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 09 (Brin Romance) is my playthrough where I end up with Brin... both in the ending where Elodie never marries but has a daughter, and in the version where Brin marries Joslyn and Elodie marries Banion, but Elodie/Brin is canon. Game achievements include:
1. The Language of Flowers (You have been sent flowers by a woman.)
2. Better Left Unsaid (You have discovered a terrible family secret.)
3. Off With Their Heads (You have ordered an execution.)
4. The Price Of Blood (You have paid out a reward for the death of a fugitive.)
5. Angel Of Music (You have saved the day with the power of music.)
6. Interpersonal Diplomacy (Your actions have caused a couple to divorce.)
7. A Dangerous Juggler (You have hired someone to spy for you.)
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.
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 Instrument in the morning.)
(Studied Instrument 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.
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.
Laurent, Duke of Merva: You look well, niece.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Hi, 'Lodie!
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.
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 2
(Studied Voice in the morning.)
(Studied Voice 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.
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: 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 Decoration in the morning.)
(Studied Decoration in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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.
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!
You grab for a stick to push the snake away, but you lack the skills to do the job properly, and poking the snake only makes it angry. Too fast to see, it lunges forward and sinks its fangs into your leg!
Elodie, Crown Princess: OW!
The snake slithers away, but it's too late now. A strange tingling sensation begins to spread through your flesh.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: That's a milk viper. They're poisonous!
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't feel good.
Your leg is going numb. You stumble and fall to the ground.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Hold on!
Your cousin kneels beside you and presses her hands over the bite mark. The area throbs painfully, then begins to feel warm.
After a minute, you're dizzy, but your leg isn't buzzing anymore, and even the wound has disappeared.
Elodie, Crown Princess: How did you do that?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: I don't know how I do it. I just can.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: I'm not supposed to tell anybody. People think it's freaky. You won't tell, will you?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Of course not. I'm just lucky you were here.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: Girls? What's going on out here? I heard yelling.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Nothing!
Elodie, Crown Princess: We saw a snake, but it got away.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: A snake! That's it. Charlotte, pack your things. We're going back to Merva. It's not safe here.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Awww...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Dad? What really happened to Mom?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: She was a Lumen, a magic-user. It was meant to be in reserve, to defend our domain, but she insisted on...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: ... you don't need to hear that.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: She used magic. It drained her strength. She thought it was harmless, and it wasn't. Eventually, her heart just... stopped.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: That's why I don't want you involved with it.
(Put on the art outfit.)
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Week 4
(Studied Decoration in the morning.)
(Studied Decoration 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: Daddy?
He sighs, rubbing his fingers over his forehead.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: What is it?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I love you.
He looks at you without speaking, and you begin to feel bad for bothering him with your silly feelings.
Then he stands and puts his arms around you.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I love you too.
For this moment, you are safe and happy.
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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.
Alice: My lady, couriers have arrived from the Duke of Sedna.
Alice: My lady, couriers have arrived from the Duke of Sedna.
Elodie, Crown Princess: We have a Duke of Sedna?
Alice: ... No, my Lady. The duchy of Sedna is in Talasse.
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 Elegance in the morning.)
(Studied Elegance in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That woman, the priestess, keeps staring at me.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you want?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Your destiny will find you, even if you run from it. You were born to wield the power of a Lumen.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Your destiny will find you, even if you run from it. You were born to wield the power of a Lumen.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Your destiny will find you, even if you run from it. You were born to wield the power of a Lumen.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you know about that?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: The power was your mother's, and the kings and queens before her. It is your right and your responsibility to defend your domain.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: I have seen signs of the future. Danger is coming. Without that power, this land is defenseless.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Well... What am I supposed to do about it?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: The Duchess of Ursul will teach you, if you set her free.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But -
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: She never harmed your mother. They were friends. It is only because she bears the power of a Lumen so openly that your father rejects her.
Menu: [I will free her] [I won't free her]
Player chose: I won't free her
Elodie, Crown Princess: This is all a trick to get the traitor released. I won't listen to you!
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
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Week 7
(Studied Composure in the morning.)
(Studied Composure in the afternoon.)
