Over a year ago I gave up on PM2 because I couldn't take screenshots or a video for an AAR. After this I learnt how the steam trading card game works.
As a quick summary, I was curious about magic but didn't take it up at first, was forced into an arranged marriage to quell a rebellion, didn't even attempt to defend my country from invaders. My Dad saved me from a duel, by dying... but I wasn't too depressed to take action when my Musician-Spy revealed that my aunt was trying to murder me with sweets. Then to change popular opinion from "The Mad Queen. The Bloodthirsty Queen. The Cursed Queen" I personally went through the streets followed by a glaring of cats and healed presents with my herbology.
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Week 0
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: We're almost home. Your room is just the way you left it.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I know it's hard to leave your school and all your friends, but I've arranged the best possible tutors for every subject.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You'll have to work hard this year to prepare yourself before your fifteenth birthday, but I know you can do it.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You'll learn quickly and you'll make a wonderful queen. It's what your mother would have wanted.
Elodie, Crown Princess: This is not what Mother would have wanted!
Elodie, Crown Princess: She wouldn't have wanted to die and leave me.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: No. She wouldn't. But sometimes bad things happen. We have to pick up and carry on.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: All of Nova depends on us. On you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: *sigh*
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I will be here to guide you until your coronation, but the decisions you make are ultimately up to you.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Come. Your maids are waiting.
Welcome to Long Live The Queen! If this is your first time playing, you should read this brief introduction to how the game works.
Menu: [Tell me more] [I've played this before]
Player chose: I've played this before
Week 1
(Studied Decoration in the morning.)
(Studied Dogs 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.
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!
Week 2
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Divination in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's that commotion outside? Father? What's going on?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I have come to pay my respects in honor of your mother.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You have no respect or honor. It's because of you and your powers that my wife is dead!
Elodie, Crown Princess: What?!?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I am a Lumen, as was she, and like every Lumen I am willing to give my life if necessary to protect our domain.
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.
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 3
(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Herbs 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: Hold still
You want to hold still, but you don't have the composure to hold your position without peeking.
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 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 4
(Studied Herbs in the morning.)
(Studied Herbs 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 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 5
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Intelligence 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: Something sparkly will make me feel better.
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 6
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the afternoon.)
As you are walking, you spot a familiar figure in the palace gardens.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's the Duchess of Ursul! Maybe I should go and say hello.)
Then you notice that seated beside her is a woman in the robes of a priestess. They are very close together, their hands gently touching as they speak.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Looks like she's busy!)
You turn and walk in a different direction, so as not to disturb them. At that moment, you notice something unusual. It looks like someone just left the palace grounds by going over the hedge.
Was that a servant? A thief? Or... an assassin?
Menu: [Climb up to look over the hedge] [Call the guards] [Run and hide]
Player chose: Call the guards
Elodie, Crown Princess: Guards!
However, by the time the response is organised and directed to the area beyond the palace, there's no sign of any intruder.
You wonder if you were only imagining it.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
Week 7
(Studied Horses in the morning.)
(Studied Dogs in the afternoon.)
As you are walking up the stairs, a maid comes running down holding a towering pile of linen.
Before you can react, she barrels into you, sending you and the sheets flying.
Alice: Oh, my lady! I'm so sorry!
Menu: [Apologise] [Punish her]
Player chose: Punish her
Elodie, Crown Princess: How dare you! What do you think you're doing? I'll have you flogged for this!
Alice: ... Yes, my lady...
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 8
(Studied Ciphering in the morning.)
(Studied Ciphering 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.
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.
(Put on the intrigue outfit.): (Put on the boarding_school outfit.): (Put on the intrigue outfit.)
Week 9
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
(Studied Internal Affairs 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.
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: 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: Um... What sort of arrangements?
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, that is a courting gift. The man wishes to gain your hand in marriage.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh. I didn't realise.
You wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck.
Week 10
(Studied Logistics in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics 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.
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: Surrender Province
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't want to fight.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Very well. You can have the province.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Please accept our deepest apologies for this whole affair.
