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Week 0

Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: We're almost home. Your room is just the way you left it.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I know it's hard to leave your school and all your friends, but I've arranged the best possible tutors for every subject.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You'll have to work hard this year to prepare yourself before your fifteenth birthday, but I know you can do it.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You'll learn quickly and you'll make a wonderful queen. It's what your mother would have wanted.
Elodie, Crown Princess: This is not what Mother would have wanted!
Elodie, Crown Princess: She wouldn't have wanted to die and leave me.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: No. She wouldn't. But sometimes bad things happen. We have to pick up and carry on.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: All of Nova depends on us. On you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: *sigh*
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I will be here to guide you until your coronation, but the decisions you make are ultimately up to you.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Come. Your maids are waiting.
Welcome to Long Live The Queen! If this is your first time playing, you should read this brief introduction to how the game works.
Menu: [Tell me more] [I've played this before]
Player chose: I've played this before
Week 1

(Studied Accounting in the morning.)
(Studied Accounting 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 Trade in the morning.)
(Studied Trade in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's that commotion outside? Father? What's going on?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I have come to pay my respects in honor of your mother.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You have no respect or honor. It's because of you and your powers that my wife is dead!
Elodie, Crown Princess: What?!?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I am a Lumen, as was she, and like every Lumen I am willing to give my life if necessary to protect our domain.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your line has been traitors for two hundred years. I won't have you corrupting my daughter.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is for the Crown Princess to decide.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Elodie, your mother trusted me, and I have much to teach you.
Menu: [Send her away] [Arrest her] [Let her stay]
Player chose: Let her stay
Elodie, Crown Princess: I want to hear what she has to say.
Elodie, Crown Princess: She stays.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: I love this room! It's so much bigger than mine back home.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You should visit more often. It's awful that the only time I get to see you is...
Elodie, Crown Princess: ... something like this.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I know your brother and sister are still too young, but why haven't you come to school?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: My mother worries about me. She doesn't think anywhere but home is safe.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I understand. I'm probably not going to be allowed to leave this castle until my birthday.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But at least we can have fun together here!
Week 3

(Studied Production in the morning.)
(Studied Production in the afternoon.)
Charlotte, Lady Merva: He loves me, he loves me not...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Lottie, do you have a boyfriend?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Not really. I just like to play with the flowers.
All of a sudden, the Duchess of Ursul rushes into the garden and points a sword at you!
No, not at you. At your... feet?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Princess! Don't move!
Menu: [Hold still] [Look down]
Player chose: Look down
You look down where her sword is pointing.
There's a snake in the grass!
You can't help it - you squeak and jump back. The snake tenses and prepares to strike.
Charlotte, Lady Merva: No!
Your cousin pushes you aside, and the snake's fangs sink into her leg.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Lottie!
Too late, Julianna swings her sword and cuts off the snake's head.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: What is going on out here?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your daughter's been bitten by a milk viper. They're poisonous. Get an herbalist, right away!
Lucille, Countess of Nix: I will treat my daughter. I certainly can't trust anyone here to keep her safe!
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm sorry...
Charlotte, Lady Merva: I don't feel good.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: We will be returning home to Merva immediately.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your aunt has a point. Milk vipers are not native to this area. That snake should never have been here.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Someone may have tried to kill you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Will Charlotte be okay?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I don't know.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What is it you wanted to teach me?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: First, I need to know if you have your mother's crystal.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What crystal?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The source of power for any Lumen is a particular magical crystal. Once you've bonded with it, it becomes a part of you as long as you live.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The Royal Crystal has been passed down from ruler to ruler for generations. It belongs to you, now - except that the King may be keeping it from you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Do you have a crystal?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Of course.
She holds out her hands. Light flickers above her bosom, and then, with a shower of sparkles, something takes shape.
You reach out to touch it, and it dissolves away into nothing.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It belongs to me. No one can take it from me until I die.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You need to find the crystal that belongs to you.
Week 4

