Technical details first: I used LiteCamHD to grab the video and my voice, and I used Freemake Video Converter to merge the video files together whenever I had to stop for any reason. And I am still unable to find a way to transcribe these with any degree of accuracy, and I apologize for that; I'm sorry to our deaf and hard-of-hearing members of the community.
Copyright permission next: I thank Hanako games for responding to my request for copyright permission to use this material with "open permission for people to make let's plays of our videos and to use the standard youtube monetisation tools if they want". That's a wonderful policy.
Content summary: Walkthrough 08 (Briony Romance) is my playthrough where I travel with Briony to the old forest, win the naval battle, and romance Briony for the ending (though we still marry other men). Game achievements include:
1. There And Back Again (You have survived a visit to the Old Forest.)
2. Things That Go Bump In The Night (You have encountered a monster.)
3. Victory At Sea (You have won a naval battle without disturbing what lies beneath.)
YouTube video below the cut, plus game transcript. I also strongly recommend the LLtQ wiki for any questions about the characters.
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Week 0
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: We're almost home. Your room is just the way you left it.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I know it's hard to leave your school and all your friends, but I've arranged the best possible tutors for every subject.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You'll have to work hard this year to prepare yourself before your fifteenth birthday, but I know you can do it.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You'll learn quickly and you'll make a wonderful queen. It's what your mother would have wanted.
Elodie, Crown Princess: This is not what Mother would have wanted!
Elodie, Crown Princess: She wouldn't have wanted to die and leave me.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: No. She wouldn't. But sometimes bad things happen. We have to pick up and carry on.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: All of Nova depends on us. On you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: *sigh*
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I will be here to guide you until your coronation, but the decisions you make are ultimately up to you.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Come. Your maids are waiting.
Welcome to Long Live The Queen! If this is your first time playing, you should read this brief introduction to how the game works.
Menu: [Tell me more] [I've played this before]
Player chose: I've played this before
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Week 1
(Studied Logistics in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's all that noise outside? Who's here?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh! It's my cousins! And my aunt and uncle.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: Darling. We were so terribly sorry to hear about your mother Fidelia.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you.
Laurent, Duke of Merva: You look well, niece.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Hi, 'Lodie!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Hi, Lottie. I haven't seen you in ages! Will you be staying long?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Yup! Mummy said we'd be here all month.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Maybe we'll have some time to talk later.
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
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Week 2
(Studied Flexibility in the morning.)
(Studied Flexibility in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's that commotion outside? Father? What's going on?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I have come to pay my respects in honor of your mother.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You have no respect or honor. It's because of you and your powers that my wife is dead!
Elodie, Crown Princess: What?!?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I am a Lumen, as was she, and like every Lumen I am willing to give my life if necessary to protect our domain.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I am a Lumen, as was she, and like every Lumen I am willing to give my life if necessary to protect our domain.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your line has been traitors for two hundred years. I won't have you corrupting my daughter.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is for the Crown Princess to decide.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Elodie, your mother trusted me, and I have much to teach you.
Menu: [Send her away] [Arrest her] [Let her stay]
Player chose: Arrest her
Elodie, Crown Princess: You are a traitor to the crown and I ought to have you executed.
Elodie, Crown Princess: GUARDS! Arrest her!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Throw her into the castle dungeons and let her rot!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Well. I suppose she won't be a problem anymore.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: I love this room! It's so much bigger than mine back home.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You should visit more often. It's awful that the only time I get to see you is...
Elodie, Crown Princess: ... something like this.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I know your brother and sister are still too young, but why haven't you come to school?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: My mother worries about me. She doesn't think anywhere but home is safe.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I understand. I'm probably not going to be allowed to leave this castle until my birthday.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But at least we can have fun together here!
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Week 3
(Studied Reflexes in the morning.)
(Studied Reflexes in the afternoon.)
You may now play Sports on the weekends.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: He loves me, he loves me not...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Lottie, do you have a boyfriend?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Not really. I just like to play with the flowers.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Me too.
You gather your skirts and prepare to sit down, when all of a sudden, a hissing noise alerts you to a hidden danger - a snake!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Charlotte, don't move!
With your quick reflexes, you grab a forked stick and manage to flip the snake away from you and your cousin.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: EEEEEK!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Get away, you horrible thing!
You stomp loudly on the ground, and the snake slithers off into the distance.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: What is going on out here?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Mummy, there was a snake!
Lucille, Countess of Nix: What was a snake doing in the royal gardens? This is completely unacceptable. You could have been killed!
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Elodie scared it off.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: That's not good enough. I can't have my daughter remaining in such a dangerous place! We are returning home to Merva at once.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Awww....
You sneak out of the castle to have a little fun. You enjoy your freedom, but your father won't like it if he finds out.
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Week 4
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: The castle seems quieter with Charlotte and Emry and Zahra and their parents gone.
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's certainly not empty, though. It seems like we get more servants every day.
You venture into the depths of the castle dungeons.
The Duchess of Ursul is there, in her cell, sitting perfectly straight on the bench against the wall and looking your direction as if she'd been expecting you.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Caution is wise for one in your position. Hasty judgments can lead to trouble.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Are you ready to listen now?
Menu: [Hear her out] [Taunt her]
Player chose: Hear her out
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you want to say?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It is the responsibility of the king or queen of Nova to handle magical energies to protect the domain.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is what a Lumen does - what your mother did, and what I do.
Elodie, Crown Princess: My father said it was your fault she died!
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: What he said was that she died by magic. Being a Lumen is never safe. We pay a high price for our powers.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: But without a Lumen queen, this entire domain is at risk.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Release me, and I will teach you what you need to know to keep your responsibilities.
Menu: [Free her] [Refuse]
Player chose: Free her
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't have any choice, do I?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine. I'll have the guards release you.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Come to me in my rooms as soon as you can to begin your training.
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Week 5
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Internal Affairs in the afternoon.)
One of the maids approaches for your attention.
Alice: My lady, couriers have arrived from the Duke of Sedna.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Sedna, that's in Talasse, the domain to our southeast.)
Alice: They have brought you a letter, and a gift.
Elodie, Crown Princess: 'Condolences on the death of', 'deeply regret', 'best wishes'...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh! What a beautiful necklace!