Diplomat from Ixion: Of course. I look forward to seeing you again.
You wander through the parts of the castle where other people rarely visit, but find little except spiderwebs. Yuck.
Week 11
(Studied Poison in the morning.)
(Studied Poison 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 spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 12
(Studied Horses in the morning.)
(Studied Decoration 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: Politely decline
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I need to let him down gently.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: I am not marrying you! I'm only fourteen!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (... That may not have been gentle.)
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: ... I see.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I regret the misunderstanding.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 13
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
(Studied Battlefield Medicine in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You are requested to stand in judgement. A woman has been convicted of attempted murder and requests the mercy of the Crown.
Kevan, Earl of Io: Your Highness! This slattern dares to beg pardon, when she admits that she tried to poison my sister under her own roof!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Which sister?
Kevan, Earl of Io: Corisande, the Duchess of Mead.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Is she all right?
Kevan, Earl of Io: She is unharmed. We caught the culprit in the kitchens before anyone could eat her foul spew.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Well, what do you have to say for yourself?
Condemned Woman: It's justice, it is! Them devils killed me brother, and broke me mam's heart.
Condemned Woman: Lied to her, they did, when she went to see why he'd not come back. Said he'd gone for a soldier, when he never would!
Condemned Woman: He weren't the only one neither. I waited ten years for my chance to get my own back. That's justice!
Kevan, Earl of Io: You see? She's completely unrepentant! Hang her and be done with it.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Hmm. This might have something to do with the last Duke of Mead. He was involved in all sorts of scandals.)
Menu: [Put her to work] [Imprison her] [Execute her] [Ask the Earl of Io about her story]
Player chose: Imprison her
Elodie, Crown Princess: You have tried to murder a noble of my domain, and I have no reason to believe you wouldn't do it again.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You will be imprisoned for the rest of your life.
Condemned Woman: Ye'll not have me!
All of a sudden, she breaks loose from her guards and rushes at you!
In your Court dress, you are unarmed - you grope for a weapon and find only a heavy golden ornament which you hurl in her direction.
Your missile flies wide of its mark.
Before you have a chance to do anything else, your personal guards step into action, cutting the woman down before she can endanger you. Her lifeless body lies bleeding on your carpet.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ... Clean that up.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 14
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
(Studied Battlefield Medicine in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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: (Hmm. Centralising resources could help people who don't have doctors of their own.)
Menu: [Invest] [Don't invest]
Player chose: Invest
Elodie, Crown Princess: We would be happy to invest in your venture.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
Week 15
(Studied Instrument in the morning.)
(Studied Instrument 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.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: However, since you are not yet crowned, it is not required, and it may not be safe to expose you to the public.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean, not safe?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Outside of the castle, you are less well protected. If anyone means you harm... Think on it now, decide later.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a letter for you as well.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's from Briony! I went to school with her, but she's a couple years older than me. Her mother is the Duchess of Mead.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She's complaining that her mother still won't let her come home for the holidays.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Apparently her uncle Kevan has been acting strangely lately and shouting at shadows.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She's bored and looking for an adventure. Well, I don't have any to suggest to her!)
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 16
(Studied Herbs in the morning.)
(Studied Herbs 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 would rather not go
Elodie, Crown Princess: No... I guess I'd rather stay here.
You watch the procession from your tower window, feeling safe but lonely.
Suddenly, you hear someone moving around inside your room. You turn in surprise, but it's only a maid.
Alice: My lady? What are you - Should you not be in the procession?
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's a major festival, but there are other ways to celebrate.)
Menu: [Confess your fears] [Yell at her] [Make religious excuse]
Player chose: Make religious excuse
Elodie, Crown Princess: I prefer to give thanks for the Good Lady's blessings by meditating.
Alice: That's very wise of you, my lady.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
Week 17
(Studied Composure in the morning.)
(Studied Composure in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Are you ready for the grand ball?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: All the nobles in the domain are here to see you - to see their queen.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (gulp!)
You finish dressing and descend the stairs to make a grand entrance.
All around, the rich and powerful pause in their activities to gaze upon you, the ruler of them all.
