Posts from ☀️ Arselia and Akonia Auto-translated

When his name was announced at the ceremony, Garrett had no idea what awaited him, yet his deep devotion and trust in Her Majesty left no room for unnecessary doubt. He watched with surprise as sorcerers in absurd robes bustled about, tracing magical symbols on the ground — familiar to him from that very fateful moment of his arrival on Anuzish. The placement of Harold's skull in the center of the circle along with a figurine, and an unmistakable signal, clarified the situation... Could this really be possible?.. The nearest sorcerer extends a ritual dagger and raises a pointing finger — a sacrificial component must be offered; the Asterian knew all too well how important it was to observe ritual protocols. Accepting the ceremonial blade, he freezes for a couple of seconds, committing to memory his feelings at that moment — trembling excitement before the fulfillment of a cherished wish and boundless admiration for Her Radiance's deed, for one must possess considerable resolve to stage such a demonstration before the collective gaze of Margel's people. And that is right — if the working of a miracle is truly possible, then it deserves to be seen and witnessed in the memory of many, even if some will need time to understand the supreme beneficence shown by Empress Naria in this unusual scene. Closing his eyes for a moment and abstracting himself, Garrett raises the blade over his palm and makes a light incision. Feeling the blood stream through his fingers, he steps into the center of the magical diagram and gently lays his hand upon the skull, as if filling dead bone with his living warmth. Crimson drops trace paths, the lines of geometric shapes flare up, and the skull soars upward, after which lightning strikes the center, concealing it in blinding radiance. Then gradually a full-height skeleton becomes visible, its eye sockets burning with crimson flame — cosmic energy guides and escorts the lost soul into a new world. And that's not all — a luminous halo surrounds the bony newcomer, and just like what happened earlier with Klin, human form returns to him. Thus does the walking corpse turn into a young man — tall, fair-haired and disheveled, with rough features — Garrett would recognize that painfully familiar face in any world.

. . . . . . . . . .
The crowd ahead watches intently, an incomprehensible figure in a robe nearby, a glint of light flashing on a blade. Is this a public execution?.. What a wonderful moment to wake up.
Wake up? Blinking in confusion, the resurrected man examines his own living hands in amazement — not the tentacles of cosmic monsters, nor even familiar knuckles. The first breath of new life, the November morning air settles coolly inside. So cold... And yet something warms within; the seemingly forever-silenced heartbeat pounds again in his chest, spreading warmth through the chilling flesh. Long-forgotten sensations left far behind the dark veil of unlife surge back, overwhelming, restoring to reality the colors he once discerned. No, this is not an execution, this is... something entirely different, truly incredible and wondrous.

Do not think, however, that this is something that can simply be repeated. This man traveled across the universe and preserved not only the memory of his relative but also his remains. Let what has just happened serve as a demonstration to you that aliens can be just as human as you and I, and miracles are possible — the main thing is to never stop believing in them and to work tirelessly toward their realization.

The meaning of the beautiful woman's words in the royal crown still eluded Harold, but he saw before him someone who clearly understood more than he did and had a hand in this, standing opposite in the magic circle with a bloody dagger, yet looking back with a no less stunned expression. Barely believing what had happened, Garrett touched his brother's shoulder with his hand, as if checking whether this was an illusion before him. The younger one flinched at the unexpected warmth from a past thought irrevocably gone, and in turn placed his hand on the elder's shoulder. Now they were both alive... Completely forgetting in that magical moment all mutual grievances and even the gathered audience, they looked into each other's eyes without breaking away, then embraced tightly like old good friends after a separation that merely an hour ago had seemed eternal. 
For the first time in a long while, the Asterian brothers found themselves truly together.

Mastering his surging emotions with an effort of will, Garrett bowed before the empress in a bow filled with sincere respect and gratitude. Encouragingly smiling at Harold, who was still in a cosmic stupor, he nudged him slightly, prompting him to do the same. Then the brothers left the stage, returning to the people. The continuation of the speech revealed Carneol's knightly future, introduced a woman named Sonata Reim, and also presented in an unexpected light the already known high priestess Ayano, now officially declared Princess of Margel and Naria's adopted daughter. Indeed, today was truly a day of astonishing turns for many fates.

Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, when the royal procession headed off to the villa, the crowd, which showed no sign of dispersing, divided the Asterians and the Carneolians. The reunited brothers finally had a spare moment to exchange a few words and hear each other's real voices again. 
— That's how it is, little brother. Now we'll be not a pair of scoundrels but elite warriors of the empire — and soon we'll become true knights, no joke. 
Garrett said this in a completely serious tone, but seeing Harold's puzzled face, he couldn't hold back a chuckle, and the latter snorted in response.
— Bro, sure it's cool that you've got something planned, but I don't quite get what's going on here at all. Maybe you could fill me in on the situation?
— I'll explain everything to you in detail, don't worry. For now, just follow me. And take this for yourself. Not your favorite regik, of course, but let it be as a keepsake.
Handing the resurrected man the dagger the sorcerers had left at his disposal, Garrett beckoned him to follow, leading him away from the performance site. 

Successfully avoiding pursuit by the crowd, the brothers walk together through the festively charged streets of Margel and soon find themselves before Carneol's headquarters.
— Here, check it out. We'll be hanging out here, you'll like the new lair. Just gotta talk to the boss first and introduce the fresh recruit candidate to the rest, let's go.
Garrett was about to head inside, but now Harold remained in place.
— You're quick on the draw. Some knights, recruits, what are you babbling about? Come on, let's sit down on that bench over there and you first properly outline in general terms where we've landed and what clever scheme you've got in mind. Let's settle this question right away, or else you'll be complaining later that I'm slow on the uptake.
— Oh, well, that's a long story... 
The elder scratched his head, realizing his brother had seen through his tricky idea of rattling the newcomer a bit more. And before, he'd have followed him anywhere without a word... Though of course, in truth, having a proper heart-to-heart chat with his younger brother for once was something he was very much up for.
— No worries, there's time, I'm ready to listen patiently. Go on, spin your legend.
Harold casually pulled out a pack of cigarettes from somewhere, fished a stray lighter out of his pockets, lit up with a languid gesture. Oh yes, how he'd missed this in unlife... And given all of today's revelations, he'd definitely need it. 
— Damn, when did you manage to grab those, we literally just came from the ceremony. —  Garrett commented with a smirk, watching his brother pick up old habits on the fly. —  Alright, fine, it wouldn't be right to keep my dear brother in the dark.
Settling comfortably on the little bench, he began telling his tale sincerely, enlightening the newcomer about the fundamentals of the universe and his own adventures on this land. 

. . . . . . . . . .
Thoughtfully puffing on a cigarette under the epic tales of his older brother, Harold spread wider and wider into a sardonic grin. Fancy that — leave him unsupervised for half a year, and he goes and becomes a hero. As if replaced by someone else — and now seriously intent on subjecting him to the same metamorphosis. Plain to see — something's gotten tangled in the kid's thoughts, ought to help him sort that out. But it looks like his name can actually carry weight now — beyond comprehension. Well, we'll see how it goes. Everything happening is so absurd it's almost funny — he wanted to burst into sinister laughter like a picture-perfect villain. And at the same time, all these unexpected sensations and emotions, the whole surrounding atmosphere... Too realistic not to believe in the current state of affairs. Right now, delighting Anuzish's hospitable air with puffs of exhaled tobacco smoke, one thing is clear:
"Well, this new world is clearly already somewhat better than the previous one. Looks like life is getting back on track. Life, heh-heh, who'd have thought..."

—What's up? Everything's great. As you can see from their diverse interests, these guys have the energy of ten people, so they'll have enough enthusiasm for the whole next week. Hmm, what do we have here... —opening the interactive map, the not-quite-knight browsed through the list of locations. —It seems that participating in the green events gives tickets for the red ones. —rummaging in his pockets, he takes out the one given by the Minister of Culture ✹. —Hmm, but they seem to be tied to a passport, so you can't sell or exchange them, which means it's better to go somewhere green together first. Any suggestions?