As you are walking up the stairs, a maid comes running down holding a towering pile of linen.
You gracefully step aside and let her pass.
You return to your rooms, but you have barely settled when someone knocks on the door.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: A visiting noble wishes to speak with you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: *sigh* Who is it?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The Duke Consort of Mead.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (If I remember right, he's the brother of the Duchess of Ursul.)
You follow your father downstairs to greet your guest.
Ignatius, Duke Consort of Mead: Your Highness. Thank you for meeting with me in this difficult time.
Ignatius, Duke Consort of Mead: Your Highness. Thank you for meeting with me in this difficult time.
Ignatius, Duke Consort of Mead: I come to you on behalf of the people of Ursul, who have been left without a protector.
Ignatius, Duke Consort of Mead: Commoners require governance and leadership, or they fall into chaos.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You want me to free your sister the Duchess?
Ignatius, Duke Consort of Mead: I wish for Ursul to have a leader. If my sister has displeased you, then I stand willing to serve.
Ignatius, Duke Consort of Mead: If you prefer Julianna in that position, then yes, free her. It is, of course, your decision.
Menu: [Free Duchess Julianna] [Give her title to Ignatius]
Player chose: Give her title to Ignatius
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine, then. You can be Duke of Ursul.
Ignatius, Duke of Ursul: On behalf of our people, I thank you for your wisdom.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Now I can leave Julianna locked up forever and no one will care!)
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
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Week 8
(Studied Presence in the morning.)
(Studied Presence in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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.
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
(Put on the royal_demeanour outfit.)
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Week 9
(Studied Presence in the morning.)
(Studied Presence in the afternoon.)
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: (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: If I might say so, you are looking particularly lovely this day. I hope you will think fondly of me.
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 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 10
(Studied Public Speaking in the morning.)
(Studied Public Speaking 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.
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.
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 an awful lot of money...)
Menu: [Agree] [Refuse]
Player chose: Agree
Elodie, Crown Princess: Very well.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Negotiating like this is stressful!)
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 11
(Studied Flattery in the morning.)
(Studied Flattery 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: ...
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
________________________________________
Week 12
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Court Manners in the afternoon.)
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.
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 conversation outfit.): (Put on the art outfit.)
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Week 13
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Intelligence 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!
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: (I don't know what this is all about. Either way, murder is a serious crime, but...)
Menu: [Put her to work] [Imprison her] [Execute her]
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.
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 14
(Studied Decoration in the morning.)
(Studied Voice 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 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 15
(Studied Voice in the morning.)
(Studied Voice 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: (Her parents are fighting and she thinks they might split up.)
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.
(Put on the conversation outfit.)
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Week 16
(Studied Public Speaking in the morning.)
(Studied Public Speaking 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 parade and make a speech
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.
After the blessings are read, you hold up your hands and call for silence so that you can speak.
Elodie, Crown Princess: My affectionate greetings to you all, and my thanks. For it is the people that make this domain great.
Elodie, Crown Princess: We are here today to celebrate the gifts of the Good Lady, the promise of fertility and new birth.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Winter always comes, but winter is followed by spring. Each of us faces hardships, but we grow back stronger than ever.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Now is the time for new beginnings, and for my beginning as your Queen.
Your words are met with great applause.
The procession regroups to return to the castle.
All of a sudden, there is a faint rumbling noise from under your feet.
The newly planted tree in front of you quivers, and then, out of nowhere, a spurt of water comes up from the ground, spattering you and the assembled crowd with droplets.
Just as quickly as it began, it vanishes.
The priestesses try to calm the crowds with talk of omens and natural eruptions, but they can't halt the whispers: dark magic. That water tasted of salt.
That night, the guards report that Julianna, the former Duchess of Ursul, has mysteriously vanished from her cell.
Everyone is suspected, but no one seems to know what happened.
You now have an enemy on the loose.
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 royal_demeanour outfit.)
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Week 17
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Internal Affairs 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.
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.
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.
No doubt every noble family with eligible sons has dreams of a royal wedding. Your choice will raise some hopes and dash others. Feuds could be born here.
The Duke of Kigal has not yet named any of his sons as his official heir, but his second son, Linley, was always kind to you at school. If you wished to show favor to Kigal, Linley would be your choice.
