HoYoLAB/Articles/Short in Height, Tall in Might

Transcription

THE STARS SHALL SING OF THE IMPERATOR'S GREAT JOURNEY.
Vol. 10

Step One to
Interstellar Conquest

Daily Log:
Trial Edition (Internal)

CERYDRA
Unquenchable Ambition

Cerydra Unquenchable Ambition

Cerydra, an ambitious sovereign, is the Chrysos Heir who wields the Coreflame of Law. In turbulent times, she sets her pieces in place, plays against the gods themselves, and delivers judgment upon the disloyal, laying the very foundation for the Flame-Chase in this life. Yet to her, the great journey does not end with Amphoreus...
"So, the Deliverer from beyond the sky knows me well. The universe is so much vaster than two simple shades. The end of Amphoreus is nothing more than the first step into the cosmos, and one day, I will march toward those far-off lights."

Q1. Among all the city-states under your rule, which one is your favorite?
I love them all. Each city-state carries its own unique beauty and character. This is not a matter of fairness or impartiality. It is simply the truth I discovered after looking into my own heart.
However, your question brings to mind a city-state I find regrettable. Dux Gladorium and I came across it during our campaign, an unnamed place tucked away in a remote corner of the world. One might call it a paradise spared from the chaos of the end times. In spring, the southern mountains bloomed in profusion, while the north lay locked in ice and cold. Standing at the line between the two felt like standing between two worlds. Yet the black tide consumed it in just half a day. Heh. How senselessly cruel...

Q2. Speaking of Dux Gladorium, what led you to take her under your command?
On the shores of Styxia, I saw a fish aglow with light, weaving through the dark, surging waves, her blade cleaving the unseen darkness. Again and again she pressed on, never wavering, never tiring. I could hear her yearning to bring the Law to the sea, just as I yearned to conquer an unjust fate. Without a word, we stepped onto the same path.

Q3. Some say death isn’t the real end, being forgotten is. What do you think, Imperator?
Heh, a truly vicious curse. Death comes for all, and there is nothing in that I cannot admit, myself included. The Flame-Chase Journey will not cease with the Imperator's fall. The future will be yours to write. The reproach or condemnation my deeds may incur means nothing to me, for I regret nothing. As the saying goes, "Hell is other people," and without question, I alone possess the right to judge myself. Therefore, rather than giving up the initiative and being buried in the memories and perceptions of others, I would choose to be forgotten. All the world needs to know is this: Cerydra has shattered the Law, and Amphoreus will prevail.

Q4. I believe that after the Era Nova comes, the Imperator will behold a far greater spread of stars.
Of course. Should I return in triumph, I will walk among the stars myself and see with my own eyes the world beyond the sky you speak of. Then I shall set out on a journey even grander still. When that day comes, take a planet as my gift for granting me this interview.

Step One to
Interstellar Conquest

Herta Space Station
The technology may be first-class, but the energy consumption hints at a looming fiscal deficit. Take that as a warning.

The Xianzhou Luofu
Word has it the locals drink sharp, pungent beverages to steel their resolve. The Allied Army is still far from such fortitude, though perhaps we could learn from it.

Penacony
That dream bubble technology is remarkable. It is wasted on mere amusement. As for that Robin's song, it is charming, though still a step below Dux Gladiorum's music.

Belobog
Their plight resembles that of Amphoreus. An alliance could be forged for mutual learning.

Imperator and Her Subjects (10)

Cerydra

My loyal subjects, I have appended my notes to the beyond the sky dossiers the Deliverer and their little companion supplied.

Star-Conquering Project.xmind

✓ Hysilens, Tribbie, Aglaea, Cipher, Apollonius, and others... 9 users in total

Aglaea

To our surprise, the world beyond the sky proves brutally harsh. We will devise new ways to withstand the bitter cold.

Cerydra

Of course, we must also master new materials and the craft to work them. Dux Goldweaver, I entrust these to you.

Tribbie

Beyond new materials, there are foods labeled "stinky." The world beyond the sky is truly unbelievable.

Cerydra

We may welcome these flavors from beyond the sky, but they must be refined to suit Okhema's palate.

Hysilens

Fish in both river and sea always find a way to adapt.

Cerydra

Don't worry, Dux Gladiorum. The feasts you desire will continue as our conquests march on.

When I command the sea of stars, these promises will be truth, not empty words.

1 day until the Imperator's return to court

Cerydra

If you are so fond of numbers, why not go and track Okhema's daily births and deaths.

Daily Log:
Trial Edition (Internal)
In a bid to broaden the Allied Army's reach and rally public opinion, the Imperator once proposed creating an official gazette to share the outcomes of the alliance meetings and the records of the citizens' assembly. Yet it never saw print, for reasons lost to history...