—Mm... Maybe we should go to an art gallery? Contemplating beauty is calming. Or go eat somewhere, like "Lepota," for example. We could go to "Three X," but I don't think women are allowed there.

- This is inspired by today's performance. I hope that someday a real circus will appear in Margel, and I'll give a master class in aerial gymnastics there!
Beata decided not to comment that it turned out a bit sloppy, because she had to upscale a 2x3 pixel image, blur those hellish jackals like crazy, and twist the colors using settings she hadn't fully come to her senses after the performance and her hand was slightly trembling.

Under the circus dome

 - And I was inspired by our sleepless night 😅
 - Oh, remembering Mysterius again?
 - Huh? No, it's just a cat. For decoration.

Night watch

The pair submits their designs and each spends ✹

- Hmm... Maybe we could go to an art gallery? Contemplating beauty is calming. Or we could go eat somewhere, like "Lepota," for example. We could go to the "Three X's" bar, but I heard they don't let women in there.

—Hmm, so you want to check out the two-color events right away? Bold and wise move! It's just that I'm... Oh, right, I forgot that I can eat now. And maybe there will be more family-friendly content at the "Three X's" bar today, who knows... Let's start with the art gallery.

Margel's Art Academy was open to all visitors today, and the center of attention for both students and guests was the festive drawing contest, led by an instructor named Eogan Lamarck. 

- Good... Day... To you... Would you care to join our... Event? You can spend ✹ here to take part in the contest (characters with the artist profession do so for free), or vote to earn ✹, but then you won't be able to become a participant... Seems... Logical?

Drawings
Road to Tomorrow (Tenok Ferlyutsi)
IPB (Kheinos Gnilomud)
Inexperience (Kanchan Kizhdam)
Jigokuraku (Sima Yun)
Lady from the Portrait (Revania es Diesra Arual)
Rinze Reim (Kostus Kepler)
The Beginning (Eogan Lamarck)
A Quiet Place (Ayano)
Map of the Islands (Ahuli)
Ayano-sama in Hoshigume (Ahuri)
The State (Kleona Krim)
Dragon Slayer (Beata Laxe)
End of the World (Erefir Linel Darvening)

Votes
Erefir
Ayano
Sonata
Sanexa
Klin
Beata
Giyon
Pion
Anpan
Suyen
Garrett
Harold
Naria
Tluassa
Mazda

- It depends on your perspective. Someone might say that her assessment is more sincere than ours, - Cleone nods, then shrugs her shoulders. - And that makes perfect sense; but still, I would like such feedback, specifically in its verbal form, to serve as a kind of guide for them, personally from me. As for the numbers, I could say that they reflect the level of respect and understanding on the scale of my heart, but there are still two exceptions in the case of the top performers - not because I like the others less, but because level is level, but still, it would be slightly unfair to put the two best employees on a completely equal level, because then it turns out that their efforts were in vain, and the others have nothing to strive for. And what if I come back here in a year for the same event, and the ratings have already changed, or new rising stars appear on the horizon? Wouldn't that be very exciting? Anything is possible, - crossing her arms over her chest, she nodded in a way that confirmed her way of thinking. - Etto, Lady-san, and... is the Director here? I'm just asking. He must have a lot to do on a day like this.

What a gorgeous new bandit.

- It's somehow sad... Not to see our comrades during such an important time for everyone...

-- It's fine, we'll all congratulate each other again in the evening, -- Erefir lowered her eyes with a smile. Of course, she too wished they could all gather together sooner, but truly, it wasn't a big deal.

- Could I ask you to allow me to read them? The Imperial archive is, alas, no more. Don't worry, I have a very fast reading speed.

-- You may, -- a nod of readiness. -- On the condition that you share your opinion afterward. )

- Suspicious!.. But very well, I understand you. If you'd allow me, I could help you tidy up or even become your personal maid. How does that sound?!

-- Haha, no need, we're clean, but thank you kindly! -- the redhead spoke the absolute truth, for a slight chaos didn't negate the absence of dirt and dust (which was, of course, achieved not without Astellia's help, say, but nevertheless).