The Duchy of Elath is currently held in regency for its young lord Adair, who is only twelve and a head shorter than you are. Elath is a rich territory, and at least little Adair wouldn't try to take any liberties.
Dancing with Banion, the Duke of Maree, could be quite awkward if you did not actually wish to marry him. He has been waiting years for a powerful heiress to accept his suit.
Not all nobles are created equal. You could choose someone charming and unimportant, like the Earl of Mima, a territory too minor for anyone to consider it a threat. However, the major families might eat him alive afterwards.
If you wished to distract attention from your marital prospects, you could choose someone clearly ineligible. One of your uncles, or an older family man like the Earl of Ishtar, or even a woman, though that would be mildly scandalous.
Menu: [Linley of Kigal] [Adair, Young Lord of Elath] [Banion, Duke of Maree] [Chaine, Earl of Mima] [Armand, Duke of Mazomba] [Erwin, Earl of Ishtar] [Examine the women]
Player chose: Examine the women
As a Queen, few would dare comment about your choice of companions, but until you have provided an heir to the throne, there is great pressure on you to make an appropriate match. That doesn't mean you have to give in.
Brin, the Duchess of Hellas, is an attractive and unmarried woman. What might people think, seeing the two of you together?
The most important woman present, after yourself, is Arisse, Duchess of Lillah. She is married, elderly, a mother and grandmother many times over, but might be flattered by the acknowledgement of her status.
Or, if you truly wanted to set the court on its ear, you could demand your first dance with a mere servant. A maid - like Alice. The assembled nobles would be outraged.
Menu: [Brin, Duchess of Hellas] [Arisse, Duchess of Lillah] [Alice, the maid]
Player chose: Brin, Duchess of Hellas
You feel deliciously wicked at the expression of shock on her face, but it soon fades into something more ambiguous. Her hand in yours is warm, and too late, you wonder if you're playing with fire.
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.
You interact comfortably with your peers, leaving a wise word in every ear.
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, but they dance at an awkward arm's length from each other. Something must be wrong there.
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 attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
(Put on the conversation outfit.): (Put on the art outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 18
(Studied Ciphering in the morning.)
(Studied Ciphering in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, a bouquet has arrived for you.
The flowers are unusual - long spikes of red, thick with nectar and emitting a strong fragrance, nothing like the delicate blossoms in most vases.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Who sent them?
Alice: The Duchess of Hellas, I believe.
Menu: [Accept them] [Reject them] [Give them to Alice]
Player chose: Accept them
Elodie, Crown Princess: Put them on display. I think they look nice.
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.
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: Shame her with silent scorn
You meet her eyes and imagine your mother's disapproving presence behind you.
Her color pales, and she releases her grip on your father's arm, mumbling an apology before hurrying out of the room. You have defeated her.
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: No one has been able to track the former Duchess of Ursul. There could be plots underway.
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] [Julianna of Ursul]
Player chose: Julianna of Ursul
Elodie, Crown Princess: We need to locate Julianna. A rogue Lumen is a danger to the entire domain.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Without more clues of where to search, your agents are apparently unable to locate her.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You could detail a portion of your army to patrol for signs of her, but that would take them from their other duties.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: If you offered a reward for her capture, the people of Nova would also aid in the search.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: However, she was imprisoned once before, and that did not contain her.
Menu: [She has to die] [I want her alive]
Player chose: She has to die
Elodie, Crown Princess: She's too dangerous to hold. She has to be killed, and quickly, before she has a chance to use her magic.
Menu: [Send soldiers on patrol] [Post a reward]
Player chose: Post a reward
Elodie, Crown Princess: All right, we'll post her description and offer a reward to anyone who can bring her down.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I can even paint her picture to be sure everyone recognises her.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
________________________________________
Week 19
(Studied Reflexes in the morning.)
(Studied Archery 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: Lower taxes
Elodie, Crown Princess: I think we have enough money... Let's lower the taxes a little.
Your father consults with a minister.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Apparently your earlier efforts have exhausted the available funds. There is not enough surplus to give back.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's not fair! I wanted to lower taxes!)
Menu: [Raise 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.
