Chapter 799 – Family Counsellor

A renouncing world,

A… the word is not precisely renouncing, it is mixed with something closer to begging, although demanding is there to. Desperate? The word could mean that. World has possesses the possessive character, it is “world (ours)”, obviously Arda,

Now begs upon its knees.

Now… once again, begs is a slight mistranslation. ‘Demands desperately’ would be a better translation, although there is no clean word. Upon is correct, Knees is correct.

For the almighty lays shattered,

For the almighty, and once again, the sign is untranslatable. “almighty” in the Imperial translation is singular, although here, we see the plural sign. It would be closer to “almighties”? Lays is not a direct translation although it is close enough for meaning. Surprisingly, shattered is correct. The sign is the same that is used to indicate the breaking of glass, it is literal.

Broken by these hands.

Broken, again, is a simple sign and it is literal. Whereas “by these hands” likewise, although note is hands (ours).

For the stars have deigned,

…For the stars is wrong. Whereas the sign for “star” is used, in the context of the runes, it indicates the “stars above stars”. I have no explanation save for the fact that it I assume metaphor. Deigned is wrong, although that is a translation mistake. Deigned is too poetic, the sign for decided is used.

Our existence lacking.

Our existence, note that here, this is correct. “our” is used as its own word, instead of being combined into “existence (ours)”. Whereas the meaning does not change, maybe Helenna could assist with why it was the chosen to change the grammar here? Lacking is close enough, although there is a slight mistake. It would be close to “lacking in previous?” Is it intended to say “our existence is lacking in our existence?” Reference to previous line? “Lacking in our stars upon stars decision?” I am not enough of a literature student to understand this.

For the sun opens its maw,

For the sun (ours). Note the return to usual runic grammar form. Open its maw is semi correct. The literal would be something like “opens its opening”.

And casts us into ruination.

And casts... Interesting that here, the translation is correct. The word “casts” is actually correct, and it is in the magical context, not the metaphorical meaning to use as in “to throw”. Ruination possesses the possessive, generally. I assume Imperial translators don’t understand this language well enough, as this mistake is made commonly.

And so,

Correct.

A renouncing world,

Once again, renouncing is infused with “desperate demands”, rather than renouncing. I only note this because renouncing is its own word, and it could have been used instead. World has the (ours) sign, I assume it talks of Arda.

Now prays upon its knees.

This sign, I have never seen before. Prays has those desperate demands upon it, nevertheless, there is slight variation. I would use the word “calls” here instead. “Summon” maybe? The base of “spirit” is at the bottom. Summon-spirit? Are they talking about apotheosis in the context of an action and not an event? Assuming that, the translation would be “Now apotheosises upon its knees (ours)”.

From Forever, Until Today,

After That, For Forever,

Correct, common on runes.

Deliver Us From Evil.

Correct, although “Deliver”. Note is it the same as what is seen on the dwarven axes…

The signs of “stars over stars” are included within “evil”.

- Iniri’s revised translation of runes found in the pillar room. Originally found by Paida during the first Aris Expedition.

Helenna plucked the rubber band from her mouth as she grabbed her hair into a tail. The Goddess of Love tied back the furious red locks into a mess and then pulled out her make-up kit. She looked at herself in its mirror, the suit and uniform fit well. The top button of her shirt was undone. Another one could go as well frankly. From what she heard of Iliyal Tremali, she assumed the man would hate her. Utterly despise her, that was good. Emotional reactions, she could work with. It would be worst if he default to that emotional, factory-reset personality that Kassandora managed to put into people.

Arascus had told the woman to meet him, but he had not told given a direction. So it would be at the foundations of the Imperial Palace. Better here than anywhere else, frankly. She needed to make some good use of this time, and she may as well run her weekly checkup on the progress of the Palace as she dealt with Kassandora’s favourite little elf.

The foundations had been poured and stone walls were rising out of the ground. The foundations of towers that would have an entrance only at the top, to be connected via bridge to the main structure. Heavy machinery was working on digging out a pit that would serve as the underground bunker here. Better to do it now. She wanted to use steel for the walls, or titanium, or something that would give pause even to the largest of Imperial bombs, although the Million Man Miracle was currently causing resource shortages throughout the Empire. The pit would stay a pit, although it could be dug out now. And later, she would have her steel.

Or the Second Arc would hit, and then, she would never get the chance to make her steel. Of Love smiled to herself. This is exactly the sort of project that the Empire should be doing though. The men were slowly hauling bricks to their locations, by the end of the month, they should start digging canals for the plumbing. Then in two months, the moat. In four months, maybe the Great Hall would be finished. The pace was beyond lackadaisical, that was the point. This project was not to be finished in time for the Second Arc.

It was to be finished after. And they would not rush. They would not hurry. They would not beat fate. They would simply stick their middle finger up at the universe, because even the threat of apocalypse would not stop the Ardan mind from constructing beauty. Helenna’s lips curled into a smile, she knew what today’s propaganda pieces would be about alright.

“Helenna.” Iliyal said from behind and Helenna’s smile dropped. It was annoying that he did not call her Goddess, although Iliyal Tremali did that for everyone bar Kassandora. The real annoyance lay in the fact she had not heard him approach. Even elves were not that silent.

