Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

"..."

Arturo was silent for a moment, then asked doubtfully.

"Why did you come to me?"

"I need you to play the Golden Rule."

"You want me to play the Golden Rule... Ha." Arturo laughed, a very happy laugh. "I have no reason to refuse, Cora. ​​What musician can refuse to play the Golden Rule? I am very satisfied with this reward."

"Don't you intend to know... what the cost will be? Or, what my purpose is? You should ask clearly."

"I'm not interested." Arturo shook his head. "Being able to play the Golden Rule is enough in itself."

Yes, that's enough.

Chapter 49: The Crown

Did you know that there is a very famous stage play in Leithania?

Stage play?

Well, it is a very famous stage play that has been performed on stage again and again and countless times. It has become famous in the past twenty years and even attracted a large number of foreign guests to watch it.

……what is that?

The Death of the Witch-King

-

Viviana was a little dazed. She wondered for a moment if she was hallucinating. It seemed that ever since that night when the Witch King's Tower was built, her mental state had been not very good. Perhaps... she really shouldn't have been exposed to so many conspiracies and tricks. Perhaps, she underestimated the madness of the Witch King's remnants. They would rather destroy an academy that could leave a strong mark in the history of Leithania than pursue the so-called power of the "Witch King".

She didn't understand that the life she dreamed of was meaningless to these people.

She didn't understand, was the so-called king really worth someone who would devote everything to following him?

As an elector, she obviously couldn't continue to be confused like this. In any case, everything was over. The Queen's celebration was approaching, and she needed to devote herself to her busy work.

Sitting at her desk, the poor overworked little deer put down her pen and paper and leaned back in her chair. Although Miss Cora had said that Miss Noya was fine and had come to see her, she still felt a little uneasy. If Miss Noya was fine, why couldn't she come back to her side? Why did she sneak over to see her, and why didn't she stay? Was she embroiled in some trouble again that she couldn't intervene in? She didn't want to involve herself...

No...it's not Miss Noya's fault...it's because she is too weak...and unable to help Miss Noya share her worries.

She always felt that becoming the Elector might help Miss Noah.

But the facts gave her an unfriendly answer. Even after becoming an Elector, even though she was second only to Leithania and above ten thousand people, she had never escaped her original situation. She was still too naive. It would be better to say that the Queen chose her to be the Elector's successor rather than that she became the Elector. Not only did she not receive any political property belonging to her father, she also did not build her own social network in Leithania... although this was probably what the Queen wanted to do.

Be a lone minister - a completely isolated minister who does not fit in with any aristocratic circle.

In the Queen's view, Viviana's current position is the best and does not need to be changed. As long as Viviana is content with the status quo, the Queen can even allow her to fail countless times.

Since there had to be an elector, the Queen naturally hoped that he would be someone she could easily control. This was understandable, but Viviana still felt frustrated... In Casimir, she didn't become the knight she had always dreamed of.

In Leitania...it seems she is also such a half-baked person.

The shadow of the setting sun was cast outside the study window, and a cup of vanilla tea for relieving fatigue was placed on the table just right, exuding an enticing aroma.

"Are you worried?" Miss Cora waved the tea-making maid away and asked. "Viviana, have you been pushing yourself too hard these past few days? You've only just recovered from that attack. It's okay to rest for a few days. The Queen will understand."

"Miss Cora... I'm just wondering if I'm unsuited to being the Elector." Viviana, rarely pretending in front of Cora, spoke frankly about her worries. "Perhaps I'd be better suited to being a poet?"

"A poet...?" Korra smiled. "Your father thought so too, but he did very well. He was an excellent elector."

"...You've always said my father was a very capable man...but...I really can't imagine..." Viviana said bluntly, "In my memory, he's always been a very tired man, rarely smiling. Even when he was with me, he rarely read poetry...even though the attic is full of all kinds of poetry."

"For your father, poetry and distant places no longer belong to him, so... he is just trying to make himself appear less concerned."

"...If I pretend not to care, does that mean I really don't care?"

"As long as you don't touch it, the wound won't hurt that much." Korra whispered, "Viviana, he is an excellent person. He saved me, and I still regard him as the most important person to me."

"...I know...I know everything." Viviana closed her eyes. "He is an excellent man, an excellent poet, and an excellent elector. Who am I to complain about him? Only when I reached his position did I realize how difficult everything is...I can't even be an excellent elector."

"You don't need to push yourself to this extent... Viviana." Cora sighed, "Soon, the Queen's Celebration will be here soon. You can take a break. Others will do the work. You don't need to think of yourself as your father. He is him, and you are you. You are the one and only Viviana."

"Thank you, Miss Cora." Viviana cheered up. In fact, from the beginning, she had no intention of giving up. "I just want to do what I can. I want to... try to understand my father."