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
________________________________________
Week 20
(Studied Reflexes in the morning.)
(Studied Archery 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: Imprison him
Elodie, Crown Princess: Whether there were demons or not, you still killed a woman - your wife.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I won't forgive you for that. You will be imprisoned for the rest of your life.
He opens his mouth to argue with you further, but then his shoulders slump.
Condemned Man: Yes, Your Majesty.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
________________________________________
Week 21
(Studied Reflexes in the morning.)
You may now play Sports on the weekends.
(Studied Archery in the afternoon.)
You receive word that the murderer you condemned to prison has escaped. A large explosion rocked the jail he was in, destroying the walls and setting many dangerous criminals free.
It will now fall to the Royal Treasury to repair the damage.
A report comes in from Mazomba, where an enterprising young archer managed to get the drop on the former Duchess of Ursul. Even a Lumen can't stop an arrow if she doesn't see it coming!
The body was delivered to the palace for verification, and the reward money paid out. Julianna's threat is ended, and you can sleep a bit easier now.
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
________________________________________
Week 22
(Studied Reflexes in the morning.)
(Studied Archery 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: 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 spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
________________________________________
Week 23
(Studied Reflexes in the morning.)
Your skill in Reflexes is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Agility skills are 25 or higher.
(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 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: 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: (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: (It's okay, but nothing special.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That might mean she has 'other' talents.)
Menu: [Accept her as Court Musician] [Test her for secret skills] [Reject her]
Player chose: Test her for secret skills
Elodie, Crown Princess: You are familiar with the traditions of many locations, yes? Can you also perform accents?
Sabine: Aye, mum. That I can.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What about juggling?
Sabine: I can keep a set of dangers in the air.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Interesting. I look forward to all you have to tell me.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (We'll have to talk privately to see how much she knows, but I think she might be useful.)
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
________________________________________
Week 24
(Studied Meditation in the morning.)
(Studied Meditation in the afternoon.)
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.
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
________________________________________
Week 25
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Divination in the afternoon.)
Staring up into the sky out your window, you notice a strange flash of light.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (A falling star... Pretty!)
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
________________________________________
Week 26
(Studied Lore in the morning.)
(Studied Lore 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 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: 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 wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck.
(Put on the faith outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 27
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Lore 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 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 28
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Divination 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: 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 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.
________________________________________
Week 29
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Foreign Intelligence 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: Um...
Briony, Lady Mead: So come with me! It'll be an awesome adventure. Our parents are going to be so impressed.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Is that what this is really about? Briony's parents?)
Menu: [Go with Briony] [Send her alone] [Tell her not to go] [Ask about Briony's parents]
Player chose: Ask about Briony's parents
Elodie, Crown Princess: Briony... What is going on with you and your family?
Briony, Lady Mead: Nothing.
Briony, Lady Mead: Really, nothing. Ever since Uncle Kevan moved in my parents don't want anything to do with me.
Briony, Lady Mead: I'm an adult now, you know!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Technically. She's sixteen.)
Briony, Lady Mead: And they still say I have to be at school all the time. I'm the heir, I should be spending time in Mead!
Briony, Lady Mead: And they still say I have to be at school all the time. I'm the heir, I should be spending time in Mead!
Elodie, Crown Princess: When did your uncle move in?
Briony, Lady Mead: I don't know, a few years ago. After Gran's divorce.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (The Duchess of Lillah divorced her second husband, and then he died.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (He would have been the stepfather of Briony's mother and uncle.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: That must have been a stressful time for your family.
Briony, Lady Mead: Yeah, I'm sure, but so what? That was years ago! They've had plenty of time to get over it!
Briony, Lady Mead: I just want them to pay attention to me. If I find the lost treasures of Nova, they have to notice.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You've already run away from school. If they don't notice that, they won't notice anything.
Briony, Lady Mead: You mean... it's hopeless???
Elodie, Crown Princess: No, I mean, all you need to do is stay here and wait. Getting into more trouble won't make a difference.
Briony, Lady Mead: Oh. I guess maybe you're right.
Briony, Lady Mead: Thanks, Elodie! You're smarter than I remembered.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Argh!
