in which things went better than expected

Week 1
(Studied Trade in the morning.)
(Studied Trade in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's all that noise outside? Who's here?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh! It's my cousins! And my aunt and uncle.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: Darling. We were so terribly sorry to hear about your mother Fidelia.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you.
Laurent, Duke of Merva: You look well, niece.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Hi, 'Lodie!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Hi, Lottie. I haven't seen you in ages! Will you be staying long?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Yup! Mummy said we'd be here all month.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Maybe we'll have some time to talk later.
You 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 2
(Studied Production in the morning.)
(Studied Production 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: Send her away
Elodie, Crown Princess: You heard my father - get out! Leave and don't come back!
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: As you wish. I will return to my duchy, until you call for me.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: She won't.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.

Week 3
(Studied Production in the morning.)
(Studied Trade 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.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Me too.
You gather your skirts and prepare to sit down, when all of a sudden, a hissing noise alerts you to a hidden danger - a snake!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Charlotte, don't move!
You grab for a stick to push the snake away, but you lack the skills to do the job properly, and poking the snake only makes it angry. Too fast to see, it lunges forward and sinks its fangs into your leg!
Elodie, Crown Princess: OW!
The snake slithers away, but it's too late now. A strange tingling sensation begins to spread through your flesh.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: That's a milk viper. They're poisonous!
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't feel good.
Your leg is going numb. You stumble and fall to the ground.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Hold on!
Your cousin kneels beside you and presses her hands over the bite mark. The area throbs painfully, then begins to feel warm.
After a minute, you're dizzy, but your leg isn't buzzing anymore, and even the wound has disappeared.
Elodie, Crown Princess: How did you do that?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: I don't know how I do it. I just can.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: I'm not supposed to tell anybody. People think it's freaky. You won't tell, will you?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Of course not. I'm just lucky you were here.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: Girls? What's going on out here? I heard yelling.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Nothing!
Elodie, Crown Princess: We saw a snake, but it got away.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: A snake! That's it. Charlotte, pack your things. We're going back to Merva. It's not safe here.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Awww...
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.

Week 4
(Studied Accounting in the morning.)
(Studied Accounting in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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.
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
(Put on the economics outfit.)

Week 5
(Studied Court Manners in the morning.)
(Studied Court Manners in the afternoon.)
One of the maids approaches for your attention.
Alice: My lady, couriers have arrived from the Duke of Sedna.
Elodie, Crown Princess: We have a Duke of Sedna?
Alice: ... No, my Lady. The duchy of Sedna is in Talasse.
Alice: They have brought you a letter, and a gift.
Elodie, Crown Princess: 'Condolences on the death of', 'deeply regret', 'best wishes'...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh! What a beautiful necklace!
Elodie, Crown Princess: It might not be appropriate for me to wear a man's gift in public, though. People would think it meant something.
Menu: [Wear it] [Don't wear it]
Player chose: Don't wear it
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's important to maintain the proper image.
You 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 6
(Studied Accounting in the morning.)
(Studied Accounting in the afternoon.)
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Your Royal Highness. I would speak with you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What is it?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Your mother wielded the power of a Lumen, as have the kings and queens of Nova before her.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Now that she is gone, that responsibility falls to you. Her crystal of power is now yours.
Elodie, Crown Princess: My father said I shouldn't get involved in magic.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: If you don't, who will defend your domain if the krakens rise again?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: I have seen signs of the future. Danger is coming. I can teach you to control your powers, but first, you must seize your birthright and become a Lumen.
Menu: [I won't do it] [I will do it]
Player chose: I will do it
Elodie, Crown Princess: How do I do that?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: You must find the royal crystal. Speak to your father - he will know where it is.
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 7
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the afternoon.)
As you are walking up the stairs, a maid comes running down holding a towering pile of linen.
Before you can react, she barrels into you, sending you and the sheets flying.
Alice: Oh, my lady! I'm so sorry!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (These things happen. It's not a big deal.)
Menu: [Accept her apology] [Apologise] [Punish her]
Player chose: Accept her apology
Elodie, Crown Princess: No real harm done. Please be more careful in the future.
Alice: Yes, my lady. Thank you.
You overwhelm the guards with facts and figures, explaining that you need treasury access to adjust the royal budget, which may affect their pay packets as well as the taxes assessed on their friends and family. They stand aside.
The glitter is dazzling, but some sixth sense draws you towards one little locked box in particular. This is what you need. This is the crystal that will make you a Lumen.
You tuck the box into your pocket. You can show it to your mentor later and get instructions on what to do next.