(Studied Production in the morning.)
(Studied Production in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: The castle seems quieter with Charlotte and Emry and Zahra and their parents gone.
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's certainly not empty, though. It seems like we get more servants every day.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I was so worried about Charlotte, after that snake bit her...
Elodie, Crown Princess: But her mother said she's okay, so I guess it turned out all right.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Maybe she has a guardian angel!
You spend the weekend holed up alone in your room with your favorite toys. It's childish, but you feel a bit better.
Week 5

(Studied Trade in the morning.)
(Studied Trade in the afternoon.)
Your skill in Trade is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Economics skills are 25 or higher.
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: Something sparkly will make me feel better.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 6

(Studied Accounting in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Accounting in the afternoon.)
As you are walking, you spot a familiar figure in the palace gardens.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It's the Duchess of Ursul! Maybe I should go and say hello.)
Then you notice that seated beside her is a woman in the robes of a priestess. They are very close together, their hands gently touching as they speak.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Looks like she's busy!)
You turn and walk in a different direction, so as not to disturb them. At that moment, you notice something unusual. It looks like someone just left the palace grounds by going over the hedge.
Was that a servant? A thief? Or... an assassin?
Menu: [Climb up to look over the hedge] [Call the guards] [Run and hide]
Player chose: Climb up to look over the hedge
You look around for something to climb, but you're not sure if the nearby trees can support your weight.
You run over to a statue and try to pull yourself up onto the pedestal, but it's too awkward to get your feet in place.
By this time, whoever you saw is probably gone anyway.
Elodie, Crown Princess: How do I find my Lumen crystal?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your father probably knows what happened to it.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What if he destroyed it?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: They can't be destroyed. He could throw it away, but then someone else might find it. No, he'll keep it safe.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But if it's mine, it wouldn't matter if someone else found it.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It's attuned to you, but you haven't bonded with it yet. If it found a compatible host, someone who was like you in some way, it could bond to them.
(Put on the economics outfit.)
Week 7

(Studied Production in the morning.)
(Studied Production in the afternoon.)
As you are walking up the stairs, a maid comes running down holding a towering pile of linen.
Before you can react, she barrels into you, sending you and the sheets flying.
Alice: Oh, my lady! I'm so sorry!
Menu: [Apologise] [Punish her]
Player chose: Apologise
Elodie, Crown Princess: No, it was my fault. I should have gotten out of your way.
Alice: ... If you say so, my lady.
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.
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 9

(Studied Ciphering in the morning.)
(Studied Strategy in the afternoon.)
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, my sympathies for your loss. Even after all these years I sometimes forget that my own mother will never be coming back.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thank you.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: However, I must call for your aid. The Ixionite occupation of the county of Imbrium has gone on for too long. Now is the time to push back.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I know there's been some problems with Ixion, but I don't know the details. I guess they're occupying southern Maree.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (We have plenty of troops, so it shouldn't be that hard to drive them out, if we want to make a fight of it.)
Menu: [Try to negotiate] [Prepare for battle]
Player chose: Try to negotiate
Elodie, Crown Princess: There must be a peaceful way to settle this. I will send for diplomats from Ixion and try to come to some arrangement.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Thank you, Your Highness.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, if I may ask... That necklace you're wearing. Where did it come from?
Elodie, Crown Princess: It was a gift from the Duke of Sedna.
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Then, you have made arrangements with him?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Um... What sort of arrangements?
Banion, Duke of Maree, Earl of Serenitatis: Your Highness, that is a courting gift. The man wishes to gain your hand in marriage.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Oh. I didn't realise.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I got it!
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do I do now?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Pick up the crystal with your bare hands. Press it against your chest, over your heart, and say "Illuminate!"
Menu: [Do it] [Don't do it]
Player chose: Do it
Elodie, Crown Princess: Okay... Here we go... Illuminate!
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.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The priestess here is a friend of mine. I will come to your lessons in the faith and train you to use your powers.
Week 10

(Studied Internal Affairs in the morning.)
(Studied Internal Affairs 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 attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 11