- Nice to meet you, Rock! - Laikos greets the hammer. - Heh-heh! Just kidding.

D
-- Jokes aside, reverent treatment of the works of labor is indeed important, though it is forgotten in modern civilization with its mass production. There's little point in greeting it, the weapon won't hear you, but one shouldn't forget about pouring one's soul into it, -- the smith gently ran the back of her hand along the hammer before putting it back in its proper place, behind her back.

-- Hmm, I couldn't help but notice that you, Arivel, don't have many things with you — how about a small gift? -- the redhead pulled out a box of finished experiments in metal, leather, and wood and rummaged through it a bit.

-- Here, please, accept it. You can put it in a vase if you want, though I'm not sure there will be any effects, just for beauty )


A finely crafted metal rose — in principle, a standard item for an experimenting smith. The difference was that this particular one was light and even to the touch felt like a real flower.

-- So, what else then...

After that, an expander was brought out and handed to Laikos.

-- I'm slowly trying to design exercise equipment, the mechanics isn't difficult, but still requires testing. So on one hand, it's also a gift, and on the other — if you later describe your experience using it, I'll say thank you.

-- And Anpan, for you... Do you ever have a spontaneous desire to numerically measure the beauty of the night sky?

- Hmm, Erefir, tell me, who do you find more attractive in terms of appearance — the Empress or your radiant colleague? 
The question belonged to Anpan.

-- Her Majesty the Suzerain is an unquestionable standard for me, though I couldn't help but note that the left pillar of Margel is also fantastically beautiful. Thus, if the head of Aconia can be compared to a bright star in the firmament, then the Empress is for me a whole constellation, nothing less than that.

- Good... day... to you... Would you like to join our... event? You can spend some time here to participate in the contest (characters with the artist profession can do this for free) or vote to earn some points, but then you won't be able to participate... I think... Does that make sense?

—It seems logical. Hmm, I'd probably vote for the contest entries, —the semi-count exchanged glances with Sanex, —But aren't we a bit early for that?

- It's a bit sad... Not to see comrades during such an important period for everyone...

During her short time among the ranks of Carneol, Alaria had the impression that it was normal for Kiliki, and the others had already gotten used to it. It was a peculiarity of the Hellesian mentality, which no one took offense at. However, the others had known the cat longer than she had, so there was not much point in voicing these thoughts. Erefir could handle it herself. However, this did not mean that the Tanarian herself did not agree with the warrior.

- Could you please allow me to read them? The Imperial Archives are unfortunately gone now. Don't worry, I have a high reading speed.

"Oh, these warriors, don't give them anpan, give them books to read! He seems like a restrained and polite guy, but he doesn't hesitate to make such requests. Actually, it's a useful quality in life."

- Suspicious!... But okay, I understand. If you allow, I can help you tidy up or even become your personal maid. What do you think?!

"Congratulations, Erefir, you've found your own personal mini-Metarma."

- Nice to meet you, Rock! - Laikos greets the hammer. - He-he! Just kidding.

Although simple, there was something endearing about this sincere humor of the giant, which could not help but bring a warm smile to Alaria's face.

Since Erefir was doing perfectly well with the tour without any outside help, and it would be strange for the inquisitor to interfere and give advice, explanations, or solutions, while the three guests wandered around the headquarters, she decided to take care of the gifts, even though she stayed nearby. Time is a valuable resource, so it was not worth wasting it. The first on the list was a gift for Her Majesty, but before the gift for Aiyano, it would be worth taking a look at a certain place for safety.

For many outside observers, Naria probably looked like a person who had everything: beautiful, rich, more influential than anyone in the empire, and also endowed with divine powers. One could dedicate a song to the greatness of the Empress herself or her past singular life. Another person could draw a portrait, similar to the one hanging in the hall now. Someone, a little more resourceful, could present a gift depicting the former emperor, who perished in the recent tragedy. In general, the latter idea for a gift was quite good, but Alaria did not consider herself a person capable of a worthy embodiment of this idea. And singing praises to Purian is better left to someone like Erefir, who will do it sincerely and from the bottom of their heart.