Week 8
(Studied Ciphering in the morning.)
(Studied Ciphering in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a man here to see you. He wishes Crown funding for a project of his.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Remember, the treasury is not unlimited. If you choose to invest, you will have less money to work with later.
Man: Your Royal Highness, I have a plan to print books using metal letters which can be moved and reused.
Man: I need to borrow 875 lassi to assemble the metal and a factory to mold and cast the type.
Man: With this system, we will be able to create new books in a fraction of the time it takes now, and make copies to send all over the world.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Hmm. If it really works, that could be a very important invention.)
Menu: [Invest] [Don't invest]
Player chose: Invest
Elodie, Crown Princess: We would be happy to invest in your venture.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I got the crystal. What do I do now?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: The crystal must merge with your flesh, binding its energy to you. It will become a part of you for as long as you live.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Hold it in your hands. Feel it against your skin. Place it on your chest, over your heart, and believe.
Menu: [Do it] [Don't do it]
Player chose: Do it
Elodie, Crown Princess: I do believe in magic. I do.
You take hold of the crystal and wish...
You feel dizzy, and both larger and lighter than you were before. The crystal has disappeared from view, but you know where it is.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Wow.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Now that you are one of us, I can train you in the use of your powers.
Elodie, Crown Princess: One of... wait, you're a Lumen?
She holds out her hands. Light flickers above her bosom, and then, with a shower of sparkles, something takes shape.
Before you can react, she claps her hands together, and the crystal vanishes.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: My powers have been handed down in secret so that I would be here, and ready, when you needed me.

Week 9
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Internal Affairs in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, my sympathies for your loss. Even after all these years I sometimes forget that my own mother will never be coming back.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: However, I must call for your aid. The Ixionite occupation of the county of Imbrium has gone on for too long. Now is the time to push back.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I know there's been some problems with Ixion, but I don't know the details. I guess they're occupying southern Maree.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know anything about the military. I don't want to fight.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: There must be a peaceful way to settle this. I will send for diplomats from Ixion and try to come to some arrangement.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Thank you, Your Highness.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: If I might say so, you are looking particularly lovely this day. I hope you will think fondly of me.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Is he flirting with me? He's almost as old as my father!)
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.

Week 10
(Studied Herbs in the morning.)
(Studied Herbs 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: Offer him money if Ixion withdraws
Elodie, Crown Princess: That is not acceptable. All the land north of the river belongs to us.
Elodie, Crown Princess: We are willing to offer some payment in exchange for the inconvenience you have suffered, but nothing more.
Diplomat: I believe we could settle the matter for eight thousand golden lassi.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's more than all of Maree pays in taxes in a year! It's far too much.)
Menu: [Agree] [Make counter-offer] [Refuse]
Player chose: Make counter-offer
Elodie, Crown Princess: You and I both know that's more than the land is worth. Four thousand lassi is more than generous.
Diplomat: Then we accept your generosity.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Phew. At least that's over with.)
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.

Week 11
(Studied Battlefield Medicine in the morning.)
(Studied Battlefield Medicine 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: ...
You sneak a peek at some of the luckless peasants held in the dungeons - petty thieves and troublemakers, now suffering in the dark. They're obviously bad people, but seeing them so miserable still feels unfair. There must be a better way.
(Put on the intrigue outfit.)

Week 12
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Internal Affairs in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a woman here to see you. She wishes Crown funding for a project.
Woman: Thank you for seeing me, Your Royal Highness. I... I come to you on behalf of the people.
Woman: I wish to build a hospital where any citizen afflicted with disease can be brought for treatment.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (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.
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 13
(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Internal Affairs.
(Studied Resist Magic 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: (This must be about the last Duke of Mead. He had a lot of servants who were 'mysteriously' injured or killed.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (But he's dead - and he either killed himself or his family 'helped' him along.)
Menu: [Put her to work] [Imprison her] [Execute her] [Tell her that justice was already done]
Player chose: Tell her that justice was already done
Elodie, Crown Princess: You are wrong. Justice was already done - by the gods, and by the nobles that you've despised.
Elodie, Crown Princess: The one who killed your brother is dead. He was replaced by wiser rulers, like the Duchess you tried to harm.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You blamed an innocent woman, one who might had sympathy for you if you had told her the truth. Not all nobles are the same.
Condemned Woman: I... I never thought.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You will have time to think about your actions in the dungeons.
Kevan, Earl of Io: She should be hanged!
Elodie, Crown Princess: She acted for the love of her sibling. Surely you can understand that? No one else needs to die.

Week 14
(Studied Wield Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Resist Magic in the afternoon.)
As you are walking one day in the gardens, you hear a strange sound and look up to see an owl flying overhead. A single dry leaf flutters in its talons.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's funny, I thought owls were nocturnal. I guess I was wrong.)
You sneak 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 15
(Studied Wield Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Sense Magic in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Remember that the Festival of the Good Lady is approaching.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There will be public celebrations for the commoners, followed by a grand gala for the nobility.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (A grand ball... There will be dancing.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As Queen, you would be expected to lead the procession and take part in the ceremonial planting, possibly give a speech.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: However, since you are not yet crowned, it is not required, and it may not be safe to expose you to the public.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean, not safe?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Outside of the castle, you are less well protected. If anyone means you harm... Think on it now, decide later.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Word has come from the factory for books that you funded. They have assembled enough equipment to begin printing test pamphlets.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As their royal sponsor, it is your right to decide the content of the first printing.
Menu: [Poems praising your mother] [Pro-Lumen propaganda] [Religious doctrine]
Player chose: Pro-Lumen propaganda
Elodie, Crown Princess: I think the people of Nova don't have enough respect for magic-users. I want to print pamphlets about Lumens.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I want to show everyone how magic can do good things.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: ... As you wish.
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: (She's bored and looking for an adventure. Well, I don't have any to suggest to her!)
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 16
(Studied Sense Magic in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Sense Magic in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Today is the procession and planting for the Festival of the Good Lady. Will you be leading the parade?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: If you have any concerns about your safety, please, stay here.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The people will recover from disappointment; if we lose you, there is no recovery.
Menu: [I will lead the parade] [I will parade and make a speech] [I would rather not go]
Player chose: I will lead the parade
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm not afraid. I'm going to be the best parade-leader ever!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: My little girl.
You prepare your best gown for the occasion, then walk slowly through the town with your attendants. It would not be appropriate for you to wear a sword, but you do walk with a sturdy golden scepter that's taller than you are.
At the end of the route, you help the priestesses turn over the earth for the new tree to be planted.
Then the new life is blessed, and all the attendants join in song.
The procession regroups to return to the castle.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
(Put on the lumen outfit.)