(Studied Sense Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Sense Magic in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There are reports that a keythong has been sighted leaving the Old Forest.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's a keythong?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: A beast with the body of an enormous golden cat, a sharp beak, and spikes on its back.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Eek!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Several disappearances in southern Caloris are already thought to be the work of this creature.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do we do? Should we send hunters?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The traditional policy on stray beasts is to hope that they return to the forest and stay there.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Hunters are no match for such creatures. You would only make it angry and waste more lives.
Elodie, Crown Princess: So... we just let it eat people?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Everyone dies in the end.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Also, there is a letter for you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Talarist, the Duke of Sedna, will be arriving next week for an official visit.)
Sitting in on court sessions is not fun at all, but it pleases your father and it may be important for your future.
Week 12

(Studied Sense Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Resist Magic in the afternoon.)
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: Ah, Your Highness. What a pleasure it is to meet you in person at last. Your description did not do you justice.
Elodie, Crown Princess: *giggle*
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know how to deal with handsome older men paying me compliments!)
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I was so pleased to hear that you had accepted my humble offering. A jewel for a jewel - but you are the more precious.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I hope that this is only the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship. A union between us would bring stability to both our peoples.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (He really does want to marry me!)
Menu: [Accept his offer] [Politely decline]
Player chose: Accept his offer
Elodie, Crown Princess: I would be honored!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Elodie!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your Grace, are you not aware that my daughter has only fourteen summers?
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's my decision.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: A betrothal only, of course. There is no need for hurry. You have your coronation to plan for, after all.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: If I might be of service in any way, please, send for me. I will be happy to offer my protection or advice.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: ...
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
Week 13

(Studied Sense Magic in the morning.)
Your skill in Sense Magic is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Lumen skills are 25 or higher.
(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: (Hmm. This might have something to do with the last Duke of Mead. He was involved in all sorts of scandals.)
Menu: [Put her to work] [Imprison her] [Execute her] [Ask the Earl of Io about her story]
Player chose: Ask the Earl of Io about her story
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I need to know if she has any justification for her actions.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: Did the old Duke kill her brother?
Kevan, Earl of Io: Are you accusing my family?
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm asking what happened!
Kevan, Earl of Io: The honor of our line is far greater than that of the wet-bottomed child who sits the throne!
Elodie, Crown Princess: What?
Without warning, the Earl of Io draws a dagger and slices the convict's throat.
Kevan, Earl of Io: No one harms my family. No one!
He throws the blood-stained blade to the floor and walks away.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Ooooo!
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 14

(Studied Resist Magic in the morning.)
Your skill in Resist Magic is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Lumen skills are 25 or higher.
(Studied Wield 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.)
When you return to the castle, your father is waiting for you.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: There is a woman here to see you. She wishes Crown funding for a project.
Woman: Thank you for seeing me, Your Royal Highness. I... I come to you on behalf of the people.
Woman: I wish to build a hospital where any citizen afflicted with disease can be brought for treatment.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Putting all the sick people together? Wouldn't that make them die even faster?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: We are not interested.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 15

(Studied Wield Magic in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Wield 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.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Will the Duke of Sedna attend the gala?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: It is a traditional Novan event. Inviting your fiancé might be seen as a statement.
Menu: [Invite Talarist] [Don't]
Player chose: Invite Talarist
Elodie, Crown Princess: If I'm going to marry him, it's a statement I ought to send.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
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: (Apparently her uncle Kevan is absolutely furious about that woman's trial.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She's bored and looking for an adventure. Well, I don't have any to suggest to her!)
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
(Put on the lumen outfit.)
Week 16

