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faejilly · 7 months

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once upon a time I was doing a gift exchange for 7kpp and nothing I wrote work so I did a fanmix and made some TEA instead! (Did you like any of the tea, @awaylaughing? I don't recall) and then today, for no apparent reason, I was looping Hozier and feeling bad about how I keep wanting to write but then don't actually do it... and found a Sheltered Princess/Emmett thing from the POV's of the Chaperones in my WIP folder and finished it! Because Brains! Are Crazy-Cakes! (affectionate) Please Enjoy some observations re: Princess Wilhelmina Temperance of Arland and her Earl.

Emmett had known that he would see her.

Of course The Princess would be here. Even before Katyia herself, this is exactly what Arland Princesses always did. Who they always were.

He'd even known it would be difficult, was aware of his own weaknesses, his own flaws, but he hadn't realized it would hit him so hard, just seeing her walk into the Main Hall, seeing the Skalt Lady approach, watching other people see – her. See her, the way no one else in Arland ever had. The Princess was a wonderful young lady, of course everyone else would eventually see it too. It wasn't as if he didn't want her to succeed, didn't want people to know how amazing she was. He just –

It hurt, a little, to know that he would probably never have his friend by his side again, to know that there had never been a chance that he would, despite how fondly he remembered her, how much he'd looked forward to seeing her again, even if just at formal events at Court.

This was worse than Court.

This was going to be good-bye, and he hadn't even managed to say hello yet.

He was afraid that she'd see his worry and think he wasn't pleased to see her, wasn't always happy at the thought of her.

But then she came toward him, and he was glad enough at the sight of pleased recognition she didn't try to hide that he forgot about the future entirely and smiled at the present instead.

It was quite entertaining to realize that he’d been wrong about the Arland Princess. That didn’t happen to Woodly very often. But here she was, holding her own quite successfully through the formal introductions, alert and observant and with a smile almost as engaging as his own niece’s.

He’d dismissed her entirely at the Welcome Feast, convinced she was an even paler and quieter echo of her sister, the one who’d let herself be sold to Corval despite being smart enough to recognize how pleasant her soon-to-be-husband wasn’t.

To be fair, if Penelope had been of an age with Constance, the King and Queen might very well have tried to do the same with her, and Penelope would undoubtedly have agreed, despite also being smart enough to recognize a man who wouldn’t care a bit for her own preferences in the least. (Sometimes Woodly despaired of his sister’s sense, but that was neither here nor there.) Lisle would have fought it though, so it was well that hadn’t been an option.

But here young Princess Wilhelmina was, exquisitely formal with the one deeply unpirate-like Hisean, then listening to the Skalt Princess to call her Mina without looking the least bit upset by the informality. Penelope adored her, which required a bit of a gentle touch, and yet she was vibrant enough that neither the actual pirates nor the Corvali thought her dull. Even the Jiyel delegates were willing to converse with her, and Duke Lyon didn’t like anyone, and Lady Avalie only liked people she could play with.

She was singularly useless for any of the games Woodly himself liked to play, of course, but she was, nonetheless, a singular and effective delegate for Arland. Much more useful than that Earl, who refused to allow an unkind word about anyone, regardless of how much they might deserve it.

Would wonders never cease. An Arland Princess with a hint of a spine.

This Summit was certainly never boring.

Yvette thought her Princess deserved better. Such a bright young woman ought to be able to reach for more than her status as a gift Arland would bestow upon an ally who was willing to put up with her. (Perhaps they all deserved better than Summit machinations and noble politics, but that was a question for future generations to answer, not a single Duchess in her private thoughts.)

The Princess was quiet and polite, exactly as she had been trained to be. But she caught the eye, shone with her own inner light, a light that was already brighter than it had been at the Welcome Feast, and she’d handled that particular challenge with grace, deprecation, and a surprisingly charismatic and self-aware touch of humor, even when that young Zarad had dragged her into a highly inappropriate dance in front of everyone.

Constance would have been so proud of Mina if she’d seen it. Not that Yvette allowed herself to consider Princess Constance too often; that led to worrying about how she was doing, trapped at Prince Aamir’s side.

Yvette swallowed a sigh, and made sure her hands stayed loose in her lap, no tension visible anywhere in her body, even as she had to fight not to squint against the light of a rising sun. She’d managed to place herself outside the stable before anyone else, but the chaperones and servants and delegates would be here soon for the ride, and she could not let her worry show. Not for Arland or the Summit, past, present or future, not for the Princess as Princess or simply as a young lady in a difficult place.