Week 17
(Studied Sense Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Resist Magic 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 Hellas.
You feel deliciously wicked at the expression of shock on her face, but it soon fades into something more ambiguous. Her hand in yours is warm, and too late, you wonder if you're playing with fire.
Dancing with a real partner feels quite different from dancing with your father. You knew him, knew his steps like a part of you. Now every move is a mystery.
Unfortunately, you lose track of which steps you're supposed to do when, and trip over your own feet. Oops!
Between the dances, there is time for the guests to mingle, chat, and sample tiny bites of exquisite food.
During a lull in the music, Banion, the duke of Maree, taps an elegant fingernail against a wineglass, letting the clear note ring out through the room.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: If I might have your attention?
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: I believe we should offer our compliments to our lovely hostess.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Her words of wisdom guide us through our difficulties.
Everyone applauds politely.
As the gala continues, you take the opportunity to observe nobles that you rarely see.
There's Gwenelle, for instance - the Young Lady of Sudbury, only months older than you and due to finally inherit control of her duchy soon.
Or Adele, the youngest daughter of the Duchess of Lillah and a fierce sportswoman. She was a few years ahead of you at school and the absolute terror of the ballfields.
No Briony - she had said her parents were leaving her stuck at school this season.
Her parents are here, 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.
There's something itching at your senses, something familiar.
Then it hits you. Aunt Lucille is a Lumen!
Menu: [Talk to your aunt] [Let it go]
Player chose: Talk to your aunt
Elodie, Crown Princess: Aunt Lucille, may I speak with you privately?
Lucille, Countess of Nix: Of course, dear.
You withdraw to a small side room.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I can sense your powers. You're a Lumen.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: What?!?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I am, too. That's how I know. Can't you sense that?
Lucille, Countess of Nix: No. No, I can't.
She looks down, shaking her head.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: I... I do have a Lumen crystal. I found it, years ago. It called to me. But I don't know anything about magic.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: I can make the crystal appear and disappear, and I can block out sound with it. That's all.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Why keep it hidden? It's not illegal to be a Lumen.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: Magic is dangerous, everyone knows that. People might think I was an evil witch. They wouldn't trust me.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: Look at how much trouble the Duchess of Ursul has. Please, Your Highness, don't tell anyone.
Menu: [Offer her a court position] [Promise not to tell]
Player chose: Offer her a court position
Elodie, Crown Princess: What I think I should tell everyone is that you are my new Lumen Minister.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: What?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Lumens have power. If you train with me, you'll become even stronger.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I want that strength here to defend the capital.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You'll have status and recognition and no one will dare to call you a witch. What do you say?
Lucille, Countess of Nix: I accept.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Good!
It's nice to be able to enjoy time with friends and family, isn't it?
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 18
(Studied Wield Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Strategy in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, a bouquet has arrived for you.
The flowers are unusual - long spikes of red, thick with nectar and emitting a strong fragrance, nothing like the delicate blossoms in most vases.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Who sent them?
Alice: The Duchess of Hellas, I believe.
Menu: [Accept them] [Reject them] [Give them to Alice]
Player chose: Accept them
Elodie, Crown Princess: Put them on display. I think they look nice.
You wander downstairs to visit your father and talk about the latest events in the domain.
You're moving with such enthusiasm that you don't realise your father isn't alone until it's too late to avoid him and his... companion.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: You are too kind, Joslyn.
Countess Sirin. Not a member of your circles - she's a bit more than a decade your senior, far too old to have ever been your friend. And yet, not at all old, as noblewomen go.
She has two minor titles, no husband, and your father's arm in her grasp.
How dare she make a move on your father?
Menu: [Shame her with silent scorn] [Insult her with false flattery] [Trip her as she passes]
Player chose: Shame her with silent scorn
You meet her eyes and imagine your mother's disapproving presence behind you.
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: 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: Foreign threats
Elodie, Crown Princess: I need to know if any foreign powers are moving against me.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Menu: [Boarding School Uniform] [Catsuit - Boosts Intrigue] [Tuxedo - Boosts Economics] [Magical Girl - Boosts Lumen] [Done]
Player chose: Tuxedo - Boosts Economics
(Put on the economics outfit.)