Seeing yourself reflected in so many eyes makes you want to run away and hide.
After a moment, you force yourself to carry on, but you're sure they've all seen you hesitate.
Your father waits for you at the bottom of the stairs and offers you his arm.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The first dance is for us.
He guides you gently around the dance floor, never rushing you. It's fun to dance with your father, but the look in his eyes is so sad.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: After this, you must choose your own partner. There are a number of men who hope to catch your eye.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The Duke of Kigal alone has brought three eligible sons, all near your age.
You look around the room at all your possible partners - which is to say, everyone. No one may begin dancing until you do. You can pick whomever you want and you will not be denied.
Menu: [Someone about your age] [Someone younger than you] [Someone older than you] [Someone already married] [Someone scandalous]
Player chose: Someone scandalous
You don't want everyone assuming that whoever you pick first is your intended marriage partner, so why not make your choice as ridiculous as possible?
With that in mind, you approach the Duchess of Ursul.
You admit to yourself that you were hoping such an outrageous act would cause her to lose some of her composure, but she remains unruffled. At least the chorus of shocked whispers around you as you take your place on the floor is gratifying.
Dancing with a real partner feels quite different from dancing with your father. You knew him, knew his steps like a part of you. Now every move is a mystery.
Unfortunately, you lose track of which steps you're supposed to do when, and trip over your own feet. Oops!
Between the dances, there is time for the guests to mingle, chat, and sample tiny bites of exquisite food.
During a lull in the music, Banion, the duke of Maree, taps an elegant fingernail against a wineglass, letting the clear note ring out through the room.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: If I might have your attention?
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: I believe we should offer our compliments to our lovely hostess.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Her respect for tradition and the rights of the nobility means that we can all sleep safe in our beds.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Our boundaries are strong and secure, our lands well-defended. No one would dare to steal from us.
The blatant falseness of his words grates on your ears. He's challenging your honor in front of the entire assembly.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (He wants me angry. He wants me to make a mistake.)
Menu: [Challenge him to a duel] [Ignore the insult] [Order his execution]
Player chose: Ignore the insult
You turn your head away, pretending not to notice the concerned murmurs around you.
Better to look like a coward than to indulge in pointless fighting... right?
As the gala continues, you take the opportunity to observe nobles that you rarely see.
There's Gwenelle, for instance - the Young Lady of Sudbury, only months older than you and due to finally inherit control of her duchy soon.
Or Adele, the youngest daughter of the Duchess of Lillah and a fierce sportswoman. She was a few years ahead of you at school and the absolute terror of the ballfields.
No Briony - she had said her parents were leaving her stuck at school this season.
Her parents are here, dancing together - the Duke-Consort clutching his Duchess possessively tight.
Strange that there's no sign of your cousins, though. Shouldn't they be here?
Your aunt and uncle are here, of course. It would be scandalous if they hadn't come, Merva being so close by.
It's nice to be able to enjoy time with friends and family, isn't it?
You 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 18
(Studied Public Speaking in the morning.)
(Studied Herbs 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.
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.
She notices your stare, but only smiles at you ever-so-sweetly.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: Darling Elodie. I hope you have been well.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ... Fine.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: Perhaps we'll be seeing more of each other in the future.
She gives a little wave and exits.
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: Many dark looks were aimed your way at the gala.
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: Commoner uprisings
Elodie, Crown Princess: I need to know if I'm popular with the common people.
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 Presence in the morning.)
(Studied Presence 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: Raise taxes
Elodie, Crown Princess: We need more money. Raise the taxes.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
You sneak out of the castle to have a little fun. You enjoy your freedom, but your father won't like it if he finds out.
Week 20
(Studied Voice in the morning.)
(Studied Voice in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You are requested to stand in judgement. A man has been convicted of the murder-by-strangling of his wife.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: He does not deny the act, but requests a pardon that he might be set free.
Elodie, Crown Princess: If you admit you killed your wife, why do you think I'm going to set you free?
Condemned man: Save me, Your Majesty! Wasn't my fault. Demons made me do it.