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
(Put on the intrigue outfit.): (Put on the faith outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 30
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Foreign Intelligence.
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?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Which daughter?
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: You know very well that I only have one.
Briony, Lady Mead: Really, mother? Because sometimes I think you don't have one at all!
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Briony! Thank goodness you're all right.
Briony, Lady Mead: Oh, now you care? You certainly didn't want to see me before! You haven't let me come home in ages!
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Briony, darling, there are things you don't understand...
Briony, Lady Mead: I don't understand because you never tell me anything!
The Duchess sighs and embraces her daughter.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Very well. If that's what it will take. Come home with me, and I will explain everything.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Looks like everything worked out for the best!
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
________________________________________
Week 31
(Studied Logistics in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics 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...)
There's no sign of where the danger might be coming from, so there's nothing you can do about it. Perhaps it's nothing.
You receive a letter from Briony hinting at some of the complicated family drama that has been going on.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Her parents are getting divorced now that her father has a duchy of his own.)
There's an extra section at the end of the letter written in code.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Her uncle and his stepfather? Her uncle and her mother?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (No wonder she was trying to hide it.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Well, I hope she'll be happier now.)
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
________________________________________
Week 32
(Studied Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied 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
You can't think of any safe way to test the chocolate, and you don't want to leave it lying around where it might present a danger to others.
Eventually you mash the candies together into an unappetising paste and bury the box in the palace garden.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's a waste, if they weren't really poisoned... My candy...)
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
(Put on the art outfit.)
________________________________________
Week 33
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Internal Affairs 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: Music
You take your place in line for the bardic contest.
You aren't trained in any instrument that's appropriate for a setting like this, so you have to sing a capella.
Your performance is well-received, but you are overshadowed by those whose talents are more in line with the expected style.
All the winners are announced and displayed to great cheers. As near-Queen, you place flower garlands around their necks.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
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Week 34
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Presence 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
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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: Don't
Elodie, Crown Princess: No, it's too late for 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: Stay in the capital
Elodie, Crown Princess: No, there's too much to do here. I can't go to sea.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Do your best, and Nova will survive.
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 35
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
(Studied Court Manners in the afternoon.)
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 wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck.
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Week 36
(Studied Instrument in the morning.)
(Studied Instrument 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.
You prepare yourself as best you can to meet with the representatives from Shanjia.
You expected diplomats and a military representative, a general or an admiral. You did not expect the handsome man decked in jewels who now stands before you - a man announced by your servants as Togami, King of Shanjia.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (King-consort, he should be, if even that much. He's a common musician who married his way onto the throne.)
Togami: My dear young lady. How difficult this must be for you. So much responsibility at such a tender age.
Togami: My dear young lady. How difficult this must be for you. So much responsibility at such a tender age.
You yearn to slap the false sympathy off his oily face, but you force yourself to remain calm.
Togami: War benefits no one, don't you think? Such a terrible waste. Better to settle things in a civilised manner.
Togami: A contest. A game, so to speak, with Nova as the stakes.
Togami: Should I win, then your domain will submit and accept me as Overlord with no further resistance.
Togami: Should I lose, then my army will leave your domain in peace and shed no more blood.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What sort of game?
Togami: It is well known that Nova is ruled by Lumens. As it happens, I too possess the powers of a Lumen.
Togami: I propose a formal duel. My powers against yours. The winner takes control of Nova, the loser... dies.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But I'm not a Lumen!
Togami: Saving it for the coronation, were you? Such a pity that you'll be unprepared.
Togami: Well, then. Go and find your crystal. Becoming a Lumen is a very simple matter. Then we can have our duel.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's the point? You know I can't win. Why don't you just kill me now?
Togami: Because that's not the game. You want to save your people, don't you? I want to fight a Lumen.
Togami: If you refuse, then the war will continue.
Togami: I'll sweeten the deal. If you meet me in a formal Lumen challenge, I'll call off the invasion even if I win.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Really?
Togami: I swear it by the gods. Nova will be free and safe.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Why take that risk? You're winning the war.
Togami: It's not your land that I want. It's your crystal.
Togami: To gain your power, I am willing to wager my own. Shall we begin?
