Arcane Bridge (Hard)

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*Lucilicca seems to express herself more freely than in the previous timeline. She must have had different experiences getting to this point. Laphlaes’s mind does not yet seem to be fully controlled, which gives you hope.*

## Summary

Lord of Avillon tells Lucilicca that Titan will appear when Laphlaes breaks free from his mind-control. Charlotte and Lucilicca have a discussion about half-elves.

## Character List

### Major

* Lucilicca La'elaya (Fire)
* Charlotte Grace (Earth)
* Lord of Avillon

## Content

"Lord": So, the First Archmage taught you?

Lucilicca: Yes. He was the archmage from even before I was born. He was also in charge of elven education. But that’s enough about that. Now that Laphlaes is gone, have you thought about what to do from here?

"Lord": We have to prepare for a battle at the First Tower. A physical jolt won’t be enough by itself to free him form the mind control. We also have to keep forcing his mind to come to the surface. Back there when you were trying to convince him—er, threaten him?—you really seemed to get through. I could talk all day and he’d still never listen to me. If we’re going to get him back to his usual self, you’ll need to step it up next time.

Lucilicca: Will do. Whew…

"Lord": When we break him free from the brainwashing, it will trigger another spell that wakes Titan, who is going to attack us.

Lucilicca: …Come again? You’ve never mentioned that before.

"Lord": I’d be happy to be wrong, but we should still prepare ourselves just in case.

Lucilicca: But if Titan attacks us, there’s nothing we can do. We didn’t make it our last line of defense because it’s weak.

"Lord": In my experience, it breaks down if you just hit it enough.

Lucilicca: Should I even ask…?

"Lord": Don’t worry. We can do it.

...

Lucilicca: …

"Lord": You look like you have something to say.

Lucilicca: It’s about the caliber of Avillon’s knights.

"Lord": They’re exceptional, aren’t they?

Lucilicca: That’s… arrogant of you to say, but yes.

"Lord": They’ve trained over a long period of time, and continually work to realize and even increase their potential. It’s no wonder they’ve become so strong. They use their strength effectively and give everything they’ve got, within reason.

Lucilicca: But… that’s basic knowledge. Everyone knows you should do that.

"Lord": Everyone knows, but few people consistently and continually apply that knowledge. There’s also a secret to our strength, but I can’t tell you until we get to know each other better.

Lucilicca: For a monarch, you sure sound like a swindler.

...

Charlotte: M-Miss Archmage! Can I ask you a question?

Lucilicca: Sure, ask me as many as you’d like.

Charlotte: Heh heh! My name is Charlotte Grace… I’m a half-elf. What do you think about half-elves…?

Lucilicca: Oh, um… I don’t know…

Charlotte: …You don’t think very highly of us, do you?

Lucilicca: Oh, it’s not that at all. I don’t think one way or the other about the subject.

Charlotte: …Huh?

Lucilicca: Well, there’s a race we call “elves”, right?

Charlotte: Yeah…

Lucilicca: There are also “humans” and “half-elves” and many others.

Charlotte: Yeah… That’s true…

Lucilicca: I don’t have any particular opinions about something so fundamental and, well, objective. Of course, every race is different, and everyone has their own views. Everyone in the world is unique in their own way. But a rock wouldn’t ask a tree why they’re different, right? Neither would a cloud care if it was different from the wind. There’s nothing to dwell on regarding something so natural; you just accept it and move on.

Charlotte: …

Lucilicca: That’s how I feel about half-elves. Humans, too. Are elves any worse than birds because we can’t fly? Are fish superior to humans because they swim better?

Charlotte: No, of course not.

Lucilicca: Exactly. We all live in different environments, and adapt to those environments as we go about our lives. I think we should all accept that being different from each other is natural. We are all different; it’s nothing to be ashamed of, or feel superior about.

Charlotte: …You’re right.

Lord: I agree. Dogkin, rabbitkin, dragonkin, elves, half-elves, humans… Those are all simply categories someone came up with. While we can’t dismiss the differences that come with them, we don’t have to be tied down by them, either.

Lucilicca: That’s right.

"Lord": I want to make a world where people feel free to be different, and where they won’t be punished for it.

Lucilicca: It would be wonderful if you could, but it would take an extremely long time for everyone to reach that point.

"Lord": It would be hard to change the values of those who are already set in their ways. But if the rising generation were to grow up accepting differences as natural… Well, that would be the start.

Lucilicca: We were doing so well. I don’t understand why we started going backwards… Anyway, Charlotte!

Charlotte: Hm?

Lucilicca: Charlotte Grace, value yourself more. Think more highly of yourself. Your life isn’t determined by the race you were born into. What’s important is how you live your life.

Charlotte: You’re right! Thank you Aun… er, Miss Archmage!

"Lord": …

Lucilicca: … Why’re you looking at me like that?

"Lord": Oh, it’s just… nice to see you two having a moment.

Lucilicca: Tch…!

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