Condemned man: Everyone knows the power of magical beasties! They used me, they twisted my fingers into chains...
Condemned man: My wife found me screaming, she tried to shake me, and the chains wrapped around her...
Condemned man: I need the priestesses to bless me and make me clean again!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Demons that make you attack people? Is that even possible?)
Menu: [Pardon him] [Imprison him] [Execute him]
Player chose: Execute him
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't care whether there were demons or not, you're still a murderer and your life is forfeit.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You will be hanged in public as a deterrent to future criminals.
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 Voice in the morning.)
(Studied Voice in the afternoon.)
You receive word of an unfortunate incident at the gallows where the man you judged was sent to be executed.
As he was led to the platform, he suddenly lashed out with explosive magical power, killing several guards and spectators before making his escape.
The population is buzzing with rumors of a secret cabal of evil Lumens who sacrifice innocents in their dark rituals.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
Week 22
(Studied Instrument in the morning.)
(Studied Decoration 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 his grandfather
Elodie, Crown Princess: The Earl of Ishtar is the closest blood relation that Adair has. He should be regent.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
Week 23
(Studied Elegance in the morning.)
(Studied Elegance in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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: (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?
Musician: Aye, mum. That I can.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What about juggling?
Musician: 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.)
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
Week 24
(Studied Elegance in the morning.)
(Studied Elegance in the afternoon.)
You receive a letter from Young Lord Adair.
It's an extremely formal letter for such a little boy, thanking you for your wisdom in allowing him to live with his grandfather (who probably dictated every word he wrote).
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 25
(Studied Presence in the morning.)
(Studied Composure 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!)
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
Week 26
(Studied Presence in the morning.)
(Studied Composure in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I have unpleasant news to report.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Adair, the Young Lord of Elath, has been assassinated.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: He was shot with a crossbow while playing on the grounds of his grandfather's estate.
Elodie, Crown Princess: How did this happen? Where were the guards?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This is not the first time such events have happened within the realm of Ishtar.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (The Earl of Ishtar's first wife and oldest daughter also died under mysterious circumstances.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Then his other daughter married young and died giving birth to Adair.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (With Adair dead, the only family he has left is his second wife and their son Connor, who's fifteen.)
Menu: [Blame the Earl of Ishtar] [Blame no one]
Player chose: Blame the Earl of Ishtar
Elodie, Crown Princess: Once is an accident. Twice is a coincidence. Three times?
Elodie, Crown Princess: He's either a traitor or incompetent. He's useless as an Earl.
Menu: [Imprison him] [Execute him]
Player chose: Execute him
Elodie, Crown Princess: For failing his responsibilities, his life is forfeit.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Connor can be Earl of Ishtar.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Then there is the matter of the duchy of Elath.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: By blood, the nearest living heir is Talarist, the Duke of Sedna.... in Talasse.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But he's not even a Novan!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: One of his ancestors was.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Elath is a major duchy. You cannot afford to lose control of it.
Menu: [Name a Novan heir] [Name Talarist the heir] [Delay]
Player chose: Name Talarist the heir
Elodie, Crown Princess: If Talarist is the rightful heir, then he must be Duke.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But he can't be Duke of both places, so he'll have to give up the title to Sedna and become my subject.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Let Talasse worry about replacing their Duke.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Very well.
Elodie, Crown Princess: My father says I can't have the crystal until I'm Queen, so we'll just have to wait.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: There may not be time to wait.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: This world is filled with dangers, and you will need the powers of a Lumen to fight them. You can't begin training until you have bonded with your crystal.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Well, what else am I supposed to do about it?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The crystal is probably held under guard in the Royal Treasury. You are the princess; you should be able to find a way inside.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Otherwise we might have to take drastic action.
Menu: [I'll wait until I'm older] [I'll try to find a way] [What drastic action?]
Player chose: What drastic action?
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean by drastic action?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Try to reach the crystal. If you can't, come and talk to me again.
Week 27
(Studied Instrument in the morning.)
(Studied Decoration 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.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (My agents have reported a lot of sightings of bandits recently.)