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't like this... But what choice do I have?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (He was a musician, once, before he married his way into power. Can I use that?)
Menu: [Accept his terms] [Sing to him]
Player chose: Sing to him
Elodie, Crown Princess: Wait! We're civilised people here.
Elodie, Crown Princess: And if I might die... I need to compose myself first.
You have only one chance for this, one hope to touch the heart of the man beneath the monster. You know so little about him, but he is a father who was once a musician. Music may reach him where nothing else can. And so, you begin your favorite song.
You were afraid he would be impatient and order you to stop, but it seems that at least for a moment, he is listening.
Togami: ... Pretty. What is it?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Something my mother used to sing to me.
Elodie, Crown Princess: She was the Queen. She was always so busy, but she loved me.
Elodie, Crown Princess: When she had time to be with me, to hold me, to play and sing... I miss those moments.
Togami: Are you crying? How pathetic.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Don't you sing to your children?
Togami: That is no business of yours.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Isn't it?
Elodie, Crown Princess: If we fight - if I defeat you somehow, then your children will miss those songs.
Togami: Well, then. Perhaps you had better lose.
Elodie, Crown Princess: And what happens then?
Togami: What?
Elodie, Crown Princess: When you've killed me and taken my crystal. What do you do then?
Elodie, Crown Princess: You came from nothing and made yourself a King. But that wasn't enough for you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: So you pushed the boundaries, you conquered territory, you came after Nova.
Elodie, Crown Princess: After me, do you go home to your children?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Or do you go after another crystal, another domain?
Togami: Be quiet. You know nothing of the world.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You have the world! But if you're not happy, what's the point?
From the shocked murmurs on the part of the Shanjian delegation, you can guess that no one has dared to talk to the King like this in a long, long time.
You hold your ground, meeting his eyes with your own, willing him to listen to you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: It doesn't have to be like this. You and I - we could be friends. We could learn from each other.
Elodie, Crown Princess: We could be part of something greater than ourselves. A new peace.
Elodie, Crown Princess: And you can sing to your children.
Togami: I... have not sung in a very long time.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'll teach you my songs.
You hold out your hands to him, open and empty.
Elodie, Crown Princess: We can do this.... together.
For a long moment, he stands frozen.
Then, at last, he sighs, and places his hands in yours. And, just like that, the war is over.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
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Week 37
(Studied Composure in the morning.)
(Studied Composure in the afternoon.)
The Shanjians have retreated to their own territory, and the mood throughout Nova is one of cautious optimism.
It is not so easy to replace the lives lost and the damage already done, but it is still a relief to believe that it's all over and nothing worse is coming. Small celebrations are being planned in many towns and villages.
Your popularity is rising. It would seem that everyone loves you.
Almost everyone.
Sabine: I have a great deal of news to report. Everything we suspected was true, and worse.
Sabine: Were you aware that your Aunt Lucille is a Lumen?
Elodie, Crown Princess: She what?
Sabine: I found her journals. They were in code, of course, but no match for my talents.
Sabine: Your aunt intends to take over Nova and rule as an unstoppable mother-daughter Lumen team.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Charlotte is a Lumen?!?
Sabine: No. Your aunt intends to give her your power. And your crown.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Where are the journals? I want to see them.
Sabine: If I had taken them, she would know her secret was exposed.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Then there's no proof?
Sabine: 'Proof' is a thing that rarely exists, Your Highness. There is always doubt.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (If this is true, then she has to be stopped at once, whatever the cost.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (If it's not true, I would be attacking my own best support. My family.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (There may be a way to test whether this agent is telling the truth...)
Menu: [Decide Lucille is guilty] [Decide the musician is lying] [Ask about Charlotte's powers]
Player chose: Ask about Charlotte's powers
Elodie, Crown Princess: These journals... did they say anything about what magic Aunt Lucille was trying to train Charlotte in?
Sabine: Well... It sounded like she already has some kind of healing power, but that can't be right.
Elodie, Crown Princess: No... it's true.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you for your services. Go now. I will deal with this.
You will now have to decide what to do about the Mervan serpent's nest.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Was Uncle Laurent involved in this, or was it all Lucille?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (And Charlotte... How much did she know?)
