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 07 (Exiled Queen) is my playthrough where I instigate a civil war, end it by strategic use of a hostage, and get driven out of Nova and into Talasse by the invading Shanjians. Game achievements include:
1. A Hostage To Fortune (You have demanded a ransom.)
2. A Land Divided (You have faced a civil war.)
YouTube video below the cut, plus game transcript. I also strongly recommend the LLtQ wiki for any questions about the characters.
________________________________________
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 Reflexes in the morning.)
(Studied Reflexes 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.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
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Week 2
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
(Studied Reflexes in the afternoon.)
You may now play Sports on the weekends.
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.
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: Let her stay
Elodie, Crown Princess: I want to hear what she has to say.
Elodie, Crown Princess: She stays.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
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 Foreign Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Affairs in the afternoon.)
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.
All of a sudden, the Duchess of Ursul rushes into the garden and points a sword at you!
No, not at you. At your... feet?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Princess! Don't move!
Menu: [Hold still] [Look down]
Player chose: Look down
You look down where her sword is pointing.
There's a snake in the grass!
You can't help it - you squeak and jump back. The snake tenses and prepares to strike.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: No!
Your cousin pushes you aside, and the snake's fangs sink into her leg.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Lottie!
Too late, Julianna swings her sword and cuts off the snake's head.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: What is going on out here?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your daughter's been bitten by a milk viper. They're poisonous. Get an herbalist, right away!
Lucille, Countess of Nix: I will treat my daughter. I certainly can't trust anyone here to keep her safe!
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm sorry...
Charlotte, Lady Merva: I don't feel good.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: We will be returning home to Merva immediately.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your aunt has a point. Milk vipers are not native to this area. That snake should never have been here.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Someone may have tried to kill you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Will Charlotte be okay?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I don't know.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
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Week 4
(Studied Foreign Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Affairs 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.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I was so worried about Charlotte, after that snake bit her...
Elodie, Crown Princess: But her mother said she's okay, so I guess it turned out all right.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Maybe she has a guardian angel!
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
________________________________________
Week 5
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
(Studied Court Manners 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: Wear it
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't care what anyone thinks, I'm the princess and I want my jewelry.
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
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Week 6
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Internal Affairs in the afternoon.)
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.
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
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Week 7
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Intelligence 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.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
________________________________________
Week 8
(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
(Studied Novan History 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.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 9
(Studied Ciphering in the morning.)
(Studied Ciphering 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.
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: (His sister, the Duchess of Hellas, started trouble in Ixion four years ago, so they invaded his territory as payback.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know anything about the military. I don't want to fight.)
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: Your Highness, if I may ask... That necklace you're wearing. Where did it come from?
Elodie, Crown Princess: It was a gift from the Duke of Sedna.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Then, you have made arrangements with him?
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I think he's asking if I'm engaged to the Duke!)
Menu: [I'm considering it] [I just like jewelry]
Player chose: I'm considering it
Elodie, Crown Princess: No arrangements yet, but I look upon him fondly.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: I see. Your happiness is my utmost concern, Your Highness.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 10
(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
(Studied World History 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.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Hellas and Maree are neighboring duchies. Together, the siblings Brin and Banion govern most of Southern Nova.)
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.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It was the Duchess of Hellas who tried to take over part of Ixion's territory, without the support of my mother the Queen.)
Diplomat from Ixion: We can be good neighbors again, without any lives being lost.
Menu: [Surrender Province] [Offer him money if Ixion withdraws] [Offer to punish the Duchess of Hellas] [Bluff / Intimidate] [Execute him]
Player chose: Offer to punish the Duchess of Hellas
Elodie, Crown Princess: We appreciate that you feel wronged. One of our subjects attempted to instigate a rebellion in your territory.
Elodie, Crown Princess: However, she did not have our approval for these actions. If you withdraw your troops, we will punish her.
Brin, Duchess of Hellas, Countess of Dysnomia: Your Highness!
Elodie, Crown Princess: This is the fair solution. You have no right to invade us because of her actions.