Elodie, Crown Princess: It might not be appropriate for me to wear a man's gift in public, though. People would think it meant something.
Menu: [Wear it] [Don't wear it]
Player chose: Don't wear it
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's important to maintain the proper image.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
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Week 6
(Studied Logistics in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
Your skill in Logistics is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Military skills are 25 or higher.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Your Royal Highness. I would speak with you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What is it?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: You have many questions, and the answers are within your grasp. You need only choose to seek them.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Speak to the Duchess of Ursul. She will guide you on your path.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What is it you wanted to teach me?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: First, I need to know if you have your mother's crystal.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What crystal?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The source of power for any Lumen is a particular magical crystal. Once you've bonded with it, it becomes a part of you as long as you live.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The Royal Crystal has been passed down from ruler to ruler for generations. It belongs to you, now - except that the King may be keeping it from you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Do you have a crystal?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Of course.
She holds out her hands. Light flickers above her bosom, and then, with a shower of sparkles, something takes shape.
You reach out to touch it, and it dissolves away into nothing.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It belongs to me. No one can take it from me until I die.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You need to find the crystal that belongs to you.
________________________________________
Week 7
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
(Studied Ciphering in the afternoon.)
As you are walking up the stairs, a maid comes running down holding a towering pile of linen.
You swiftly step aside and let her pass.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Dad, what happened to Mom's Lumen crystal?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: It's in a safe place.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Can I have it?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: No.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But it's mine!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Meddling with magic killed your mother. I don't want that to happen to you.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Once you're crowned Queen, I can't stop you from doing anything you want, but for now you are still a child.
________________________________________
Week 8
(Studied Ciphering in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Ciphering in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a man here to see you. He wishes Crown funding for a project of his.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Remember, the treasury is not unlimited. If you choose to invest, you will have less money to work with later.
Man: Your Royal Highness, I have a plan to print books using metal letters which can be moved and reused.
Man: I need to borrow 875 lassi to assemble the metal and a factory to mold and cast the type.
Man: With this system, we will be able to create new books in a fraction of the time it takes now, and make copies to send all over the world.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know much about factories or trade. Would that really be worthwhile?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: We are not interested.
Elodie, Crown Princess: My father says I can't have the crystal until I'm Queen, so we'll just have to wait.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: There may not be time to wait.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: This world is filled with dangers, and you will need the powers of a Lumen to fight them. You can't begin training until you have bonded with your crystal.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Well, what else am I supposed to do about it?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The crystal is probably held under guard in the Royal Treasury. You are the princess; you should be able to find a way inside.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Otherwise we might have to take drastic action.
Menu: [I'll wait until I'm older] [I'll try to find a way] [What drastic action?]
Player chose: What drastic action?
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean by drastic action?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Try to reach the crystal. If you can't, come and talk to me again.
(Put on the intrigue outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 9
(Studied Dance in the morning.)
(Studied Dance in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, my sympathies for your loss. Even after all these years I sometimes forget that my own mother will never be coming back.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, my sympathies for your loss. Even after all these years I sometimes forget that my own mother will never be coming back.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, my sympathies for your loss. Even after all these years I sometimes forget that my own mother will never be coming back.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: However, I must call for your aid. The Ixionite occupation of the county of Imbrium has gone on for too long. Now is the time to push back.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I know there's been some problems with Ixion, but I don't know the details. I guess they're occupying southern Maree.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (We have plenty of troops, so it shouldn't be that hard to drive them out, if we want to make a fight of it.)
Menu: [Try to negotiate] [Prepare for battle]
Player chose: Try to negotiate
Elodie, Crown Princess: There must be a peaceful way to settle this. I will send for diplomats from Ixion and try to come to some arrangement.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Thank you, Your Highness.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: If I might say so, you are looking particularly lovely this day. I hope you will think fondly of me.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Is he flirting with me? He's almost as old as my father!)
You try to talk your way past the treasury guards, but despite eyelash-fluttering, foot-stomping, and outright threats, they won't budge. Hmph!
(Put on the agility outfit.): (Put on the intrigue outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 10
(Studied Archery in the morning.)
(Studied Archery in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The representative from Ixion is here. Be careful - no one wants to give up prizes that they have won.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: You have the full support of my sister and myself, Your Highness.
Brin, Duchess of Hellas, Countess of Dysnomia: Hmph. Let's get this over with.
Brin, Duchess of Hellas, Countess of Dysnomia: Hmph. Let's get this over with.
Diplomat from Ixion: Your Royal Highness, thank you for granting me this audience. I am sure we can come to an amicable agreement.
Diplomat from Ixion: Let bygones be bygones, no? We will forget about your unprovoked attacks on us, and you will transfer the rights to this little province.
Diplomat from Ixion: We can be good neighbors again, without any lives being lost.
Menu: [Surrender Province] [Offer him money if Ixion withdraws] [Bluff / Intimidate] [Execute him]
Player chose: Offer him money if Ixion withdraws
Elodie, Crown Princess: That is not acceptable. All the land north of the river belongs to us.
Elodie, Crown Princess: We are willing to offer some payment in exchange for the inconvenience you have suffered, but nothing more.
Diplomat: I believe we could settle the matter for eight thousand golden lassi.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's a lot of money. Maybe I can talk him down by reminding him how much a war would cost.)
Menu: [Agree] [Make counter-offer] [Refuse]
Player chose: Make counter-offer
Elodie, Crown Princess: You can count the value of the soldiers you're not losing in battle.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Five thousand and not one tila more.
Diplomat: Very well.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Negotiating like this is stressful!)
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
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Week 11
(Studied Running in the morning.)
(Studied Running in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There are reports that a keythong has been sighted leaving the Old Forest.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's a keythong?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: A beast with the body of an enormous golden cat, a sharp beak, and spikes on its back.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Eek!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Several disappearances in southern Caloris are already thought to be the work of this creature.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do we do? Should we send hunters?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The traditional policy on stray beasts is to hope that they return to the forest and stay there.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Hunters are no match for such creatures. You would only make it angry and waste more lives.
Elodie, Crown Princess: So... we just let it eat people?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Everyone dies in the end.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ...
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
________________________________________
Week 12
(Studied Archery in the morning.)
(Studied Archery in the afternoon.)