(Studied Sense Magic in the morning.)
(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 parade and make a speech
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm not afraid. I'm going to be the best parade-leader ever!
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: My little girl.
You prepare your best gown for the occasion, then walk slowly through the town with your attendants. It would not be appropriate for you to wear a sword, but you do walk with a sturdy golden scepter that's taller than you are.
At the end of the route, you help the priestesses turn over the earth for the new tree to be planted.
After the blessings are read, you hold up your hands and call for silence so that you can speak.
Unfortunately, all the words you had planned go out of your head when you're faced with the moment.
You manage a few polite sayings about the meaning of the holidays and thank everyone for attending, then turn away, your cheeks red.
The procession regroups to return to the castle.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 17

(Studied Resist Magic in the morning.)
(Studied Wield 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.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: I believe the next turn is mine.
He bows gracefully and offers you his hand, then leans close to whisper a quick question.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: Do you know how to dance? Nod or shake your head.
Menu: [Nod yes] [Shake your head] [Step on his foot]
Player chose: Shake your head
You shake your head slightly, your hair swaying.
Talarist, Duke of Sedna: Watch me. I'll go slowly.
Dancing with a real partner feels quite different from dancing with your father. Especially when the man in front of you is the one you have agreed to marry.
His touch is gentle, his every move carefully signaled to be sure that you don't miss the beat. Is this what your marriage will be like?
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: (I don't think that's true at all.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (There are traces of old magic around her, too faint to make sense of, but strong.)
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: [Accuse her of hiding something] [Offer her a court position] [Promise not to tell]
Player chose: Accuse her of hiding something
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't think you're weak at all. I think there's something else you're hiding.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: Like what?
You open your mouth to answer her, and -
- find yourself unable to speak or move.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: My power isn't like your power, little princess. I control the absence of things. Sound. Light. Life.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: But you dying now would be too suspicious. Instead, you're going to have a very unfortunate accident.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: You will remain alive and helpless until everyone gives up hope of your recovery, and then you will die.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's what you think!)
Calling on your core of inner strength, you push your own magical energy into her spell, overloading it.
Lucille, Countess of Nix: What? What are you doing -
There is a loud noise, and the smell of burning.
When you can move again, you find your aunt lying lifeless on the ground, a glimmering purple crystal beside her.
Moments later, your father rushes into the room.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Elodie! What happened?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Aunt Lucille was an evil Lumen. She attacked me.
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's all right. She's gone now.
You feel drained of all energy and can barely keep your eyes open. Leaving your father to clean up the mess, you crawl off to bed.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Pssst! I need to talk to you!
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: What is it?
Elodie, Crown Princess: That priestess, Selene... She's a Lumen! I can sense it!
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: I know.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean, you know? If you knew that, why didn't you tell me?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You didn't need to know.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your job is managing the domain. Some of us have other duties. Our missions have been passed down for centuries, little princess.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: We are here to train you. You don't need to know any more than that.
Menu: [Order her to explain] [Let it go]
Player chose: Let it go
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Right...)
Week 18