Diplomat from Ixion: What manner of punishment were you considering?
Menu: [Make her a commoner] [Command her to marry an Ixionite] [Execute her]
Player chose: Command her to marry an Ixionite
Elodie, Crown Princess: She will marry an Ixionite lord of your choosing.
Brin, Duchess of Hellas, Countess of Dysnomia: I will not!
Elodie, Crown Princess: You will if I say you will, or I'll take your title away!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Her heirs will be of your blood, in a peaceful union that benefits us both.
Diplomat from Ixion: Very well. We will accept this arrangement.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Remember that my sister is not the only unmarried noblewoman in Nova.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (People will expect me to find a husband too.)
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
(Put on the intrigue outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 11
(Studied Presence in the morning.)
(Studied Composure 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: ...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Also, there is a letter for you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Talarist, the Duke of Sedna, will be arriving next week for an official visit.)
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 12
(Studied Presence in the morning.)
(Studied Composure in the afternoon.)
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: Ah, Your Highness. What a pleasure it is to meet you in person at last. Your description did not do you justice.
Elodie, Crown Princess: *giggle*
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know how to deal with handsome older men paying me compliments!)
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I was so pleased to hear that you had accepted my humble offering. A jewel for a jewel - but you are the more precious.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I hope that this is only the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship. A union between us would bring stability to both our peoples.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (He really does want to marry me!)
Menu: [Accept his offer] [Politely decline]
Player chose: Accept his offer
Elodie, Crown Princess: I would be honored!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Elodie!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your Grace, are you not aware that my daughter has only fourteen summers?
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's my decision.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: A betrothal only, of course. There is no need for hurry. You have your coronation to plan for, after all.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: If I might be of service in any way, please, send for me. I will be happy to offer my protection or advice.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: ...
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
________________________________________
Week 13
(Studied Elegance in the morning.)
(Studied Elegance in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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: Ask the Earl of Io about her story
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I need to know if she has any justification for her actions.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: Did the old Duke kill her brother?
Kevan, Earl of Io: Are you accusing my family?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm asking what happened!
Kevan, Earl of Io: The honor of our line is far greater than that of the wet-bottomed child who sits the throne!
Elodie, Crown Princess: What?
Without warning, the Earl of Io draws a dagger and slices the convict's throat.
Kevan, Earl of Io: No one harms my family. No one!
He throws the blood-stained blade to the floor and walks away.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Ooooo!
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
(Put on the royal_demeanour outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 14
(Studied Elegance in the morning.)
(Studied Elegance 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.)
When you return to the castle, your father is waiting for you.
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 15
(Studied Composure in the morning.)
(Studied Composure 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.
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 is absolutely furious about that woman's trial.)
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 Presence in the morning.)
(Studied Presence in the afternoon.)
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.
You can tell from the excited murmurs around you that the people are impressed with your queenly appearance.
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 attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 17
(Studied Composure in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Composure.
(Studied Presence in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Presence.
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.
You let your eyes rest upon each in turn as you have been taught, impressing upon them that you are not a child, but a Queen.
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.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But I'm already betrothed to the Duke of Sedna!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: That does not bar you from dancing.
Menu: [Dance with suitors] [Refuse]
Player chose: Dance with suitors
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: Not only does she protect our borders, but she has begun to address the long-standing problem of a shortage of heirs.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: My sister is proud to do her duty. As, of course, are others, such as myself and our lovely new queen.
You can almost hear the chorus of eyebrows being raised.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: May I have this dance, fair lady?
Menu: [Accept] [Refuse] [Mention betrothal to Sedna]
Player chose: Mention betrothal to Sedna
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't think it would be appropriate.
Elodie, Crown Princess: After all, I am engaged to marry the Duke of Sedna.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Of course you are.
He bows and backs away. However, you are not certain your actions have done enough to discourage rumors.
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?
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
(Put on the intrigue outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 18
(Studied Elegance in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Elegance.
(Studied Public Speaking 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.
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.
You take a deep breath.