"You will definitely make your father proud, Viviana." Kela reached out and stroked Viviana's cheek, a smile on her lips. "My dear girl, drink a cup of tea first and have a good rest. Only then can your little head be more clear."

On a separate note, Noah Kyrielight wasn't feeling so good at the moment. Fletmont had spent most of his time working on the copy of the Golden Rule in her head, but progress was slow. The only person in the world who had successfully modified the Golden Rule was Herhunzoren, and no one else. The crown formed by the Golden Rule seemed to have taken root in Noah's head, leaving Fletmont with no idea where to start...

There was no way to remove the crown from Noya's head. It had grown countless branches and leaves, weaving itself and Noya so deeply together that they were practically indistinguishable. Removing it would be like extracting her brain while she was still alive. Forcible removal was absolutely impossible, and Herhunzollon, who had actively combined the crown with Noya, disappeared after completing the crowning ceremony. The ancient black gold temple was then sealed, leaving Noya unable to communicate with her teacher...

"How?" At this moment, the dark blade, Helinmart, the "ruthless authority," walked into the room naturally. He looked at Noya, who was lying on a chair that looked like a dentist's chair, and Flemont, who was fiddling with her head. "Can the crown be removed before the Queen's celebration?"

"Impossible," Frémont bluntly denied the possibility. "The copy of the Golden Rule is inextricably linked to the original piece stored beneath the Twin Towers. You should know what this tightly bound magic is. It's extremely difficult to combine them, but even more difficult to separate them without damaging the magic itself. Noya has practically become a part of the Golden Rule now. Her brain, body, and blood are all tightly connected to it. In this case, it's as if the Golden Rule has been an organ of her body from the very beginning."

"You don't need to explain the technical difficulty to me so clearly. I just need the answer." Helinmart frowned, very dissatisfied with Frémont's answer. "Why? Is Helhunzollon the only one who can modify the Golden Rule?"

"How long do you think it took him to remove Syracuse's voice? Do you think it's like putting an elephant in a refrigerator? Open the refrigerator door, put the elephant in, and then close the refrigerator door? Stupid! You don't understand the structure of the magic itself!"

"...Master, how long should I lie down...I feel like I'm getting sleepy." Noah also spoke at this time. Since yesterday, the time she had been lying on this chair had been longer than her sleeping time. Obviously, the Golden Rule Movement was not a problem that was so easy to solve.

The only good thing was that Helinmart didn't seem to care about the Golden Rule on her head. She even provided her with a laboratory in the Twin Towers to help her remove it. However, just because Helinmart didn't care didn't mean that all of Leitania didn't care. Furthermore, Helinmart would not allow Noa to leave Leitania until the Golden Rule was removed. Although Noa had done nothing wrong, she was the Queen of Leitania and would not allow the Golden Rule to leak out.

"This performance will surely be magnificent, won't it?" Noya had heard of the Queen's Festival traditions. It was a revelry for all of Trilinterme, where everyone became a voice in the Golden Rule of Leithnia, contributing their voices to the performance. "The vast ritual enveloping all of Trilinterme must be magnificent, won't it?"

"Is that what you think?" Helinmart expressed confusion at the scene Noah described. "That performance itself is meaningless. What's important is that we use this performance to check if there are any problems with the Golden Rule itself."

"……what?"

"You can think of it as a year-end inspection." Frémont shrugged. "The Golden Rule has been patched up like this until now. If it weren't for annual inspections, problems would have arisen long ago."

"...This doesn't sound romantic at all." Noah blinked, a little speechless, "I thought this was a festival."

"Indeed, that's how we promote it. It also helps attract tourists to Trilinterme. If you go to the shops near the Twin Towers now, you'll see every household has stockpiled enough goods to handle the influx of tourists," Helinmart explained. "Don't you have something similar in your country? What do you call it? A knightly tournament?"

"..." Noya remained silent, but she probably understood the significance of the Queen's Celebration. "So, this is a massive commercial event... and a side hustle to overhaul the Golden Rule?"

"That's understandable," Helinmart nodded. "Actually, it wouldn't be a big deal if we just asked a few court musicians to tinker with it privately. But since everyone's so interested in the Golden Rule, wouldn't it be nice to create something of value?"

"...Okay." Noah had to admit that the Queen's Celebration was indeed a good idea, "It's just a little different from what I had in mind."

"Many things aren't as glamorous as they appear, Noah Kyrielight. Just like the crown on your head, you may have been recognized by the Golden Rule, but that doesn't mean Leithnia approves of you. That's why I didn't kill you on the spot. Even with the crown on, you pose no threat. Of course, part of the reason is that you're not your teacher, Herkunzoron. I'm probably the person who knows Herkunzoron best besides your master about this design. If it was Herkunzoron wearing the crown, I'd have my sword at your neck right now."