(Studied Voice in the morning.)
(Studied Voice in the afternoon.)
You wander downstairs to visit your father and talk about the latest events in the domain.
You're moving with such enthusiasm that you don't realise your father isn't alone until it's too late to avoid him and his... companion.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: You are too kind, Joslyn.
Countess Sirin. Not a member of your circles - she's a bit more than a decade your senior, far too old to have ever been your friend. And yet, not at all old, as noblewomen go.
She has two minor titles, no husband, and your father's arm in her grasp.
How dare she make a move on your father?
Menu: [Shame her with silent scorn] [Insult her with false flattery] [Trip her as she passes]
Player chose: Shame her with silent scorn
You meet her eyes and imagine your mother's disapproving presence behind you.
She notices your stare, but only smiles at you ever-so-sweetly.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: Darling Elodie. I hope you have been well.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ... Fine.
Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto: Perhaps we'll be seeing more of each other in the future.
She gives a little wave and exits.
Once she's gone, you raise an eyebrow at your father.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This is the path that you have set us on.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What do you mean?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Your acts have made everyone think about preparations for the future. Caloris needs an heir.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: My brother, your uncle Armand, is looking for a wife as well. One of us, at least, must produce more children.
Elodie, Crown Princess: But... Mama...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Nothing can ever replace your mother.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: But we all have to do things that we don't want to do.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ...
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: You should be careful how you deal with people like Sirin. You need the goodwill of your nobles as well as your commoners.
Elodie, Crown Princess: There haven't been any problems so far.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Many dark looks were aimed your way at the gala.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As Queen, you must be aware of everything around you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Isn't that what I have agents for?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Yes, but you must give them direction. What is your greatest concern?
Menu: [Noble plots] [Commoner uprisings] [Foreign threats] [Assassins]
Player chose: 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.
All of a sudden, there is a scream from the hallway.
Rushing outside, you find a young squire lying on the floor. An amorphous black shape, like the imprint of a monstrous hand, surrounds his neck. He is not moving.
Before your eyes, the darkness fades away, leaving only ordinary bruises - and a body.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: What...?
Elodie, Crown Princess: It doesn't feel like a spell... not a Lumen spell, anyway.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What else could do something like this?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I don't know.
Everywhere you look, there are shadows... any one of them might be dangerous.
It will take some time to sleep tonight.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm scared...
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: What has happened?
Elodie, Crown Princess: First my aunt turned out to be a Lumen and attacked me, and now this mysterious darkness is killing people...
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Your aunt? Tell me everything.
You explain the encounter with the Countess of Nix at the gala, how she tried to ensorcel you and you drove back her magic wth your own, killing her in the process.
Then you describe the living shadow which strangled a squire and vanished before your eyes.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: A creeping shade.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: ... I'll take care of it. Don't worry. No one else will die.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Wait!
Elodie, Crown Princess: What's a creeping shade? Why is it here? What am I supposed to do about it?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It is your responsibility to study and become a queen. It is my responsibility to deal with dangers like this.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You are distracting yourself and me. You are wasting my time and putting others at risk.
Elodie, Crown Princess: ... Sorry.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Go. Do what you do. I will do what I do.
Week 19

(Studied Novan History in the morning.)
(Studied Novan History 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 five thousand, one hundred and twenty gold lassi and twenty-one 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: Keep them the same
Elodie, Crown Princess: I think they're fine as they are.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: As you wish.
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 20

(Studied Voice in the morning.)
(Studied Voice in the afternoon.)
Your skill in Voice is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Expression skills are 25 or higher.
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 Internal Affairs in the morning.)
Your skill in Internal Affairs is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Intrigue skills are 25 or higher.
(Studied Foreign Intelligence 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 hilarious!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's actually pretty funny!)
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?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Each Lumen can hold only one crystal.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: 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.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: That is the traditional policy - but it is a lie. Lumen crystals cannot be destroyed.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Rulers claim otherwise to discourage thieves from seeking dangerous treasures.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What am I supposed to do with a crystal, then?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Guard it, or hide it, or give it into other hands to wield.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: But if the last holder of the crystal was an enemy, the resonance of the crystal will work against you.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: 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!
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: A weak-willed candidate might be acceptable to the crystal and yet still controllable.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You could then steer that Lumen away from dangerous paths, making an ally and changing the crystal's resonance.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: 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 two crystals. That's not too much trouble.)
Week 22

(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
(Studied Ciphering in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I regret to inform you that Fabian, the Earl of Titan and Duke-Regent of Elath, has passed away.
This isn't really a surprise; he was pretty old. The problem is the political implications.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: With the control of Elath in doubt, it falls to the crown to make decisions.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Young Lord Adair will not reach his fifteenth birthday for over two years. He requires a regent.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: His stepmother, Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, has petitioned that the boy be left in her care.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: This would, however, leave her in personal control of two neighboring duchies, which is generally forbidden.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Almost the entire eastern border.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (I don't know anything really bad about her, though...)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: The boy does have a living grandfather, the Earl of Ishtar. Or you might appoint an unrelated noble to act in his stead.
Menu: [Leave him with Arisse] [Send him to his grandfather] [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.
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 23

