Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 6 - Revision history

Aorii at 12:46, 20 August 2023

2023-08-20T12:46:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:46, 20 August 2023
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	Well, that wasn't exactly true. She could at least justify being 'above average'. She had been accepted by one of the best universities in the world, and she had spent her formative years debating history and international relations with her father, a university professor in history.		Well, that wasn't exactly true. She could at least justify being 'above average'. She had been accepted by one of the best universities in the world, and she had spent her formative years debating history and international relations with her father, a university professor in history.

	While Kaede's friends indulged themselves in romcom fiction or action manga, she was consuming world history and treatises on geopolitics. Her celebrities were world leaders ~~like Angela Merkel~~ and ~~Vladimir Putin~~. Her heroes were great thinkers who applied history to shape the world: men like the Cold War strategist George Kennan, the cultural-political scientist Samuel Huntington, and of course, the 'grand master' of geopolitics Lee Kuan Yew.		While Kaede's friends indulged themselves in romcom fiction or action manga, she was consuming world history and treatises on geopolitics. Her celebrities were world leaders and statesmen. Her heroes were great thinkers who applied history to shape the world: men like the Cold War strategist George Kennan, the cultural-political scientist Samuel Huntington, the Finnish statesman Urho Kekkonen, and of course, the 'grand master' of geopolitics Lee Kuan Yew.

	It had always left her a bit of an outcast in pop-culture discussions. It was part of why while Kaede had plenty of acquaintances in school, there were few whom ''he'' could call a true friend.		It had always left her a bit of an outcast in pop-culture discussions. It was part of why while Kaede had plenty of acquaintances in school, there were few whom ''he'' could call a true friend.

Aorii at 12:23, 29 January 2022

2022-01-29T12:23:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:23, 29 January 2022
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	She did not even realize that in her awestruck state, she had whispered it audibly.		She did not even realize that in her awestruck state, she had whispered it audibly.

	"There's a reason why the 'Burning Throne' is famous throughout Hyperion," Rachel spoke with pride. "It was enchanted by one of the companions of the founding emperor -- the Oriflamme Queen and artificer, Gwendolen the ''~~Fairie~~ Sword''. No man or woman whose character has not been vouched by the sacred phoenixes may sit upon it. Anyone else who attempts to do so will be burned to ashes within the minute."		"There's a reason why the 'Burning Throne' is famous throughout Hyperion," Rachel spoke with pride. "It was enchanted by one of the companions of the founding emperor -- the Oriflamme Queen and artificer, Gwendolen the ''Faerie Sword''. No man or woman whose character has not been vouched by the sacred phoenixes may sit upon it. Anyone else who attempts to do so will be burned to ashes within the minute."

	It was a sure symbol of what it took to wield the authority of the Emperor. Blood, charisma, power -- none of those were enough. Only those worthy enough to be chosen by the phoenixes could sit upon the throne of Rhin-Lotharingie.		It was a sure symbol of what it took to wield the authority of the Emperor. Blood, charisma, power -- none of those were enough. Only those worthy enough to be chosen by the phoenixes could sit upon the throne of Rhin-Lotharingie.

Aorii at 12:23, 29 January 2022

2022-01-29T12:23:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:23, 29 January 2022
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	His fame only spread to his homeland three centuries later, when it was Leslie's legacy which brought in a Samaran expeditionary force to aid the Lotharins during the Rhin-Lotharingie Independence War. Today, Leslie's name was known even among children. Their rhymes sang of ''Leslie's blessing'' which brought hope during difficult times.		His fame only spread to his homeland three centuries later, when it was Leslie's legacy which brought in a Samaran expeditionary force to aid the Lotharins during the Rhin-Lotharingie Independence War. Today, Leslie's name was known even among children. Their rhymes sang of ''Leslie's blessing'' which brought hope during difficult times.