"I won't just sit there and wait for death." Noah shook his head. "Although you are very strong, I don't think I will lose to you."

"It's good to be confident." Helinmart didn't care. "But you can't fight against a country. You have to fight against all of Leithania."

The two looked at each other, but even though they said so, Noah still saw a hint of murderous intent in Helinmart's eyes - it was not that she had no intention of killing herself, but on the one hand, with the presence of Fremont, the Lord of the Lich King's Court, by her side, she was somewhat cautious. Another reason was probably the same as she said, she was not Herhunzollon, and did not have the same ambition as Herhunzollon.

Helinmart is not known for her kindness...

However, Noah dared to come here, and naturally she had her own reasons. Not to mention the music box in her hand that contained the echoes of the world, the gray matter in Noah's body alone was enough to give the Queen in front of her a hard time.

Now the two of them maintained superficial peace for various reasons, but it was obvious that if he became a threat to the Queen, or planned to leave Leithania, the Queen would become his enemy immediately.

Helinmart didn't stay long, as she still had a lot of things to do, but only after Helinmart left did Frémont speak.

"If it's just her, you should have a chance of winning."

"……what do you mean?"

"If the Twin Queens are both here, I suggest you find a chance to escape," Frémont said bluntly. "Either the Black Sheep or the White Sheep is your match, but when they're together, it's a different story."

"..." Noah subconsciously touched the crown on his head, "Teacher...why did he insist on giving the crown to me?"

...Teacher...What is he planning?

Chapter 50: The Two Queens

Korra is carrying out the final adjustments. As the most trusted person of the Gemini Queens and the tuner of the Leitania Royal Orchestra, she is responsible for the entire performance.

"Ms. Lowenstein, all the musicians and instruments are in place." At this time, several musicians came in and reported the specific arrangements, including the [special performer] who was already in place.

"Okay. You go out first. I'll confirm... the amplification formula." The so-called amplification formula certainly didn't need her to confirm, but several musicians still left tactfully. After all, in Kora's room, there was a woman wearing a black veil and gorgeous clothes. Although her face could not be seen, she exuded a sense of mystery. Her instrument was the cello - an indispensable alto or bass string instrument in the orchestra. In Leitania, there were actually not many people who learned to play the cello.

The mysterious performer did not react to the musicians' gazes. She just stood there silently, like a statue, until the musicians left. Then she spoke.

"This will be an impressive performance - right?" This person is of course Arturo who was secretly released. It's funny to say that in this Queen's celebration, the musician responsible for playing the Golden Rule music is actually Arturo, a guy who is a terrorist by identity. However, it is obvious that Arturo has been deprived of his Originium skills at this time. Theoretically, it is impossible for him to do anything. This is one of the reasons why Arturo can appear here.

"The Golden Rule performance will begin in ten minutes, and the Royal Orchestra needs to get it started right under the Queen's direction." Cora didn't respond to Arturo's words, but instead emphasized, "Your performance is crucial, Arturo. I hope you understand that this is your only chance in this lifetime to perform the Golden Rule. The Queen's meteorologist predicted today's sunset time. As per tradition, the Golden Rule performance will end before the last ray of light fades."

"...As the last ray of light fades, it's such an ominous sight," Arturo couldn't help but complain. "It's as if all the joy has been left in the daytime, leaving only worries and loneliness after nightfall."

"It's tradition." Korra shook her head. "Everything must end before sunset. This is what they call total silence."

"Daytime is the Queen's celebration—but what about night? Who does the night belong to?" Arturo asked with a smile. "To you? To the Witch King? Or…"

"You don't need to know who the night belongs to." Cora reached out, and a thin thread, a gleaming, cold string, bound Arturo's neck. It seemed as if a gentle pull would separate Arturo's head from his body. "You are just a vessel, Arturo. You are the vessel that holds the Golden Rule. In the end, you will be killed by your own hands—this is your fate. Vanish today, along with the Golden Rule—"

"Ms. Cora, are you feeling guilty?"

"...?"

"You clearly didn't have to tell me this, and you didn't need to wrap the strings around my neck. You know—I won't run. Being the vessel of the Golden Rule isn't a bad outcome for me." Arturo's smile, though obscured by a black veil, was only through the vibration of the strings that she could sense the joy in his tone with every word. This didn't seem like the attitude of a dying man...

This isn't the attitude Korra likes...

"...You look a lot like someone."

"Who?"

"You're just an idiot." Cora didn't directly answer Arturo's question. "Before the performance, you can't reveal your identity, and you can't speak. From now on, you're just a playing machine, an instrument waiting for the performance to begin. Instruments can't speak."

"I will follow your instructions." Arturo smiled and closed his mouth, continuing to be her puppet.