Your skill in Archery is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Weapons skills are 25 or higher.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a woman here to see you. She wishes Crown funding for a project.
Woman: Thank you for seeing me, Your Royal Highness. I... I come to you on behalf of the people.
Woman: I wish to build a hospital where any citizen afflicted with disease can be brought for treatment.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Putting all the sick people together? Wouldn't that make them die even faster?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: We are not interested.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 13
(Studied Reflexes in the morning.)
(Studied Reflexes in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You are requested to stand in judgement. A woman has been convicted of attempted murder and requests the mercy of the Crown.
Kevan, Earl of Io: Your Highness! This slattern dares to beg pardon, when she admits that she tried to poison my sister under her own roof!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Which sister?
Kevan, Earl of Io: Corisande, the Duchess of Mead.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Is she all right?
Kevan, Earl of Io: She is unharmed. We caught the culprit in the kitchens before anyone could eat her foul spew.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Well, what do you have to say for yourself?
Condemned Woman: It's justice, it is! Them devils killed me brother, and broke me mam's heart.
Condemned Woman: Lied to her, they did, when she went to see why he'd not come back. Said he'd gone for a soldier, when he never would!
Condemned Woman: He weren't the only one neither. I waited ten years for my chance to get my own back. That's justice!
Kevan, Earl of Io: You see? She's completely unrepentant! Hang her and be done with it.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Hmm. This might have something to do with the last Duke of Mead. He was involved in all sorts of scandals.)
Menu: [Put her to work] [Imprison her] [Execute her] [Ask the Earl of Io about her story]
Player chose: Imprison her
Elodie, Crown Princess: You have tried to murder a noble of my domain, and I have no reason to believe you wouldn't do it again.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You will be imprisoned for the rest of your life.
Condemned Woman: Ye'll not have me!
All of a sudden, she breaks loose from her guards and rushes at you!
In your Court dress, you are unarmed - you grope for a weapon and find only a heavy golden ornament which you hurl in her direction.
Your missile flies wide of its mark.
Before you have a chance to do anything else, your personal guards step into action, cutting the woman down before she can endanger you. Her lifeless body lies bleeding on your carpet.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ... Clean that up.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
________________________________________
Week 14
(Studied Battlefield Medicine in the morning.)
(Studied Poison in the afternoon.)
As you are walking one day in the gardens, you hear a strange sound and look up to see an owl flying overhead. A single dry leaf flutters in its talons.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's funny, I thought owls were nocturnal. I guess I was wrong.)
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 15
(Studied Swimming in the morning.)
(Studied Swimming in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Remember that the Festival of the Good Lady is approaching.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There will be public celebrations for the commoners, followed by a grand gala for the nobility.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (A grand ball... There will be dancing.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As Queen, you would be expected to lead the procession and take part in the ceremonial planting, possibly give a speech.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: However, since you are not yet crowned, it is not required, and it may not be safe to expose you to the public.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean, not safe?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Outside of the castle, you are less well protected. If anyone means you harm... Think on it now, decide later.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a letter for you as well.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's from Briony! I went to school with her, but she's a couple years older than me. Her mother is the Duchess of Mead.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She's complaining that her mother still won't let her come home for the holidays.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Apparently her uncle Kevan has been acting strangely lately and shouting at shadows.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She's bored and looking for an adventure. Well, I don't have any to suggest to her!)
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 16
(Studied Climbing in the morning.)
(Studied Climbing in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Today is the procession and planting for the Festival of the Good Lady. Will you be leading the parade?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: If you have any concerns about your safety, please, stay here.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The people will recover from disappointment; if we lose you, there is no recovery.
Menu: [I will lead the parade] [I will parade and make a speech] [I would rather not go]
Player chose: I will lead the parade
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm not afraid. I'm going to be the best parade-leader ever!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: My little girl.
You prepare your best gown for the occasion, then walk slowly through the town with your attendants. It would not be appropriate for you to wear a sword, but you do walk with a sturdy golden scepter that's taller than you are.
At the end of the route, you help the priestesses turn over the earth for the new tree to be planted.
Then the new life is blessed, and all the attendants join in song.
The procession regroups to return to the castle.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
(Put on the athletics outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 17
(Studied Running in the morning.)
(Studied Running in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Are you ready for the grand ball?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: All the nobles in the domain are here to see you - to see their queen.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (gulp!)
You finish dressing and descend the stairs to make a grand entrance.
All around, the rich and powerful pause in their activities to gaze upon you, the ruler of them all.
Seeing yourself reflected in so many eyes makes you want to run away and hide.
After a moment, you force yourself to carry on, but you're sure they've all seen you hesitate.
Your father waits for you at the bottom of the stairs and offers you his arm.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The first dance is for us.
He guides you gently around the dance floor, never rushing you. It's fun to dance with your father, but the look in his eyes is so sad.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: After this, you must choose your own partner. There are a number of men who hope to catch your eye.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The Duke of Kigal alone has brought three eligible sons, all near your age.
You look around the room at all your possible partners - which is to say, everyone. No one may begin dancing until you do. You can pick whomever you want and you will not be denied.
Menu: [Someone about your age] [Someone younger than you] [Someone older than you] [Someone already married] [Someone scandalous]
Player chose: Someone already married
You don't want everyone assuming that whoever you pick first is your intended marriage partner, so what better way to prove that than by choosing someone who's already married?
With that in mind, you approach Erwin, the Earl of Ishtar. He's old enough to be your grandfather, and his wife is right there with him.
He seems startled by your approach at first, then thoughtful, and accepts your hand with a kindly smile.
Dancing with a real partner feels quite different from dancing with your father. You knew him, knew his steps like a part of you. Now every move is a mystery.
Unfortunately, you lose track of which steps you're supposed to do when, and trip over your own feet. Oops!
Between the dances, there is time for the guests to mingle, chat, and sample tiny bites of exquisite food.
During a lull in the music, Banion, the duke of Maree, taps an elegant fingernail against a wineglass, letting the clear note ring out through the room.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: If I might have your attention?
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: I believe we should offer our compliments to our lovely hostess.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Her words of wisdom guide us through our difficulties.
Everyone applauds politely.
As the gala continues, you take the opportunity to observe nobles that you rarely see.