Week 19
(Studied Instrument in the morning.)
(Studied Instrument 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.
Based on the records and notes of current expenditures, if you maintain the current rate of tax, you will still have three thousand, nine hundred and nineteen gold lassi and ninety-seven silver tilassi available for special projects.
Any little trade disruption shouldn't need more than a few hundred lassi to sort out, at least temporarily.
Menu: [Raise taxes] [Keep them the same] [Lower taxes]
Player chose: Raise taxes
Elodie, Crown Princess: We need more money. Raise the taxes a bit.
Elodie, Crown Princess: If we adjust this and this here, most people won't even notice the difference.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Only the ones who can afford it will pay more.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
(Put on the lumen outfit.)

Week 20
(Studied Voice in the morning.)
(Studied Voice in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You are requested to stand in judgement. A man has been convicted of the murder-by-strangling of his wife.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: He does not deny the act, but requests a pardon that he might be set free.
Elodie, Crown Princess: If you admit you killed your wife, why do you think I'm going to set you free?
Condemned Man: Save me, Your Majesty! Wasn't my fault. Demons made me do it.
Condemned Man: Everyone knows the power of magical beasties! They used me, they twisted my fingers into chains...
Condemned Man: My wife found me screaming, she tried to shake me, and the chains wrapped around her...
Condemned Man: I need the priestesses to bless me and make me clean again!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Demons? This man is a Lumen! Where did he get a crystal?)
Menu: [Question him about crystal] [Pardon him] [Imprison him] [Execute him]
Player chose: Question him about crystal
Elodie, Crown Princess: It was a demon's magic that killed your wife? Not your own magic?
Condemned Man: ... So you know what I am.
He throws out his hands, and his fingertips elongate into floating strings of gold.
Condemned Man: DIE!
Golden chains slash at you like whips.
With so much warning, of course, it is easy for you to resist. His attack bounces harmlessly off your shields, the chains flying back in the direction from which they came... where they find an easier target.
Before your eyes, the renegade Lumen is choked to death by his own powers.
After a moment, an orange crystal materialises next to his body.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I guess I'll have to take that for safe keeping.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.

Week 21
(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
(Studied Voice in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, there is a letter for you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Who sent this? It isn't signed...)
It appears to be a poem, describing you in a manner that is entirely inappropriate for a Queen.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I *what*? With a *squid*?)
Menu: [That's hilarious!] [That's terrible!]
Player chose: That's terrible!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Who writes this garbage?!?)
Just then, an incredibly unlucky breeze swirls between the windows of your tower bedroom, tugging the paper out of your hands and off into the sky.
You stick your head out the window to discover the 'poem' caught and fluttering on the roof nearby. You can almost reach it.
Menu: [Climb out and grab it] [Ignore it]
Player chose: Ignore it
What's the worst that can happen? It blows off and someone reads it and laughs at you? That's better than breaking your neck.
Besides, if you're lucky it will rain and wash the words away.
Elodie, Crown Princess: If you attack an enemy Lumen, and you win, and they leave behind a crystal...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Is it possible to combine that crystal with mine to make it stronger?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Each Lumen can hold only one crystal.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: The only way to combine their magic is if a living wielder chooses to join its power to another.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh.
Elodie, Crown Princess: So I should destroy other crystals, to stop anyone from using them against me.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: That is the traditional policy - but it is a lie. Lumen crystals cannot be destroyed.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Rulers claim otherwise to discourage thieves from seeking dangerous treasures.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What am I supposed to do with a crystal, then?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: Guard it, or hide it, or give it into other hands to wield.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: But if the last holder of the crystal was an enemy, the resonance of the crystal will work against you.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: It will be attuned to a personality as foolish or violent or scheming as the Lumen you defeated.
Elodie, Crown Princess: So anyone taking the crystal would probably become a new enemy. That's useless!
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: A weak-willed candidate might be acceptable to the crystal and yet still controllable.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: You could then steer that Lumen away from dangerous paths, making an ally and changing the crystal's resonance.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: It is, however, a dangerous endeavor and one that requires your complete attention.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Not really a project I can work on while I'm so busy studying for my coronation.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Well, it's only one crystal. That's not too much trouble.)

Week 22
(Studied Foreign Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Affairs 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: (Duchess Arisse almost certainly killed her second husband after she divorced him.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Her son, the Earl of Io, apparently hates and fears her.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (And the last Duke of Mead died in mysterious circumstances while she was around.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Which meant the title of Mead passed to Arisse's daughter.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (But without proof, she couldn't be punished.)
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: Leave him with Arisse
Elodie, Crown Princess: Adair must be upset enough already without us taking him away from his home.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Leave him with his stepmother.
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.
(Put on the economics outfit.)

Week 23
(Studied World History in the morning.)
(Studied World History in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a woman here to see you. She is a musician and wishes Crown patronage.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Which means money.)
Sabine: Your Royal Highness! If you accept me as a member of your court I will immortalise you in word and song.
Sabine: I have dabbled in musical styles from many countries, and can entertain your guests and lighten your evenings.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Immortalise me in words? I wonder if she wrote that filthy poem?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Musicians are often used as secret agents and messengers. They can be useful - and dangerous.)
The musician sings a little ditty to demonstrate her skills with the lute.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's okay, but nothing special.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That might mean she has 'other' talents.)
Menu: [Accept her as Court Musician] [Test her for secret skills] [Reject her]
Player chose: Test her for secret skills
Elodie, Crown Princess: You are familiar with the traditions of many locations, yes? Can you also perform accents?
Sabine: Aye, mum. That I can.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What about juggling?
Sabine: I can keep a set of dangers in the air.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Interesting. I look forward to all you have to tell me.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (We'll have to talk privately to see how much she knows, but I think she might be useful.)
Sabine: Your Highness, thank you again for the opportunity.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Yes, yes. Now: what have you heard on your travels? What are the people saying about me?
Sabine: I haven't yet had the chance to play at many noble courts, although I intend to.
Sabine: You are already popular with the common folk of Nova. They put their trust in you.
Sabine: Of course, with me at your side, your popularity can only increase. Never underestimate the power of music.