The inquisitor chose a slightly different approach, different from the luxurious dresses or expensive jewelry that Her Majesty could easily afford. If she wanted to make a good gift, she needed to look at Naria not as an empress, but as a person, with her own desires and dreams. In this regard, it was somewhat easier for Alaria, since her loyalty was based on personal deeds, and not on the status of the reborn Akonia. It is difficult not to feel gratitude towards someone who gave you a new life. And what could be given to her as a person, apart from the imperial status? Unfortunately, Naria was a restrained and secretive woman, who was not easy to approach, but the interview destroyed by Despair gave some food for thought. For example, that she valued a family atmosphere far from the imperial luxury. This was also evident in her spontaneous decision with the new princess.

It seemed as if the new empress wanted something completely different from what had fallen on her shoulders. And this would not be so surprising if you were a damn demigoddess at the head of the most powerful empire on the face of Anuzish. And the gift should be something that gives a feeling of this comfort, at least in theory. For example, a small model of a quiet and comfortable house, surrounded by nature. Alaria was capable of creating something like this, and doing it well, as she understood construction, fine work, and could decorate cakes. Another use of existing skills in a completely different form, multiplied by the soul invested in the work. The Tanarian sincerely wanted to please her benefactor, after all that she had done for her. There was even a certain symbolism in this - she gave a house to Alaria, and Alaria to her. All that remained was to hope that the result of the inquisitor's efforts would please the empress and that she would feel the emotions and intentions invested in it.


Cozy House

- Have you seen our brother Garrett? What a character. He has the most bandit-like face in all of Carneola, and that's saying something considering I'm part of the gang too.
- Never mind, you've been reformed, and we'll reform him too.
- The main thing is that we reform him before he causes any trouble. We've already had enough of being featured in the criminal chronicles; I'm not about to let anyone else in Carneola take that title.
- I think you'll get along with him 😅
- As long as you don't get locked in a room with Garrett. You know how quiet and reserved he is. And I remember how he kicked Nora out. Ugh.
- Well, they had some personal issues. I think our team can trust him.
- No, he's definitely a scoundrel, but he's *our* scoundrel. I think he'll keep his brother in line too.

Waiting for Alexandra's reaction, Beata watches the program again.

- Guiyosh, we're both idiots. They're collecting gifts on the square not for Sonata, but for our beloved Majesty. Why didn't you correct me?
- The program was on your screen; I didn't even look...
- Okay, so I'm the only idiot. Well, that changes everything. I don't know Sonata, and she doesn't know me, so I have no idea what to do with her. But we need to give something nice to the Majesty.
- Any ideas?
- Yep. That's why we read the interview. And I've been practicing my drawing.
- We still haven't resolved the issue with Aiyano...
- Well, she cleaned you up, right? And you told me in detail how it happened. So, I'll take care of the gifts for both of them. But I'll write on the back of the canvas that it's from both of us.
- Agreed. And while you're drawing and giving up, I'll head over to the Dryad.
- And to xxx.
- We were just passing by, and it seemed like everyone was allowed in, right? On the veranda.
- I didn't notice... But that's cool, we can check it out and see how things are there. I saw pictures of the waitresses in the catalog that Rafik brought, and I even rated them when I was doing that survey in Taise, but nothing beats real-life interaction.

By the way, I remembered that Gion once tried to read "Demography of Welfern" when he and Nyshon were hanging out in Limbo after returning from the mountains, but they eventually lost interest and gave up on it. He was reading it alongside a medical textbook, and in the end, he only finished the textbook. Anyway, I'm drifting off-topic.

I figured something out about Ariviel...

Added Harold's figure to the inventory; Revan approved. It's funny because I actually considered leaving it there after the ceremony, but I forgot about it while finishing off the Quenta. 😅

Not only did Garret reunite with his brother, but Snezhana also reunited with her sister.

When Beata achieved success.

Do the hieroglyphs translate to "The police are looking for them"?

At first, I thought it was similar to YYY, but then I understood.