Most especially not for her poor darling Earl, who she knew was painfully aware that half the Isle could tell that he was hopelessly in love with his Princess, by far the least eligible match for either of them to attempt here at this Summit.

Katyia would probably have insisted they be matched regardless; this time Yvette had to swallow a smile at the thought. Perhaps, somehow, even without Katyia, they’d manage a small bit of happiness, at least for awhile.

Yvette’s smile escaped her control, that thought too sweet to entirely dismiss.

Perhaps she had more hope left in her bones for this Summit than she’d thought.

Falon thought the boat race was the least painful activity of the Summit. It required actual effort and forethought and tactics from the delegates, and did not require he make small-talk about things he couldn’t possibly know anything about, and wouldn’t want to chatter about even if he did.

A Hisean team always won it, of course, but it was interesting to watch what the other delegates decided to do. Did they choose to forego it entirely and network among the spectators? Did they back Hise and their easy victory? Did they put on a show of their own boat, costumes or decorations or fancy tricks to draw the eye? Did they fight for that second place spot, did they try and make Hise work for their victory?

It was fascinating, and a good way to see how all the different delegations were starting to relate to each other, an idea of who could work with who, who might be able to reach a hand across a bargaining table by the end of the Summit and have someone grasp it back.

He had never expected two of the Hise delegates to agree to back an Arlish Captain though. One who had somehow managed to entice his damnable Duke out of the library to participate! And a Wellin Princess. It was the most cosmopolitan ship in the competition.

And then it won.

Hise lost.

Hise lost the boat race to Arland.

Falon didn’t know what to do with that. He couldn’t figure out what it meant, it was too improbable to have even considered it as a possible conclusion. Falon was so disconcerted, he didn’t even manage to catch Lyon before he retreated back inside after the race. Not that it would probably have worked, but Falon didn’t even manage to try.

He did manage to congratulate the rest of the team however, and he didn’t think he sounded nearly as bewildered as he felt.

On the one hand, it was good that there were delegates with the strength of will and character to actually make things happen.

On the other, he had a feeling he was going to spend the next five weeks wishing he’d been assigned as Chaperone for a less interesting Summit.

Jaslen loved the Matchmaker’s breakfast. The only real chance anyone had to see what of the Matchmaker’s opinions she was willing to let be seen in public, and so close to the one banquet at the Summit that still held so tightly to Katyia’s dreams rather than everyone else’s fears; there was always something to learn about how well the behind-the-scenes maneuvering was going.

Plus the delegates were always so delightfully chaotic, the stresses of the Summit and the anticipation of the remaining weeks only getting worse…

When Jaslen had flitted through the dining hall prior to any of the delegates arriving, she’d thought placing the poor Arland Princess in between the Revaire Prince and that idiot Blain was uncharacteristically cruel of the Matchmaker. She had no patience for incompetence, but she didn’t usually twist the knife after (metaphorically) stabbing some delegate who hadn’t impressed her.

But then breakfast actually happened, and Wilhelmina was fine! Calm and polite even while her seatmates bickered and everyone stared at her; she even smiled at that Earl of hers without appearing at all self-conscious when she escaped after Blain’s unsubtle attack.

It was such a nice surprise. Jaslen might have underestimated the Princess, but she wasn’t wrong about the Matchmaker, and that would have been disturbing, after all these years.

Watching Blain fumble his way through the Summit was excruciating enough for one year, she didn’t need to add an absolute failure in her usually impeccable people skills on top of that.

This really was the best morning. She wished she could be a chaperone for every Summit.

Jasper had been quite honored to realize he was assigned to Princess Wilhelmina of Arland herself. The Princesses were always such lovely guests, dutiful but seldom dull, young and hopeful and exactly the sort of people Katyia had most wanted to help.

He met his Princess and she was a joy to serve. Not just for the Summit or his duty or Arland, but for herself, complete and entire. He wished her well, and he saw her rise to every occasion, and for all he knew he could not take the credit, he was so proud.

But it was tinged with fear, not just for the Summit, or the Isle, and definitely not for Arland, but for her and her countryman, her childhood friend, Yvette's young assistant, Earl Emmett of Arland. He was as kind and dutiful as any Arlish Lord could have ever desired, and every time he smiled Jasper could see the Princess light up, and yet.

