#[support] azelle

[kasztanek86]

She bara bada on my bastu 'til I sauna

[gurado-no-nouru]

Azelle presents his classmate with the tray of pastries, smiling wide in the face of a face that he interprets as bored, or perhaps annoyed. Some people's faces are just like that, though, so he tries not to read into it.

"Excuse me," he says gently, trying to draw the other's attention away from his book. "My name is Azelle Velthomer. I'm one of your classmates. It's nice to meet you. Would you like a pastry?"

He presents the tray to Knoll: still full of cinnamon rolls and raspberry tarts for him to choose from.

Knoll raises his head, then takes a moment to bookmark his thoughts, as well as his book.

He smiles politely. "I'm Knoll, nice to meet you too, Azelle. It's very kind of you to offer these."

He considers the options: a roll or a tart. Every decision for Knoll is an important decision, unless he seriously decides that the dilemma is not worth his time.

"Mhh," he ponders still. "I will go for the cinnamon roll, if you please."

His exact reason for this choice is that he didn't know what was in the tart, and didn't want to bother Azelle more than was necessary, since he had to pass every student. Also, the more time Knoll passes away from his book, the more likely he will forget his last idea.

He takes out a small violet cloth tissue from a pocket and momentarily pauses to see if Anelle will hand over the pastry or if he should reach for it.

@azelfire

[valflaame]

No one would believe him if he voiced his thoughts aloud. There's an undeniable shift in the air, a shiver settling deep in his bones with no known cause. He brushes it off at first as a side effect of the training gauntlet, though his doubts linger.

Exhaustion fades a day after the event yet the unsettled feeling remains. Azelle finds himself looking over his shoulder, hesitant to turn corners, body tensing at the slightest provocation.

A spoon is halfway to his mouth when the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Slowly, the utensil lowers, dropping back into his soup with a dull plop. Azelle's gaze lands on his half-brother as if drawn by a magnet.

He swallows, throat bobbing, before standing on unsteady legs. "Arvis," he croaks out in disbelief. (Or is it fear?) "...what are you doing here?"

Arvis had often wondered what happened to Azelle.

He had entrusted him to Sigurd, told him explicitly that his brother meant to world to him. After the battle of Belhalla he hadn't learned of his half-brother's fate, and it ate at him.

Arvis may not have been the most kind and loving sort to Azelle, but that did not mean he did not think about him, and feel protective over him. Azelle was not immune to Arvis' fiery temper, his outbursts, his jealous and possessive moments -- he's not sure he ever made it clear to the younger that he did not begrudge him anything.

All of these thoughts come to him at once as he turns and hears that familiar voice. This monastery truly has the most curious of magic, bringing his family back to him, one by one.

"Azelle," is all he trusts himself to say at first, and then adds: "I'm getting dinner. Care to join me?"

[justicespeared]

"Hello! Excuse me, miss?"

Azelle calls for the pig-tailed knight to get her attention, waving to draw her eye, as well. "Hi. Sorry for bothering you, but I was wondering if you've seen -"

He realizes his impropriety and quickly aims to amend it, offering the woman a polite bow and his name.

"Excuse me. I am Azelle Velthomer. We fought in round two, and I was wondering if you haven't seen a tome I seem to have misplaced? Not a fire tome, mind, it was something my opponent lost in round one, and I'd intended to return it to her, but round two started before I had the chance. Have you seen it?"

post-BOEL

“Oh, Red-Haired Guy!” Of course, this is how Cynthia chooses to greet him. She’d never met this man before in her life, that is, until their fight. Then he’d sworn revenge on her, yadda yadda, the usual stuff.

“I remember you; I kicked your butt.” This is a matter of pride, especially after Cynthia had lost so pathetically in round 3. Eh, maybe Tine would appreciate the irony, come to think of it. Still, not important - he’s here for bigger things. “Oh, and my name’s Cynthia.” Jeez, this guy must be important if he’s got two names. Why doesn’t Cynthia have two names? Ooh, she’s so jealous.

“Er… L’Arachel might’ve taken it? I dunno,” she says with a shrug. “All I got was a neat bow out of the fight, but I can’t keep it. That sucks, right? Not that I can use it, but y’know, it would’ve been useful.” Not that she speaks to many archers. “You need a hand to look for the thing? I can help!” Anything to distract her brain and body from the crushing loss.

[taguelbunnyboy]

🎲

(Rolled 41: A kiss out of spite)

"Ha! Bet the half-breed's never kissed anyone before? How's it feel being part of a failing species?"

Yarne pales under the words - even after this time, hate still makes him feel scared. But even with that...

Something different clicks in him this time.

"I've kissed before. And even if I hadn't..."

Out of impulse, Yarne grabs the nearest student attending the lecture, pulling him in close.

"Sorry about this."

He whispers it out before placing a soft, delicate kiss to his lips, and pushing back, glaring at the overtalkative bully.

"I've got more chances for a partner than you ever will. So talk to me again about who's a failing species."

He practically spits out the words, watching the bully scurry off, before looking back to the student he had pulled close - he hadn't really seen him before, but...

"I... sorry about that - again. Needed to scare them off. They weren't... letting up. That felt like the only way I could get them to scatter."

He rubs his neck awkwardly, but still smiles.

"I... hope it wasn't too bad, regardless?"

[nohrslittleflower]

Nearing the end of his quest to introduce himself to everyone belonging to his same house, he confirms that he has enough pastries left for everyone and finds that he made too many. Oh well!

That's about the opposite of a problem, he thinks.

He approaches the blond girl with a smile, bending to allow her to see the platter of pastries better. "Hello!" he says. "I'm Azelle Velthomer. I'm one of the newer classmates. I just wanted to introduce myself. Would you like a treat? There's raspberry tarts and cinnamon rolls."

She already knows who he is by now. Her eyes have been locked onto him since the moment he first walked through the door with a plethora of sweet treats in tow. She wasn’t about to go up and ask for one outright, that would’ve been rude, but she was definitely trying to telepathically send the message that yes she very much wants one.

Fortunately, it seems the message was received. “Really?! Thank you!” Elise smiles broadly, wasting no time in reaching for one. Hand hovers indecisively over the treats for a moment, before eventually settling on a cinnamon roll. As much as she wants to ask if both would be an option, she knows adults are supposed to limit themselves on the treats. The worst part, really. Tragic.

The Nohrian princess gasps, hand covering her mouth as she takes the first bite. Because talking with your mouth open is rude, but this simply cannot wait. “This is really good! Did you make this?!” She asks, but the answer doesn’t really matter. The cinnamon roll’s fate is sealed all the same. Do not cry for it. It is in a better place now.

“Oh, I’m Elise, by the way. Welcome to the Black Eagles, hehe!”

[caffedrine]

Golden Week 2025 - April Fools - Ricci Corporation - Fan Translation

If you trust me to know what I'm doing, then we have both made a huge mistake. I cannot guarantee accuracy for this fan translation, or even grammatical correctness.

Please support Cybird and pick up this event when it makes it to the English Server

Ricci Corporation

A month had passed since I joined Ricci Corporation—a world-famous giant that oversees the distribution of all things.

Emma: "Haaa..."

Rio: "Emma, what's with that cute little sigh?"

Emma: "I was just thinking… you're really amazing, Rio."

Rio: "...Emma complimented me. I could die right now and have no regrets in life."

Emma: "You're not allowed to die… But today again, you went out on sales visits and brought back several deals, right?"

Emma: "And from that famous Dompteur Holdings group, no less."

Rio: "It was just luck. Apparently, someone over there knew me from Prista."

Emma: "As expected of the ultra-popular Pristagrammer who rivals actual celebrities..."

Emma: "Didn’t your follower count just pass 5 million the other day?"

Rio: "Wait—Emma, you follow me too?"

Emma: "I do. Your posts always feature stuff I like, so I look forward to your updates."

Rio: "Really!? That’s great. That account’s actually for you, you know."

Emma: "...What?"

Rio: "Becoming well-known means I get access to all sorts of new info…"

Rio: "So no matter when we go on a date, I’ll be fully prepared."

Rio: "And if I have money, I can shower you with gifts…!"

Azel: "Shower with gifts… What a lovely phrase."

Rio: "You just jumped in out of nowhere!?"

Azel: "Apologies. I couldn’t help but overhear such an amusing—ahem, fascinating conversation."

Azel: "I was listening from the beginning, but back to the point—what was that sigh about?"

Rio: "Oh, right. Emma, if something’s bothering you, I’ll listen."

Emma: "Mm… It’s not really a problem. I’m okay."

Azel (mimicking dramatically): "Why can’t I land deals like Rio…? Everyone else is so competent, I feel like I’m the only one falling short… Waaah…!"