Of Love did not even turn back to look at him. “Come for a walk.” Helenna said. “Do you know why you’re here?”

“No.” Iliyal said. Fantastic. So Arascus had not made her job any easier. She walked, the elf trailing behind her, across the poured foundations. A bench fashioned out of half a pallet and two concrete bricks had been made here.

“What do you think of the Palace?” Helenna asked. It was always better to circle onto personal matters than to be direct about them. Maybe Iliyal would see it differently, he definitely would frankly, but Iliyal was not the embodiment of Love, was he?

“It is a much needed project for government functionality.” Iliyal said. “Likewise, the Imperial Military needs a headquarters too.” Helenna smiled to herself. Well, she had effectively declared herself the Divine architect through starting this construction. Why should she not build a headquarters for Kassandora too? And would it not be good for the IBI to assist directly in such a project?

“That depends on who builds it.” Helenna was not stupid enough to tell him that she was considering herself into that position. He would tell Kassandora and that would light a fire until Of War’s ass. “Nevertheless, I am only focused on the Imperial Palace.”

“I see.” Iliyal said. “Is this what I am here for?”

“You’re here because we’re sending you off to Karaina, I am certain that Arascus will tell Kassandora and you’ll be assigned troops, although what else, I do not know.” Iliyal took a deep breath and stared at the half-a-pallet. In the distance, two builders were smoking, Helenna met their gazes and they quickly looked away.

“I see.” Iliyal said again. “Is this related to Karaina joining the Empire?”

“How do you know about that?” Helenna asked.

“I assumed from the fact I am being sent off there combined with the fact the government is unstable.” He said dryly. “They asked us for reinforcements, I assume? Rather than us offering it to them?” Helenna blinked, her gaze moved from the builders to the elf in his black uniform, complete with cap and ceremonial sword on his hip. This was the first question? Well, it was good, but should that actually be his priority list? Did he not have a grandson there?

And it was made even worse by the fact that Helenna would have never asked that question, or even imagined asking it. “They asked us.” Helenna said. But she did have to admit, that was quick thinking on the elf’s behalf. Kassandora really did train her soldiers well.

“How will the operation look?” Iliyal asked. “Or is it reliant on my own initiative?” That was the opening she needed to steer the conversation onto Iliyal, and it wasn’t even important if she was correct or not. Maybe Kassandora did have a plan prepared already, but this meeting was not about the plan.

“Ilwin and Duchess Daganhoff are there.” Helenna said. “They have secured a position in the government, I assume you will deal with them.”

Iliyal nodded. “Understood.” He said and looked around. “It will be done, anything else?” Helenna blinked, this time, her eyes went to the mountain where a cavern was being dug out. That was going to be a huge garage and armoury for private vehicles. Helenna wanted her own car, and she had nowhere to put it.

The Goddess of Love changed her tactics. Very well, if he was going to be this blunt, then she would return that bluntness beat-for-beat. “You’re going to be dealing with your grandson again.” Helenna said. “Is that within mission parameters or not?”

“I don’t see why that would not be.” Iliyal said. Either the man’s brain was wired wrong or he could only focus on warfare and nothing else.

“What will you tell him when you meet him?”

“I assume he will be aware of my presence there so we shall continue the operation and then return back to the Empire, or if not, then await further orders in Karaina.” Iliyal replied. “Helenna, I think I am aware of what you are doing here.”

“What am I doing?” Helenna asked, finally, something out of him.

“This is going to be my relationship with Ilwin, is it not?”

There was one way to make sure that Arascus would never give her this job of relationship counsellor ever again, she would rat the God of Pride out to his very own subordinate. “Arascus is worried about you, thus he told me to deal with you and him, and you will not be sent if I don’t give the greenlight on you being able to meet your grandson.” That was a complete lie, but her hair changed to a victorious gold when she saw the elf’s expression hardened. That was the reaction she wanted.

“I have no issue with my grandson.”

“That is precisely the issue.” Helenna said. “Because you seem to have no opinion upon your family relations.”

“I keep my personal life out of my job.” Iliyal answered dryly. Not a spark of anger in his voice, but there was obvious exhaustion. Well, he had been dealing with Divinity for longer than any single mortal even was alive. No doubt he was exhausted of giants almost twice his height telling him what to do.

“I doubt if you have a personal life in the first place.” Helenna said. Iliyal just closed his eyes, took a deep breath, opened his green eyes, and stared at her, waiting for the next words. Any other mortal would have either apologised, or blushed, or gotten furious. Divinity would only get furious. And for this idiot, it seemed to go in one ear and out the other. “No answer?”

“Apologies, but I do not need to respond to that.” Iliyal said. Helenna smiled at him, her hair changing from gold back to red, although it was scarlet this time. She had not thought that this man would be so entertaining to crack in the first place.

“You do, because I am questioning you.”

“There is no way to prove a personal life.” Iliyal said.

“What hobbies do you have?”

“I read.” Iliyal said.

“What do you read?”

“Books.”