And yet.

They were both of Arland, and had been excessively well trained. Earl Emmet had traveled enough to be able to bring home a bride from anywhere and be kind to her in a way she'd understand, and the Princess. Well. The Princesses of Arland always left.

Always.

And then the night of the Matchmaker’s banquet he almost missed it, distracted by everything else that had happened (everything that shouldn’t have happened). He barely made himself settle before the Matchmaker stood, but he managed it just in time, standing quiet in his shadows as she began her announcement.

Which included the love match of Princess Wilhelmina of Arland to Earl Emmet of Arland.

There was an instant of total silence in the Hall, regardless of the number of people, regardless of servants and cutlery and food and conversation, regardless of high ceilings and the usual whispers of acoustics designed specifically to pick up everything so it would be almost impossible to overhear any one thing out of all the rest beyond one’s seatmate.

Arland to Arland.

Jasper’s eyes closed, and he didn’t know if it was joy or shock, horror or hope. He opened them to the much more familiar incoherence of a room full of whispering delegations, not a single person without an opinion on that match.

Arland to Arland.

He let himself smile, just a little, and let himself imagine it, a Summit that celebrated a match like that, Arland to Arland, for love and happiness rather than politics and duty.

Mina was sure she was blushing, but she’d noticed the shock after the Matchmaker’s announcement, heard the whispers a moment later, and she couldn’t quite contain it.

She also couldn’t hold in the lift of outright glee at hearing their names announced like that, one after the other. She had no idea how they were going to make this work, but oh, she didn’t regret a moment of choosing her best friend to be her partner, to be her future, no matter what anyone else thought of it. Not even her parents.

And she knew, every time she saw him, every time she thought of him, every time he smiled, or ducked his head, or pushed his sleeves up his arm as if this time they were going to stay, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that Emmett didn’t regret it either.

They only managed one quick moment before they were sent their separate ways, but she could live through a dozen more Summits, and she’d never forget the brilliance of his smile in that moment. Proof, if she’d needed it, that it was worth every effort over the next four weeks to keep him with her, to keep herself with him, to make it out the other side of this Summit

Together.

#jilly writes #7kpp #wilhelmina of arland #earl emmett of arland #sheltered princess #CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO BELOVEDS #the most adorable #and the chaperones #I love them #so many of them are terrible at this chaperone concept #and yet #😅

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teaandinanity · 7 months

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I'm not even sure which October Make Stuff thing I'm doing (possibly I'm doing like five of them, just, badly?) but I had three prompts at the top of this document while I was writing:

7KPP Promptober: Obfuscate | Inktober: Dream | Fictober: "It's not too late [...]"

Here's Calanthia, in my possibly-an-AU where she goes home after the Summit and pines for Jasper for 7 years while Fixing The World for a distraction from her pining.

–

Seven years ago, she fought for a spot as a member of the delegation; competition was ferocious for those seven spots. Particularly given only five were really up for grabs. An eligible prince and princess, after all, would hardly be allowed to remain in Revaire during a Summit year.

Eligibility as a chaperone is, thankfully, a less fraught affair, for all there is only one spot available. When the younger generation have begun jockying for the seven delegate spots, she makes it known that she wishes to go. The queen nods to her and says, with the ghost of a smile turning up the corners of her mouth,

“That can, I think, be arranged.”

There might be other candidates; if there are, they never truly contend with her for the position. After seven years being spoken of as Katyia’s successor, she has many friends, more allies, and all manor of favors she could call in. She hears a whisper that she has requested the place, and no other whispers materialize to counter it.

Most people seem pleased at the prospect, even if as a chaperone she will be tasked more with watching over the delegates rather than truly taking part. The consensus seems to be that her mere presence will encourage this Summit in a similar direction to her own. All but the most strident war hawks optimistically look forward to increased trade and stronger diplomatic ties, a rising tide that raises all ships.

Revaire’s position is worlds away from what it was when she attended her Summit; the disposition of her people, too, is wholly different.

She looks over the children, amazed at how young they all seem. It is not only in years; they seem less weighed-down, less weary, less wary than her own cohort. They’re largely respectful of her, but not intimidated.