Menu: [Go to Sudbury for Gwenelle's party] [Send your regrets]
Player chose: Send your regrets
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I'd better stay here.)
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 Flattery in the morning.)
(Studied Public Speaking in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: *sigh*
Elodie, Crown Princess: (All of my friends are at Gwenelle's party and I don't get to go.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I sent Gwenelle a letter saying that I couldn't come, but it was her mother the Countess who replied.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I think she's insulted that I didn't consider the event important enough to attend.)
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 29
(Studied Flattery in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Public Speaking 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 Duchess of Sudbury is with Lillah.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But Gwenelle's my friend!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Sudbury is completely surrounded by rebel duchies. She may not have a choice.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The situation in Hellas and Maree is less clear.
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.
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 30
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
(Studied Public Speaking in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The negotiator for the rebels has arrived to speak with you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Surrender now and I will be lenient.
Diplomat: We are not here for our surrender. We are here for yours.
Diplomat: You have one chance to avoid needless bloodshed.
Diplomat: Agree to marry one of Duchess Arisse's sons. She will become your regent and guide the domain into stability.
Diplomat: You will be allowed to maintain a figurehead title.
Menu: [Agree] [Refuse] [Suggest compromise]
Player chose: Suggest compromise
Elodie, Crown Princess: I am willing to marry her son and listen to her advice, but not to give up my crown.
Elodie, Crown Princess: If we come to blows, there will be no true winner.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Good soldiers will die. Property will be devastated. The victor's rule will be tainted with blood.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I am young, and perhaps the Duchess' wisdom would be useful to me - as advisor, not regent.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Let us work together for the good of Nova.
Diplomat: Your terms are acceptable.
Diplomat: We will, of course, maintain control of our forces in order to prevent misunderstandings.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
Week 31
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
(Studied Flattery 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.
The Duchess of Lillah and her retinue arrive at the castle to take their new places as your ministers and advisors.
Somewhat to your surprise, Arisse has not brought your new fiancé with her.
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: My intent is for you to wed my youngest son, Thaddeus, as he is the closest to your age.
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: However, he is a fragile boy and unwell at the moment.
You remember Thaddeus vaguely from school, and 'fragile' is not a word you would have used to describe him. Angry, unpredictably violent, often in trouble, and a terrible scholar... but not 'fragile'. And he's going to be your husband?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I do hope Thaddeus is not feeling too unwell. Is there anything I could provide to assist him? Herbs, perhaps?
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: I fear not. Have patience and this will pass, as clouds always do.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Is he often... clouded?
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: My son is a good boy. Too good.
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: When he was young, he saw something he shouldn't have, something no child should...
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean?
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: I will not speak of it, and neither should you. Do not ask me. Do not ask him.
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: I will not speak of it, and neither should you. Do not ask me. Do not ask him.
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: If he chooses someday to tell you his story, then perhaps that will help him, but it must be his choice.
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: I want this marriage to be good for him.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (But what about good for me?)
Too late to change your mind now...
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 32
(Studied Poison in the morning.)
(Studied Battlefield Medicine 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: (That spoils the whole display!)
You pick off the dead leaves and adjust the floral arrangement, muttering under your breath about blind butlers.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (There! That's so much better.)
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: (That's oddly high-handed for some tiny trader I've never heard of.)
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 pay your respects to your mother's tomb, and wonder if the same fate is waiting for you.
Week 33
(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign 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: 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 spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 34
(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
(Studied World History in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, your father wishes to speak with you. He says it's urgent.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'll be there in a minute. There's someone I have to talk to first.
You wait for the maid to leave, then hurry off to rendezvous with your agent.
Musician: Your Highness, I had a quiet chat with the workers on the cargo ship which carried the poisoned chocolates.
Musician: Seems someone was bribed to take that package on board, not in Kigal, but further down the river in Merva.
Musician: I had a look at the card that came with it and checked it against your correspondence -
For a moment you are mildly annoyed that she's somehow managed to get into your personal mail and read it without asking you, but then, that is the sort of thing you hired her for.