(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
(Studied Internal Affairs 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: (I wonder if she also writes naughty poetry?)
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 have the support of the common people, but not their love. Not yet.
Sabine: Of course, with me at your side, your popularity can only increase. Never underestimate the power of music.
Week 24

(Studied Archery in the morning.)
(Studied Archery 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.
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 25

(Studied Archery in the morning.)
(Studied Archery 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.
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.
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 26

(Studied Archery in the morning.)
Your skill in Archery is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Weapons skills are 25 or higher.
(Studied Reflexes in the afternoon.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: What a beautiful day!
Elodie, Crown Princess: It's nice to stop and breathe sometimes.
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
Week 27

(Studied Public Speaking in the morning.)
(Studied Public Speaking in the afternoon.)
Alice: My lady, there are letters for you.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Another letter from Briony. Why does she keep writing me? We were never even friends.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She says she's bored and lonely and she's looking forward to seeing me at Gwenelle's birthday party.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (That's right! Gwenelle is about to turn fifteen! She'll be Duchess of Sudbury for real now.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (This other letter must be my invitation to her birthday celebration next week.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Gwenelle and I were friends at school, and this will be a big event, but it's also a long way to travel.)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (A lot of things can happen on the road.)
Menu: [Go to Sudbury for Gwenelle's party] [Send your regrets]
Player chose: Go to Sudbury for Gwenelle's party
Elodie, Crown Princess: (It'll be good to see my friends!)
You pay your respects to your mother's tomb, and wonder if the same fate is waiting for you.
Week 28

(Studied Flattery in the morning.)
(Studied Flattery in the afternoon.)
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.
Your uncle, the Duke of Merva, is present, and you realise that you've never spoken to him about his wife's death. You wonder if Charlotte and her siblings are here.
You notice several people quickly looking away and whispering to their companions when they catch sight of you. You wonder what they are talking about.
Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, is present, but she somehow always manages to avoid talking to you when you draw near.
There are refreshments and dancers and musicians and polite conversations... and one or two not-so-polite.
Lieke, Countess of Dis: ... will not be shoved aside.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: Mother, it's my domain now. I need space for myself. You have your own lands to manage.
Lieke, Countess of Dis: Just because you're of age doesn't mean you know everything, young lady. You need my advice.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: This is my home. It has never been yours.
Before you can back away, their gazes fall on you. They wait expectantly for you as near-queen to settle the dispute.
Menu: [Side with Gwenelle] [Side with her mother]
Player chose: Side with Gwenelle
Elodie, Crown Princess: You heard her. She's an adult now, and she's in charge here.
Gwenelle, Duchess of Sudbury: Thank you!
Lieke, Countess of Dis: Is this what your father will face upon your coronation? Cast aside without another word?
Elodie, Crown Princess: (... He's not going to like hearing that, is he.)
A bit later, Briony catches up with you.
Briony, Lady Mead: Hello, Elodie. It's so wonderful that you're going to be Queen now.
Briony, Lady Mead: I mean, I am sorry about your mother...
Elodie, Crown Princess: Thanks.
Briony, Lady Mead: ... but think of the opportunities you're going to have! You're so lucky.
That's an odd way of putting it.
Briony, Lady Mead: Anyway, I was wondering, now that you're almost Queen and everything... have they told you all the secrets?
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: Old palace?
Briony, Lady Mead: The one at Kathre Lake! Where the Kings and Queens of Nova used to live.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I don't know anything about it.
Briony, Lady Mead: Oh.
She bites her lip and frowns at you.
Briony, Lady Mead: Well, never mind, then.
She walks away. So much for wanting to talk to you!
At the end, you all share a pleasant meal and prepare to return to your various lands.
Only then do you catch sight of someone you've been looking for.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Charlotte!
Charlotte, Lady Merva: ... Leave me alone.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What?
Charlotte, Lady Merva: Don't talk to me! Stay away from me!
She runs away.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (Of course... I killed her mother, didn't I?)
Elodie, Crown Princess: (She'll never forgive me.)
There's nothing you can do about it now.
You sneak a peek at some of the luckless peasants held in the dungeons - petty thieves and troublemakers, now suffering in the dark. They're obviously bad people, but seeing them so miserable still feels unfair. There must be a better way.
Week 29