	It was hard to tell if anyone on Leslie's side in the painting was a Samaran since they mostly wore helmets. However as Kaede ~~comed~~ through the allied ranks, she did spot a young lady with flowing white hair. The girl stood on top of one of the leading heavy chariots. Her hands steadied the scorpion-like light artillery affixed to the wagon-bed while her companion loaded the weapon.		It was hard to tell if anyone on Leslie's side in the painting was a Samaran since they mostly wore helmets. However as Kaede combed through the allied ranks, she did spot a young lady with flowing white hair. The girl stood on top of one of the leading heavy chariots. Her hands steadied the scorpion-like light artillery affixed to the wagon-bed while her companion loaded the weapon.

	"You like the painting?"		"You like the painting?"
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	She did not even realize that in her awestruck state, she had whispered it audibly.		She did not even realize that in her awestruck state, she had whispered it audibly.

	"There's a reason why the 'Burning Throne' is famous throughout Hyperion," Rachel spoke with pride. "It was enchanted by one of the companions of the founding emperor -- the Oriflamme ~~Paladin~~ and artificer, Gwendolen the Fairie Sword. No man or woman whose character has not been vouched by the sacred phoenixes may sit upon it. Anyone else who attempts to do so will be burned to ashes within the minute."		"There's a reason why the 'Burning Throne' is famous throughout Hyperion," Rachel spoke with pride. "It was enchanted by one of the companions of the founding emperor -- the Oriflamme Queen and artificer, Gwendolen the ''Fairie Sword''. No man or woman whose character has not been vouched by the sacred phoenixes may sit upon it. Anyone else who attempts to do so will be burned to ashes within the minute."

	It was a sure symbol of what it took to wield the authority of the Emperor. Blood, charisma, power -- none of those were enough. Only those worthy enough to be chosen by the phoenixes could sit upon the throne of Rhin-Lotharingie.		It was a sure symbol of what it took to wield the authority of the Emperor. Blood, charisma, power -- none of those were enough. Only those worthy enough to be chosen by the phoenixes could sit upon the throne of Rhin-Lotharingie.
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	Kaede exhaled a quiet sigh. ''What else is new?''		Kaede exhaled a quiet sigh. ''What else is new?''

	"<When you finish, feel free to peruse the library.> Rachel then added. "<I'm sure His Majesty wouldn't mind, as he encourages us --at least, those of us who can read-- to use it as well. I'll collect you after His Majesty's dinner is finished and show you to your quarters.>"		"<When you finish, feel free to peruse the library.> Rachel then added. "<I'm sure His Majesty wouldn't mind, as he encourages us -- at least, those of us who can read -- to use it as well. I'll collect you after His Majesty's dinner is finished and show you to your quarters.>"

Aorii at 16:22, 4 July 2021

2021-07-04T16:22:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:22, 4 July 2021
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	It took her a few minutes before she finally forced herself to stand. It took even longer for her to clear out her bed and move all the miscellaneous items to the spare. The room was still cluttered and messy but that couldn't be helped. She would have to air and dust the place tomorrow, but for tonight she would just have to manage.		It took her a few minutes before she finally forced herself to stand. It took even longer for her to clear out her bed and move all the miscellaneous items to the spare. The room was still cluttered and messy but that couldn't be helped. She would have to air and dust the place tomorrow, but for tonight she would just have to manage.

	Returning to sit upon her bed, Kaede lifted the one-piece dress that had been prepared for her. It was lavender with soft-pink accents~~. The whole dress~~ had ~~a distinctive 'lolita' feel with its~~ extravagant amount of frills and laces. Its tiered, ankle-length skirt alone contained over a half dozen layers with all its petticoats, including a crinoline. Meanwhile the frilled top was an off-shoulder design, held up by ~~narrow, criss-crossing~~ straps and translucent chiffon-lace that connected to a wide choker around the neck.		Returning to sit upon her bed, Kaede lifted the one-piece dress that had been prepared for her. It was lavender with soft-pink accents, and had an extravagant amount of frills and laces which gave it a 'lolita' feel. Its tiered, ankle-length skirt alone contained over a half dozen layers with all its petticoats, including a crinoline. Meanwhile the frilled top was an off-shoulder design, held up by halter straps and translucent chiffon-lace that connected to a wide choker around the neck.