Emma: "How did you know!?"

Azel: "I'm a god—I mean, a top-tier consultant."

Rio: "But Emma, didn’t you land that deal with the GVO Group the other day?"

Emma: "That was just one deal. I don’t have as many connections as you, Rio."

Rio: "Landing a deal from GVO is a major achievement, you know?"

(He says that, but compared to the other star recruits in sales, my numbers still fall short...) (No, it’s not just Rio.) (This company is full of highly competent people, so I’ve got to work even harder.)

Silvio: "What are you guys talking about?"

Rio: "Ugh—it’s him."

Silvio: "Huh? Watch your tone when talking to the CEO, punk."

Rio: "Oww, oww—don’t grab my head, it’s gonna crack!"

Keith: "Emma, it’s been a while."

Emma: "Mr. Keith! It has been a while. I didn’t realize you were here."

Keith: "Yeah. I came to pitch an idea to Mr. Silvio."

Keith: "Are you getting used to the new company?"

Emma: "Well… sort of…"

Azel: "She seems to be struggling with a slump in her sales performance."

Silvio: "Huh? Didn’t she just land that deal with GVO the other day?"

Silvio: "I don’t know how you talked that eye-patch guy into it, but that deal was a major win."

Azel: "Wow, that’s exactly what Rio said."

Rio: "Ow, ow, ow! Why are you squeezing my head so hard!?"

Keith: "To get a result like that after just one month—that’s impressive. You’ve got talent for sales, Emma."

Emma: "Thank you. I still have a long way to go, though."

Emma: "Everyone at Ricci Corporation is so talented—it really keeps me on my toes."

Azel: "Hard to take you seriously when you say that with such a gloomy face."

Silvio: "...Hey, girl. Then why don’t you take on that project Mr. Gloom-and-Doom brought in?"

Emma: "Eh...?"

Rio: "Better not be throwing her into something impossible."

Silvio: "Oh, it’s high difficulty for sure. The client is that stuck-up conglomerate."

Azel: "Ah, the Michel Conglomerate. A veritable treasure chest—I quite like them."

Emma: "The Michel Conglomerate!? Isn’t that the one led by that famously ruthless CEO who runs everything with brutal efficiency...?"

Keith: "Yeah, that’s the one. Apparently, the CEO is looking for partners for a new business venture."

Keith: "I heard from a friend—Mr. Clavis—that they’ll be holding a logistics competition soon, so I came to give you a heads-up."

Silvio: "The CEO’s supposed to be attending the competition in person. I want you to pitch our plan and land the deal directly."

Emma: "You're assigning such an important role to me…? Are you sure?"

Silvio: "I said you’re doing it. You need another reason?"

Azel: "Don’t worry. As long as I’m compensated, I’ll help out."

Azel: "As long as I’m compensated."

Rio: "Of course I’ll help too, Emma! If you’re ready to take this on, I’ll support you all the way."

(Honestly, just thinking about it makes my legs tremble.) (But this is a job the CEO personally assigned to me. I won’t let this opportunity go to waste.)

Emma: "Thank you. I’ll win this project—no matter what it takes."

Silvio: "Hah! At least you’ve got guts."

(Alright, time to get started on preparations—!)

—Two weeks until the competition.

(The materials should be here somewhere…) (But there’s just too much to go through—I can’t find it.)

Azel: "Looking for these documents?"

Emma: "Mr. Azel! How did you know—"

Azel: "I’m a god—I mean, a top-tier consultant. How many times are we going to have this exchange?"

Azel: "I’m also Silvio’s errand boy, so I know where everything is stored."

Emma: "A top-tier consultant and… an errand boy?"

Azel: "Is that a problem?"

Emma: "N-no, not at all! Thank you so much, Mr. Azel!"

Emma: "Wait—why are you holding the documents up like that…?"

Azel: "Surely you didn’t think they were free."

Emma: "...There’s a charge?"

Azel: "Of course. I have a strict no-free-labor policy."

Emma: "I’m sorry… I don’t have any cash on me right now…"

Azel: "I happen to know you're hiding a delicious-looking homemade bento."

Azel: "Not just one—for lunch and dinner. Enough for two people, yes?"

Emma: "...Would you like to share it with me later?"

Azel: "How agreeable. In that case, here you go."

Emma: "Thank you—for real this time!"

Azel: "If you need any other materials, I’d be happy to assist... for a fee, of course."

Emma: "Ugh… At this rate, I feel like you’re going to strip me of everything… You wouldn’t happen to know where the previous competition documents are, would you?"

Azel: "I expect my own personal bento tomorrow."

Emma: "Y-yes! I’ll make a formal offering—please look forward to it!"

—1 week until the competition.

(If I don’t finish preparing the documents by today, I won’t have time for review.) (I might miss the last train home... but if that happens, I’ll deal with it. Time to buckle down.)

Rio: "Hey Emma, I’m feeling this overwhelming urge to work right now. Got anything for me to do?"

Emma: "It’s already past office hours, you know?"

Rio: "It’s always been a dream of mine to work overtime alongside my beloved Emma."

Rio: "But I’ve finished all my tasks, and I’ve got nothing left... so, I thought maybe you could share?"

Emma: "...You’re doing this for my sake, aren’t you?"

Rio: "Sorry, this time it’s for me."

Rio: "If it’s data-related work, it’s something anyone else can handle, right?"

Rio: "I just want to work late with you. Please?"

Emma: "...You’re always so kind, Rio. Thank you."

Emma: "Okay then, I’ll take you up on your offer. Could you handle these pages?"

Rio: "Gladly! Ah, our first joint task together..."

Emma: "I’ll have to thank you somehow. Rio, if I made a bento, would you eat it?"

Rio: "Eat it? Absolutely. I’d love to! Please let me eat it!"

Rio: "Emma’s homemade bento... Uh-oh. Just imagining it is giving me a nosebleed..."

Emma: "Fufu, you’re being dramatic. You like pain perdu, right?"

Emma: "I’ll make sure to include it in the lunch."

Rio: "Thank you, Emma. I’m so glad to be alive...!"

Rio: "I’ll work even harder! I’ll be your loyal dog for life, so feel free to work me to the bone, Emma!"

—3 days until the competition.

Keith: "Emma... are you okay?"

Emma: "Hello, Mr. Keith. I wouldn’t say I’m ‘okay’ exactly..."

Keith: "Yeah, when you got into the elevator just now, you looked like you were about to collapse."

Emma: "Oh... I guess I just let my guard down a little. The competition’s getting close, and I haven’t been sleeping well from the nerves."

(Wow... I must really be a mess if someone from outside the company is worried about me.) (At this rate, I might mess everything up on the big day. I need to do something about this...)

Keith: "I know. Emma, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to have this."

Emma: "An energy drink?"

Keith: "Yeah, it’s a new product from our company."

Keith: "It’s specially formulated for recovery and meant to be taken before bed."

Keith: "This product is meant for hardworking women like you, Emma—so I’d love to hear your feedback."

Emma: "If that’s the case… thank you very much, Mr. Keith."

Emma: "...Huh? ‘You can do this. I’m cheering you on.’ …This writing—?"

Keith: "Ah, so you noticed."

Keith: "Azel told me that you’ve been working yourself to the bone day and night..."

Keith: "So I’ve been carrying that around, hoping to give it to you when I saw you."

Keith: "...Sorry if that came off as creepy."

Emma: "Not at all! I’m really happy... truly."

Emma: "Thank you so much. I’ll do my best so I can bring you good news."

—The day of the competition.

(Whoa... there are so many people here…) (And... that must be the head of the Michele Conglomerate, Lord Chevalier.) (This pressure… It’s intense. I feel like my heart might leap out of my mouth.)

Silvio: "Hah! What are you getting scared for?"

Emma: "...President Silvio."

Silvio: "Don’t start sounding like you're gonna cry. Chin up, walk tall, and get in there."

Silvio: "You didn’t bring a half-baked presentation, did you?"

Emma: "Of course not. I... I’m confident in it."

(Azel and Rio helped me. Mr. Keith encouraged me. I can’t afford to lose heart now.)

Emma: "I’m just... a little fired up, that’s all."

Silvio: "Don’t walk onstage like you’re flailing all your limbs at once, got it?"

Emma: "I—I won't… probably…"

Silvio: "Where’s all that confidence gone?"

Emma: "Wah—President! Please don’t ruffle my hair! It’ll ruin the style!"

Silvio: "Then get it together. No one will fault you for giving it your all, no matter the outcome."

Silvio: "And if someone does, I’ll deal with them. The only one who’s allowed to complain is me."

Emma: "So you will complain."