When she was in their shoes, she was at least a little afraid of almost everyone with power. But then, the Revaire that saw her to adulthood was a very different place. In her homeland, caution was a prerequisite to continued existence. Care is still wise, but carelessness is no longer liable to get one killed.

Some of Revaire’s young delegates, in fact, could do with a little cowing; one boy, who does not have half Zarad’s charm with it, tries to flirt with her when the ship is scarcely out of port. She gives him her most unamused look, borne of being the second-eldest daughter of a large family, further honed by years of making a career of diplomacy and overseeing a sea of nieces and nephews.

He looks less abashed than he ought. Well; at least he has the nerve to try to brazen it out. Courage won’t be enough on its own, and alone it’s no advantage at all, but it’s not a terrible beginning.

“You will,” she informs him, “need significantly more charm to be able to carry off that level of shamelessness with any degree of success.”

The other younglings have all gone still in a way that suggests listening for possible advantage, so she projects well enough to be heard rather than keeping her rebuke quiet and continues,

“Corvali would largely condemn you on the grounds of gracelessness, the Arlish and Wellish on lack of discretion and manners, Jiyelians on the breech of well-known and generally accepted social mores. The Hiseans often appreciate a little playful effrontery, but no one else is likely to be amused.”

“What about Skalt?” one girl asks, with a grin and a glint in her eye that says she, for one, would very much appreciate tips on how to flirt with a lady who could heft her over one shoulder.

“Don’t flirt with anyone from Skalt unless you mean it and you don’t mind being up to your elbows in snow for three months. The ladies are not inclined to marry out and they seldom send male delegates.”

She considers the group and then addresses the girl and the other young ladies.

“Do consider making friends, though; they’re generally very happy to teach other young ladies how to use knives.”

Several more look intrigued at that. The original young man looks nervous, now.

“They are not permitted weapons on the Isle any more than the rest of us are, but in my own year a Wellish Lord did have to be rescued from stabbing by fork after causing offense. Best avoid being in his shoes, mm?”

–

It’s a short voyage - only two days. Enough time for introductions amongst themselves, but not enough for anyone to really begin forming cliques that might hamper the Summit’s overall aims.

A few of the children - and they are children - apply to her for bits of advice. Some of them want advice on deportment or conduct, and here she can only tell them what she told herself during her own year;

Be yourself, but be the best possible version. Be polite. Look for things to like in the people around you, because the point of this is to make connections. Express gratitude. Extend grace. Know your goals, and bear them in mind.

They do not ask what her goals were. All the world believes it knows; believes that she went to make a name for herself, the way ladies of middling birth are seldom permitted to do.

And they are not wholly wrong; she did want that, as far as it goes.

But she’d intended to do it in part with a marriage. A duke or a prince seemed achievable, if she could reach the Summit itself. Among the best of all seven nations, she felt confident she could find a partner to help her change the world for the better, or at least a friend to stand beside her and lend weight to her voice.

She tried to keep that goal in mind.

But she found a different dream, on the isle.

Everyone knows, now, that she, like Katyia, did not marry.

They generally assume this is because she, like Katyia, did not lose her heart.

It is the easiest lie she has ever told, because she never had to say a word.

#this is not edited and you can probably tell #7kpp promptober 2023 #Make Things October #sometimes I write things #OC: Calanthia (Ambitious Widow)#7kpp

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omgscrumptiousllamasuit-blog · 5 months

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Clarmont and my anxiety

To pass Clarmont's test at the Welcome Feast, you need at least 50 courage. I have anxiety though :( How am I gonna get my real-life Clarmont??? ><

#beatanxiety #7kpp #clarmont #azalynestudios

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mendedwings · 6 months

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Ultimatum prompt fill for @fyeah7kpp Promptober

Clarmont had made it all the way to their bedroom before Adie caught him. He had longer legs but she knew the castle better, and those facts just evened out to a dead heat.

"Give it--!" Adie demanded, hooking an arm around her husband's waist in an attempt to knock him on the bed.

Clarmont was laughing as he let her succeed. "Or what, dear wife?" He rolled on his back, one hand curled protectively around the prize.

"Or..." She rucked up her bothersome skirt and straddled his hips. "Or I'll make you, dearest husband."

His eyes twinkled. "And if I said I wanted you to make me?"

"I would be forced to come up with an alternate threat." She wriggled slightly higher, leaned forward til their noses all but touched. "If you don't give me that last of Henrietta's strawberry rhubarb fritters--my favorite dessert in the entire world--I'll simply have to banish you from Holt."