Musician: - and the handwriting does bear a certain similarity to a prominent noble. You won't like this.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What is it?
Musician: Your aunt Lucille, the Countess of Nix.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What?!?
Musician: I can't be certain, and even if she wrote the card doesn't mean she's behind the poison. But I'd be careful.
Musician: If something happens to you, who benefits? Who inherits?
Elodie, Crown Princess: My uncle Laurent, her husband.
Musician: If you'd like, I could travel to the ducal seat in Merva, see if I can find out more.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Yes, fine, go.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Maybe this is all a clever trick, or a misunderstanding...)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (... and Dad wants to talk to me, which is probably more bad news.)
You find your father standing over a map of the coastline, his face grave.
The Duchess of Lillah is present as well. This must be serious.
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: Don't
Elodie, Crown Princess: No, it's too late for that.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What about Ixion?
Elodie, Crown Princess: After I gave up territory to them, they owe us a favor!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Send them a message as fast as possible. If they accept your request, they may be able to provide aid.
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.
Arisse, Duchess of Lillah: She must not. It would be far too easy for an accident to befall her, far from shore.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Don't talk about me like I'm not here!
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.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 35
(Studied Meditation in the morning.)
(Studied Meditation in the afternoon.)
Danger on the high seas!
Ships close in on each other, angling into range.
Your urgent request for aid from Ixion did not go unanswered - they have sent a flotilla of ships to supplement yours.
The Shanjians outnumber you slightly, but it could all come down to strategy.
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 spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 36
(Studied Lore in the morning.)
(Studied Lore in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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: (Is he really their King? Why would a king come all the way here?)
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?)
Menu: [Accept his terms] [Offer marriage alliance] [Refuse outright]
Player chose: Accept his terms
Elodie, Crown Princess: Then... I must.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: No! Not my little girl!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You want to fight the Lumen ruler of Nova?
Your father reaches into his pocket and pulls out a shimmering blue crystal, which he places over his heart.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Illuminate!
Your hair stands on end as a veil of blue sparkles settles over your father, crawling into his skin. When it's over, the jewel has been absorbed into his body without a trace.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Fight me. Leave her alone.
Togami: Well! This is not what I expected, but it will serve my purposes just as well.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Daddy?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Be quiet, Elodie. You are not a Queen yet.
You are forced to sit and watch as the two men work out the details of the duel and its stakes, then take their places in a carefully warded circle.
Your father crosses his arms, summoning up a thick gray fog that swirls around him, hiding him from view. But the Shanjian king conjures a cloud of glowing butterflies which drive into the fog and blow it apart.
Then the invader claps his hands together and chants. Fiery red lights cluster over his fingertips and merge together into a pulsing blob before erupting towards your father. He resists with a beam of blue, catching the infernal energy and pushing it back in Togami's direction.
You knew what the outcome would be, you knew it all along. Togami is a trained Lumen eager to demonstrate his powers, and your father...
... was your father.
The blue crystal reappears, lying beside your father's body like an innocently-discarded bauble - but now that blue color is colored by a faint wash of red.
The smirking King of Shanjia sweeps the crystal off the floor and tucks it away into his robes.
Togami: How fitting. First I end your mother's life and then your father's.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You what?
Togami: You didn't think her death was an accident, did you? That took careful planning!
Togami: And now the Novan power is mine, and you even get to live.
He holds out a hand in front of him, the elegant robe dangling freely.
Togami: Now kneel and kiss my hand.
You stare at that horrible hand hovering before you. You have a choice.
Menu: [Obey] [Refuse]
Player chose: Obey
Swallowing your pride, you kneel and press your lips to the backs of his cold fingers.
Togami: Good girl.
Togami: Well. As I promised, the invasion will end, and my men and I will return across the sea.
Togami: Unless one of you is so foolish as to attack me. Then all deals are off.
No one stirs.
Togami: Pity.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 37
(Studied Meditation in the morning.)
(Studied Meditation in the afternoon.)
The war has ended, and the Shanjians have withdrawn.
All throughout Nova, a fragile layer of calm lies over a deeper pit of uncertainty and fear.