	None of that though was intolerable. Instead, it was the built-in corset that filled Kaede with dread and made her groan.		None of that though was intolerable. Instead, it was the built-in corset that filled Kaede with dread and made her groan.

Aorii at 22:41, 12 May 2021

2021-05-12T22:41:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:41, 12 May 2021
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	Well, that wasn't exactly true. She could at least justify being 'above average'. She had been accepted by one of the best universities in the world, and she had spent her formative years debating history and international relations with her father, a university professor in history.		Well, that wasn't exactly true. She could at least justify being 'above average'. She had been accepted by one of the best universities in the world, and she had spent her formative years debating history and international relations with her father, a university professor in history.

	While Kaede's friends indulged themselves in romcom fiction or action manga, she was consuming world history and treatises on geopolitics. Her celebrities were world leaders like Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin. Her heroes were great thinkers who applied history to shape the world: men like the Cold War strategist George ~~Kenan~~, the cultural-political scientist Samuel Huntington, and of course, the 'grand master' of geopolitics Lee Kuan Yew.		While Kaede's friends indulged themselves in romcom fiction or action manga, she was consuming world history and treatises on geopolitics. Her celebrities were world leaders like Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin. Her heroes were great thinkers who applied history to shape the world: men like the Cold War strategist George Kennan, the cultural-political scientist Samuel Huntington, and of course, the 'grand master' of geopolitics Lee Kuan Yew.

	It had always left her a bit of an outcast in pop-culture discussions. It was part of why while Kaede had plenty of acquaintances in school, there were few whom ~~she~~ could call a true friend.		It had always left her a bit of an outcast in pop-culture discussions. It was part of why while Kaede had plenty of acquaintances in school, there were few whom ''he'' could call a true friend.

	The Samaran girl sighed again as she strode up to yet another painting and examined it. The beautifully-detailed artwork had a frame as wide as a dining room and ran from hip-high to almost reach the ceiling. Like all the others found in the Oriflamme Palace, its focus was another paladin of Rhin-Lotharingie -- this time a lean-shouldered, handsome, if somewhat effeminate young man. Clad in mail armor, the paladin sprouted flame-feathered phoenix wings and glowed in a halo of white-blue flames. He flew above the ground with his armigers, leading far ahead of a massive charge of mixed cavalry and heavy, wagon-like chariots.		The Samaran girl sighed again as she strode up to yet another painting and examined it. The beautifully-detailed artwork had a frame as wide as a dining room and ran from hip-high to almost reach the ceiling. Like all the others found in the Oriflamme Palace, its focus was another paladin of Rhin-Lotharingie -- this time a lean-shouldered, handsome, if somewhat effeminate young man. Clad in mail armor, the paladin sprouted flame-feathered phoenix wings and glowed in a halo of white-blue flames. He flew above the ground with his armigers, leading far ahead of a massive charge of mixed cavalry and heavy, wagon-like chariots.
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	"<When you finish, feel free to peruse the library.> Rachel then added. "<I'm sure His Majesty wouldn't mind, as he encourages us --at least, those of us who can read-- to use it as well. I'll collect you after His Majesty's dinner is finished and show you to your quarters.>"		"<When you finish, feel free to peruse the library.> Rachel then added. "<I'm sure His Majesty wouldn't mind, as he encourages us --at least, those of us who can read-- to use it as well. I'll collect you after His Majesty's dinner is finished and show you to your quarters.>"

	~~Kaede nodded back with gratitude. She only kept two of her spell-storing runes loaded with ''Telepathy'' so she had to use them sparingly. Any more questions she wanted to ask could come later.~~

Aorii at 17:42, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T17:42:41Z

Aorii at 18:59, 19 December 2020

2020-12-19T18:59:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:59, 19 December 2020
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	''So, walk on eggshells around her then.'' Kaede made a mental note.		''So, walk on eggshells around her then.'' Kaede made a mental note.

