not stupid, right? The music perfectly complemented the performance, adding the necessary intensity, organically raising the stakes – with such accompaniment, even simple elements seemed quite risky and dangerous.
On the last chords, Beata stood on the bar in full height and jumped. Performing a somersault in the air, she skillfully landed on her feet and theatrically bowed, beaming with a smile.
Alaria was about to pat Laikos on the shoulder encouragingly, but she remembered in time that he avoided human contact and stopped herself, instead giving him a thumbs up:
— You did great! I didn't even realize a human body was capable of such things. Is it the result of your lifestyle and rigorous training?
- Are you really serious about pursuing this? - The priestess's eyebrows rose. - I'm surprised, but in a good way, - she tilted her head. - You already know a lot about the basics. You need practice and a deeper understanding of the subject. I would be happy to teach you everything I know, but... you need to understand that this path is not for everyone. Not in the sense that it is difficult or easy, but in the necessary direction of spiritual application, - she is silent for a few seconds. - There is one unpleasant burden that weighs heavily on my heart. Unfortunately, I have no one to turn to with it. But perhaps you can give me some good advice? If there is even one person in the world who can help with this, it is you.
- Really! - Clenching her fists and looking at her mentor with stars in her eyes, Minako nodded a couple of times. - I like the peaceful atmosphere of Kamimori, and I am very, very happy to help the parishioners! I want to believe that the little bits of kindness they receive here will help them look at life with more optimism and serve as an incentive to show compassion to other people. - After listening to the unexpected request, the girl became more serious. - If it is something I can do, then I will definitely! - She looks around. - If it is something personal, maybe we can go to the haiden?
- It looks great. I especially liked how enthusiastically your organizer performed. "Is she the organizer? In theory, yes. Although it wouldn't be strange if she wasn't. She has a slightly gangster-like look, even though she seems sincere."
"Haha, she analyzes everything, wonderful, I don't get such people. I don't bite, believe me. Well, unless you're a monster-insectoid that crawls into my face to kill me, but that's a rare exception."
-- And thank you again, -- gratitude and respect in her eyes. -- You have a very insightful look, so I am once again convinced that Beata's success is an objective and undeniable reality. It was expected, but when you hear praise for the people you care about, can you help but feel indescribable pride? -- the knight's passionate speech left no doubt about her sincerity. -- Today's organizer is incredibly talented, no, actually they all are..., -- it was obvious that Klin was included in this group. -- However, what am I talking about? It couldn't be any other way.
When the next round of performances began, the redhead tried to concentrate, but she didn't ignore her interlocutor, in case he decided to respond. After all, in everyday conversations, only the initiator of the conversation can interrupt it according to etiquette, and besides, the performance was still long, so you could also talk during other pauses.Author
On the last chords, Beata stood on the beam at full height and jumped. After performing a somersault in the air, she landed deftly on her feet and theatrically bowed, beaming with a smile.
"Yessss! Show them our training!"
She is enthusiastically cheering. You could already put it on autopilot, because it's clear anyway, but no, each new performance was like the first triumph.
Gion felt a slight pang in his heart when Beata "accidentally" fell from the beam, although he had suspected she would do something like that – he had seen it during rehearsals. Gathering his thoughts, he continued his vigil. The tent-dressing room, the stage, the musician, the audience, the donation box – it would be awkward if some young man took it away or, conversely, donated something inappropriate, hmm... He glanced assessingly at his companion, Erephir. "A strange type, somewhat nervous... Well, I see she has everything under control." He continues to observe, not forgetting to join in the applause.
As she ushered Laikos backstage, Beata praised him once more, expressing her full approval. - Well done! A stunning debut! A natural performer!
- Heh-heh-heh, - he scratches his head sheepishly, - t-thank you. Author
- You performed wonderfully! I didn't even realize the human body was capable of such things. If it's not a secret, is this a result of your lifestyle and rigorous training?
- Uh, it's simple! If you want to be as strong as I am, you need to wash your hands more often, maintain social distance, and avoid eating food that hasn't been heated.
Added 9 minutes later Drakkosha
During the final chords, Beata stood on the bar in her full height and jumped. After performing a somersault in the air, she landed gracefully on her feet and bowed theatrically, beaming with a smile.