Menu: [Execute Lucille only] [Execute Lucille and Laurent] [Execute Lucille, banish the rest] [Execute the entire family] [Banish the entire family]
Player chose: Execute Lucille only
With a heavy heart, you sign the orders.
You wander through the castle dungeons, but see nothing of interest.
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Week 38
(Studied Elegance in the morning.)
(Studied Elegance 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 wander through the castle dungeons, but see nothing of interest.
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Week 39
(Studied Composure in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Composure.
(Studied Elegance in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Elegance.
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.
You have received an interesting proposal from Banion's sister Brin, the Duchess of Hellas. She suggests that if you marry her brother, she might then wed your father, in which case she'd be able to see you more often.
There is Kevan, the Earl of Io. Although he is only an earl, his family connections could make him politically useful.
However, considering the 'family secret' Briony shared with you, could he ever be a proper husband?
There is Ignatius, whom you appointed Duke of Ursul. Now that he has divorced the Duchess of Mead, he is once more available for marital alliances.
However, Briony would have a complete meltdown at the thought of you marrying her father!
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.
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] [Ignatius] [Kevan] [Adair] [Anciet] [No one]
Player chose: No one
You are in no hurry to get married. You have a country to run!
You take to the court for a few games of tennis. Feel the thrill of competition!
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Week 40
(Studied Flattery in the morning.)
(Studied Flattery in the afternoon.)
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
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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!)
After the coronation, in a private ceremony with the High Priestess, Elodie was officially offered her mother's Lumen crystal. She refused to accept it. For the first time in centuries, magic would have no hold on the throne of Nova.
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.
With the danger of a rogue Lumen weighing on their minds, the squad sent to deal with Lucille, Countess of Nix opted to strike quickly and without warning, aiming to eliminate her before she could bring her powers to bear. Kill-on-sight.
Infiltrating the ducal stronghold to 'remove' one noble while leaving others unharmed is not a simple task, particularly when the easiest time to catch people off their guard is when they are at family meals, or asleep.
While Lucille's traumatic death did produce a Lumen crystal to justify Elodie's actions, it was unlikely that her relationship with her uncle and cousins would ever fully recover.
During Elodie's reign, the public opinion of Lumens and magic in general would fall to a new low. Parents taught their children that Lumen power was all tied up with witchcraft and blood sacrifice, and would always lead to sorrow in the end.
In some territories, any village outcast found to be in possession of a shiny bit of rock was likely to fall victim to a lynch mob, and the miscreants were rarely punished. Better safe than sorry when it came to magic, after all. Even healers and priestesses were eyed with some suspicion. Who knows what costs their powers might have?
The young Queen sponsored expeditions of trained knights to venture into the Old Forest and attempt to exterminate the monsters within. Unfortunately, black magic would not give up its grip on Nova so easily. Many lives were lost, and with their blood, the monsters appeared to grow even stronger...
After the halt of the Shanjian invasion, relations across the western sea remained calm and trade flourished. Shanjia's expansionist phase seemed to have come to a halt.
Sometime later, a special trade ship from Shanjia arrived with a tribute for Queen Elodie. There was a beautiful harpsichord inlaid with ivory and pearl and golden roses, as well as two paintings, clearly made by children, depicting a pink-haired angel.
Relations between Nova and Tombula, the neighbor to the north, had not been cordial for many years, as the revolutionary Tombulans did not approve of hereditary rule. However, the two domains had managed to exist in a peaceful stalemate.
After Elodie came to the throne, however, that pretense of peace cracked and crumbled. The Tombulans invaded the duchy of Ursul, and Nova was forced to surrender the northernmost county in order to maintain a stronger defensive line.
Though she received many proposals, Queen Elodie appeared to have little interest in marriage. When she was not occupied with running the country, she spent much of her time with her companion Brin, the Duchess of Hellas.
Despite her lack of husband, Queen Elodie did produce an heir to the throne - a daughter. The child was acknowledged; the father never was.
Elodie was her mother's daughter, possessed of a royal grace and solemnity even as a young woman. That quiet power would only deepen over the years.
And thus Queen Elodie's legacy stretched into the future...
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