Clarmont's shoulder's shook with silent laughter. "That seems a bit excessive, Countess Ariadne."

"Hm." She traced a finger down the bridge of his nose. "I suppose I could settle for I'll never kiss you again if exile is too strong."

"Well, in that case, in order to prevent such a fate as never again kissing your dearest husband" --he smirked, tucking messy waves of golden hair behind her ear with his free hand "--might I suggest we compromise and share it? After all, I've developed a fondness for them, as well, and I did get to it first."

Adie chuckled. "So noble of you, Earl Clarmont, to try and save me from such tragedy."

"It is my chief flaw," he said softly, hand still threaded into her hair. "Wishing to save everyone from everything."

"Flaw or virtue, I find your terms acceptable," she murmured back, closing the distance between them for a kiss. "Though Chloe may murder us here if we get too many crumbs in the sheets."

Clarmont leaned his forehead to hers, freeing his hand from her hair to trace her lower lip with his thumb. "Then perhaps we should adjourn to the balcony. At least," he grinned, giving a significant look to their current position, "until after we've eaten."

Adie matched the grin, digging her fingers into his hair. "Those terms are also acceptable," she said playfully, and kissed him again.

#my fic #ariadne of wellin #lord clarmont #adie/clarmont #7kpp promptober 2023 #7kpp #seven kingdoms the princess problem

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angstmongertina · 1 year

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Ode to a Death Trap

Because I get WEIRD when I get close to a deadline, and @teaandinanity will encourage my shenanigans. ILY Tea!

[to the tune of “Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?”]

Do you wanna smoosh a scholar? Make her flat with stone and wood? It’s frankly what we ought to do. It’s quite easy to, I know we coooooould

If she doesn’t see it coming, It’s all her fault. Why wouldn’t she move away?

Do you wanna smoosh a scholar? It doesn’t have to be a scholar...

#Tina rambles.#Tina plays 7KPP.#seven kingdoms the princess problem #7kpp #Stay tuned for more verses because Tea and I WILL yes and each other to no end.

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malmiele · 11 months

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i started up 7kpp again to help me get some creative juices flowing and played a princess for the first time on the extended demo. somehow she's the most successful run i've done. perfect events, saved herself during the horse ride (!), impressed the matchmaker, and, for the first time, i managed to solve the murder mysteries and get Imogen a perfect acquittal with her. and she brought the theatrical to success too!

it's ironic bc i didn't intend for her to be a main of mine (i based her name and personality off one of my preexisting OCs) but now...

(stats and more below the cut if you're interested)

this is at the end of week 5. i might go back and play it differently, because i missed her event where she (spoilers!) gets to decide whether she wants her brother-in-law assassinated, but i think i'm done with it for now.

what i did with her starting build was get boosts to eloquence and leadership and then let them take hits, so i came out of character creation without anything below 25 except self-defense, manipulation and cunning (which were all at 0). her stats at 50 were beauty, poise and intelligence. i did not expect it to work! also i'm so used to doing 50 charisma builds, so i was worried whether i could pull off a 25 charisma one, but i did, hurrah

her name is Merit, and i decided to have her romance Clarmont (for reasons related to my preexisting OC). i also discovered that you instantly gain rivalry with Clarmont if you find out about the rebels. which was funny bc i found out before i did any of his scenes. i was thinking "brother do you know she knows?"

because she's the first of my characters who solved the murder mystery, i might have her do a Kade route in the future. it would be interesting.

#7kpp #games #my stuff

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optionobsessed · 5 months

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Seven Kingdoms: The Princess Problem DEMO Review

Synopsis: (taken from Kickstarter)

Every seven years the seven kingdoms send their best and brightest young people to be their delegates at the Vail Isle Summit, a tradition where seven weeks are spent together to form friendships, alliances and marriages. This year, however, things are different. Since the Great Peace, never have alliances been so close to collapse. The seven nations on the razor's edge of war. What happens at this summit could very well determine the fate of the known world.

You are one of the delegates.

In this world of politics, intrigue and danger, will you find love? Make friends? Alliances? Or will you fail and be forced to watch as the world once again crumbles into destruction and despair?

It is your story and it is not yet written.