The audience was captivated by this performance - here was a true star. Following the bow, Beata was met with thunderous applause, so loud and passionate that she had probably never heard anything like it directed at her before. - Okay, she's not that bad... - Quentin, Orros, Arabella, Melody, Minerva, and Kreya thought, deciding that they could give the Emerald Alley hacker a second chance.
"It sounds good, but visually, I'm not sure I'd like it 😅"
"So that's how it is," Alaria said thoughtfully, nodding in agreement with her companion.
She had doubts that the truth was so simple, but perhaps it was a secret even to Laikos himself. Maybe he was dropped into a vat of magical potion as a child?
After that, the Tanarian's attention shifted completely to Beata's performance, which was once again a masterclass. Not only did she present everything to everyone and get the crowd going, but she also performed one trick after another. How does she not get tired? Apparently, she has something superhuman, just like Laikos. Only endurance, not strength. For a split second, Alaria was distracted by the thought of whether this meant that Gion also had superhuman endurance, but she quickly dismissed the inappropriate thoughts about her friends.
With all this flitting around on the bars and jumping from one place to another, it would be easy to imagine Beata just as skillfully galloping through the mountains, simultaneously shooting down harpies reaching out to her with their clawed paws. Or even climbing on the back of some huge monster, searching for a weak spot to inflict massive damage, and then doing a backflip and gracefully landing on her feet, making a graceful bow in time with the defeated opponent.
And yet, with an effort of will, Alaria kept her imagination from flying too far into the fantastic, focusing on the current reality of the acrobat's antics. This is where the fruits of hard training and numerous bruises were clearly visible, more than justifying themselves here and now. And when the crossbowwoman completed her final maneuver, the inquisitor once again burst into loud applause for her friend.
-- And thank you again, -- gratitude and respect shone in her eyes. -- You have a very insightful perspective, so I am once again convinced that Beata's success is an objective and undeniable reality. It was expected, but when you hear praise for the people you care about, can you help but feel indescribable pride? -- the knight's passionate speech left no doubt about her sincerity. -- Today's organizer is incredibly talented, no, actually, they all are... -- it was clear that Klyn was part of this group. -- However, what was I talking about? It couldn't be any other way.
"How couldn't it be? Hmm... It seems she has some difficulties with logic. Although that's not necessarily a bad thing. Those who aren't strong in one area are strong in another. Everyone has a strength. Even someone like Ayano will have a couple of redeeming qualities, even if her negative traits overshadow them. By the way, where is she today? I hope I don't run into her, or I'll lose my appetite for the rest of the day. Listening to all sorts of nonsense about kami, and they say that Cridera is an underdeveloped region... It was. I wonder if Erefir could have defeated the dragon before it destroyed her homeland? What if it was deliberately some kind of political move. Something along the lines of "this is what awaits those who doubt the new empress!" I wouldn't be surprised." - Yes, she's doing a great job, I couldn't do that.
From this point on, the audience was captivated – here was a true star. Following the bow to Beata, similar thunderous applause awaited, so loud and passionate that she had probably never heard anything like it directed at her before. - Well, she's not that bad... - Quentin, Orros, Arabella, Melody, Minerva, and Kreya thought, deciding that the Emerald Alley thief deserved a second chance.
"Is all this... for me? Is all this... for me? Really? So this is what a reward for honest work looks like? It's so much, so much more pleasant than a pile of money!" - Thank you, thank you! - she bows and sends air kisses, secretly wiping away tears of happiness. - I love you, Margel!!! Meeting Alaria's gaze, she gave a sly smile. In her mind, she was frantically composing a speech – something that wouldn't remind anyone of the tragedy that had occurred that night. - Oh, it's chilly today, isn't it? It makes you want to return to the warm, gentle summer, the season blessed by Rufus. Alas, we are not powerful enough wizards to change one season into another, but if we cannot transport ourselves to summer, we will invite a piece of summer to us and pay homage to the god of fire! After traveling through the sunny Calcite, a truly hot newcomer has arrived! Get ready, it's going to be hot! On stage is a sultry woman, a poet's dream, Alaria – welcome! "Still better than those lines about needing to warm up by a burning fireplace and all that, which I had prepared initially," - Beata's face showed that she had no regrets. Guyon smiled apologetically at Alaria, apologizing for his partner's frivolity.
Beata remembers that she still has a small joint scene with the Queen, but there won't be any difficult stunts there, so, taking advantage of the moment, she changes back into her dark harlequin work attire.
Ment
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