Week 24
(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Novan History in the afternoon.)
You receive a letter from Young Lord Adair.
It's a bit messy and hard to read, but he seems to be thanking you for letting him stay with the family he knows.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.

Week 25
(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
(Studied Novan History in the afternoon.)
Your agents report a buildup of military strength - particularly warships - in Shanjia, the major power across the ocean to the west. They may be intending to go on the attack.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Shanjia has been growing larger in recent years.)
Shanjia lies a great distance from Nova. You have few diplomatic ties and no known conflicts. There's no reason to assume that you would be their target.
Still, if they send a fleet across the ocean, Nova might be in danger. At the very least, shipping would be disrupted.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (The western ocean is very important to Novan trade. That could cause problems.)
It takes time to assemble worthy vessels, and you have advance warning. You could make your own preparations to defend your coast.
The downside is, they won't come cheap.
Menu: [Build more warships] [Do nothing]
Player chose: Build more warships
You send orders for the assembly of new ships, and the strengthening of weaponry and cladding on the existing fleet. If trouble comes, you'll be ready for 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 26
(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
(Studied Strategy in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What a beautiful day!
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's nice to stop and breathe sometimes.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.

Week 27
(Studied Naval Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Naval Strategy in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, there are letters for you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Another letter from Briony. Why does she keep writing me? We were never even friends.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She says she's bored and lonely and she's looking forward to seeing me at Gwenelle's birthday party.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's right! Gwenelle is about to turn fifteen! She'll be Duchess of Sudbury for real now.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (This other letter must be my invitation to her birthday celebration next week.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Gwenelle and I were friends at school, and this will be a big event, but it's also a long way to travel.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (A lot of things can happen on the road.)
Menu: [Go to Sudbury for Gwenelle's party] [Send your regrets]
Player chose: Go to Sudbury for Gwenelle's party
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It'll be good to see my friends!)
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.

Week 28
(Studied Logistics in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
Gwenelle's party is lovely - not nearly as glamourous as your own upcoming birthday will be, of course, but it's still a major event on the noble social calendar. Everyone who is anyone is present.
Uncle Laurent and Aunt Lucille are here, along with all three of their children. Charlotte rushes over eagerly to see you.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Hi, 'Lodie! Guess what?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Hi, Lottie. What is it?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Mummy said after your coronation I can come and stay at the castle with you! And we can talk about, you know, magic...
Elodie, Crown Princess: That's great!
However, it seems that the assembled nobles are not eager to converse with Countess Nix and her family. The position of Lumen Minister may be damaging Aunt Lucille's social cachet.
There are refreshments and dancers and musicians and polite conversations... and one or two not-so-polite.
Lieke, Countess of Dis: ... will not be shoved aside.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: Mother, it's my domain now. I need space for myself. You have your own lands to manage.
Lieke, Countess of Dis: Just because you're of age doesn't mean you know everything, young lady. You need my advice.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: This is my home. It has never been yours.
Before you can back away, their gazes fall on you. They wait expectantly for you as near-queen to settle the dispute.
Menu: [Side with Gwenelle] [Side with her mother]
Player chose: Side with Gwenelle
Elodie, Crown Princess: You heard her. She's an adult now, and she's in charge here.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: Thank you!
Lieke, Countess of Dis: Is this what your father will face upon your coronation? Cast aside without another word?
Elodie, Crown Princess: (... He's not going to like hearing that, is he.)
A bit later, Briony catches up with you.
Briony, Lady Mead: Hello, Elodie. It's so wonderful that you're going to be Queen now.
Briony, Lady Mead: I mean, I am sorry about your mother...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thanks.
Briony, Lady Mead: ... but think of the opportunities you're going to have! You're so lucky.
That's an odd way of putting it.
Briony, Lady Mead: Anyway, I was wondering, now that you're almost Queen and everything... have they told you all the secrets?
Elodie, Crown Princess: What secrets?
Briony, Lady Mead: Like, how to get into the old palace! I've heard it's packed full of treasure.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You mean the Old Capital by Kathre Lake? The abandoned one?
Briony, Lady Mead: Exactly! They had to leave in a hurry, so they left all kinds of treasure behind.
Briony, Lady Mead: And nobody ever goes there because the forest is supposed to be haunted, so the treasure's probably still there!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (The forest isn't just haunted, it's full of monsters like the keythong!)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (But what if she's right and it is full of ancient treasure?)
Menu: [Offer to help] [Try to talk her out of it] [Tattle to her parents]
Player chose: Offer to help
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't know any secrets about getting into the old palace - yet.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But if you come back to the castle with me, we can check the archives.
Briony, Lady Mead: Great! I knew you could help.
Briony, Lady Mead: I'm supposed to go back to school, but I was already planning to sneak off.
Briony, Lady Mead: I'll ditch my escort, sneak ahead, and meet you at the castle!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (This could be fun.)
At the end, you all share a pleasant meal and prepare to return to your various lands.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
(Put on the military outfit.)