There's Gwenelle, for instance - the Young Lady of Sudbury, only months older than you and due to finally inherit control of her duchy soon.
Or Adele, the youngest daughter of the Duchess of Lillah and a fierce sportswoman. She was a few years ahead of you at school and the absolute terror of the ballfields.
No Briony - she had said her parents were leaving her stuck at school this season.
Her parents are here, dancing together - the Duke-Consort clutching his Duchess possessively tight.
Strange that there's no sign of your cousins, though. Shouldn't they be here?
Your aunt and uncle are here, of course. It would be scandalous if they hadn't come, Merva being so close by.
It's nice to be able to enjoy time with friends and family, isn't it?
You wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck.
________________________________________
Week 18
(Studied Meditation in the morning.)
(Studied Meditation in the afternoon.)
You wander downstairs to visit your father and talk about the latest events in the domain.
You're moving with such enthusiasm that you don't realise your father isn't alone until it's too late to avoid him and his... companion.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: You are too kind, Joslyn.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: You are too kind, Joslyn.
Countess Sirin. Not a member of your circles - she's a bit more than a decade your senior, far too old to have ever been your friend. And yet, not at all old, as noblewomen go.
She has two minor titles, no husband, and your father's arm in her grasp.
How dare she make a move on your father?
Menu: [Shame her with silent scorn] [Insult her with false flattery] [Trip her as she passes]
Player chose: Trip her as she passes
You wait until the Countess gets closer, then hook your foot around to make her stumble.
She trips over you, falling gratifyingly to the floor.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Ow!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Are you both all right?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm fine.
She picks herself up and glares at you before forcing a smile onto her face.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: I think perhaps I should go and sit down. You can't be too careful.
Once she's gone, you raise an eyebrow at your father.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Don't give me that look, young lady. She's a nice woman, nothing more.
Elodie, Crown Princess: She wants something more!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: And it's not going to happen any time soon.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You should be careful how you deal with people like Sirin. You need the goodwill of your nobles as well as your commoners.
Elodie, Crown Princess: There haven't been any problems so far.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As Queen, you must be aware of everything around you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Isn't that what I have agents for?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Yes, but you must give them direction. What is your greatest concern?
Menu: [Noble plots] [Commoner uprisings] [Foreign threats] [Assassins]
Player chose: Foreign threats
Elodie, Crown Princess: I need to know if any foreign powers are moving against me.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You have not yet reached the crystal. Are you making progress, or is it time for another plan?
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That would probably be the 'drastic action' she mentioned earlier.)
Menu: [Leave it to me] [Take drastic action]
Player chose: Take drastic action
Elodie, Crown Princess: I suppose... I'll have to listen to another plan.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Leave it to me.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine.
...
That night, an explosion rocks the castle. A section of stone near the Royal Treasury collapses, crushing the guards on duty.
Nothing is stolen... at least, nothing that is acknowledged publicly.
But when you look at your father's face, you can see it in his eyes: the crystal is gone, and he knows that you are to blame. He will never trust you the same way again.
________________________________________
Week 19
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Divination in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: It is the time of year to decide any necessary adjustments to the royal budget.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The majority of the money we receive is already spoken for, but there is always some room for discretion.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know anything about budgets!)
Menu: [Raise taxes] [Lower taxes]
Player chose: Raise taxes
Elodie, Crown Princess: We need more money. Raise the taxes a bit.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Do you have it? You do have it, don't you?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The crystal? Of course. Everything is ready for you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Right.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Did you really have to kill the guards?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: If you regret their sacrifice, then do not let it go to waste.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's too late to turn back now. I have to do the best I can for my people.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do I do?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Pick up the crystal with your bare hands. Press it against your chest, over your heart, and say "Illuminate!"
Elodie, Crown Princess: Okay... Here we go... Illuminate!
You feel dizzy, and both larger and lighter than you were before. The crystal has disappeared from view, but you know where it is.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Wow.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The priestess here is a friend of mine. I will come to your lessons in the faith and train you to use your powers.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I should feel happy, I guess... I'm a Lumen now. I just hope I'm doing the right thing.)
________________________________________
Week 20
(Studied Lore in the morning.)
(Studied Lore in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You are requested to stand in judgement. A man has been convicted of the murder-by-strangling of his wife.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: He does not deny the act, but requests a pardon that he might be set free.
Elodie, Crown Princess: If you admit you killed your wife, why do you think I'm going to set you free?
Condemned Man: Save me, Your Majesty! Wasn't my fault. Demons made me do it.
Condemned Man: Everyone knows the power of magical beasties! They used me, they twisted my fingers into chains...
Condemned Man: My wife found me screaming, she tried to shake me, and the chains wrapped around her...
Condemned Man: I need the priestesses to bless me and make me clean again!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Demons that make you attack people? Is that even possible?)
Menu: [Pardon him] [Imprison him] [Execute him]
Player chose: Pardon him
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm very sorry for your loss. The monsters are responsible, not you. Don't blame yourself.
Elodie, Crown Princess: The priestess of the royal grove will take care of purifying you.
Condemned Man: Bless you, Your Majesty!
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
________________________________________
Week 21
(Studied Lore in the morning.)
(Studied Lore in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, there is a letter for you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Who sent this? It isn't signed...)
It appears to be a poem, describing you in a manner that is entirely inappropriate for a Queen.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I *what*? With a *squid*?)
Menu: [That's hilarious!] [That's terrible!]
Player chose: That's terrible!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Who writes this garbage?!?)
Just then, an incredibly unlucky breeze swirls between the windows of your tower bedroom, tugging the paper out of your hands and off into the sky.
You stick your head out the window to discover the 'poem' caught and fluttering on the roof nearby. You can almost reach it.
Menu: [Climb out and grab it] [Ignore it]
Player chose: Climb out and grab it
You take a moment to look at where you'll have to climb in order to reach your target.
It doesn't look that bad, but you know your safety requirements, so you put together a simple rope harness just in case.
Climbing up onto your roof is awkward and uncomfortable, but you manage to achieve your goal and get back inside without accident.
You sneak out of the castle to have a little fun. You enjoy your freedom, but your father won't like it if he finds out.
________________________________________
Week 22
(Studied Herbs in the morning.)