Menu: [Greet her politely] [Shame her with silent scorn] [Insult her with false flattery] [Trip her as she passes]
Player chose: Greet her politely
You manage to smile at her in what you hope is a welcoming manner.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Good day to you, Countess.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: Your Highness! Good day to you as well.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: I was just speaking with your father about - well, it wasn't important.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: Please allow me to excuse myself. I don't wish to be in the way.
She bows her head to you and exits.
Once she's gone, you raise an eyebrow at your father.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This is the path that you have set us on.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your acts have made everyone think about preparations for the future. Caloris needs an heir.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: My brother, your uncle Armand, is looking for a wife as well. One of us, at least, must produce more children.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But... Mama...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Nothing can ever replace your mother.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: But we all have to do things that we don't want to do.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ...
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: Assassins
Elodie, Crown Princess: I can deal with any problems that come up as long as I'm here to deal with them. It's assassins I'm worried about.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You are your own best defense against assassins. Increasing your skills will help to protect you.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Beyond that, you can train more soldiers into personal bodyguards to watch over you.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Or you can institute harsh penalties for treason and make people too frightened to cross you.
Menu: [More training] [More guards] [More punishment]
Player chose: More guards
Elodie, Crown Princess: I need more guards. I have to be safe.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 19
(Studied Meditation in the morning.)
(Studied Lore 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 really don't understand all of these numbers.)
Menu: [Raise taxes] [Keep them the same] [Lower taxes]
Player chose: Keep them the same
Elodie, Crown Princess: I think they're fine as they are.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
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 20
(Studied Meditation in the morning.)
(Studied Lore in the afternoon.)
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!
Elodie, Crown Princess: How do I find my Lumen crystal?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your father probably knows what happened to it.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What if he destroyed it?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: They can't be destroyed. He could throw it away, but then someone else might find it. No, he'll keep it safe.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But if it's mine, it wouldn't matter if someone else found it.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It's attuned to you, but you haven't bonded with it yet. If it found a compatible host, someone who was like you in some way, it could bond to them.
________________________________________
Week 21
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Divination in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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 hilarious!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's actually pretty funny!)
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: Ignore it
What's the worst that can happen? It blows off and someone reads it and laughs at you? That's better than breaking your neck.
Besides, if you're lucky it will rain and wash the words away.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
(Put on the faith outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 22
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Lore 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.
Menu: [Leave him with Arisse] [Send him to his grandfather] [Send him to your uncle]
Player chose: Send him to your uncle
Elodie, Crown Princess: What about your brother Armand? He would be a safe pair of hands to watch over Adair.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 23
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Lore 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.)
Musician: Your Royal Highness! If you accept me as a member of your court I will immortalise you in word and song.
Musician: I have dabbled in musical styles from many countries, and can entertain your guests and lighten your evenings.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I wonder if she also writes naughty poetry?)
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 spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
________________________________________
Week 24
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Divination.
(Studied Lore in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Lore.
You receive a letter from Young Lord Adair.
So far, he's enjoying himself with your uncle Armand in Mazomba. He says the trees look different, and there are a lot more frogs. He looks forward to visiting the lookout fort at Shepherd's Point.
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 25
(Studied Meditation in the morning.)
(Studied Meditation in the afternoon.)
Staring up into the sky out your window, you notice a strange flash of light.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (A falling star at that angle... It means war is coming to Nova!)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (At least, it might. Not every sign in the stars is meant for me.)
Still, if there is a war about to happen, this forewarning gives you time to prepare and build your strength.
Menu: [Hire more soldiers] [Do nothing]
Player chose: Hire more soldiers
You make a note to have the recruiters try to get more soldiers ready for the army.
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: I'll try to find a way
Elodie, Crown Princess: All right. I will try to get into the treasury.
(Put on the intrigue outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 26
(Studied Meditation in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Meditation.
(Studied Internal Affairs 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 Dance in the morning.)
(Studied Flexibility 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.)
You remember dreaming about a road through a dark forest, surrounded by monsters like the keythong your father told you about. Of course, the Old Forest is nowhere near Sudbury.