Week 29
(Studied Public Speaking in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: I found a bunch of maps of the area around Kathre Lake.
Briony, Lady Mead: Great!
Elodie, Crown Princess: I also found reports on all sorts of really nasty monsters down there.
Briony, Lady Mead: That was hundreds of years ago!
Elodie, Crown Princess: The palace was abandoned hundreds of years ago. The reports never stopped.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I can't find anyone who's gone into the Old Forest and come back.
Briony, Lady Mead: Well, if it is full of treasure, would you want to tell anyone how you got in and stole some?
Briony, Lady Mead: Look, I know it's dangerous. I'm not stupid. But you and I are educated noblewomen, not peasants.
Briony, Lady Mead: I'm good with a sword and a bow. And you - don't you have magic powers now that you're Queen?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Well, yes.
Briony, Lady Mead: So come with me! It'll be an awesome adventure. Our parents are going to be so impressed.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Is that what this is really about? Briony's parents?)
Menu: [Go with Briony] [Send her alone] [Tell her not to go] [Ask about Briony's parents]
Player chose: Ask about Briony's parents
Elodie, Crown Princess: Briony... What is going on with you and your family?
Briony, Lady Mead: Nothing.
Briony, Lady Mead: Really, nothing. Ever since Uncle Kevan moved in my parents don't want anything to do with me.
Briony, Lady Mead: I'm an adult now, you know!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Technically. She's sixteen.)
Briony, Lady Mead: And they still say I have to be at school all the time. I'm the heir, I should be spending time in Mead!
Elodie, Crown Princess: When did your uncle move in?
Briony, Lady Mead: I don't know, a few years ago. After Gran's divorce.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (The Duchess of Lillah divorced her second husband Jael, and he 'died' right afterwards. She probably had him killed.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Most people think that was no great loss, because there were all sorts of horrible rumors about Jael.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (But the Earl of Io, Briony's uncle Kevan, was quite upset about it. I guess he liked his stepfather.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: That must have been a stressful time for your family.
Briony, Lady Mead: Yeah, I'm sure, but so what? That was years ago! They've had plenty of time to get over it!
Briony, Lady Mead: I just want them to pay attention to me. If I find the lost treasures of Nova, they have to notice.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You've already run away from school. If they don't notice that, they won't notice anything.
Briony, Lady Mead: You mean... it's hopeless???
Elodie, Crown Princess: No, I mean, all you need to do is stay here and wait. Getting into more trouble won't make a difference.
Briony, Lady Mead: Oh. I guess maybe you're right.
Briony, Lady Mead: Thanks, Elodie! You're smarter than I remembered.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Argh!
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.

Week 30
(Studied Ciphering in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
Alice: The Duchess of Mead is here to see you, my lady.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Elodie! Where is my daughter?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Which daughter?
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: You know very well that I only have one.
Briony, Lady Mead: Really, mother? Because sometimes I think you don't have one at all!
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Briony! Thank goodness you're all right.
Briony, Lady Mead: Oh, now you care? You certainly didn't want to see me before! You haven't let me come home in ages!
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Briony, darling, there are things you don't understand...
Briony, Lady Mead: I don't understand because you never tell me anything!
The Duchess sighs and embraces her daughter.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Very well. If that's what it will take. Come home with me, and I will explain everything.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Looks like everything worked out for the best!
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
(Put on the intrigue outfit.)

Week 31
(Studied Naval Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Logistics.
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: (How strange. There must be an open window somewhere.)
You receive a letter from Briony hinting at some of the complicated family drama that has been going on.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Her father keeps alternating between wanting a divorce and being afraid of losing his home.)
There's an extra section at the end of the letter written in code.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Her uncle and his stepfather? Her uncle and her mother?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (No wonder she was trying to hide it.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Well, I hope she'll be happier now.)
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.

Week 32
(Studied Naval Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Naval Strategy in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Naval Strategy.
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.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.

Week 33
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
(Studied Foreign Intelligence 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: Falconry
Only nobles take part in the falconry competition, of course. The only commoners who fly such birds do so under a noble's aegis.
One such is your own master of the mews, who catches you trying to sneak down to the competition and gives you an earful about what damage can be done by exhibiting a half-trained bird.
Looks like you won't be taking part in this after all.
All the winners are announced and displayed to great cheers. As near-Queen, you place flower garlands around their necks.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.