Silvio: "Of course. In my position, I can’t just say ‘failure is fine.’"

Silvio: "You didn’t want someone soft on you from the start, did you?"

Silvio: "I’m putting my trust in you. Just focus on winning."

(…It’s strange. Hearing him say that actually makes me feel like I can do this.)

Emma: "Thank you, President."

Emma: "Even if I trip over my own feet—I’ll make sure this is a success!"

~Later~

Rio: "Emma! Congratulations!!"

Keith: "I heard you landed the project at the competition."

Azel: "Now would be the perfect time to offer me a generous cooperation bonus, wouldn’t it?"

Emma: "Everyone... You already heard, huh?"

Silvio: "Tch. You guys are so noisy. Don’t all barge into my office at once and start squawking."

Rio: "Ouch, ouch, ouch—why am I the only one getting hit!?"

Emma: "I was planning to visit each of you later, so this actually works out perfectly."

Emma: "Thank you so much for all your support during this competition."

Emma: "I truly don’t think I could’ve done by myself."

Emma: "Azel and Rio helped me… Mr. Keith and President Silvio pushed me forward…"

Emma: "This win was only possible because of all of you."

Silvio: "Now you’re getting it. That’s your talent."

Emma: "...My talent?"

Silvio: "A company is a team effort. If you’re the kind of person others want to help or cheer on, you’re bound to go far."

Silvio: "Your abilities are different from this mutt’s. Comparing them is pointless."

Silvio: "I’m the one giving you that evaluation, so quit beating yourself up already."

(...Oh no, I think I’m going to cry.) (I kept thinking I wasn’t pulling my weight compared to everyone else...) (But at least President Silvio doesn’t see me that way.)

Azel: "By the way, President, how about we hold a dinner party to celebrate Emma’s success?"

Azel: "I’ve already made the reservation."

Silvio: "You just want a free meal, don’t you?"

Azel: "Exactly."

Keith: "You’re refreshingly honest, as always, Mr. Azel."

Silvio: "Fine. I’m starving anyway—let’s go eat."

Silvio: "I’ll treat everyone except the mutt. Eat whatever you like."

Rio: "You cheapskate!"

Silvio: "Huh?"

Emma: "President Silvio, please stop—if you hit Rio again, his head will split open!"

Keith: "I’ve got medicine."

Emma: "That’s not the point!"

Azel: "Now, now—the car is already waiting. Let’s be on our way."

Silvio: "...You really don’t miss a trick."

As laughter echoed, the lights of the executive office were turned off.

(I want to keep doing my best at this company, from now on, and always.)

[mneiai]

My personal ratings for a bunch of Ikemen Prince characters:

(They're in alphabetical order. Vague spoilers for multiple routes.)

(See my current route ratings here)

Akatsuki: 9/10

Really fun character, love him every time he gets significant screentime, especially Gilbert's and Rio's routes, desperately hope he's a major character in the upcoming new prince stuff. Loses a point because he's the number one supporter of Belle being his daughter, but constantly denies it, too (just adopt her already omg). Pretty sure he's actually an information broker and not a bookseller? Would be cool if he were like head of the stereotypical rofan information guild.

Azel: 7/10

Only know the bare minimum about him so far and that he's disappointingly pale, also that he is very, very punchable seeming. I've got high hopes for his route! (But right now am just shipping him with Silvio)

Chevalier: 3/10

Occasionally interesting, backfires for me because he'd be so much better if they'd just let him be a villain instead of trying to have their cake and eat it, too. A huge victim of failures to both "show don't tell" and of successfully writing a character who is smarter than the writers. Too good at anything with more or less fake weaknesses. Huge disappointment, his presence is almost always a reminder of how much cooler he could have been interspersed with a few scenes where he actually gets to shine. Also constantly annoyed at his warmonger imperialism being treated as a perfectly good philosophy for Rhodolite's king to have instead of a major flaw. And if he was half as smart as he supposedly is, he'd never even want the throne because of how much that would limit his mobility and ability to hide what he's doing (another way Gilbert is the superior character).

Clavis: 7/10

Better in other routes/events than his own, when there's a "is he or isn't he?" mystique around his loyalty and where he gets to be a true chaos monkey. Especially because he's not considered one of the geniuses, but in multiple routes he very much seemed to be thinking so many steps ahead he might be psychic. Normally he's creepy in the best of ways. Don't really get his motivations all things considered, but I'm also pro-killing-Chev-off.

Cyran: 15/10

Best character in the game. Clever, funny, caring, cutting dry humor. Who else could spend so much time with Clavis without committing a murder? Total bullshit we can't romance him. Let me leave Clavis/Chev/whoever for him, damn you, game. Clavis should hilariously non-consensually adopt him so he can count as a prince and be an LI. Or let him lead a peasant revolt and become prime minister or something.

Gilbert: 10/10

Most aesthetically pleasing model in the game, could stare at him on my screen forever. Love yanderes, like how he's still a little freaky about the MC in many other routes even if they can't make him a yandere there (I've got a whole theory how there's like three different Gilbert timelines a route could be using lol). Somehow does not suffer from the same issues as Chev despite also being way smarter than any writer, we constantly get shown just how clever he is in meaningful ways. Actually has a real, very serious weakness (loved seeing it in Silvio's route). Also ruining his own vision for aesthetics, which is hilarious. Would be 11/10, but loses a point for obsessing over purity (boring) instead of obsessing over corrupting others (hot). Definitely abusive, but he's literally the main antagonist of the game so that's expected.

Jin: 3/10

Listen, I don't care about his tragic backstory, his and his parents' trauma, or anything else, what I care about is how horribly written Clause 99 is. He had years to come up with something and wrote that absolute dogshit? AND is totally inconsistent about enforcing it and what exactly it means. Leon's Clause 100 is what Clause 99 should have been. Also he somehow manages to come off as an even bigger creeper than Nokto and Clavis combined half the time.

Keith (Kind): 6/10

A little too wishywashy and weak at first, but by the end of his route he's gotten a lot better, of course, and he is still very kind across other routes. I always feel bad for him dealing with Wicked Keith's bullshit (like in Silvio's route oof), it would be like if Licht and Nokto shared a body. Weird mix of super naive and totally aware of the danger he's in, frustratingly passive at points.

Keith (Wicked): 7/10

Prefer him to Kind Keith, kind of love the theory he's the original which honestly would be so much more interesting. Loses a point for that roofie event and other similar 'trying to make people hate Kind Keith' bs, which is normally very gross, but also he's sort of an antagonist so I get why they have him do it. Could be way more yandere, even if he can't be possessive about Belle and Kind Keith.

Leon: 9/10

It's okay to be an actually nice guy who actually cares about people, especially when accompanied by the bleakest backstory in the game and every reason to want to burn the world down. Biggest letdown is how often they ignore his power and influence to instead have Chevalier shine by himself or against Gilbert, who also could have made an amazing contrast with Leon if they'd allowed a three way rivalry between them. His supportiveness to everyone and willingness to take risks to protect people even if they don't deserve it is chef's kiss and not utilized nearly enough. Should just always be made king in every route, he's the best option in all of them (except if we abolished the monarchy!! which he also would probably accept).

Licht: 6/10

I wish I liked his character design a little more, because this sad boy is very adorable, personality wise. Doesn't really have a presence in most routes, though (he barely even appears in most of them), and even in events where it's him he's kind of blah to me.

Luke: 7/10

Okay actually this is my least favorite of the character designs, just not aesthetically appealing to me at all. But I'm into siscon characters and I like his backstory, and twisted relationship with Gilbert. Biggest drawback is how often he's just sort of this innocent background character in most routes when he should always at least have major hints at not being so. Also 1/10 for not dismantling the monarchy. Boo.

Lydia/Lidia: 10/10

Best mother in the game (sorry, Sariel). Kind, clever, regal. She started as a commoner, but is very much the image of a queen, so fuck you fourth prince's mother saying commoners can't cut it. Her name was spelled both ways in the brief time we saw her and that just shows how much attention is given to other female characters, alas.

Matthias: 4/10

The initial design/introduction of him definitely leaves me thinking he's infinitely kickable--kinda fashy seeming Aryan guy? yeah, no. But I've been trying to read some fan translations of his events and stuff and I'm starting to understand why he seems like such a fan favorite. Still not sure how I'll actually feel about him, though, once we get his route.

Nokto: 4/10

I still haven't forgiven him for not even apologizing after almost getting Belle raped in the very rapey situation he dragged her into in Leon's route and also for being an unbelievable creeper in a bunch of other routes/events. I don't care if "threaten to SA a person to get them to leave me alone" is his go-to, it's still threatening to SA someone. Since trying to play ikevil Alfons route I'm a bit more lenient towards Nokto, though. I like his character design more than Licht's, though that's not saying much (neither of them hold a candle to William, anyway).