	After all, it wasn't like she was asking merely out of curiosity. Relationship building ~~benefiting~~ from research and planning just like any other activity. Professionals like diplomats usually began their task by seeking an understanding of the other side's background and temperament. And while Kaede normally wouldn't go this far, she knew that as long as she stayed with Pascal, managing her relationship with the Princess will be one of her greatest challenges.		After all, it wasn't like she was asking merely out of curiosity. Relationship building benefited from research and planning just like any other activity. Professionals like diplomats usually began their task by seeking an understanding of the other side's background and temperament. And while Kaede normally wouldn't go this far, she knew that as long as she stayed with Pascal, managing her relationship with the Princess will be one of her greatest challenges.

	"The autumnborn favor acumen," Rachel continued in the meantime, "though they're not as logical as their cold and stoic winter brethren. They also have a tendency to get jealous, though they're never as passionate as their summer kin. They dislike airheads above all, probably due to their rivalry with spring. Though I'd say you're in no danger of that."		"The autumnborn favor acumen," Rachel continued in the meantime, "though they're not as logical as their cold and stoic winter brethren. They also have a tendency to get jealous, though they're never as passionate as their summer kin. They dislike airheads above all, probably due to their rivalry with spring. Though I'd say you're in no danger of that."
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	It took her a few minutes before she finally forced herself to stand. It took even longer for her to clear out her bed and move all the miscellaneous items to the spare. The room was still cluttered and messy but that couldn't be helped. She would have to air and dust the place tomorrow, but for tonight she would just have to manage.		It took her a few minutes before she finally forced herself to stand. It took even longer for her to clear out her bed and move all the miscellaneous items to the spare. The room was still cluttered and messy but that couldn't be helped. She would have to air and dust the place tomorrow, but for tonight she would just have to manage.

	Returning to sit upon her bed, Kaede lifted the one-piece dress that had been prepared for her. It was lavender with soft-pink accents. The whole dress had a distinctive 'lolita' feel with its extravagant amount of frills and laces. Its tiered, ankle-length skirt alone contained over a half dozen layers with all its petticoats. Meanwhile the frilled top was an off-shoulder design, held up by narrow, criss-crossing straps and translucent chiffon-lace that connected to a wide choker around the neck.		Returning to sit upon her bed, Kaede lifted the one-piece dress that had been prepared for her. It was lavender with soft-pink accents. The whole dress had a distinctive 'lolita' feel with its extravagant amount of frills and laces. Its tiered, ankle-length skirt alone contained over a half dozen layers with all its petticoats, including a crinoline. Meanwhile the frilled top was an off-shoulder design, held up by narrow, criss-crossing straps and translucent chiffon-lace that connected to a wide choker around the neck.

	None of that though was intolerable. Instead, it was the built-in ~~bodice~~ corset that filled Kaede with dread and made her groan.		None of that though was intolerable. Instead, it was the built-in corset that filled Kaede with dread and made her groan.

	''So the Princess can strangle me with it.'' The familiar girl mulled as she tugged at the laces.		''So the Princess can strangle me with it.'' The familiar girl mulled as she tugged at the laces.

Aorii at 15:25, 21 November 2020

2020-11-21T15:25:52Z

Show changes

Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2020-11-21T15:25:19Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

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Aorii at 18:52, 28 July 2016

2016-07-28T18:52:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:52, 28 July 2016
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	"With all due respect, Sir. I quite agree with the Captain..."		"With all due respect, Sir. I quite agree with the Captain..."