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 order the guards to stand aside and walk forward with your head held high. None of them dares to deny you access to your own treasury.
The glitter is dazzling, but some sixth sense draws you towards one little locked box in particular. This is what you need. This is the crystal that will make you a Lumen.
You tuck the box into your pocket. You can show it to your mentor later and get instructions on what to do next.
________________________________________
Week 28
(Studied Battlefield Medicine in the morning.)
(Studied Battlefield Medicine in the afternoon.)
On your journey to Sudbury, your carriage is attacked by bandits!
Luckily, your bodyguards are well-prepared for such an event and manage to drive off the attackers.
You are inconvenienced and annoyed, but not harmed.
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 her mother
Elodie, Crown Princess: You should listen to your mother. She loves you, and she deserves your respect.
Lieke, Countess of Dis: Thank you, Your Highness.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: I am the Duchess of Sudbury, and I must command respect of my own.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: We're not children anymore, Elodie. If you let people treat you like that, you can't rule them.
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: 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.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I got it!
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do I do now?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Pick up the crystal with your bare hands. Press it against your chest, over your heart, and say "Illuminate!"
Menu: [Do it] [Don't do it]
Player chose: Do it
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.
________________________________________
Week 29
(Studied Running in the morning.)
(Studied Climbing in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Matters have come to a crisis. Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, has declared civil war.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What?!?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Apparently she feels that you are a weak leader, unfit to be Queen, and has managed to sway several others to her banner.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Who is against me?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: A number of minor earls and countesses. The Duchess of Mead and the Duke of Kigal.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The situation in Hellas and Maree is less clear.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Wait a minute!
Elodie, Crown Princess: The Duchess of Mead is one of the rebels - but we have her daughter Briony here at the castle!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Why is Briony here?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Long story. She wanted an adventure.
Menu: [Send Briony home as a gesture of goodwill] [Hold Briony hostage]
Player chose: Hold Briony hostage
Elodie, Crown Princess: So I'll write to the rebels and tell them they'd better back down if they value her life.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Would you really execute one of your old school friends?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Does that even matter? They'll give in.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There are ways to increase the number of soldiers you have available.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You could offer to pardon various imprisoned criminals in exchange for military service.
Menu: [Pardon criminals] [Don't]
Player chose: Pardon criminals
Elodie, Crown Princess: All right, let's do that. Criminals probably already know how to fight.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Very well.
Forces are in motion, but they will take time to reach their peak.
Elodie, Crown Princess: There's something I don't understand.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: What is it?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Magical powers are connected to Lumen crystals, right?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is correct.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But I can make myself glow by concentrating the right way, and I did that before I even got the crystal.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Let me see.
You concentrate, and your skin begins to glimmer.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You're right. It's not proper magic. It's something else.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Is that bad?
She holds her hands above your shoulders, moving slowly down along your arms.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I sense no danger. Ignore it. It's a distraction.
Menu: [Drop the subject] [Keep pushing]
Player chose: Keep pushing
Elodie, Crown Princess: There are a million magical secrets I don't know, but I'm trying to learn.
Elodie, Crown Princess: This one affects me personally! I need to know what's causing it.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Very well. If I had to guess, I suspect it has something to do with your mother's powers.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: She was already a Lumen when she bore you. Some small trickle of that energy may have passed into you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: So the daughter of an active Lumen might have strange powers...
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is hardly a power. It's a quirk. It's not worth wasting time on.
________________________________________
Week 30
(Studied Running in the morning.)
(Studied Climbing in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The negotiator for the rebels has arrived to speak with you.
Diplomat: We require proof that Lady Mead is in your custody and unharmed.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine. Briony! Get in here!
Briony, Lady Mead: What do you want now, Elodie?
Briony, Lady Mead: This has been the worst vacation ever! I thought we were supposed to go on an adventure together.
Briony, Lady Mead: I am tired of being cooped up in that tower! I want to go home!
Elodie, Crown Princess: As you can see, she's her usual self.