Rio: 8/10

I had this guy totally wrong, but it took reading his own route to figure that out so minus a point for that, but love him after reading his route (also great in Silvio's). He's much stronger and smarter than I thought. The amnesia thing is a bit contrived, I kind of wish he'd been faking it first because he wanted a break and then because he fell in love. Not really sure why he also pushes the idea that he can't be with Belle even after he finds out who he is, clearly his parents would let him.

Roderic 8/10

For the love of god, they need to do an event where he's friends with Leon, I can't take the elephant in the room whenever they're around each other. Anyway, good character, good use of tropes and all, I like how he's so loyal and obedient, but like still can pushback some against Gilbert. Obviously aesthetically pleasing. Also very ninja.

Sariel: 5/10

I like what he is, but at the same time I'm hugely disappointed in what he's not, kinda like a better version of what's going on with Chev. The prologue sold him as way more manipulative and wicked than he ended up being, I thought he'd be more of an antagonist, maybe even a power hungry grey eminence pushing Belle towards choosing a weak king he could manipulate or something. Instead he's very Exhausted Eldest Sibling vibes and helpful in that 'Annoying Teacher Trying to Get the Student to Figure Things Out On Their Own' way. Also not kinky enough by half for someone running around with a whip.

Silvio: 6/10

Unnecessarily abusive towards the MC and his "reason" for hating women is just a bullshit excuse, the writers didn't even try to justify using that trope. Should be far kinkier for someone that into collars, very disappointing. I do like his relationship with Rio a ton, though, and wish we'd gotten more of them during his route. He's cool at the end of his route and I really like his interactions with Gilbert.

Yves: 5/10

I just really don't like cutesy tsunderes and I'm not a fan of his character model in general. He's nice enough in most routes/events and great as a friend/wingman, just not really LI material to me. Wish they'd done more with his Obsidianite background in more routes.

[cheshireliam]

"My Ideal Life of A Doting Love" Story Event: Chapter 1

Azel Radwan

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection; expect mistakes, grammatical errors, and some creative liberties. All original content and media used belongs to Cybird. Please support the game by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

Read this before interacting

After some time of living together with Tanzanite's Living God in a isolated castle in the desert—

I noticed something strange about my lover.

…

Emma: Prince Aze— I mean, Azel. Lunch is ready…

Emma: … What are you doing?

Despite having retired from his duties as Living God and supposedly enjoying a peaceful life, Azel was sitting at his desk and reading a book upside down.

Azel: Isn't it obvious?

Emma: No, it's not. Is that how that book is meant to be read?

Azel: Oh.

As if he had only just realised that the book was upside down, he nonchalantly flipped it right side up and cleared his throat.

(Something's not right. He was definitely up to something before I came, wasn't he?)

Azel: Wrong.

Emma: What kind of excuse is that?

Azel: More importantly, I'm hungry. I thank the ever-dedicated Emma for today's meal.

(… It's bothering me.)

…

On another night,—

(… Mm… I'm awake…)

When I woke up while it was still dark outside, I noticed Azel wasn't next to me.

I sat up and looked around to see that the balcony window was left slightly ajar.

Sitting by the window, illuminated by the massive moon worshipped by the people of Tanzanite, Azel was engrossed in reading a book. He was dressed in his familiar divine robes because as he always said, "it's best to wear comfortable clothes at night".

He didn't to seem to notice I was awake.

(He looks so serious.)

Although I was mesmerised by his beautiful profile under the moonlight, I quietly slipped out of bed.

I crept closer to him silently, but right when I was about to reach him, Azel turned to face me.

Azel: Are you an assassin or something?

Emma: You noticed.

Azel: Of course I did.

He claimed that he noticed me approaching, but he hurriedly shut the book and hid it behind his back.

Regardless of whether he realised this or not, his behaviour only made me all the more suspicious.

Emma: What book were you reading?

Azel: … A highly classified document related to national secrets. If an outsider saw it, I couldn't let them live.

Emma: Reading something so important at this late hour?

Azel: Is there a problem?

Emma: Azel… has anyone ever told you you're bad at keeping secrets?

Azel: Never. If anyone dared to, they'd be thrown into a nightmare so torturous they'll never wake again.

Azel stood, effortlessly scooped me up in his arms and tossed me onto the bed.

I tried protesting that our conversation wasn't over, but before I knew it, I was swiftly wrapped in a blanket and completely immobilised.

Azel: Go to sleep. You will sleep right now. Immediately.

Emma: I'm wide awake.

Emma: … Maybe I'll fall asleep if you sing me a lullaby.

Azel: What age toddler are you?

Emma: There are adults who fall asleep to music too, you know?

Azel: … Why would a god bother to know the customs of mere human beings?

(If I say this, he'll definitely get annoyed and give up on making me sleep.)

(Then I can press him further about that book—)

Just as I was getting ready to interrogate him, Azel started singing with an awful facial expression.

The lyrics didn't sound like they belonged to any modern language, so I couldn't understand them, but his deep and calm voice sang so beautifully and soothingly it felt almost magical.

(I didn't think he'd actually sing. He's surprisingly good at it too.)

(… He looks really embarrassed… but this is exactly what makes him so…)

(Oh well. I guess I'll let him off the hook tonight because of this song.)

…

However, Azel's suspicious behaviour continued.

… To the point where I began to worry he might be dealing with a serious problem.

…

Emma: You're coming clean about everything today, Azel.

Azel was acting strange that day too, sneaking around in the hallway.

Determined not to let him slip away, I spread my arms wide and blocked his path.

Azel: What's this about…? "Come clean"? I haven't done anything.

Emma: That's a lie. You threw something out of the window the moment you saw me, didn't you?

Azel: It was trash.

Emma: Then I'll go pick it up.

Azel: No need.

Emma: …

Azel: …

(We're just going in circles at this rate.)

Emma: Azel—

At the same time I opened my mouth to put an end to this, Azel grabbed my hand and pushed me against the wall.

(!?)

With both my hands pinned, I was caught between Azel and the wall.

(… What's this all of a sudden?)

His mysterious eyes resembling a night sky full of stars gazed deep into mine.

His beautiful hair, shimmering dreamily under the sunlight, gently brushed against my cheek.

(He might be able to hear my heartbeat from this close…)

Azel: …

Emma: … Uhh…

Azel: …

Emma: Azel?

Azel: …

Emma: "Damn it… I pinned her against the wall without thinking, and now I have no idea how to explain myself."

Azel: That's not it. Stop doing that annoyingly accurate impersonation.

Emma: Yeowch!

After giving my cheek a hard pinch, Azel gently rested his forehead against mine and sighed.

Azel: It's just—…

[heavy-draw]

While Shamir herself never made use of a horse on the battlefield, she had plenty of experience from dealing with mercenaries who did. As a result, it had become easier for her to pick up on the subtle tells that the animals had when it came to their temperaments-- fear, hunger, pain, contentment... if you knew what to look for, it wasn't hard to believe that animals could be far more expressive than their human counterparts. Her fingers brushed through the horse's mane, feeling the tremors in its muscular frame. Its eyes were wide, filled with a mix of fear and confusion, its breath coming in shallow, rapid bursts. Something had certainly spooked it, though there hadn't been an obvious answer... This wasn't the first case of one of the cavalry horses knocking their rider off, and it was widespread enough for Shamir to believe that there was a larger force at play here. "When did this start?" She called out to one of the stablehands, who raised his head to blink at her. "He's scared out of his mind. Don't tell me you didn't notice?" The young man stammers for a moment, averting his gaze. "What? N-no-- I mean... it's been a few days at this point. He's not the only one, either... it's the whole stable that's acting this way. I don't know what's wrong, and I've tried to figure it out!" Shamir clicked her tongue at that, murmuring a few soft words to the nervous steed. Concerning, indeed. It could be something as simple as predators lingering about... but if that was the case, it was time to subdue all of them. On the bright side, the horse had seemed to calm down a bit. Not enough to be completely approachable, though; she wouldn't risk it. Especially not with a student in tow. She's sure that they'd be more than capable of fending for themselves, but at this point in time, it would be wisest to NOT put either of them in the way of avoidable danger.

This could easily be more complicated than it seemed. They needed to save their energy and time for the worst possibilities. "Alright. Azelle, was it?" Shamir called over her shoulder as she adjusted the quiver at her hip. Tracking was a specialty of hers at least, but... that's if there was even anything to track. "Let's see what we can find out from the locals. Keep your eyes and ears open, alright?"