(Studied Divination in the morning.)
(Studied Divination in the afternoon.)
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: I noticed you were looking over some military records the other day.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I was just checking into how many soldiers we had available.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: If you're desperate to recruit more fighters, you could offer pardons to criminals in exchange for service.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Be careful, though. Some of them are dangerous and unreliable. That's why they were imprisoned to begin with.
Menu: [Recruit soldiers from prison] [Don't]
Player chose: Recruit soldiers from prison
Elodie, Crown Princess: All right, let's do that. Criminals probably already know how to fight.
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 30

(Studied Naval Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Naval Strategy in the afternoon.)
Alice: The Duchess of Mead is here to see you, my lady.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: Hello, Elodie. I'm sorry to trouble you, but - have you seen Briony?
Elodie, Crown Princess: Not since the party last week.
She shakes her head.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: She's gone missing. She's not at school where she should be. I know she was unhappy, but I never expected...
Elodie, Crown Princess: She was asking questions at the party about the old Novan palace, but then she wandered off.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I'm sorry, I really don't know.
Corisande, Duchess of Mead: The... Oh, no. Oh, Briony, what have you done?
She hurries out of the room without even bothering to say farewell.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 31

(Studied Naval Strategy in the morning.)
Your skill in Naval Strategy is now 50. You may not increase this skill until your other Military skills are 25 or higher.
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
As you are walking through the great hall, a freak gust of wind suddenly blows out all the candles in the room.
Elodie, Crown Princess: (How strange. There must be an open window somewhere.)
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 32

(Studied Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
You have unlocked a new outfit!
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 Strategy in the morning.)
You may now tour the Barracks on the weekends.
(Studied Logistics 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: Mounted Parade
You choose to lead the parade mounted on a brilliant white horse.
However, the effect of your appearance is spoiled somewhat by the way that you're clinging to the horse's neck. Perhaps it might have been wise to take some riding lessons first.
All the winners are announced and displayed to great cheers. As near-Queen, you place flower garlands around their necks.
All of a sudden, a man approaches the winner's platform.
It's Kevan, the Earl of Io.
In one hand, he carries an armored gauntlet. In the other, a sword.
Kevan, Earl of Io: My family's blood is on your hands!
Elodie, Crown Princess: (What is he talking about?)
He casts the metal glove to the ground with a clatter and raises his sword, pointing it at you.
Kevan, Earl of Io: I challenge you, Elodie! A life for a life!
He's challenging you to a duel?
Doesn't he know you could burn him to a crisp just by waving your hand?
Menu: [Accept] [Refuse] [Kill him with magic]
Player chose: Kill him with magic
Without a further word, you direct the full force of your magical wrath at the Earl of Io.
There is a horrible scream, and the smell of burning flesh.
Elodie, Crown Princess: I decline.
Kevan's sword falls to the ground beside his gauntlet. He won't be needing either anymore.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 34

(Studied Naval Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Naval Strategy in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Naval Strategy.
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.
Elodie, Crown Princess: What about Talasse? Can we call on any troops from Sedna?
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Send a message, but even if he agrees, it will take time for his soldiers to mobilise.
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 find the Duchess of Ursul in her guest quarters.
Elodie, Crown Princess: A fleet from Shanjia is attacking us. Is it possible to sink them all with magic?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It is easy enough to attack one soldier, one ship, as a demonstration. But to obliterate an entire fleet...
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: You would need an immense amount of power spread over a large area, more than any one Lumen could control.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: If you tried to raise that much power yourself, you would die. Not could. Would.
Elodie, Crown Princess: So it's hopeless.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Not necessarily.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: The most dangerous power of Imperial Nova was that of Lumens acting in concert.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: If the need is great and the will is true, one Lumen may choose to give command of her power to another.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: Three, perhaps four people working together might have the strength to destroy a fleet.
Elodie, Crown Princess: You, me, and Selene. Will that be enough?
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: It might. Are you willing to take the risk? Such power has its price.
Menu: [Yes] [No]
Player chose: No
Elodie, Crown Princess: No. I think I'd rather rely on the soldiers to protect me.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: So be it.
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul: So be 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.
The game will now attempt to save the log and open it in a web browser.
Menu: [Continue] [Cancel]
Player chose: Continue
Log saved to /Users/posterofagirll/Library/RenPy/LongLiveTheQueen/log.html Starting browser.
Week 35