	The words were almost soft-spoken, yet they still contained a seeming font of conviction. They came from Lieutenant-Colonel Hans~~-Canaris Oster~~, a middle-aged commoner of moderate stature and, despite his large and balding forehead, a handsome yet unassuming visage. He was also the General's intelligence officer, left as the nominal second-in-command of the main body.		The words were almost soft-spoken, yet they still contained a seeming font of conviction. They came from Lieutenant-Colonel Hans Ostergalen, a middle-aged commoner of moderate stature and, despite his large and balding forehead, a handsome yet unassuming visage. He was also the General's intelligence officer, left as the nominal second-in-command of the main body.

	"--The Jarls are at fault for those we kill in battle, but news of any field executions will be blamed solely upon us -- and their sons will hate us all the more for it in the years to come. Furthermore, our policies were created to encourage our enemies to surrender, instead of fighting to the last man and causing unnecessary casualties to our own. I'm sure the General would..."		"--The Jarls are at fault for those we kill in battle, but news of any field executions will be blamed solely upon us -- and their sons will hate us all the more for it in the years to come. Furthermore, our policies were created to encourage our enemies to surrender, instead of fighting to the last man and causing unnecessary casualties to our own. I'm sure the General would..."
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	"<u>Get down there and tell Major Walter Kempff to spare all officers who led a surrender. We should encourage the gutless wonders who willingly gave up their commands, not warn them off.</u>"		"<u>Get down there and tell Major Walter Kempff to spare all officers who led a surrender. We should encourage the gutless wonders who willingly gave up their commands, not warn them off.</u>"

	Lieutenant-Colonel ~~Oster~~ exhaled a faint sigh of relief. He turned towards the signal officers, but Pascal stopped him short.		The Lieutenant-Colonel exhaled a faint sigh of relief. He turned towards the signal officers, but Pascal stopped him short.

	"I got it."		"I got it."
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	''About time.''		''About time.''

	"<u>Quit being emotional and use your head,</u>" Pascal reprimanded as he returned the Lieutenant-Colonel's appreciative nod. "<u>Inform them in Lieutenant-Colonel ~~Oster~~'s, and by extension, General von Manteuffel's name. ~~Oster~~ happens to agree with me.</u>"		"<u>Quit being emotional and use your head,</u>" Pascal reprimanded as he returned the Lieutenant-Colonel's appreciative nod. "<u>Inform them in Lieutenant-Colonel Ostergalen's, and by extension, General von Manteuffel's name. Ostergalen happens to agree with me.</u>"

	"<u>Yes Sir,</u>" she replied. "<u>And thank you.</u>"		"<u>Yes Sir,</u>" she replied. "<u>And thank you.</u>"

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 10 April 2021
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	''Meanwhile... I'm just some average student from Japan.'' Kaede sighed.		''Meanwhile... I'm just some average student from Japan.'' Kaede sighed.

	Well, that wasn't exactly true. She could at least justify being 'above average'. She had been accepted by one of the best universities in the world, and she had spent her formative years debating history and international relations with her father.		Well, that wasn't exactly true. She could at least justify being 'above average'. She had been accepted by one of the best universities in the world, and she had spent her formative years debating history and international relations with her father, a university professor in history.

	While Kaede's friends indulged themselves in romcom fiction or action manga, she was consuming world history and treatises on geopolitics. Her celebrities were world leaders like Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin. Her heroes were great thinkers who applied history to shape the world: men like the Cold War strategist George Kenan, the cultural-political scientist Samuel Huntington, and of course, the 'grand master' of geopolitics Lee Kuan Yew.		While Kaede's friends indulged themselves in romcom fiction or action manga, she was consuming world history and treatises on geopolitics. Her celebrities were world leaders like Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin. Her heroes were great thinkers who applied history to shape the world: men like the Cold War strategist George Kenan, the cultural-political scientist Samuel Huntington, and of course, the 'grand master' of geopolitics Lee Kuan Yew.
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	It had always left her a bit of an outcast in pop-culture discussions. It was part of why while Kaede had plenty of acquaintances in school, there were few whom she could call a true friend.		It had always left her a bit of an outcast in pop-culture discussions. It was part of why while Kaede had plenty of acquaintances in school, there were few whom she could call a true friend.