@azelfire

save a horse ride a--

Distress: Riding +1 w/ @azelfire

[aishangotome]

Azel Radwan: Chapter 14 Premium Story

Chapter 14

Thank you @passthechloroform for providing the video for this chapter!

♡———♡

When I returned to the solitary desert castle, Azel was waiting for me, looking down from the upper floor.

His mystical, inhuman eyes were initially lit with a cold color, but perhaps noticing the change in me as I rubbed my eyes repeatedly, the air around him shifted.

Azel: Are you... crying?

Emma: There are circumstances–

Azel: What on earth did they talk about with you to make you cry so much?

Azel: No, is it about me...? I can't understand why you would cry over that little bit of information.

(What do I do, I think he's misunderstanding.)

Just as I opened my mouth to explain, he quickly disappeared into the depths of the building.

Azel returned shortly, holding a wet linen cloth in his hand.

He forcefully wiped around my eyes with the tightly wrung linen, and I let him.

(This isn't an illusion or anything. If this warmth is an illusion, then I won't be able to believe anything I see.)

Azel: Stop crying already, it's an eyesore.

Azel: Did they tell you that I was brainwashing you like some spoiled rich kid?

Azel: But as you know, I only control with money.

Azel: I haven't done anything like secretly burning some strange incense to brainwash you.

Azel: In the first place, people can be controlled much more easily without resorting to such underhanded tactics.

Azel: –No, that's not right. Anyway, you're not the kind of woman to be swayed by others.

Azel: Have some confidence. And stop crying. It makes me look like the bad guy... Well, I might be the bad guy.

Azel, who continued to speak without pause, seemed at a loss for how to deal with a human who kept crying.

(He's probably... trying to comfort me, right?)

(I'm the only one who knows this side of him. That's why no one can believe in Azel.)

*earlier*

Clavis: Emma, do you recognize the scent of this fragrant wood?

A few hours ago – Clavis opened the lid of the small bottle containing the wood piece and handed it to me.

Emma: I don't... recognize it.

Clavis: That's good. If you did, I was prepared to confront God myself.

Emma: ...You're concerned that I might also be under some kind of mind control, aren't you, Clavis?

Clavis: No, no, I'm certainly not doubting love, but...

Clavis: Since we found this, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Clavis: It's quite possible that God is pulling the strings behind the scenes of that gathering.

Emma: But Azel seemed to dislike the apostle.

Emma: Their ideologies are different, I can't imagine them joining hands...

Clavis: Oh? That's news to me.

Luke: Even if what you're saying is true, God didn't stop that riot.

Luke: Even though he could have...

Emma: That's...

Luke: Whether they get along or not, God is condoning the apostle's actions.

Luke: At that point, you could say he's an accomplice, right?

Emma: ...Maybe there's some reason.

Silvio: Ha, you're awfully quick to defend him, ain't ya? Do you like that greedy bastard that much?

Emma: Maybe I've grown attached to him after being around him for so long.

Clavis: Love, huh?

Emma: It's not!

Clavis: Haha, don't be shy, don't be shy. Believe me, I want to support you too.

Clavis: But the situation in Tanzanite is changing by the minute.

Clavis: If God has no intention of stopping the riots and is tolerating the apostle's indirect guidance...

Clavis: It wouldn't be strange if he was plotting something.

Silvio: I think the riots are disadvantageous for God, though?

Clavis: Azel might be finding some benefit within this "disadvantageous situation."

Luke: Whatever the purpose, the scale of the riots might increase in the future.

Luke: Wouldn't it be dangerous for you to be by God's side then?

Emma: ...

Clavis: Your safety is far more important than exposing God's secrets.

Clavis: The infatuation incidents have calmed down recently, haven't they?

Clavis: With the two maids severely punished, no one bothers you unnecessarily anymore.

Clavis: I don't know what happened to you, but now, including Silvio, the three of us can protect you.

Silvio: Don't drag me into babysittin' a woman.

Luke: Don't you want to come back now, Emma?

*back to present*

(Originally, I ended up staying at this temple because of the aphrodisiac incident.)

(I think if I return to the castle now, I'll be treated with respect as the woman God is infatuated with.)

(I don't like that, but as Clavis and Luke said, the situation is changing by the minute.)

(Even aside from those circumstances, it must be a nuisance for Azel to lend me a corner of his private room for a long period.)

(I'm only here because of my selfishness, so I could brace myself and choose to return to the castle... but...)

Emma: I'm... sorry...

Azel: What are you apologizing for? What are you apologizing for?

Emma: I'm not crying because I'm sad.

(...If my selfishness is allowed, I want to stay here a little longer.)

(Until the day I unravel the mystery of the Triple Alliance, break through Azel's illusions, and see the truth–)

Emma: Sand... got in my eyes...

Azel: ...

When I confessed honestly, the linen slipped from Azel's hand.

Emma: It was windy on my way here.

Emma: It hurts... and the tears won't stop.

Azel: ...........

Emma: What should I do in times like this?

Azel: ...I don't know, goodbye, please don't expect God's mercy ever again.

Emma: I'm really in trouble!

Azel: I don't care, damn it.

Emma: You were the one who jumped to conclusions, Prince Azel–

Azel: You're the one to blame for being misleading.

Azel: And stop rubbing your eyes! If there's sand in them, you'll scratch your eyeballs. Are you that much of an idiot that you don't even understand that?

He grabs my hand firmly and pulls it away from my eyes.

Despite his harsh words, he can't hide the hints of worry that surface.

Emma: Hehe... Thank you.

Azel: Shall I torture you with water?

Emma: That's not something a God would do!

Azel: An evil God might.

(Then I'm sure it'll be alright.)

(He's just greedy for money, I can say for sure that he's not an evil God.)

-

After taking a bath, the tears finally stopped, and the foreign body sensation in my eyes disappeared.

Emma: I've calmed down... Thank you.

When I returned to the room, Azel was silently moving his pen at the desk.

Perhaps still sulking, he only glanced at me and didn't reply.

Emma: Is that a divine message?

Azel: Don't ask if you already know.

Azel is always serious when writing divine messages to deliver to the people in the castle in the morning.

He continues to spin instructions without stopping, occasionally checking reports.

Despite calling it a "divine message," I've never seen him use any divination tools, and everything he writes is left entirely to Azel's mind.

Azel: ...What are you staring at?

Azel: You'd usually be reading a book in the corner.

Emma: That's true, but my eyes hurt today, so I don't feel like reading...

Azel: Then sleep.

Emma: It's too early to sleep...

Azel: Then meditate.

Emma: Is there anything I can help you with?

Azel: No.

(...There isn't, huh?)

Even as we speak, Azel's hand doesn't stop.

Only the pleasant sound of the pen melts into the desert night.

(Azel didn't stop the people's conflict. That's a fact.)

(The riot might eventually become the beginning of Tanzanite's collapse.)

(But, if he were a God who didn't care about Tanzanite...)

(I don't think he would be facing official documents like this late at night.)

Living in Tanzanite, you can see that people's lives are surprisingly affluent for a desert country.

This is because trade with other countries is successful, ensuring a minimum standard of living without any shortage of food or water.

Whether it's foreign or domestic affairs, Tanzanite is politically successful.

A part of it – no, all of it is probably thanks to Azel.

The great ship that is Tanzanite is entirely steered by the God.

Listening to the conversations with the messengers who come every morning, I felt like that wasn't an exaggeration.

Emma: ...Prince Azel, you're truly amazing.

Azel: Huh?

Emma: There's no divine message that is completed in an instant with mystical power.

Emma: Since I learned that a divine message is created only after putting your heart and soul into it like this every day, I've come to respect you.

Azel: Well, I'm not putting my heart and soul into it, but...

Emma: You continue this every single day, without rest.

Emma: Not just anyone can do that.

Azel: That's because I'm a God.

Emma: I think it's because it's you, Prince Azel...

The pen, which hadn't stopped no matter what I said, came to a sudden halt.

Azel: Isn't it the same meaning?

Emma: No, it's completely different.

Emma: You said the difference between a God and a human is whether they can predict the future, right?

Emma: Even if predicting the future is what makes a God, it's you, Prince Azel, who puts that into policy.

Azel: ...

Emma: So, it's not the power of a God, but your power, Prince Azel.

Azel: ...I haven't thought about it that way. It's common sense in this country that it's only natural for a God to be able to do it.

Azel: There's almost no one who thinks like you do.

Emma: ...Have I imposed the values of a foreign country?

Azel: Ah, at least it's better not to say that to the people of Tanzanite.

Azel: What you just said is tantamount to denying the mystical.

(Did I make him uncomfortable?)

Azel: But...

Azel: ...I like it.

Emma: ...? I couldn't hear you well...