(Studied Strategy in the morning.)
(Studied Logistics in the afternoon.)
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.
Your skill in long-range magic makes you as effective as a cannon (and more maneuverable), but there are far too many ships for you to take each one out individually.
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 Poison in the morning.)
(Studied Divination 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?
Menu: [Ransom the rich, conscript the poor] [Ransom the rich, execute the poor] [Execute them all]
Player chose: Execute them all
Elodie, Crown Princess: No mercy. Kill them all.
Elodie, Crown Princess: Anyone who goes against me will be wiped out.
Joslyn, King Dowager, Duke of Caloris: Very well.
A walk in the fresh air helps you forget the burdens on your shoulders.
Week 37

(Studied Foreign Intelligence in the morning.)
(Studied Ciphering in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Ciphering.
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 attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 38

(Studied Wield Magic in the morning.)
You have nothing more to learn about Wield Magic.
(Studied Resist Magic in the afternoon.)
You have nothing more to learn about Resist Magic.
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.
Unfortunately, the Royal Treasury has been stretched too far in recent times to support a great feast. Perhaps next year.
You sneak down to the castle dungeons and amuse yourself by poking the locked-up peasants with sticks. Poor fools.
Week 39

(Studied Decoration in the morning.)
(Studied Decoration in the afternoon.)
The castle is buzzing with preparations for your upcoming coronation. Ministers press you with details for your favorite colors and flowers and so on.
You 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.
It can't take place until you are of age, of course, and considering all the preparations (and the need to recover from the coronation) not for much longer than that. Still, it doesn't stop people from buzzing around full of ideas and suggestions.
You attend services in the castle grove, letting the peace of the ritual calm your heart.
Week 40

(Studied Decoration in the morning.)
(Studied Decoration 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!)
The following year, Elodie and Talarist were married in a ceremony that threatened to rival her coronation for pomp and splendour.
Talarist brought with him a gift of fine white horses, and encouraged his young wife to amuse herself while he enjoyed his new place in Novan politics. He was clearly in no hurry to provide an heir to the throne.
Once his daughter was secure on her throne, Joslyn returned to his birthplace to focus on his duties as Duke of Caloris.
He soon became engaged to the Countess Sirin.
Over time, Elodie and Charlotte slowly mended their relationship.
Coded journals belonging to the late Countess of Nix revealed more evidence for her plot to eliminate her niece as well as her husband, leaving the innocent Charlotte as the heir to the Novan throne. Faced with that, Charlotte was forced to admit that her mother had been training her in meditation techniques intended to make her a powerful Lumen someday when she was able to obtain a crystal of her own.
Now, of course, her mother's crystal was available, but Charlotte wanted nothing to do with it.
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.
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.
While Shanjia had lost many soldiers, they now had new allies. Leaders of other countries were shocked at Elodie's cavalier treatment of the Shanjian prisoners of war and determined to teach this upstart Queen a lesson. Nova would be under siege for years to come.
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.
As a Lumen, it was Elodie's responsibility to defend Nova from monstrous threats. She decided that the monsters within the realm were every bit as dangerous as those outside, and thus set herself to the task of conquering the Old Forest.
Each monster would have to be identified and carefully studied in order to defeat it without upsetting the balance. It would take many years to reach the heart of the forest, but Elodie was undaunted.
And thus Queen Elodie's legacy stretched into the future...