Summary of the Assembly
Dux Fatorium says: (excited) The Imperator sampled "our" special dessert yesterday. She adored it, even wanting to christen it "The Pie Imperator Cannot Stop Eating"!

Dux Gladiorum says: (serious) Absolutely not. Keep this up, and a thousand years from now, history will remember the Imperator as nothing more than a gluttonous ruler.

Cerydra

This sort of thing need not make it into print...

Allied Army Battle Report
A resounding victory at the Siege of Janusopolis.

Cerydra

And the details?

Summary of the Assembly
Lucid Hour, 2nd quint: Hold the morning session to review and approve state affairs.
Action Hour, 2nd quint: Attend the Aero-Chess tournament to provide guidance.
Parting Hour, 4th quint: Take a dromas for a walk through the streets, voted by citizens as one of Okhema's signature sights.

Curtain-Fall Hour, 2nd quint: The Imperator's subjects, concerned that she has been working without rest for days, secretly replace her evening tea with honey brew, and she falls asleep in her study, inebriated.

Cerydra

No need to overdramatize a monarch's duties. Though I must say, Dux Gladiorum's nerve is growing.

Court Judgment

By the authority of law, Afranius stood guilty of high treason for colluding with enemy states. In accordance with alliance law, he was put to death and his body displayed at the city gates to show the Imperator's might.

Cerydra

Only this one meets the mark. End the project.

The army's spirit has been tarnished!
The Knight Commander's book is ever in hand, and the Imperator's strategy is rumored to be shifting.

According to reliable sources, Knight Commander Hysilens has recently carried a heavy book on every outing. This has led to speculation that the Imperator intends to set a new military direction, sparking debate in the army. Opponents claim bookworms erode the army's spirit and that the Flame-Chase Army should focus on strengthening martial drills, while supporters argue that mastering both strategy and strength is essential.
Hysilens: Actually... well, perhaps it is not such a serious matter.

A Remarkable Move
When the frontlines hang in the balance, the Imperator delights in setting the chessboard. Officers who have faced her swear that the instant she places the move that seals her triumph, the doors swing open to admit a messenger with news of victory.
Hysilens: Imperator's reading of the battlefield never falters.

Tales of the Court
All in the realm know the Imperator's fondness for crafting noble titles. Many of her inspired creations have become cherished anecdotes. Whispers from trusted sources say she often names the sights and creatures she encounters along the road, both as training for her craft and for her own amusement. The dromas, steady and deliberate like a venerable minister in honorable retirement, she names Dux Accomplished. The chimera, small and endearing with fur soft enough to calm the heart, she names Dux Tranquil.

Dux Goldweaver
Dux Fratorum
Dux Gladiorum
Dux Celeripes

Hysilens: Perhaps... the Deliverer from beyond the sky should bear the title "Dux Primarius."

Imperator on Law
The laws of the past fell with Talanton. Follow me as we turn the pages of the draft codex upon the Imperator's desk...

Okhema Library Law
1. Libraries of all ranks shall be open to all citizens. No level of rank or status shall bar entry.
2. Those who hold a Dux title shall visit their designated library at least once a month, remaining for no less than two hours. Any who defy this shall clean the dromas post's dromases for three days.

Aglaea

Agreed. This will let even refugee children learn new things and take their place in the life of the holy city.

Hysilens

Cleaning the dromases...? Me?

Theater Management Regulations
1. On weekends, all ticket prices shall not exceed eighty percent of their original price.
2. Any whose height exceeds eight feet shall not be seated in the front row.

Hysilens

From time to time, the Imperator attends the Spring Theater in plain attire. Yet yesterday, she seemed displeased when the show ended.

Cipher

She couldn't even see anything. Haha! You can't buy the best seats, so next time I'll take you there~

Cerydra

Dux Celeripes, your tongue moves too freely.

Imperator's Labor Law
From Curtain-Fall Hour each day, and throughout the days of festival, all shall rest by right. Non-emergency state business shall remain untouched.

Cerydra

Dux Goldweaver. True brilliance springs from a rested mind.

Aglaea

Yes... When my present duties are concluded, I shall bathe and let my thoughts flow anew.

"You shall complete your conquest in the ocean at the boundaries of this world, and eternally slumber in the sound of tides..."

Chrysos Heir Interview Relay Continues

Message from Vol. 9 Character Hysilens

Hysilens

Sure, I don't claim to understand humans, but even I know the basics. I mean... bubble makers are children's toys, right?

Cerydra

Don't you like it?

On the next issue, Vol. 11's cover...

Cerydra

They say she shares a deep connection with the Deliverer beyond the sky.

If you could ask them one question...

Cerydra

I have nothing to ask.

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