Azel: It's nothing.

Emma: Wah!

Azel stands up, picks me up, and throws me onto the bed.

As I try to get up, he forcefully holds my head down, burying it in the pillow.

Emma: What are you doing!?

Azel: I'm trying to put you to sleep because you're so noisy.

Emma: I'll be quiet now!

Azel: No, you'll never be quiet.

The hand holding my face down isn't rough, and I can tell he's being careful.

It's unbearably ticklish and unsettling.

Azel: ...Haah, I thought I could finally sleep peacefully alone again from today.

Azel: I can't believe those guys in Rhodolite would send you back to an evil God.

Emma: I was the one who said–

*earlier*

Luke: Don't you want to come back now, Emma?

Emma: I'm sorry for making you worry. But I think I'll stay at the temple a little longer.

Clavis: So love wins after all–

Emma: It's not like that...

Emma: If I'm gone, God will surely cry.

*flashback over*

Emma: –So in order not to make Prince Azel cry, I'll stay a little longer...

Emma: That... hurts, it hurts!

Azel's fingers tighten, and I thrash about.

Azel: That's slander, I'll sue you for damages again. This time it'll be a huge amount.

Emma: But really, isn't it a shame to let go of someone who can cook?

Azel: Not at all.

Emma: It's a shame, isn't it? I could see the tears in your heart, Prince Azel.

Azel: Go see a doctor tomorrow. You're in a serious condition where you're seeing hallucinations.

Emma: ...Hehe.

Azel: What's so funny?

Emma: It's strange, isn't it? Even though you're a God right in front of me...

Emma: I feel like I can be more myself when I'm with you than with anyone else.

Azel: ...

(This is a dilapidated solitary castle, but it's much more comfortable than the royal palace.)

Emma: Maybe it's because you have such a bad personality that I can say anything without holding back...

Emma: Eek...!

Azel, who usually pulls my cheeks, doesn't get angry or reprimand me, but laughs in exasperation.

However, it was a soft smile, like the moonlight.

Azel: Slander again... You're really good at accumulating debt, aren't you?

Emma: ...That might be true.

My heart skips a beat at the gentleness in his mystical eyes, at the sweetness in his voice, and I dive under the blanket.

Perhaps Azel also thought I intended to sleep, as he didn't say anything more, and the calming sound of the pen started to echo through the room again.

(What was that just now...?)

-

(Azel's POV)

I roll the pen on the desk, close the lid of the ink, and head for the bed.

The first occupant was curled up at the edge of the bed.

She was maintaining a precarious balance, just barely avoiding falling off, but a single slight movement would send her tumbling to the floor, prompting a click of my tongue.

Azel: Can you please stop this, day after day?

I carefully lift her body so as not to wake her and move her to the center of the bed.

She's probably unaware of this nightly routine that has become a habit.

Azel: Even so... I bet her eyes will be swollen tomorrow.

Even with her eyelids closed, the area around her eyes, illuminated by the moonlight, was tinged with red.

There's no sign of her waking up even when I lightly trace it with my fingertip.

Azel: Well, it's none of my business.

Azel: ...It's none of my business...

Azel: ..............

As if struggling with something, I furrow my brow deeply—

And then, I gently brush aside the bangs of the sleeping lodger and lightly kiss her eyelid.

Azel: ...There's no such thing as God's protection in reality.

Azel: If this heals by tomorrow, I'm really not human.

Azel: ...........

Azel: ………… What am I doing?

.

.

.

Chapter 15

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[celticbotanart]

Level up!! Azelle finally got her true swashbuckler looks (aka she was adopted by her party and finally took a shower - surprise, her natural hair color WAS violet in the end!)

I'll also include the previous commission I did of her on Nov/2023, so you guys can see the glow up:

In this universe, Azelle holds a Dwarf-made spear as her weapon, so I finally was able to work with the “Dwarves aesthetics totally is Art Deco” idea I’ve seen around for a while, hehe. She still has the spear, the daggers are her alt weapons, and part of the same "series", made by the same dwarf artisans! Thank you so much once again for your ongoing support, JF 💛

commission info | patreon | twitter | Ko-fi | VGen | bluesky

[dark-frosted-heart]

Beauty and the Beast’s Last Theater - Azel Radwan (part 3/4)

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this

I wasn’t sure how much time had passed since Prince Azel covered my eyes with his hand.

Emma: Are we done yet?

Azel: Not yet.

Emma: …Just what…

Azel: Be quiet.

Fingers suddenly pinched my lips shut, stopping any words.

(Prince Azel mentioned “mercy”, but what kind of mercy is this?)

(...I closed my eyes and stopped speaking, and am now oddly aware of the warmth coming from his hand)

The living god’s hands felt rough, just like any other man’s.

This awkward moment only filled by the sound of breathing continued—

He soon removed his hand without any warning. I blinked a couple of times at the light from the moon shining through the windows.

While my vision was slowly adjusting to it, Prince Azel retreated to a wall and crossed his arms.

Emma: Um?

Azel: Come on, just practice already.

Emma: …I get nervous when I’m being watched.

Azel: Want to know how many will be watching that day?

(I won’t get any sleep if I do)

I shook my head and turned back toward the window, feeling a nasty stare.

(I’m not sure what happened just then…)

(In any case, let’s just dance in front of Prince Azel. Maybe he can give me some advice…)

I made up my mind, shook away any bashfulness, and tried to move my body again.

(Huh, I think I’m dancing better than I was before)

My body was nimble and I thought my awkward movements were more graceful.

(I see, I let go of a lot of stress)

(All thanks to Prince Azel’s “mercy”)

After going through the dance, I looked over at Prince Azel who was smiling gently—

Azel: You’re still terrible.

His words didn’t match his tone.

Emma: How blunt.

Azel: Would being indirect help you at all?

Emma: …Well when you put it that way…

Azel: Straighten your back, don’t bend your fingers.

Emma: L-like this?

Azel: No.

Prince Azel didn’t even bother hiding his exasperation when he sighed before coming up behind me.

(Woah…)

He lifted my hand and fixed my posture.

Emma: I see…

Azel: It’s a simple task of bending your knees while maintaining your posture.

Emma: I’ll try.

Azel: …You’re not doing it.

Emma: Woah…!

While he was supporting me, he gently pushed the back of my knee with his foot.

As I squatted down to bend my knees, I saw Prince Azel smirk from his reflection in the window.

Azel: Are you planning on showing off a dance while bending forward to tourists around the world?

Emma: O-one more time!

Azel: Now you’re straining yourself, dummy.

(I can’t help it…Not when this close distance is making me feel funny)

I could feel his warmth on my back and his breath against my ear. Despite being some holy god, Prince Azel was no idol.

The moment I realized this, I could feel my heart race.

(No, don’t think about it. He’s just guiding me…He’s just guiding me, so stop thinking about other things—wait, guiding?)

Emma: Prince Azel, I realize it’s late to ask this, but… Will you practice with me?

The moment I asked, I felt him sigh against my ear, causing my shoulders to jolt.

Azel: I suppose trapping you in debt for a night wouldn’t be so bad.

Emma: You're pushing that on me!

Azel: So what?

Emma: Scammer.

Azel: You don’t really have a choice, do you? Unless you want to embarrass yourself on stage.

Emma: Ugh…

Azel: You should be thankful for God’s mercy.

(I can’t even think of a response)

(I’m scared of the bill afterward, but my movements have made a lot of improvement thanks to Prince Azel…)

Emma: Please…

When I begged him reluctantly, Prince Azel’s godly smile lit up.

Azel (polite): Please leave it to me. I will bear the responsibility of turning you into a full-fledged dancer.

—Several hours later.

Emma: Did you see that, Prince Azel! I did well, didn’t I?!

Azel: Yeah, sure, nice, you did it.

I was out of breath and hurting all over, but my movements were a lot better than when I first started practicing. 

I was so thrilled that I couldn’t stop smiling.

Emma: Thank you! I didn’t expect to improve so much.

Azel: You were terrible in the beginning.

Emma: Even though it’s true, I don’t think that’s necessary.

(But I’m happy. I’ll at least be able to do the bare minimum while dancing on stage)

Emma: It’s all thanks to you. I didn’t expect you to be so good at teaching.

Azel: Yeah, I put a lot of time into this. I’m going to double the bill and tack on a late night fee.

Emma: I’ll take it. I’m ready for manual labor.

I smiled triumphantly, but for some reason he turned his handsome face away.

Emma: Why are you looking away?

Azel: I can’t bear to look at how pitiful you are.

Emma: Pitiful…?

Azel: With all this mistreatment, how can you still smile optimistically like that?

Emma: Was I getting mistreated?