Diplomat: What are your demands?
Menu: [I only want peace] [A ransom payment] [Exile for the rebels]
Player chose: I only want peace
Elodie, Crown Princess: I want these so-called rebels to go home and behave like proper nobles.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm the Queen and you're my subjects. We'll forget this ever happened - but don't cross me again.
Diplomat: Very well. These terms are acceptable.
Briony, Lady Mead: Now can I go home?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Please do.
You visit the royal treasury and check your available funds.
You have eight thousand, nine hundred and ninety-one gold lassi and sixty-two silver tilassi.
________________________________________
Week 31
(Studied Swimming in the morning.)
(Studied Swimming in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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: (But I avoided the civil war! Didn't I?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Will they attack me again? Should I send more soldiers to watch the east just in case?)
Menu: [Dispatch soldiers] [Don't]
Player chose: Dispatch soldiers
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Better safe than sorry.)
Once that's dealt with, you feel much better.
You visit the royal treasury and check your available funds.
You have eight thousand, nine hundred and ninety-one gold lassi and forty-seven silver tilassi.
(Put on the athletics outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 32
(Studied Sense Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Wield Magic 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'.
Menu: [Eat candy now] [Save it for later]
Player chose: Save it for later
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't feel like candy right now. Maybe later.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 33
(Studied Sense Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Wield Magic in the afternoon.)
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: None
Elodie, Crown Princess: I guess I'll just watch from my tower.
The tournament goes on without you.
After the tournament, a minor tragedy is revealed.
One of the stewards apparently had an incredible sweet tooth and dared to steal a piece of your recently-received chocolates. He had a sweet tooth... the chocolates were poisoned.
When you ask questions, it turns out that the merchant house which supposedly sent you this present never existed.
Someone has tried to kill you... but you don't know who.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 34
(Studied Resist Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Resist Magic 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: What?
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.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What about Talasse? Can we call on any troops from Sedna?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Send a message, but even if he agrees, it will take time for his soldiers to mobilise.
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: Stay in the capital
Elodie, Crown Princess: No, there's too much to do here. I can't go to sea.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 35
(Studied Wield Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Sense Magic in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
Danger on the high seas!
Ships close in on each other, angling into range.
The Shanjians have half again as many troops as you do. It doesn't look promising.
The eventual outcome...
... is not in your favor.
The Novan ships are sunk or scattered, as the Shanjian forces press towards landfall.
Many good soldiers were lost today, and Nova's troubles have not ended.
Since you have failed to repel the invasion, the Shanjian fleet will soon land and their troops will begin to progress towards your capital city.
Your remaining soldiers will hold them off as long as possible, of course, but the main strength of your military has been exhausted. Nova's future looks bleak.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
(Put on the lumen outfit.): (Put on the royal_demeanour outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 36
(Studied Resist Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Resist Magic in the afternoon.)
The invasion of Nova is proceeding. Your coastline is under Shanjian control. Soldiers have marched through villages, trampling fields and frightening citizens.
A diplomatic delegation from Shanjia has requested access to the castle to discuss terms - most likely, for your surrender. You lack the strength to hold off their armies, and surrendering now will save many lives. It would seem that you have no choice.
Almost no choice.
Your fiance, Duke Talarist of Sedna, has sent you a message. He does not personally command enough soldiers to turn the tide against this invasion, but his king in Talasse is eager to discuss a formal alliance.
If you flee the capital now, you should be able to evade the army and reach the Talassian border.
Menu: [Run away] [Meet with diplomats]
Player chose: Run away
Gathering what equipment and money you can, you sneak out of the castle and flee into the east.
Agents of Sedna meet you partway through your journey to give you aid and keep you safe until you reach Talasse. There, while the Shanjians loot your domain, you and the Duke of Sedna will be married.
Together, you can gather the power necessary to retake your throne. You hope.
And so the reins of power slipped from Elodie's grasp. Nova would have to go on without her. But it doesn't have to end this way. Make different choices, train different skills, and Elodie's star may rise again!
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