(Studied Herbs in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I regret to inform you that Fabian, the Earl of Titan and Duke-Regent of Elath, has passed away.
This isn't really a surprise; he was pretty old. The problem is the political implications.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: With the control of Elath in doubt, it falls to the crown to make decisions.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Young Lord Adair will not reach his fifteenth birthday for over two years. He requires a regent.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: His stepmother, Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, has petitioned that the boy be left in her care.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This would, however, leave her in personal control of two neighboring duchies, which is generally forbidden.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Almost the entire eastern border.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know anything really bad about her, though...)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The boy does have a living grandfather, the Earl of Ishtar. Or you might appoint an unrelated noble to act in his stead.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The Earl of Ishtar has suggested another possibility. You and Adair are both young, not too far apart in age.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: He requests that we accept the boy as your future husband and keep him here at the castle.
Menu: [Leave him with Arisse] [Send him to his grandfather] [Marry him] [Send him to your uncle]
Player chose: Leave him with Arisse
Elodie, Crown Princess: Adair must be upset enough already without us taking him away from his home.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Leave him with his stepmother.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
You sneak out of the castle to have a little fun. You enjoy your freedom, but your father won't like it if he finds out.
________________________________________
Week 23
(Studied Resist Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Resist Magic in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a woman here to see you. She is a musician and wishes Crown patronage.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Which means money.)
Sabine: Your Royal Highness! If you accept me as a member of your court I will immortalise you in word and song.
Sabine: I have dabbled in musical styles from many countries, and can entertain your guests and lighten your evenings.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Immortalise me in words? I wonder if she wrote that filthy poem?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Musicians are often used as secret agents and messengers. They can be useful - and dangerous.)
The musician sings a little ditty to demonstrate her skills with the lute.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She's actually pretty good.)
Menu: [Accept her as Court Musician] [Reject her]
Player chose: Reject her
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you, but we are not interested.
You wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck.
________________________________________
Week 24
(Studied Sense Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Sense Magic in the afternoon.)
You receive a letter from Young Lord Adair.
It's a bit messy and hard to read, but he seems to be thanking you for letting him stay with the family he knows.
You wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck.
________________________________________
Week 25
(Studied Wield Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Wield Magic in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
Your agents report a buildup of military strength - particularly warships - in Shanjia, the major power across the ocean to the west. They may be intending to go on the attack.
Shanjia lies a great distance from Nova. You have few diplomatic ties and no known conflicts. There's no reason to assume that you would be their target.
Still, if they send a fleet across the ocean, Nova might be in danger. At the very least, shipping would be disrupted.
It takes time to assemble worthy vessels, and you have advance warning. You could make your own preparations to defend your coast.
The downside is, they won't come cheap.
Menu: [Build more warships] [Do nothing]
Player chose: Build more warships
You send orders for the assembly of new ships, and the strengthening of weaponry and cladding on the existing fleet. If trouble comes, you'll be ready for it.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
(Put on the lumen outfit.): (Put on the athletics outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 26
(Studied Wield Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Wield Magic in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What a beautiful day!
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's nice to stop and breathe sometimes.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 27
(Studied Herbs in the morning.)
(Studied Battlefield Medicine in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, there are letters for you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Another letter from Briony. Why does she keep writing me? We were never even friends.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She says she's bored and lonely and she's looking forward to seeing me at Gwenelle's birthday party.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's right! Gwenelle is about to turn fifteen! She'll be Duchess of Sudbury for real now.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (This other letter must be my invitation to her birthday celebration next week.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Gwenelle and I were friends at school, and this will be a big event, but it's also a long way to travel.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (A lot of things can happen on the road.)
Menu: [Go to Sudbury for Gwenelle's party] [Send your regrets]
Player chose: Go to Sudbury for Gwenelle's party
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It'll be good to see my friends!)
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 28
(Studied Poison in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Herbs in the afternoon.)
On your journey to Sudbury, your carriage is attacked by bandits!
You hear the distinctive sound of incoming arrows just in time to push yourself away from the window and avoid being shot.
From the screams outside, not all of your guards have been as lucky.
The attackers scatter as soon as your forces show signs of resistance, vanishing into the woods.
The rest of your trip passes without incident, but you can't help jumping at shadows.
Gwenelle's party is lovely - not nearly as glamourous as your own upcoming birthday will be, of course, but it's still a major event on the noble social calendar. Everyone who is anyone is present.
Uncle Laurent and your younger cousins are here, but Charlotte and her mother are not. Apparently Charlotte was ill.
Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, is present, but she somehow always manages to avoid talking to you when you draw near.
There are refreshments and dancers and musicians and polite conversations... and one or two not-so-polite.
Lieke, Countess of Dis: ... will not be shoved aside.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: Mother, it's my domain now. I need space for myself. You have your own lands to manage.
Lieke, Countess of Dis: Just because you're of age doesn't mean you know everything, young lady. You need my advice.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: This is my home. It has never been yours.
Before you can back away, their gazes fall on you. They wait expectantly for you as near-queen to settle the dispute.
Menu: [Side with Gwenelle] [Side with her mother]
Player chose: Side with Gwenelle
Elodie, Crown Princess: You heard her. She's an adult now, and she's in charge here.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: Thank you!
Lieke, Countess of Dis: Is this what your father will face upon your coronation? Cast aside without another word?
Elodie, Crown Princess: (... He's not going to like hearing that, is he.)
A bit later, Briony catches up with you.
Briony, Lady Mead: Hello, Elodie. It's so wonderful that you're going to be Queen now.
Briony, Lady Mead: Hello, Elodie. It's so wonderful that you're going to be Queen now.
Briony, Lady Mead: I mean, I am sorry about your mother...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thanks.
Briony, Lady Mead: ... but think of the opportunities you're going to have! You're so lucky.
That's an odd way of putting it.
Briony, Lady Mead: Anyway, I was wondering, now that you're almost Queen and everything... have they told you all the secrets?
Elodie, Crown Princess: What secrets?
Briony, Lady Mead: Like, how to get into the old palace! I've heard it's packed full of treasure.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You mean the Old Capital by Kathre Lake? The abandoned one?
Briony, Lady Mead: Exactly! They had to leave in a hurry, so they left all kinds of treasure behind.