Rumors have sprung up among the common people that you struck some unholy bargain with King Togami; that you promised him the soul of your firstborn child, that you ritually sacrificed a village boy for him, that you killed your own father because he protested.
Your agents have done their best to control the damage by spreading the true story, but they are not always believed.
Your musician agent has returned from her mission to Merva.
Musician: Your highness, I bring unhappy news.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't need to know the details. Just tell me the truth. Is my aunt trying to kill me?
Musician: ... Yes.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you. You may go.
So, even your own family wants you dead.
Menu: [Execute them] [Do nothing]
Player chose: Execute them
Then you'll just have to kill them first. You draft orders for your aunt and uncle and your cousins to be arrested as soon as possible.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I can't believe it... All this time, my father was a Lumen...
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: No, he was not.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your father carried a crystal, but he had never bonded with it until that day when he was forced to defend you.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It must have been passed down in his family. The line of Caloris is well-educated in the lore of the past.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Had you been only his heir and not the princess of Nova, perhaps he would have taught you differently.
There's so much he never told you... And now you'll never know.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Why didn't you help him? If he wasn't a Lumen until just that moment, you knew he had no chance!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Why didn't you fight Togami? Isn't that what you're supposed to be for?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Did you not listen? That man came to claim the power of the Novan royal crystal.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Togami accepted your father's challenge because your father was the King.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Therefore he believed, incorrectly, that he had found the prize he was looking for.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: My challenge would not have satisfied him.
Elodie, Crown Princess: That's just an excuse!
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You have no idea what others have sacrificed in your name. Do not presume to criticise.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You live, and your crystal is safe. You may take up your powers at your coronation as planned.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Then, if you wish, we can train you in the strength you will need to seek vengeance.
Become a Lumen? Do you really want to do that now?
If you'd had your powers, it would have been you and not your father in that duel...
Menu: [I'll do it] [I won't]
Player chose: I'll do it
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine. I'll do what I have to do.
Week 38
(Studied Meditation in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Meditation.
(Studied Divination in the afternoon.)
Even within your castle it's impossible to avoid the whispers. The Mad Queen. The Bloodthirsty Queen. The Cursed Queen.
Your mother, your father, your aunt and uncle, your cousins... all dead. Even an illiterate peasant can read that omen.
The only family you have left now is your father's brother Armand, the Duke of Mazomba, and like many other nobles, he doesn't appear to be eager to speak with you right now.
Your agents report to you with bad news. Your popularity among the common people has fallen so low that there is now widespread talk of rebellion from city elite and village peasant alike.
If you don't act quickly, the situation will get out of control.
What can you do to make yourself more popular?
Menu: [Stage a free concert] [Heal the sick] [Make a public appearance]
Player chose: Heal the sick
You decide to offer your specialised medical knowledge to the poor and downtrodden who do not always have access to a cunning woman.
Your skills are more than sufficient to ease most problems that people dare to bring to you; your biggest worry is running out of valerian!
Your people are awed that you would take the time to tend to them yourself.
That, combined with the unusual number of cats who have come out into the street to watch your progress (an omen of royalty and divine favor) seems to be enough to restore your popularity.
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.
Considering the recent tragedy, celebrations may appear to be in poor taste.
The size and scope of any such feast depends on what expense the royal treasury is willing to bear.
Menu: [An extravagant feast] [A respectable feast] [A small feast] [No celebration]
Player chose: An extravagant feast
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Roasted meats, cakes, chocolates, wine, enough for everyone! And I can give out commemorative cups and coins!)
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 39
(Studied Lore in the morning.)
(Studied Divination in the afternoon.)
The castle is buzzing with preparations for your upcoming coronation. Ministers press you with details for your favorite colors and flowers and so on.
You are happy to collaborate with the designers to ensure you are shown off to the best possible effect. You are still so young, after all. Good design will help a lot in making you look like a Queen.
Others are more interested in the subject of your marriage.