	The Samaran girl sighed again as she strode up to yet another painting and examined it. The beautifully-detailed artwork had a frame as wide as a dining room and ran from ~~waist~~-high to almost reach the ceiling. Like all the others found in the Oriflamme Palace, its focus was another paladin of Rhin-Lotharingie -- this time a lean-shouldered, handsome, if somewhat effeminate young man. Clad in mail armor, the paladin sprouted flame-feathered phoenix wings and glowed in a halo of white-blue flames. He flew above the ground with his armigers, leading far ahead of a massive charge of mixed cavalry and heavy, wagon-like chariots.		The Samaran girl sighed again as she strode up to yet another painting and examined it. The beautifully-detailed artwork had a frame as wide as a dining room and ran from hip-high to almost reach the ceiling. Like all the others found in the Oriflamme Palace, its focus was another paladin of Rhin-Lotharingie -- this time a lean-shouldered, handsome, if somewhat effeminate young man. Clad in mail armor, the paladin sprouted flame-feathered phoenix wings and glowed in a halo of white-blue flames. He flew above the ground with his armigers, leading far ahead of a massive charge of mixed cavalry and heavy, wagon-like chariots.

	''Are those... mongols with cannons?''		''Are those... mongols with cannons?''
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	His fame only spread to his homeland three centuries later, when it was Leslie's legacy which brought in a Samaran expeditionary force to aid the Lotharins during the Rhin-Lotharingie Independence War. Today, Leslie's name was known even among children. Their rhymes sang of ''Leslie's blessing'' which brought hope during difficult times.		His fame only spread to his homeland three centuries later, when it was Leslie's legacy which brought in a Samaran expeditionary force to aid the Lotharins during the Rhin-Lotharingie Independence War. Today, Leslie's name was known even among children. Their rhymes sang of ''Leslie's blessing'' which brought hope during difficult times.

	It was hard to tell if anyone on Leslie's side in the painting was a Samaran since they mostly wore helmets. However as Kaede comed through the ~~allies~~ ranks, she did spot a young lady with flowing white hair. The girl stood on top of one of the leading heavy chariots. Her hands steadied the scorpion-like light artillery affixed to the wagon-bed while her companion loaded the weapon.		It was hard to tell if anyone on Leslie's side in the painting was a Samaran since they mostly wore helmets. However as Kaede comed through the allied ranks, she did spot a young lady with flowing white hair. The girl stood on top of one of the leading heavy chariots. Her hands steadied the scorpion-like light artillery affixed to the wagon-bed while her companion loaded the weapon.

	"You like the painting?"		"You like the painting?"
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	"I've read about Leslie the Paladin in books but... to see a scene of it depicted in such grand detail. It's... ''awe inspiring.''" Kaede tried to describe her feelings as she looked over the huge painting. "Was this an actual battle that Leslie commanded?"		"I've read about Leslie the Paladin in books but... to see a scene of it depicted in such grand detail. It's... ''awe inspiring.''" Kaede tried to describe her feelings as she looked over the huge painting. "Was this an actual battle that Leslie commanded?"

	"Commanded? No. This painting depicts the Second Battle of Desna River." Rachel explained as she pointed out the blue streak that could just be seen behind the friendly cavalry. "It's a visualization of the climatic moment, when Leslie the Paladin joined Lidiya the White Rose as they led the charge of the elite Polisian, and later Samaran, ~~1st~~ Guards Cavalry Brigade against the Great Khan's ''Divine Engine Division''."		"Commanded? No. This painting depicts the Second Battle of Desna River." Rachel explained as she pointed out the blue streak that could just be seen behind the friendly cavalry. "It's a visualization of the climatic moment, when Leslie the Paladin joined Lidiya the White Rose as they led the charge of the elite Polisian, and later Samaran, 2nd Guards Cavalry Brigade against the Great Khan's ''Divine Engine Division''."