Briony, Lady Mead: And nobody ever goes there because the forest is supposed to be haunted, so the treasure's probably still there!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (The forest isn't just haunted, it's full of monsters like the keythong!)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (But what if she's right and it is full of ancient treasure?)
Menu: [Offer to help] [Try to talk her out of it] [Tattle to her parents]
Player chose: Offer to help
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't know any secrets about getting into the old palace - yet.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But if you come back to the castle with me, we can check the archives.
Briony, Lady Mead: Great! I knew you could help.
Briony, Lady Mead: I'm supposed to go back to school, but I was already planning to sneak off.
Briony, Lady Mead: I'll ditch my escort, sneak ahead, and meet you at the castle!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (This could be fun.)
At the end, you all share a pleasant meal and prepare to return to your various lands.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
(Put on the medicine outfit.): (Put on the agility outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 29
(Studied Herbs in the morning.)
(Studied Sense Magic in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: I found a bunch of maps of the area around Kathre Lake.
Briony, Lady Mead: Great!
Elodie, Crown Princess: I also found reports on all sorts of really nasty monsters down there.
Briony, Lady Mead: That was hundreds of years ago!
Elodie, Crown Princess: The palace was abandoned hundreds of years ago. The reports never stopped.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I can't find anyone who's gone into the Old Forest and come back.
Briony, Lady Mead: Well, if it is full of treasure, would you want to tell anyone how you got in and stole some?
Briony, Lady Mead: Look, I know it's dangerous. I'm not stupid. But you and I are educated noblewomen, not peasants.
Briony, Lady Mead: I'm good with a sword and a bow. And you - don't you have magic powers now that you're Queen?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Well, yes.
Briony, Lady Mead: So come with me! It'll be an awesome adventure. Our parents are going to be so impressed.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I'm really not supposed to run off on my own.)
Menu: [Go with Briony] [Send her alone] [Tell her not to go]
Player chose: Go with Briony
Elodie, Crown Princess: All right. We can take horses from the royal stables and sneak out before anyone notices.
You are easily able to avoid pursuit as you travel south through the wetlands of Caloris.
There is no guard around the borders of the Old Forest. There isn't any need for one. Caloris has soaked in lore until the stain is permanent; even an illiterate fisher-child knows better.
But you are young and innocent, brave and strong. True heroes.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Hey, this isn't so bad!
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's kind of dark, but that's just because there's so much moss on the trees.
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's pretty. It's like lace curtains. And it's quiet. You could build a secret hideaway here.
Elodie, Crown Princess: And it's not too dark when the will-o-wisps are out. Little sparkly lights.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Don't you think, Briony?
She doesn't answer, and the hairs on the back of your neck begin to prickle.
There is magic in the air. Nearby... and strong.
You turn to look at your companion -
- and find her pinned against a tree, her eyes bulging wide, her fingernails clawing at the thick black ribbons which have wrapped around her body and mouth.
Elodie, Crown Princess: LET HER GO!
Magic burns at your fingertips, but it's hard to find any spot to blast that won't harm Briony more than the monster.
There has to be some way to force it to release her!
In a panic, you slide off your horse, grab up a handful of stinging nettles, not even feeling the pain, and rub them against the black tentacles.
You hear a tearing sound, and the monster's ropy arms convulse, allowing Briony to fall to the forest floor.
Unfortunately, the horses, now free of their riders, bolt and leave you alone with an angry tentacled thing.
Elodie, Crown Princess: RUN!
Grabbing Briony's hand, you tear through the brush, heading back in the direction you came as best you can.
The murk of the forest seems to close around you, and it's difficult to tell where you're going.
How far is safe? Where are those horses?
Suddenly, Briony stumbles, her ankle twisting underneath her.
Despite her flighty demeanor, she's not a complete idiot; she gets back up and keeps moving. But she's limping now, and clearly slower.
Menu: [Leave her] [Support her]
Player chose: Support her
Briony puts her arm around your shoulders while you grab hold of her waist.
Both of you have experience dancing with partners, and this isn't so different. Together you struggle through the forest until you find your horses again.
The two of you manage to return to the castle safely before the week's end, but with no time for any extra activities.
(Put on the lumen outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 30
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Divination in the afternoon.)
Alice: The Duchess of Mead is here to see you, my lady.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Elodie! Where is my daughter?
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Elodie! Where is my daughter?
Briony, Lady Mead: I'm right here.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Briony? What happened to you? Your clothes - your skin!
Briony, Lady Mead: Well, you see, there was this nasty thing with tentacles and it sort of grabbed me...
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: You were - You went to the Old Forest! What were you thinking? You could have been killed!
Briony, Lady Mead: But Elodie rescued me!
Briony's mother turns to glare at you.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: You were there with her? Why didn't you talk her out of this?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I kept her safe, didn't I?
Briony, Lady Mead: She's a hero, mother!
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: There is no such thing. Only fools risking their lives for no good reason.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Come on, young lady. We're going home.
Briony, Lady Mead: .... yes, mother.
The Duchess of Mead leads her daughter away, and you sigh.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You should not have risked your life to chase after your friend. What would have happened to Nova if you had died?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You have responsibilities. You cannot act on your every whim.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your mother gave her life for this domain. How can you disrespect her memory like this?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine! I'm sorry!
In your heart you know he's only yelling at you because he loves you and he was afraid for you, but at the moment, that doesn't lessen the sting.
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
________________________________________
Week 31
(Studied Climbing in the morning.)
(Studied Climbing in the afternoon.)
As you are walking through the great hall, a freak gust of wind suddenly blows out all the candles in the room.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (An omen of war and danger...)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It must be Shanjia. They're going to attack.)
You sneak a peek at some of the luckless peasants held in the dungeons - petty thieves and troublemakers, now suffering in the dark. They're obviously bad people, but seeing them so miserable still feels unfair. There must be a better way.
(Put on the intrigue outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 32
(Studied Naval Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Naval Strategy in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: Things have been so unsettled lately... Everyone's on edge. We need something cheerful.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You could hold a tournament.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What a good idea!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Knights, jousting, musicians... all sorts of competitions. Everyone loves a contest.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: What will you offer as prizes to the winners?