“What kind of books?”

“Philosophy, scientific theory and military theory.” Iliyal answered dryly. That was so fucking predictable that Helenna would have assumed he was lying if she thought him capable of lying to her. The greatest mortal general to ever live, of course. What else could he read? Helenna could reply with a flat glare.

“Seriously?” She asked. The elf did not respond. Great. “Arascus told me that Ilwin is talented, he will eventually rise to a leadership position in the Empire.”

“That is obvious.” Iliyal said.

“Then it is obvious you have to get along with him.” Helenna said and Iliyal just met her gaze.

“I assume the issue stems from the fact that Arascus and you both deem me incapable of managing familial relations.” Iliyal said.

If he wanted blunt, then he was going to get blunt. Helenna held her hand out and counted on her fingers. “One, you have no wife.” She said. “That is not even troublesome alone, but two, you have no relations with anyone in the administration. I am not giving you advice to start an affair, but likewise, Paida has given you a maid service.”

“I assume they are spies.” Iliyal said and Helenna stared at him. Well damn right they were spies! Paida thought they were hers when in reality, they were Helenna’s. And probably Malam’s too! Maids were the best way to get into a man’s brain, especially pretty ones!

“Same in Rilia.” Helenna continued, with out affirming or denying him. “Three, you have no friends bar your generals.”

“I have a preference for elves.” Iliyal said dryly and Helenna stared at him again. Of course he did. How could he not? The man was an elf himself.

“Then I can find you an elven sweetheart.” Helenna said. Surely there must be at least one she-elf in the Empire who would put up him? Right? How bad could Iliyal be? It would only be a paper marriage anyway.

“I respectfully have to decline the offer Helenna.” Iliyal said dryly.

“Four, the only Divine you actually talk to is Kassandora.”

“I talk far more with Arascus than with Goddess Kassandora.”

“Then why does only she get the title?”

“Because I am good at warfare and I respect the craft.” Helenna didn’t know what to say to that. Was he insane?

“Should I tell Arascus that?”

“I have discussed with him, I am not fond of statecraft nor is it something I wish to master.” Iliyal said. Helenna sighed.

“Five, you have not once mentioned your grandson in any meeting.” Helenna said. That was the deathblow, she had laid down the initial grievances just so that he would swat them away. Iliyal stared at her for a moment and said nothing. Helenna finally dropped her hand. “Because of that, yes, I do question your reliability Iliyal.”

Iliyal shook his head. “Why would I mention him at a meeting Helenna?” He asked. “For what reason?”

“Because he’s your grandson?”

“Because he’s the only living Tremali other than me.” Iliyal said. “Yes, that is precisely why it is better he is forgotten about in Karaina and not in the Empire.” Helenna narrowed her eyes, her hair changed to red, then to pink. Oh. It was sentiment. Not coldness, even though that is what it looked like from the outside. “I would like you to answer that question, if I kept on bringing him up, where would he go? Which front under Ashen Skies would he be deployed to? Or maybe he would be in charge of one of the current lattices to lead it into space? Or would he be sent as a commander into the Arisian expedition?”

“There is just as large a chance he would be sent into your positions in logistics.”

“And it is a chance I was not and am still not willing to take. Let the boy play in Karaina with Daganhoff, and keep him out of politics. That was the goal, it has served me well until now.”

“I misjudged you.” Helenna said. Now her hair went to a light red, slight embarrassment, it was one of the worst colours. “I see. Arascus misjudged you too, if that makes you feel any better.”

“I have not asked him because it goes Imperial principles, because I know he would grant me the favour of protecting him.” Iliyal said. “Only Goddess Kassandora knows the logic, because I was the who asked her to keep Iliyal posted there. She did not forget about him, no matter how much I wish she did.” Well of course Kassandora knew. The woman probably got informed of his sleep schedule too and what he had for breakfast in the morning.

“Will you tell him this?” Helenna asked.

“I will.” Iliyal said. “I do not need your advice on how to deal with my family, respectfully, but it is my demesne. I am certain you do not want the same advice from me.”

“I don’t…” Helenna trailed off, her eyes going wide. Did she not have a family? Arascus had not formally adopted her, but was she not part of the sisterhood? She blushed and stammered a word out. Her hair changed to crimson. Did this elf just outflank her in a conversation? Excuse me?

“Don’t tell him it because he will hate you for it.” Helenna said quickly.

“Then if he does, then he will.” Iliyal said. “Nevertheless, I will not lie to my own blood, neither do I lie to allied Divinity.” Well of course, if he did, he would be getting into trouble.

“Are you sure?”

“I am sure.” Iliyal said.

“Do you want to meet him even?” Helenna asked and Iliyal sighed, then finally broke his gaze away and turned to look up at the sky.

“Would you ask this question of Arascus?” He said. “Or of anyone else but me Helenna? Yes. I do wish to meet him. But I do not because the further he stays away from me, the safer he is. I know he will get involved with Divinity with eventually, but we live for a long time. I plan to delay that moment as long as possible.”

“Then the time has come.” Helenna said gently.

“The time has come.” Iliyal said. “It shall be done.”