Genre: Visual novel, romance, fantasy, life-sim and political intrigue Age: Young Adult Playable Character: Female 👩 Perks: Choices to shape your character's appearance, define their personality, background, ambitions, acquire unique skills and knowledge. Engage in romances, forge friendships, ignite rivalries and use your skills to dig out everyone's secrets! Lots of freedom to roleplay the character you want to be. Tons of replayability. Cons: Still a work-in-progress (development hell) and has been since 2014, the demo's art for backgrounds and CGs hasn't been updated like in the alpha version (limited to Kickstarter backers).

Content Warnings: Contains themes of death, war, murder, cheating and abuse

My blog was inspired by a somewhat hidden gem called Seven Kingdoms: The Princess Problem by Azalyne Studios. ✨✨ Your choices shape your background, personality, story, and skills. It has a hard mode (though the game is already pretty hard), romance, rivalry, and friendships. And guess what? You can even be a bit mischievous and pursue relationships for personal or political gain! Though the game remains unfinished after all these years, it's one of the most ambitious indie visual novels I've encountered! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و 💖✨ A special, extended demo was apparently released at one point in the official forums, but the forums are gone, and so is the extended demo. Since the game is VERY LONG and unfinished, I'll mostly talk about the official demo found on the developer's website. WARNING: SPOILERS

Character Routes

❤️ = Romanceable 😊 = Friendship 🤝 = Respect ⚔️ = Rivalry

Jasper ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • One hell of a butler • Cares deeply for his duties and MC • Secret romance route

This intense and handsome island native has been assigned as your personal butler during your stay on the Isle. It will be his job to assist and help you. He claims to have no other goals, but can that really be true?

End Thoughts There's more in alpha but I have to say although in demo it's lacking, the scenes you get really make you want to see more of his route. It might be because I'm a sucker for "forbidden love", and playing as an actual Princess having her butler fall for her is very romantic.

Ria ❤️😊 • Sweet • Superstitious • Easily flustered

This cheerful and friendly red-head is one of the two lady’s maids you have been assigned for your stay during the Isle.

End Thoughts Ria's route isn't really my cup of tea, because there's not much to her character. Other than the scenes where she gets flustered I found myself skipping a lot of her dialogue. I can't say much about her!

Anaele ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • Is here to get a wife (you) • From matriarchal society • They say you don't really know a Nord woman until you've had a strong drink and a fist fight with her

The second daughter of the Queen of Skalt is a famed warrior, seen by many as her mother’s most likely heir. She is blunt and open, making her perhaps unsuited to such events as the Summit.

End Thoughts Ana's route is also one of my favorites because she's so entertaining! She's very different from the other delegates by the way she uses certain words (what did you mumble-bumble?), and her straightforwardness and disregard of what's "proper". She's a breath of fresh air among characters that must hide and restrain themselves (it's a political game), or who are just naturally inclined to being passive. I like to imagine a scene in the future where she's shown battling and maybe MC can join her if she has the skill. If you like lighthearted, fun character maybe give her a chance?

Clarmont ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • Genuinely good but shrewd • Secret ambitions

The handsome young lord seems different than the rest of his Revaire counterparts. Charming and considerate, occasionally he seems to hidden bite. Still, he must have some favor with the current court, or he wouldn’t be here. It should be interesting to see his true objective at the Summit.

End Thoughts This route feels canon if there ever was a canon route. You'll see in the rest of the game that he plays a significant role in the story, if you already figured out what it'll be. Like with Jasper there's a bit of a "forbidden love" where he at the same time wants to be with MC but also his plans have become significantly more harder, because now MC is someone he cares about, and could possibly lose like his family. I like that although Clarmont starts off as being genuinely good natured it's revealed that there's more to him than just good ethics (looking at you Emmett....). He's a bit opposite to Gisette because he'll test the MC's moral standing, but he's as ambitious as her.

Gisette ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • Ice Queen • Surprisingly affectionate The princess of Revaire She has all the beauty of a masterwork sculpture, and all the warmth of the same. It would be foolish to underestimate her simply because of her ethereal looks. She is as potentially dangerous or useful as her brother.

End Thoughts Getting to know Gisette and understanding why she behaves the way she does is interesting, and there might be a possibility of guiding her towards a better path. Unfortunately you can’t be married to her but that doesn’t mean much in the world of political marriage.