Azel: …The fact that you didn’t even notice is a pretty huge deal.

(It’s true that he has a sharp tongue, is Spartan-like, and is strict enough to make me miss Sariel’s lessons, but…)

Prince Azel kept practicing with me until the moon outside changed positions.

Even if he is going to bill me later, it doesn’t change the fact that he patiently taught me.

Emma: I…felt that you were more caring than I thought.

Azel: You got the wrong idea.

Emma: …Are you feeling embarr—

Azel (polite): Ah, would you like your bill now? Of course, I’ll bring it to you later.

Emma: I didn’t say…Ack.

When I thought I finally got him to turn his head, he pinched my cheek.

Prince Azel scowled.

Azel: Let me tell you one nice thing. Including those that won’t be able to fit in the venue, there will be at least 50,000 people coming to see the performance.

Emma: 50,000?!

Azel (polite): Good night, sweet dreams.

(He dropped that information at the last minute!)

Prince Azel quickly left.

He disappeared in an instant, leaving me with the huge moon.

(...In the end, he was still as mean as usual)

(Seriously…)

(Was his aim just to put me in more debt?)

--

Several days later—The creation myth festival was thriving.

I wanted to enjoy my first festival in Tanzanite, but even though I was a dancer with a minor role, the thought of being on stage in front of tens of thousands of people made me very nervous. When the beautiful moon rose, my heart was pounding.

(...There really is a lot of people)

The overwhelming excitement from the crowd around the stage made it hard to breathe.

Female dancer: Emma, it’ll be alright. Besides, that outfit suits you!

The one who tapped my shoulder while I stood at the edge of the stage was an actual dancer, someone who instructed me. 

Emma: T-thank you.

Female dancer: Hehe, we still have a while until our performance, so it’s too early to get nervous.

Emma: Ugh…Is the living god going on before us?

Female dancer: Yeah. The living god’s the star. He appears at the end to get the crowd excited. I’ll let you know when it’s our turn, but until then, enjoy the performance as a part of the audience. Since you’re not from here, you probably don’t know Tanzanite’s creation myth?

Emma: I’m embarrassed to say…Actually, I was looking forward to it.

(Perhaps the myth’s related to Prince Azel? I wonder what kind of story it is)

The sound of footsteps echoed on stage.

Everyone fell silent as the actors appeared.

Male actor: ‘This is a story from long, long ago—’

[prionsis]

Even though Rufus always thought his true place in the world was on the throne of Faerghus, although forced, he had already become used to the environment and intricacies of the piece of land he was given the day the title of Grand Duke was bestowed on him. Filled with beasts and one of the Kingdom’s most famed grounds for hunters and mercenaries, the plains of Itha were his unwilling but accepted home, once perceived as a bother- an insult to the man he was meant to be but couldn’t because of the lack of a crest, but now seen with slightly more neutrality. Perhaps, on a good day, even pleasure.

That was why beasts didn’t phase the regent, they never did. To reside and rule over Itha meant being in frequent contact with all sorts of creatures, some exclusive to those plains, most extremely dangerous and fierce. Rufus himself was no hunter, but as the lord he naturally had to get his hands dirty every now and then when necessary- and so he had fought more beasts that he bothered to count.

“Killing them is largely unnecessary, unless they are going out of their way to hunt humans for food.” This scenario was nothing new to him. At most he could say that the inhabitants of Itha were more tolerant of its fauna, as one had to be truly aware of the place they were about to move to when picking the northern plains as their home, but this debate was one he has had to handle many times before. “But leaving them be is equally ridiculous. They are declared invasive for a reason and cannot reside here.”

“But they’re doing nothin' too bad! I’d say they’re just as dangerous as your good ol’ bear or wolf, if we leave them alone we can figure out how to live with them sir!”

A frown was quick to pinch at his features. “The wolves and bears you speak of are native to this area, these beasts are not. If you find yourself fine with these creatures roaming your area then you are surely content with the idea of one of them invading your home and potentially attacking your child, no?”

The villager grew quiet, though still unwilling to give in. “...we just gotta keep them from gettin’ in-”

“Right, build steel doors then. With what money, peasant?”

His words cut through the conversation fast, deciding it was no longer worth his time. “These people think every animal is a potential pet, like a domesticated dog. Ridiculous.” Within a few steps he reached the young mage he had been set to accompany- a boy from the Black Eagles, not from Fódlan. Rufus handed the student a paper with a drawn map of the area, specific spots parked with ‘x’ as possible nests or packs where the beasts reside. “This map was given to me by some of the people on the other side of this circus. It has at the very least marked spots where the beasts seem to be inhabiting.”

“Tell me, Azelle.” Rufus looked around for a moment, before his gaze found the student once more. Arguing with kids was usually fruitless, far too quick to become emotional and believe in the simplest decisions possible, but testing wouldn’t hurt.

“What side do you believe has the best argument in this debacle?” 

"it's eating leftovers" this is a tiger do you hear yourself

closed starter for @azelfire | riding +1

[shatcey]

Keith's sequel romantic ending (the reason)

If you can't wait to read this story right now… @.caffedrine made a wonderful translation. Here's a masterlist.

I already wanted to screem… hey, they haven't explained why Kagari invited Keith to Ruby in the first place. And suddenly, Keith kindly explains it to us.

I should note that at the time I was doing this translation, I was having very big problems with the Internet (a huge crash or something), and the dictionary that I usually use to translate each word separately was not working. So I went back to my old method… "I think it makes more sense this way." So I might be wrong. The first screenshot had the line "to discover enemies inside the clan". So I thought spies are the same thing. But now I thinkg that the spies are not quite right. I see them as people who are deliberately trying to destroy the clan from within… So perhaps it would be more correct to say "enemies" actually.

So… This is a political trick again. They literally used Keith to their advantage. More precisely, they used the friendship between Keith and Kagari. But Kagari invited not only him, he also invited Matias and Azel. We can say that Kagari used everyone he could to achieve the greatest effect. It's like declare that three countries support their clan. And this is big.

They intentionally didn't do anything that could put Keith in danger… But they still aimed a kind of arrow at him… as if saying look at him. And, of course, the other clans had to do something about it. Are Mati and Zelly okay? They were in the same position. I'm worried.

Use and be used by others… That's what we see in the sequel. And this is too close to real life. I'm not sure how I feel about this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

🔝 𝕊𝕋𝔸ℝ𝕋 ℙ𝔸𝔾𝔼 🔝

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[hel-phoenyx]

Oli belongs to @thal-ent, Meili to @azeler, Domhildr to @soupedepates, the others (mentioned) to @corneille-but-not-the-author and @noa-de-cajou

___

I stopped counting the days I woke up in a cold sweat, my night clothes sticking at my skin. A nightmare. Again.

I'm not a child anymore. I am Tyrfing Harkyrsen, prince af Mundir, for Ocean's sake, I shouldn't be so scared by some kind of monster I could so easily kill. If only she played fair, and I know it's foolish to think fairness is on the table.

I hate her. I hate how she looks at me like I'm a liability she's waiting to kill. How she looks at my mother as if she's a thorn on her shoe she can so easily crush. How she looks at my father with the contempt she would give us, like we tainted him by simply existing.

I hate how she brings us in the throne room only so we can look at ashes and charred remains of what was once someone that didn't look at us with hatred in their eyes.

I hate how the flames and the screams still wake me up today.

You could have done something.

I could. Even if I am still, on the eyes of royalty, a child. I could have extinguished the flames. I could have defied the Mad Queen in a duel. I know I would have won. She is the only person I have ever wished to kill.

You could have done something.

My mother doesn't tell me but that's what I'm reading in her eyes. and she's right. I have complementary powers. One spell and the victim would be saved, or could get a dignified death. It would mark the end of our status quo, but this is what I am supposed to do, put an end to this once and for all.

You could have done-

"You couldn't have done anything."

Meili is looking at me with his unreadable brown eyes. He saw me pale and trembling this morning, and he's the only one I could talk to about that. After all, how can I tell Kaizarz I wish to see his mother's head on a pike ? And Domhildr always tells him everything. No, no, I can't shoulder them with this burden. They're too young for this.

You are, too.

"What do you mean ? I-"

"No, Tyr, I'm not talking about your strenght. Or anything, really. I just think that madwoman would not have played fair. At all."

Gustav told me the same. He told me to wait and see. But I can't wait and see. Not when the smell of charred flesh still haunts me.

I could

"I should have done something."

"And let Kaizarz witness you being the next ? I don't think so."

"I could have extinguished the flames, I have water powers for the love of Harkyr-"

"She's our queen. And an adult. She would have found a thousand ways to make you pay."