It can't take place until you are of age, of course, and considering all the preparations (and the need to recover from the coronation) not for much longer than that. Still, it doesn't stop people from buzzing around full of ideas and suggestions.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 40
(Studied Foreign Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied World History in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
At this time last year, you were celebrating your fourteenth birthday. You were in the school gardens, surrounded by your friends. A teacher brought you tea and cakes, while a wealthy merchant's son wove a crown of flowers for your head.
It didn't matter so much that you were a princess then. Your title was something for the future. Many of your peers would be Duchesses or Earls or the like, someday, but not then. You were children.
Your parents could not attend on the actual day, but they did send wonderful gifts, some for you, and some for you to share. And a week later, they came for a visit, and your mother took you with her through the countryside in a splendid carriage.
It was the last time you would ever see her.
You wonder if, wherever she is, she can see you now.
You are fifteen years old, a legal adult. You have worked and studied and suffered and prepared, and now the time has come.
You kneel before the priestess, barely hearing her words as she recites the blessings.
She calls upon the gods to deliver peace, wisdom, and prosperity to you, and through you, to all of Nova. And then she calls upon you, for your oath of rulership.
Priestess of the First Circle: Will you guide and govern and protect your people to the best of your ability, according to law and custom?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I will.
Priestess of the First Circle: Will you to the best of your power uphold the ideals of love, honor, justice, and mercy?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I will.
Priestess of the First Circle: Lords and Ladies assembled: I present to you your undoubted Queen, who has sworn you her loyalty.
Priestess of the First Circle: You who have come to give homage, will you do the same?
One at a time, the head of each duchy approaches your throne and kneels to swear his or her service to you and your heirs.
Priestess of the First Circle: People of Nova, I give you Elodie, daughter of Fidelia, your true sovereign. What say you all?
People: LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!
Elodie, Queen of Nova: (Thank you! I will!)
After the coronation, in a private ceremony with the High Priestess, Elodie was officially offered her mother's Lumen crystal. That light and power would become a part of her, a tradition that had been passed down for hundreds of years.
The following year, Elodie and Thaddeus were married in a quiet ceremony attended by only the noble elite. Elodie was surprised to discover that for all his rebellious ways, her husband had no romantic experience at all. Their wedding night ended in a cautious truce, with plans for slow progress in the future.
The tragic events of the past year left a large gap in the Novan power structure, with both Caloris and Merva now lacking in leadership.
As she had been closely related to both Dukes and their territories lay close to the capital city, Elodie chose to temporarily claim those lands for the crown and put them under her direct control.
This was one step too far for the remaining nobility. Facing the prospect of universal revolt, the new Queen backed down and agreed to elevate minor lords and ladies to fill the vacant roles.
The subject of magic and Lumens remained a slightly uncomfortable one for the citizens of Nova. Perfectly fine for the Queen, who had inherited it by divine right, but not something that other people should be aspiring towards. Look at all the terrible things that happened when that power fell into the wrong hands!
As an openly acknowledged Lumen, Julianna, Duchess of Ursul, was met with public suspicion whenever she journeyed outside of her Duchy. At times, that suspicion was accompanied with thrown vegetables.
It did not matter that Elodie supported her fully as a member of the noble court. That only led the commoners to whisper that Julianna was a bad influence on their Queen.
True to his word, Togami and the Shanjians ignored Nova in the years to come, focusing their efforts instead on the far northern continent of Borealis.
Long ago, Borealis had been home to the largest known collection of Lumens in the world. If their crystals remained and Togami found them, he could become unstoppable.
And yet, he did make mistakes. He had failed to remove all of the crystals of power from Nova, after all. If he came their way again, this time the Novan Lumens would be ready for him.
The new hospital funded by Queen Elodie offered medical services to the common people, but more importantly, it allowed doctors and herbalists to come together and share information. Trading knowledge increased skill levels and made better care available to all. Even those specialists who catered directly to the elite were benefited by offering their services long enough to learn.
Elodie never truly got over the loss of her parents. She sought solace in religion, wanting to believe that everything that happened was part of some greater plan, and therefore willingly accepted the guidance of the high priestess when it came to making decisions for Nova.
And thus Queen Elodie's legacy stretched into the future...
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