Menu: [Status and praise] [Employment] [Gold]
Player chose: Employment
Elodie, Crown Princess: The winners will have the option of taking up royal appointments.
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's a recruitment drive!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Very well. I will draft the announcements.
You leave him to his work.
As you move through the hall, your eye falls upon a vase of flowers. Pretty, but apparently not getting enough water. The leaves on one blossom have shriveled.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (A leaf killed by a secret weakness... A hidden threat.)
You continue up the stairs to your room, where a maid is waiting for you.
Alice: My lady, a gift has arrived from Kigal.
Elodie, Crown Princess: From the Duke?
Alice: No, my lady. A merchant house, I believe. It was sent with a shipment down the Cavalla River.
You tear open the brightly colored paper, to find:
Elodie, Crown Princess: Chocolates!
There is a little card with the box - 'With Our Compliments, The House of Kraellat'.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (There's something suspicious about this.)
Menu: [Eat candy now] [Save it for later] [Test for poison]
Player chose: Test for poison
The gift doesn't appear to be enchanted, at least.
You know enough about poisons to conduct some simple experiments. Sadly, your suspicions prove correct. Someone has tried to kill you.
You send for the guards and begin asking a lot of pointed questions about these chocolates and how they got to your room without a food taster.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 33
(Studied Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Strategy in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit! You may now tour the Barracks on the weekends.
This is the week of the general tournament. Nobles and commoners alike have turned out to compete against each other.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The people will be pleased if you participate in their games. However, it would expose you to danger.
What event do you wish to take part in?
Menu: [Mounted Parade] [Jousting] [Fencing] [Archery] [Music] [Falconry] [None]
Player chose: Archery
You make your way to the archery field.
Neither of your shots comes anywhere near the target, and you are swiftly eliminated. The only comfort is that with so many shooting at once, few can tell how badly you did.
All the winners are announced and displayed to great cheers. As near-Queen, you place flower garlands around their necks.
After the tournament, you receive a report on the poisoned chocolates.
The merchant house named on the card is fictitious. No such trader is registered in Kigal.
However, the chocolates themselves arrived in a shipment from a trusted supplier, one whose goods are only subject to the occasional sampling checks instead of more thorough scrutiny.
Regardless, surely someone in palace security should have been paying more attention!
Menu: [Punish the guards] [Punish the supplier] [Wait for more information]
Player chose: Wait for more information
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I need to find my real enemy.)
You sneak a peek at some of the luckless peasants held in the dungeons - petty thieves and troublemakers, now suffering in the dark. They're obviously bad people, but seeing them so miserable still feels unfair. There must be a better way.
(Put on the military outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 34
(Studied Naval Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Naval Strategy in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, your father wishes to speak with you. He says it's urgent.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine, I'm coming.
You find your father standing over a map of the coastline, his face grave.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Ships have been sighted on approach from Shanjia. Not tradeships - this is a warfleet.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I've been expecting something like that.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Within a week they will be in Novan waters. Within two they could reach the capital.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Then we will fight to defend ourselves.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You can try to use the treasury funds to hire additional soldiers, but it may be difficult on short notice.
Menu: [Recruit soldiers] [Don't]
Player chose: Recruit soldiers
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine, we'll do that.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You will need to draw up a naval strategy for our ships to carry out.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You could choose to act as admiral and lead the fleet in person, but the danger to you would be very great.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Unless you think your personal skills will make the difference, I would strongly advise against it.
Menu: [Direct the fleet] [Stay in the capital]
Player chose: Direct the fleet
Elodie, Crown Princess: The risk is mine to take.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You have your mother's heart.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is one more thing. I hesitate to ask, but...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: An invasion...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This is the sort of disaster for which a Lumen's power may be worth the cost.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: If the fleet could be destroyed before they reached our waters, many lives would be saved.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know any magic that could sink a whole fleet!)
Elodie, Crown Princess: I... I'll have to talk to my mentor.
You find the Duchess of Ursul in her guest quarters.
Elodie, Crown Princess: A fleet from Shanjia is attacking us. Is it possible to sink them all with magic?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It is easy enough to attack one soldier, one ship, as a demonstration. But to obliterate an entire fleet...
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You would need an immense amount of power spread over a large area, more than any one Lumen could control.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: If you tried to raise that much power yourself, you would die. Not could. Would.
Elodie, Crown Princess: So it's hopeless.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (We'll just have to rely on our soldiers.)
You are impressed by the discipline of the Novan troops, but the responsibility for their lives weighs heavily on your shoulders.
There are approximately eleven battalions and two platoons under your direct command.
Your newest ships of the line are undergoing final checkout.
________________________________________
Week 35
(Studied Logistics in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Logistics.
Danger on the high seas!
Ships close in on each other, angling into range.
You clamber up the rigging to take a position in the crow's nest, where you can watch the enemy's movements with a spyglass and shout out any necessary changes in plan.
The Shanjians outnumber you slightly, but it could all come down to strategy.
Your skill in long-range magic makes you as effective as a cannon (and more maneuverable), but there are far too many ships for you to take each one out individually.
Still, your position in the crow's nest allows you to target ships at a distance too great for them to respond effectively.
The eventual outcome...
... is a hard-fought victory.
You have repelled the invasion fleet, driving the survivors back across the sea. You and your sailors are heroes, and Nova is safe once more.
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
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Week 36
(Studied Decoration in the morning.)
(Studied Decoration in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: We have obtained a number of Shanjian prisoners who survived the naval battle.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: A few are from wealthy families and can be ransomed, but most are common sailors and soldiers.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: What do you intend to do with them?
Menu: [Ransom the rich, conscript the poor] [Ransom the rich, execute the poor] [Execute them all]
Player chose: Ransom the rich, conscript the poor
Elodie, Crown Princess: Ransom back the ones whose families will pay.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Offer the soldiers and such their freedom if they are willing to serve in my army instead.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Very well.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
________________________________________
Week 37
(Studied Decoration in the morning.)
(Studied Decoration in the afternoon.)
Now that the issue of the prisoners has been dealt with, an enormous festival is held all over Lampsi island to celebrate your victory over Shanjia.
People are hanging your portrait outside their homes and decorating it with flowers like a shrine.
Everyone loves you.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
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Week 38
(Studied Decoration in the morning.)