Week 34
(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Foreign Intelligence.
(Studied World History in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, your father wishes to speak with you. He says it's urgent.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine, I'm coming.
You find your father standing over a map of the coastline, his face grave.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Ships have been sighted on approach from Shanjia. Not tradeships - this is a warfleet.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I've been expecting something like that.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Within a week they will be in Novan waters. Within two they could reach the capital.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Then we will fight to defend ourselves.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You can try to use the treasury funds to hire additional soldiers, but it may be difficult on short notice.
Menu: [Recruit soldiers] [Don't]
Player chose: Recruit soldiers
Elodie, Crown Princess: Fine, we'll do that.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You will need to draw up a naval strategy for our ships to carry out.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You could choose to act as admiral and lead the fleet in person, but the danger to you would be very great.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Unless you think your personal skills will make the difference, I would strongly advise against it.
Menu: [Direct the fleet] [Stay in the capital]
Player chose: Direct the fleet
Elodie, Crown Princess: The risk is mine to take.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You have your mother's heart.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is one more thing. I hesitate to ask, but...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: An invasion...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This is the sort of disaster for which a Lumen's power may be worth the cost.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: If the fleet could be destroyed before they reached our waters, many lives would be saved.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know any magic that could sink a whole fleet!)
Elodie, Crown Princess: I... I'll have to talk to my mentor.
You track down the priestess Selene in the central grove.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: A fleet from Shanjia... I must search for them.
She brings out a black bowl filled with water and stares into its depths.
Suddenly the water explodes out of the bowl in a shower of droplets.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: There is one among them with a Lumen's power, and much strength.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Of course, the King of Shanjia is a Lumen!)
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: It would require great force to overpower that protection and destroy the entire fleet without endangering Nova.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: At least three or four Lumens acting in concert.
Elodie, Crown Princess: In concert?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: If you truly will it, you can give up control of your power to another for a time.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: This was the most devastating power of the Novan rulers - all the noble houses combined.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: The cost for such power can be high. All involved may perish.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You and me and Aunt Lucille. Is that enough?
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: It may be. It may not. Are you willing to take the risk?
Menu: [Yes] [No]
Player chose: No
Elodie, Crown Princess: No. I think I'd rather rely on the soldiers to protect me.
Selene, Priestess of the Second Circle: May the gods be with us.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.

Week 35
(Studied World History in the morning.)
(Studied World History in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about World History.
Danger on the high seas!
Ships close in on each other, angling into range.
You take your position with a spyglass, watching the enemy movements closely and shouting out any necessary changes in plan.
The Shanjians outnumber you slightly, but it could all come down to strategy.
The eventual outcome...
... is a hard-fought victory.
You have repelled the invasion fleet, driving the survivors back across the sea. You and your sailors are heroes, and Nova is safe once more.
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.

Week 36
(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Novan History.
(Studied Foreign Affairs in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: We have obtained a number of Shanjian prisoners who survived the naval battle.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: A few are from wealthy families and can be ransomed, but most are common sailors and soldiers.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: What do you intend to do with them?
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Shanjia is a rich and powerful domain. They may be willing to pay ransom even for common citizens.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (But they did attack us, and giving them their soldiers back makes them stronger.)
Menu: [Ransom them all] [Ransom the rich, conscript the poor] [Ransom the rich, execute the poor] [Execute them all]
Player chose: Ransom them all
Elodie, Crown Princess: Shanjia can afford to pay for their sailors as well as their captains. Ask for ransom for all of them.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Those with fewer skills may be worth less. but they're not worthless.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Very well.
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 Foreign Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Public Speaking in the afternoon.)
Now that the issue of the prisoners has been dealt with, an enormous festival is held all over Lampsi island to celebrate your victory over Shanjia.
People are hanging your portrait outside their homes and decorating it with flowers like a shrine.
Everyone loves you.
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.

Week 38
(Studied Foreign Affairs in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Foreign Affairs.
(Studied Flattery in the afternoon.)
Visitors have arrived to help you prepare for the upcoming festivities - your family.
Laurent, Duke of Merva: Good day to you, niece. I hope all is well.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Hi, 'Lodie! Mummy said you have all the best tutors and I should take classes with you!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Great!
Time has slipped by you so quickly. Only two weeks remain before your birthday celebration, and your official coronation as Queen. Have you done enough to build a stable Nova?
It is traditional for the palace to provide entertainment and refreshment for the common people when a new monarch is crowned. It is a rare opportunity for the poor of the land to dine like nobles.
The size and scope of any such feast depends on what expense the royal treasury is willing to bear.
Menu: [An extravagant feast] [A respectable feast] [A small feast] [No celebration]
Player chose: An extravagant feast
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Roasted meats, cakes, chocolates, wine, enough for everyone! And I can give out commemorative cups and coins!)
Elodie, Crown Princess: Hi, Lottie!
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Hi...
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's the matter?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Now that she's a minister, Mummy's been telling me more about Lumens. She wants me to learn about magic so I can be one when I'm older.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: But she says I need a crystal, and the only way to get one is when she dies... or when you die...
Charlotte, Lady Merva: I don't want to be a Lumen anymore!
Elodie, Crown Princess: Don't worry. We're both going to live a very long time.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Really?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I promise.

