As they separated to change, Lumi found himself thinking again about Lena’s future.
It went beyond his re affection for her. She was legitimately talented. Even Alice was impressed with her. It was tactically useful to cultivate another powerful figure who can stand against evil.
He has twice as much reason to help her.
A few minutes later, they reconvened in the reception room. The transformation was remarkable. They were ready for court now that they had an appearance that was professional, and worthy of imperial recognition.
"You all clean up nice." ToraX complinted, his formal wear sohow making him look even larger. "Especially you, Hazy. Very mysterious. Very shadow... person... like."
HazyNova mumbled sothing that might have been thanks.
"We look like heroes!" Ryan said, clearly pleased with the effect. "Like sothing out of the stories!"
"We ARE heroes!" Lena pointed out. "We’re so pog!" She turned to gaze at Lumi. "Lumi, Lumi, look!" Lena spun in place, her dress flaring out as the magical threads caught the light. "I’m sparkly!"
"You look beautiful." Lumi told her honestly. The dress really did suit her, sohow managing to be both elegant and perfectly Lena.
"Aww!" She bead at him. "You look pretty too! Very mysterious mage!"
"Alright, listen up." Gabriel clapped his hands together, catching everyone’s attention. "I know how we are. But this is a place with rules and order. Let explain further on the finer details..."
With most of the remaining ti available to them, Gabriel educated them on more proper etiquette for the incoming session. Lena was clearly the most uncomfortable, but even she did her best.
Eventually, they were out of ti. The door opened and Chief Knight Neeko entered.
Divan was calm, and Alice was fiery. Neeko on the other hand was swift and sharp. She moved with a fluid, yet sharp grace. Her features were sharp and angular, and her pale green hair was woven with feathers that fluttered in a breeze only she could feel. Her armor was lighter than the other Chief Knights’, designed for mobility first.
"The heroes of the hour." she said, speaking swiftly yet still pronouncing each word sharply. "I am Chief Knight Neeko of the Windshot Bown. I’ll be escorting you to your audience with Her Imperial Majesty."
She studied each of them in turn, her pale eyes lingering on VICE. "An archer, I see. We must speak later about technique. It’s rare to see adventurers who truly understand the way of the bow."
VICE straightened, clearly flattered by the attention from a Chief Knight. "I would be honored, Chief Knight."
She gave him a nod. Then, she turned to address the group. "The Empress is eager to et you. Word of your capture of Afton has spread throughout the palace. It’s been many years since independent adventurers accomplished sothing of such significance."
She paused for a bit, contemplative, then elaborated. "At least, adventurers from Mantel Island. It’s... complicated."
"We were lucky." Lumi said modestly.
"Luck is what happens when preparation ets opportunity." Neeko replied. "From what I’ve heard, you created your own luck through careful planning and flawless execution. Don’t diminish your accomplishnts."
"Can I ask a question?" Lena raised her hand like a student in class. With a gentle nod from Neeko, Lena continued. "Is the Empress really a god? I heard sothing like that, but it was unclear. I’m not sure on the details."
Neeko blinked, clearly not expecting that particular question. "The Empress is not a god, no. Neither is she a mortal like the rest of us. She can be best understood as a deity in reserve."
"Deity... in reserve?" Lena’s eyes went wide. "As in, she could be a god under certain circumstances? Is that how godhood works?"
"Perhaps such questions can wait until after the formal audience." Lumi suggested gently.
"Right!!" Lena replied apologetically.
Neeko looked between Lena and Lumi with amusent. "I see why Alice enjoyed training you. You’re quite unique."
"That’s the nice way of saying it," Lena agreed cheerfully. "The other way involves more dical terminology about how my mind works!"
"dical... terminology?" Neeko stopped in place and thought for a bit.
"Shall we proceed?" Lumi asked, hoping to redirect before Lena could elaborate on what those dical terms might be.
"No, wait." Neeko said, surprisingly thoughtful. "Lena, that’s brilliant. To define certain unusual ntal states dically, giving them nas and categories, is sothing that frankly I do not know why we don’t already do."
"...huh." Lena responded half thoughtfully, half confused. "You don’t categorize that here?"
Neeko tilted her head just slightly. "I thought you ca up with it just now. You categorize these things where you are from?"
Lena nodded. "Absolutely! Do you think... it’s useful? Truly?"
Neeko nodded slowly, her expression turning serious. "It’s strange we’ve never tried to na the ways the mind can splinter naturally, rely the ways it can be hard through magic or curses. This is the case despite many mages focusing on the mind."
Lena tilted her head lightly. "Would... you like to know more about it? I can try to rember so things and write them down."
After a small thought, Neeko nodded. "I admit, it’s not entirely a priority, given the Dark One’s existence. But yes, please do so. If found to be useful, I promise you will not go unrewarded."
Neeko then turned, gesturing for them to follow. "Stay together, walk with purpose but not haste. When we enter the audience chamber, you will proceed to the designated spot. It will be marked by a gold circle in the floor. Bow when I give the signal, rise when the Empress bids you. Speak clearly when addressed but don’t feel compelled to fill silences. Her Majesty appreciates both eloquence and brevity in equal asure."
They fell into formation behind her, with Lumi and Lena in front, Ryan and ToraX behind them, and VICE and HazyNova bringing up the rear. On their sides, four of Neeko’s knights flanked them as they moved.
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