Korra left the inner room, but before she could follow her plan to go to where the Queen was, she heard Viviana's breathing. Viviana had arrived at some point, and Korra paused, then smiled as usual.

"You came?"

"...Ms. Cora, Arturo is missing..."

"..." Cora's face darkened. She didn't expect that Viviana would discover Arturo's disappearance so quickly. But even so, the plan would not change.

"I understand. I will report this to His Majesty after the Queen's celebration."

"...Why after the celebration? Arturo is a terrorist... This shouldn't be the first time..."

"This is the Queen's Celebration, Viviana."

There was no need for a reason, or even any reason, Korra's answer was enough.

"She's been stripped of her Originium skills. Even if she escapes, she poses no threat. Viviana, return to your position. Maintaining the Queen's Celebration is more important to us than dealing with a powerless invalid. Time is running out, and we can't let anything stop it. Viviana, I'll report this to Her Majesty the Queen. You don't need to worry about it."

"...This." Viviana instinctively felt uneasy. Although Cora's reasons were very sufficient, she still felt that the whole thing was not that simple.

It was at this time that Arturo disappeared... As someone who had experienced the concert hall attack, Viviana was well aware of the danger Arturo posed. Could she really just ignore him at this time?

"...I still need to explain the situation clearly to Her Majesty... Miss Cora, I want to see the Queen..." Despite her inner unease, Viviana insisted on her own thoughts. "The Queen's Celebration... although it is indeed important, what if someone really intends to cause trouble during the Queen's Celebration? In my opinion, the Queen's Celebration can be postponed, but Arturo must not be allowed to continue to go unpunished."

"...I won't stop you." Korra shook her head. "But the Queen is preparing to give orders right now. They're both in the Twin Towers and won't see anyone... Even if you rush over, the Golden Law Guards won't let you in. I'm doing this for your own good, Viviana. After the Queen's celebration is over, I'll personally go to the Queen to explain the situation. There's no point in you going now."

She reached out and took Viviana's hand. "Besides... Viviana. I've been thinking these past two days... After this is over, if you want to stay with the Queen, do you have to find a more permanent place to live in Trilintelme?"

"Hmm..." Viviana paused and nodded hesitantly. After all, according to her current position, it should be a foregone conclusion that she would be stationed in Trilinterme.

"Then would you like to... live with me?" Cora smiled. "I have a small yard in the Bach district, and I just painted the walls a while ago. Brent helped me plant some green vines, and he said the color would match the walls. I don't believe him, so it would be best if you could help me take a look..."

"...Ms. Cora..."

"... Viviana... don't go." Cora held Viviana's hand, almost begging, "We still have a lot to say, and we still have a lot of days to spend together. Stay with me... okay?"

Viviana did hesitate. After all, Cora was probably the person who took the best care of her after her parents passed away. There was no blood connection between them, but they were as close as a family. Some things could not be faked. Viviana believed that every word Cora said at this moment was sincere. She was really looking forward to the future and the time living with Viviana, but... why now?

Suddenly, an idea that had never appeared before appeared in her mind... This idea made her shudder.

"...Miss Cora, now is not the time to talk about this." She shook her head. "We can talk about it later... later, okay?"

Viviana was a sentimental person, and Korra was clearly the best person to her besides Noya. So... she still wanted to believe Korra, to believe everything she said. Even though Viviana felt something was wrong, she could only suppress her uneasiness for the moment. It's okay...it has to be okay, she tried to convince herself. She subconsciously raised her head and gazed towards the two towers.

Unease, unease ran up her spine...

-

"I thought you'd let me stay in the tower." Meanwhile, Noya, draped in a cloak and mask, stood beside Helinmart like a dark ghost. This position usually belonged to a close guard or a trusted confidant, but Noya didn't think Helinmart considered him a trusted confidant. On the contrary, his position so close to Helinmart...probably meant to take personal action if he made any unusual moves. "If you're so worried about me, why don't you just lock me up in the dungeon? Why keep me with you?"

"Because you're too dangerous." Helinmart smiled. "In all of Leithania, there are only three people who can hold you back. One of them is me."

"...I've said it many times before. I have no intention of threatening you." Noah said helplessly, "You can rest assured."

"Whether or not there's a threat isn't something you can just say..." Helinmart said bluntly. "Besides, don't you want to watch this show from the special seats? These are super special seats you can't buy with money."

"You're kidding." Indeed, where else could the super-premium seats at the Queen's Celebration be found besides Her Majesty's? Noya subconsciously glanced down at the towers. From the towers above, everyone in Trilinterme looked as small as ants. The square beneath the twin towers was already packed, mostly with musicians carrying instruments. These musicians would be performing the Golden Rule, the highlight of the Queen's Celebration.

Many musicians have prepared for this collective performance for several months. Each musician here has been carefully selected and can be said to be the elite among the elites.