Your skill in Decoration is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Expression skills are 25 or higher.
(Studied Court Manners in the afternoon.)
Time has slipped by you so quickly. Only two weeks remain before your birthday celebration, and your official coronation as Queen. Have you done enough to build a stable Nova?
It is traditional for the palace to provide entertainment and refreshment for the common people when a new monarch is crowned. It is a rare opportunity for the poor of the land to dine like nobles.
The size and scope of any such feast depends on what expense the royal treasury is willing to bear.
Menu: [An extravagant feast] [A respectable feast] [A small feast] [No celebration]
Player chose: An extravagant feast
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Roasted meats, cakes, chocolates, wine, enough for everyone! And I can give out commemorative cups and coins!)
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
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Week 39
(Studied Public Speaking in the morning.)
(Studied Public Speaking in the afternoon.)
The castle is buzzing with preparations for your upcoming coronation. Ministers press you with details for your favorite colors and flowers and so on.
You are happy to collaborate with the designers to ensure you are shown off to the best possible effect. You are still so young, after all. Good design will help a lot in making you look like a Queen.
Others are more interested in the subject of your marriage.
Whomever you decide to marry will be elevated to the highest ranks of the nobility, which could mean a major shift in the balance of power. Therefore, everyone is talking about the top candidates, even though you're under no obligation to marry so young.
Talarist, the Duke of Sedna, is one option. Certainly he expressed interest in marrying you earlier. Your union would bring stronger ties to the domain of Talasse and improve the situation along the Elath border.
Then there is Banion, the Duke of Maree, a powerful and eligible noble only about ten years older than you.
There is Kevan, the Earl of Io. Although he is only an earl, his family connections could make him politically useful.
There's little Adair, the eventual Duke of Elath, although at twelve he's only a child.
At least he's almost old enough to understand the concept of romance - some people think you ought to marry Gwenelle's half-brother Anciet, who hasn't even turned nine yet!
There are two or three minor earls around the age of twenty who might be passable alternatives, and of course you could decide to ignore noble traditions entirely and marry a commoner... if you were prepared to deal with the uproar.
And then there is the most recent letter you received from Briony, which was all about how clever and strong and wonderful you are.
You rescued her from a terrible monster, after all. It's apparently the most romantic thing that's happened in her entire life.
While you will need to marry eventually, you are still very young. You could put this decision off until later. However, a clear succession contributes to the stability of your domain. Are you leaning towards any option?
Menu: [Talarist] [Banion] [Kevan] [Adair] [Anciet] [Briony] [No one]
Player chose: Briony
There's no time to pursue that thought at the moment, but perhaps in the future...
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
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Week 40
(Studied Flattery in the morning.)
(Studied Flattery in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
At this time last year, you were celebrating your fourteenth birthday. You were in the school gardens, surrounded by your friends. A teacher brought you tea and cakes, while a wealthy merchant's son wove a crown of flowers for your head.
It didn't matter so much that you were a princess then. Your title was something for the future. Many of your peers would be Duchesses or Earls or the like, someday, but not then. You were children.
Your parents could not attend on the actual day, but they did send wonderful gifts, some for you, and some for you to share. And a week later, they came for a visit, and your mother took you with her through the countryside in a splendid carriage.
It was the last time you would ever see her.
You wonder if, wherever she is, she can see you now.
You are fifteen years old, a legal adult. You have worked and studied and suffered and prepared, and now the time has come.
You kneel before the priestess, barely hearing her words as she recites the blessings.
She calls upon the gods to deliver peace, wisdom, and prosperity to you, and through you, to all of Nova. And then she calls upon you, for your oath of rulership.
Priestess of the First Circle: Will you guide and govern and protect your people to the best of your ability, according to law and custom?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I will.
Priestess of the First Circle: Will you to the best of your power uphold the ideals of love, honor, justice, and mercy?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I will.
Priestess of the First Circle: Lords and Ladies assembled: I present to you your undoubted Queen, who has sworn you her loyalty.
Priestess of the First Circle: You who have come to give homage, will you do the same?
One at a time, the head of each duchy approaches your throne and kneels to swear his or her service to you and your heirs.
Priestess of the First Circle: People of Nova, I give you Elodie, daughter of Fidelia, your true sovereign. What say you all?
People: LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!
Elodie, Queen of Nova: (Thank you! I will!)
Once his daughter was secure on her throne, Joslyn returned to his birthplace to focus on his duties as Duke of Caloris.
He was pursued by many women, but showed little interest in remarrying, directing them instead to his brother, the Duke of Mazomba.
The subject of magic and Lumens remained a slightly uncomfortable one for the citizens of Nova. Perfectly fine for the Queen, who had inherited it by divine right, but not something that other people should be aspiring towards. Look at all the terrible things that happened when that power fell into the wrong hands!
As an openly acknowledged Lumen, Julianna, Duchess of Ursul, was met with public suspicion whenever she journeyed outside of her Duchy. At times, that suspicion was accompanied with thrown vegetables.
It did not matter that Elodie supported her fully as a member of the noble court. That only led the commoners to whisper that Julianna was a bad influence on their Queen.
Julianna's perpetually unmarried state was even more worrying to those with wagging tongues. What if that influence rubbed off on the Queen, and left Nova with no heir?
The loss of their fleet was a terrible setback for Shanjia. However, as with a garden weed, if the root is not burned out completely the infestation may return even worse than before. The King of Shanjia had somehow escaped either drowning or capture and returned to his homeland to plot revenge against Nova.
Raising a new army put a strain on the Shanjian royal treasury, which brought internal tensions among the former city-states to the fore. It would be some years before Shanjia could manage to field a conquering horde again.
One of the young queen's closest confidants was Briony of Mead, whom Elodie formally appointed as her royal Lady-in-Waiting, and less formally, as the Lady of the Royal Bedchamber. The two carried out a very public flirtation, complete with moonlit serenades under balconies and the ritual slaying of imaginary dragons.
Both women did marry in time, but they never gave up their affection for each other.
Elodie's interest in military strategy led her to treat country management as something of a game - a game that she intended to win.
That meant building up Nova's strength to the point where no invader could ever threaten its sovereignty again.
And thus Queen Elodie's legacy stretched into the future...
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