I can't telle you I would have ended her on the spot, would have been able to, right ? Death plagues my very existence since so long. Supports, friends, family, I'm not a stranger to death, not anymore. I have not taken any lives yet but my hatred burns enough for her to be the first.

It burns stronger than her own flames.

Meili is not an idiot. His expressions hardens, for a second, before he just puts a hand on my shoulder.

"Hey, Tyr, don't get distracted, alright ? Wouldn't want to earn an easy win because you're lost in thought."

"Fuck you, man."

"Try to land a hit on me and we'll talk about that."

He goes down just in time to avoid my training sword right to his neck. Damn. He got quicker since last time, I really need to catch up. I'll ask for more training on the graveyard. Even though no one there can evenly match me anymore.

Soon we're engaged in a real fight and this is the only thing I can focus on.

****

Again.

This is the third time this week. Third time since I got back to the castle. Being here awakens my visions. The screams. The pleas. The noise of burning wood and dripping blood.

I can't go yet.

He wanted me there and I still don't know why.

Why would you-

I need to go out. My clothes stick to my skin, and even though I know it's just sweat I can smell the blood and hear the flesh. Everytime I look to my hand it comes back covered in crimson. Sometimes I see purple in the hints of color.

Never the blue tint that taints my own blood.

Only theirs is important.

Mine was already spilled so many times and yet not enough.

The ocean. I need to reach the ocean. Pretty sure Kaizarz is pacing in the corridors, I can hear footsteps too heavy to be anyone else's, but it's okay, it's okay, I won't disturb you, I wont shoulder you with the weight of my burdens, I promise, I promise, I'll just go through the window-

"Hey there, Tyr !"

I can't.

She's here, flying next to my open window. Smiling like I always see her, and extending a hand.

"Trying for a nocturnal escapade ?"

The memories hurt. She's sat on the edge of the window like I was once twice countless times. Far tinier than I was, then, but with the same smile, met with the same incredulity.

"... What are you doing here, Domhildr ?"

Her smile wavers as I call her by her complete name, she who was so use to the nickname I gave her. Still, she's smiling.

"Well, I was out for... er, a little expedition, and I saw you pacing through the door. You good ? You need unwinding ?"

I know what kind of expedition she's talking about. The matter still flusters me, but I am no prude, neither I am innocent. I know, however, that if I open my mouth she will start teasing me like I did to her, once.

"I'm... fine."

"Never believed you before, won't start today. You know I can... Distract you, if you want~"

She wiggles her eyebrows and I sigh.

"No, Domi. Not like that."

She falsely throws her arms in the air like I just turned down her wedding proposal, yet I can see her smile is now stronger on her face. Her little show of dramatisation is just, well. A show.

It pains me to admit how much those years of knowing each other don't rease themselves that easily.

"But how, then ?? How can I help a friend in a dire need of some happiness ! Tell me, Tyr, before I die of uselessness !"

"... Letting me out ?"

"If I was sure you wouldn't throw yourself from the top of the castle, yeah, I would. I know this face, you know ? I know that you want to die, but I don't want you to die, because, because you're my friend, and I thought you dead once, and I don't want to go through that again, because you're a great person, and, and-"

I lift my hand, cut through her rant. I can't listen to that again. I can't listen to those worlds and know that she believes in them, for fairies can't lie. Those are the kind of words I know would crumble if only I told her what blood tainted my sword, so which one wouldn't sully a knife.

"It's fine, Domi, I just needed to reach the shore. I promise I didn't plan to die."

Kaizarz wouldn't let me.

She squints her eyes.

"Promise ?"

I smile.

"Nice try, you little shit, No, I won't let myself caught in a little fairy pact, I know this is how you get me. But I can say again that I don't want to."

Because the day I would lock myself in a deal with you is the day I would stop running away.

I trust you. Always did. You scare me with your antics sometimes and you annoy me more times than I would admit but I know I don't have to lie to you. Except for one thing.

Shepouts, and I find that adorable, somehow.

"Darn. How did you manage to avoid me for so long."

"I studied, you know. Fairies are very secretive but books and knowledge are easy to find-"

-when you know where to look.

I know her culture is a sensitive subject, for her. Yet she drops the matter instantly and just extends a hand.

"Well if you really want to go to the beach, I'll just have to come with you."

"Really ? Isn't that just an excuse to get naked ?"

"Oh, I know you love my boobs, Tyr.~"

Little- This time my cheeks color bright red and she laughs like we weren't at risk to wake up everyone. Every fucking time she finds a way to tease me.

Yet the crimson on my skin makes me forget the other kind of burgundy.

****

I don't enjoy losing sleep because of those damn nightmares, but I have to admit for now, they're stronger than me. Even stronger than my powers. I had to rush outside the castle so the storm would follow me. Don't need to wake up everyone with the sound of thunder. The only time I hear Domhildr and Kaizarz's peaceful breath when I run past their rooms.

I can hold on for a long tome, but that doesn't mean it's not taking a toll on my body. This is probably why my steps are carrying me towards the graveyard, towards my old house. In stress the mind recognises the safe places.

Yet, when I finally reach the shore, I find myself company. I don't know what Oli is doing here, or even if that place has any significance for them, but here they are, walking in the middle of the ship debris.

I spot from the corner of my eye a pile we once did when we were still teenagers. Apparently, even seastorms can't make old memories go away.

I still remember the first time they found me here. I was alone on the shore, but I could here the muffled exclamations and feel the hidden fear. That day, no one showed up among the ships. It was only Oli and me, and my hands on her wings.

How different things would be if they showed up, if they introduced themselves ?

Today is exactly like that day. We're all alone in the graves.

She probably heard my footsteps, since she turns around and smiles at me.

"Nightmare again, isn't it."

He knows. He has always been the most perceptive, and the one getting the most to the point. His voice holds the same tone, yet it is the softest I've heard in a long time.

I can't lie to that voice.

"Yeah. Again."

"The same ?"

"Still."

Pleas and screams and the smell of the sea. Burned wood and ligthning and my hand on the ground. My lips crying supplice and his dripping with blood.

Stop that. Please. I'm begging you.

She doesn't ask any more questions. I always appreciated that. This is exactly why she knows it is always the same nightmare.

They extend a hand towards me and I take it. Both our feet lay naked in the seawater, their talons brushing against algae and my toes feeling the sand beneath me.

Their smile looks so peaceful when reflected under the light of the moon. Peace. Safety. Comfort. Everything we share, from the moment I carried them in my arms until today where their hand is softly wrapped in mine, through those dayw when they were waiting in front of my door for an answer I wouldn't ever give them.

I've missed this.

Feeling simply loved.

The storm behind me falters. Soon enough coulds are nothing but a distant memory.

"What are you doing outside at this hour, anyway ?"

"Wanted to fly a little under the moonlight, but a certain seastorm kinda threw me off. I sought refuge. Just didn't expect to see you there."

I smile, the corners of my mouth weightened with guilt.

"Sorry. I guess I needed a safe place, too."

"Is this place special to you , It's not the first time I see you there, so I was wondering."

Yeah.

"I suppose you could say that."

He shrugs.

"Well, I guess we both find what we were searching for."

I guess I did.

***

...

Nightmare.

Again.

This one is the biggest I've had in a while. Since I got up on this boat, in fact. Evrything was so

So

Vivid.

My hand hurts where it's missing. I can feel something clenching around my wrist. I can hear the cries. I can hear the screams. I can taste the blood like I've bitten in flesh instead of trying to rip of my pillows in pain.

I can still feel his cold, hating eyes on me. Blue like the ocean and yet so, so much colder as my flesh is ripping.

I can still feel the cold, cold steel in my hand, covered in warm, warm blood.

I can still remember the only warmth I felt

Was his arms

And yet his tears were so cold, too.

I get up on the deck. Maybe I can just swim for a while. Maybe I can let that ship forget me in the sea. maybe I can just

Somethin stops my walk.

Three pair of eyes full of worry. Even if one of those is artificial and an other doesn't even look in my general direction.

They're here.

"What... Guys ?"

"We heard you cry in your sleep, said Oli this time without smiling. We thought you would get out sooner rather than later."

The others don't say a word.

I just feel a pair of arms circling around my waist. Tiny, warm, soft, Domhildr's, looking at me with tear-filled eyes.

"Hey, you know we're here, right ? We'll always be here."

Oli steps forwards, join the hug. Then it's Meili's turn. Soon enough I am trapped by three pairs of arms around me and the warmth of three bodies I can't fight against.

I can't only let myself go in their embrace.

You're not lying, Domhildr. I know you really believe that.

But I know you will once look upon those words and see a lie.

Because when you learn about

What I've done

You

Won't

Be

Here

Anymore.