	The head maid then grinned proudly. "His Majesty always said that this battle forever changed world history."		The head maid then grinned proudly. "His Majesty always said that this battle forever changed world history."
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	"Oh yes, His Majesty is a voracious reader. Even back when the late Empress blessed these halls with her grace, his books would cost the palace more gold per year than her jewels and dresses." Rachel gave a nostalgic smile. "Would you like to see the library?"		"Oh yes, His Majesty is a voracious reader. Even back when the late Empress blessed these halls with her grace, his books would cost the palace more gold per year than her jewels and dresses." Rachel gave a nostalgic smile. "Would you like to see the library?"

	"I'd sure like to know where it is~~, though~~ I probably shouldn't distract myself further before dinner."		"I'd sure like to know where it is. Though I probably shouldn't distract myself further before dinner."

	"Certainly. Please follow me." Rachel announced before leading Kaede down the hallway.		"Certainly. Please follow me." Rachel announced before leading Kaede down the hallway.
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	It was the second time she heard the phrase spoken today.		It was the second time she heard the phrase spoken today.

	"Yes. The late Empress was a faekissed, the daughter of a minor earl from Ceredigion." Rachel began to explain, clearly realizing that Kaede had never heard of them before. "The faekissed are descendants of the faerie lords, whose rule over these lands is described in the ancient 'Book of Invasions'. During the height of their power, they had dominated all of Western Hyperion as far as the reaches of modern day Samara. However, for reasons unknown, they have since retreated through the portals back to their world. All that remains of them today are the stone rings, the faekissed, and the various artifacts that could be found throughout the land -- like the armor Her Highness wears."		"Yes. The late Empress was a faekissed, the daughter of a minor earl from Ceredigion." Rachel began to explain, clearly realizing that Kaede had never heard of them before. "The faekissed are descendants of the faerie lords, whose rule over these lands is described in the ancient ''Book of Invasions''. During the height of their power, they had dominated all of Western Hyperion as far as the reaches of modern day Samara. However, for reasons unknown, they have since retreated through the portals back to their world. All that remains of them today are the stone rings, the faekissed, and the various artifacts that could be found throughout the land -- like the armor Her Highness wears."

	"I would never have guessed," Kaede muttered in astonishment. "I mean... she looks so ''human!''"		"I would never have guessed," Kaede muttered in astonishment. "I mean... she looks so ''human!''"

	But then, perhaps Kaede shouldn't be surprised. After all, she herself had a Samaran body, yet the only way to tell from external appearance was her ~~pearl~~-white hair. Meanwhile Cecylia was a dhampir, a heritaged shown only in her gaze. Even the Princess' ~~plum-colored~~ hair didn't mean much, as many mages had tresses dyed by the color of their mana, for instance Ariadne's floral-pink hair.		But then, perhaps Kaede shouldn't be surprised. After all, she herself had a Samaran body, yet the only way to tell from external appearance was her snowy-white hair. Meanwhile Cecylia was a dhampir, a heritaged shown only in her gaze. Even the Princess' purple hair didn't mean much, as many mages had tresses dyed by the color of their mana, for instance Ariadne's floral-pink hair.

	It was only then that Kaede realized that she was being rude. However Rachel at least took no offense as the old maid simply chuckled:		It was only then that Kaede realized that she was being rude. However Rachel at least took no offense as the old maid simply chuckled:
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	However neither of the guards said anything as they each grasped a handle and pulled the heavy, wrought iron doors open. Clearly the head maid's presence was enough to satisfy them that Kaede was not trespassing.		However neither of the guards said anything as they each grasped a handle and pulled the heavy, wrought iron doors open. Clearly the head maid's presence was enough to satisfy them that Kaede was not trespassing.