Week 39
(Studied Public Speaking in the morning.)
(Studied Flattery in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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 really can't see the point of wasting time worrying about decorations when there's so much else to worry about.
Others are more interested in the subject of your marriage.
Whomever you decide to marry will be elevated to the highest ranks of the nobility, which could mean a major shift in the balance of power. Therefore, everyone is talking about the top candidates, even though you're under no obligation to marry so young.
Talarist, the Duke of Sedna, is one option. Certainly he expressed interest in marrying you earlier. Your union would bring stronger ties to the domain of Talasse and improve the situation along the Elath border.
Then there is Banion, the Duke of Maree, a powerful and eligible noble only about ten years older than you.
You have received an interesting proposal from Banion's sister Brin, the Duchess of Hellas. She suggests that if you marry her brother, she might then wed your father, in which case she'd be able to see you more often.
There is Kevan, the Earl of Io. Although he is only an earl, his family connections could make him politically useful.
However, considering the 'family secret' Briony shared with you, could he ever be a proper husband?
There's little Adair, the eventual Duke of Elath, although at twelve he's only a child.
At least he's almost old enough to understand the concept of romance - some people think you ought to marry Gwenelle's half-brother Anciet, who hasn't even turned nine yet!
There are two or three minor earls around the age of twenty who might be passable alternatives, and of course you could decide to ignore noble traditions entirely and marry a commoner... if you were prepared to deal with the uproar.
While you will need to marry eventually, you are still very young. You could put this decision off until later. However, a clear succession contributes to the stability of your domain. Are you leaning towards any option?
Menu: [Talarist] [Banion] [Kevan] [Adair] [Anciet] [No one]
Player chose: Kevan
There's no time to pursue that thought at the moment, but perhaps in the future...
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
(Put on the history outfit.)

Week 40
(Studied Public Speaking in the morning.)
(Studied Public Speaking in the afternoon.)
At this time last year, you were celebrating your fourteenth birthday. You were in the school gardens, surrounded by your friends. A teacher brought you tea and cakes, while a wealthy merchant's son wove a crown of flowers for your head.
It didn't matter so much that you were a princess then. Your title was something for the future. Many of your peers would be Duchesses or Earls or the like, someday, but not then. You were children.
Your parents could not attend on the actual day, but they did send wonderful gifts, some for you, and some for you to share. And a 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!)
Once his daughter was secure on her throne, Joslyn returned to his birthplace to focus on his duties as Duke of Caloris.
He was pursued by many women, but showed little interest in remarrying, directing them instead to his brother, the Duke of Mazomba.
As Lumen Minister, Lucille requisitioned the orange crystal that Elodie had taken from the dead criminal and offered it to her daughter. However, Charlotte was not able to activate the crystal's powers. The young Queen pointed out that a crazed murderer would obviously have a very different resonance than her favorite cousin. Charlotte would have to wait to inherit her mother's magic.
Following Elodie's passionate defense of magic and her victory over the Shanjian fleet, the public opinion of Lumens rose to a height that hadn't been seen in a hundred years. Young children would dress up and play at being magical warriors of justice.
Freed from the need for secrecy, the Duchess Julianna and the Priestess Selene were able to announce their shared magical powers and their love. At Elodie's prompting, the lovers pledged their devotion to each other in a private ceremony, after which Selene retired from the priesthood to accompany her wife to Ursul.
As neither of them intended to bear children of the body, Julianna made arrangements for her niece Briony to be declared the next heir to the duchy of Ursul as well as the inheritor of her crystal. Briony's mother Corisande hoped that the training necessary to make her flighty daughter into a future magical girl warrior would keep her out of worse trouble.
The loss of their fleet was a terrible setback for Shanjia. However, as with a garden weed, if the root is not burned out completely the infestation may return even worse than before. The King of Shanjia had somehow escaped either drowning or capture and returned to his homeland to plot revenge against Nova.
Elodie's choice to return all the Shanjian prisoners for ransom made it easier for Shanjia to restore their military to the level necessary to maintain order, but it would take many years before they could field a conquering horde.
Elodie cautiously broached the subject of marriage to Kevan, the Earl of Io, indicating that she was aware of his 'circumstances' but that they should not be allowed to continue. Briony thought the whole thing was a terrible idea, but agreed to help convince her uncle to leave his sister's house.
On his wedding day, Kevan spoke as little as possible, even to his new wife. She went to bed that night alone.
It took months for him to talk openly about his past. The seduction by his stepfather, the relationship it developed into, the terrible night when his little brother Thaddeus saw what he should not have seen, and then his mother's horrified rejection. Arisse divorced her husband Jael at once, ordering him to stay away from Kevan. When he didn't, she had him killed. Was it any wonder that Kevan had deep problems with family, love, and trust?
Once he finally gave his full loyalty to Elodie, Kevan's devotion could not be shaken or challenged. Indeed, he would react violently at any threat to her safety, and swore that should anything happen to her, he would not live without her...
The invention of the printing press sparked the beginning of a new age of literacy and knowledge. No longer were books the sole preserve of the noble and wealthy; now information and ideas could be easily passed from one place to another. As the birthplace of this invention, Nova was at the center of a storm of change.
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.
That information could also be collected in books and sent around the world. Nova might not benefit directly, but thousands of lives would be saved.
Elodie's studies of history revealed previously glossed-over facts from Nova's past, such as why the Novan empire only blossomed after the fall of Borealis: The old Lumen warlords were forced to flee to more fertile ground after their constant squabbling damaged their homeland beyond repair.
That also explained why, from the beginning, magic in Nova was viewed with caution. But as memory faded, caution did as well, leading to a cycle of magical destruction that waxed and waned over the centuries.
Elodie vowed to improve the state of Novan education so that important lessons would not be so easily forgotten.
And thus Queen Elodie's legacy stretched into the future...