	"Do you still think it's not practical?" Rachel spoke with amusement as Kaede had to blink her eyes in disbelief as she took in her first view of the throne room.		"Do you still think it's not practical?" Rachel spoke with amusement.

			Kaede had to blink her eyes in disbelief as she took in her first view of the throne room.

	The chamber itself was not exceptionally large and certainly not opulent by the standards of Earth. It was built almost entirely of polished blue granite and little else. The royal seat took its customary spot on the far end, elevated above the rest of the floor by a stone pedestal three steps high. However, what instantly drew Kaede's attention and almost made her jaw hit ground was the chair itself:		The chamber itself was not exceptionally large and certainly not opulent by the standards of Earth. It was built almost entirely of polished blue granite and little else. The royal seat took its customary spot on the far end, elevated above the rest of the floor by a stone pedestal three steps high. However, what instantly drew Kaede's attention and almost made her jaw hit ground was the chair itself:
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	Kaede exhaled a quiet sigh. ''What else is new?''		Kaede exhaled a quiet sigh. ''What else is new?''

	"<When you finish, feel free to peruse the library.> Rachel then added. "<I'm sure His Majesty wouldn't mind, as he encourages us -- at least, those of us who can read -- to use it as well. I'll collect you after His Majesty's dinner is finished and show you to your quarters.>"		"<When you finish, feel free to peruse the library.> Rachel then added. "<I'm sure His Majesty wouldn't mind, as he encourages us --at least, those of us who can read-- to use it as well. I'll collect you after His Majesty's dinner is finished and show you to your quarters.>"

	Kaede nodded back with gratitude. She only kept two of her spell-storing runes loaded with ''Telepathy'' so she had to use them sparingly. Any more questions she wanted to ask could come later.		Kaede nodded back with gratitude. She only kept two of her spell-storing runes loaded with ''Telepathy'' so she had to use them sparingly. Any more questions she wanted to ask could come later.
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	Kaede heard Rachel's amazement as she balanced the four heavy tomes in her thin arms. Her breathing was laden with exertion as she climbed up yet another rotation of the stone, circular stairway. She had already counted four stories from the second floor library. It was clear by now that Kaede's new quarters were just beneath the keep's roof.		Kaede heard Rachel's amazement as she balanced the four heavy tomes in her thin arms. Her breathing was laden with exertion as she climbed up yet another rotation of the stone, circular stairway. She had already counted four stories from the second floor library. It was clear by now that Kaede's new quarters were just beneath the keep's roof.

	''If I knew I'd have to climb this much I wouldn't have taken so many!'' She thought. It didn't help that she couldn't see her own footing on the steep staircase, which made her take even longer than usual to climb.		''If I knew I'd have to climb this much I wouldn't have taken so many!'' She thought. She had forgotten to bring her extra-dimensional messenger bag from the academy. It didn't help now that she couldn't see her own footing on the steep staircase, which made her take even longer than usual to climb.

	Unfortunately for her, Rachel also wasn't interested in helping like Pascal did back at the academy. Kaede couldn't blame the woman either. Stairs were treacherous and the head maid was already of elderly age.		Unfortunately for her, Rachel also wasn't interested in helping like Pascal did back at the academy. Kaede couldn't blame the woman either. Stairs were treacherous and the head maid was already of elderly age.
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	"Thank you." Kaede nodded. "And have a good night."		"Thank you." Kaede nodded. "And have a good night."

	"Good night Miss Kaede." Rachel smiled warmly before she exited the door and closed in behind her.		"Good night Miss Kaede." Rachel smiled warmly before she exited the door and closed it behind her.

	Kaede's forced smile vanished instantly as she collapsed onto the bed where her new outfit had been placed. She sighed deeply as she exhaled all of the dejection she felt inside.		Kaede's forced smile vanished instantly as she collapsed onto the bed where her new outfit had been placed. She sighed deeply as she exhaled all of the dejection she felt inside.