Jarrod ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • Anger • Possessive • Violent Intense and handsome, Prince Jarrod is the heir to the throne of Revaire. Still, the rumors that surround both him and his family are dark, especially in the wake of the blood coup that put his family in power twenty years ago.

End Thoughts The route involving Jarrod doesn’t offer many likable qualities (except the character art). He has a short temper, frequently criticizes the main character’s appearance (emphasis on gaining more romance points if the character is more beautiful), and displays some…. very aggressive behavior. (っ °Д °;) The only fun part of this route is you might be able to change him for the better, but it’s not like you’re discovering some hidden gem of a man within.

Lisle ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • Sister complex • Duty • FRIENDSHIP

The perfect prince has it all: looks, talent, respect and most of all, a very bright future. Still, no one really knows what’s going on inside his head, since he is a very private, serious sort of person.

End Thoughts I surprisingly enjoyed this 2 for 1 route despite the lack of romance. Lisle really loves his sister and Penelope really adores MC. He and Penelope make for genuine close friends who care about MC and vice versa. I'm very keen on the ending of this route after the game is finished!

Penelope 😊🤝⚔️ • Sweetheart • Best girl • FRIENDSHIP

Prince Lisle’s handsome younger sister is famed for being sweet and good-natured. This doesn’t help your feeling that the sheltered girl is doomed to be out of her depths in the rough waters of the Summit.

End Thoughs She's like the Sheltered Princess MC in that she's very naive and lacking in skills to be at the summit. There's a point in alpha she confides in you about her father forcing her to marry a Duke, and you get to tell her whether she should go through with it or not. She's a bit opposite to Lisle in that she believes you should marry for love. There's a debate you have to solve about that with the two siblings.

Woodly ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • Married and cheating eek (it gets worse) • Secret romance route • Spicy?

The striking and imposing Grand Duke of Wellin serves as one of the four Chaperones. You aren’t certain what he is up to, but you are certain it is something.

End Thoughts When first time playing this back in 2017 sweet ol' lil me was stocked for this route because it's a spicy older man hahahaHA. Now reviewing this I don't have much understanding why this is a route, but this isn't really a typical romance novel. There's no reforming, unless the engagement "dance with Woodly" means you're attempting to make him head over heels in love with you. Regardless I'm very excited to see how this ends and hopefully MC gets to ruin him somehow.

Emmett ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • Wholesome • Optimistic and good natured • Childhood friend (sometimes)

The young earl of Arland spent most of his youth traveling and being fostered around different kingdoms. Following the recent death of his father, he has returned to Arland (and is attending the Summit) to finally take up his duties. He seems a friendly, good sport, with no particular ambitions.

End Thoughts On my first playthrough I was expecting Emmett to be some kind of twisted character with an obsession towards MC (especially with the princess MC childhood friend situation) but that wasn't the case. His route is very vanilla.

Zarad ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • More than a flirt • Political savvy • Knows things

The handsome third prince of Corval is an irredeemable flirt with a reputation as caring for nothing more than fine jewels, pretty girls and aimless pleasures. Whether that can possibly be true is yet to be seen.

End Thoughts Zarad's route is fun because he's more than what he seems. Throughout the route Zarad's character is slowly unraveled, revealing depth beneath his superficial charm. If you like witty and charming characters then this route's for you, and there's plenty of playful banter between Zarad and MC.

Cordelia 😊🤝⚔️ • MANNERS RULE • FRIENDSHIP

The pretty Princess of Hise and cousin to Hamin doesn’t match the rest of her Hise relatives. She is proper, prim and elegant. It seems obvious she has come to the Summit in search of a better life.

End Thoughts The princess seems first to be nothing but a stiff boring royal, but you do eventually manage to draw her out of her shell. She's a good friend with her own little secrets you'll learn about if you follow her long enough.

Hamin ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • Playful • The sincere flirt • Calls you Glitter because you're a treasure (aw)

The roguish Captain of the ship Blackwater is the sun of Hise’s current leader. Although there is no direct inheritance in Hise, by all accounts he is already on the path to surpass his father. He is impulsive, adventurous and irreverent and most importantly, an excellent captain and leader.

End Thoughts Hamin is like the male equivalent of Anaele. He's immediately taken by MC, he gives her a nickname, he's spontaneous and fun. I do like the idea of a pirate seducing a princess MC.

Lyon ❤️😊🤝⚔️ • Hermit • BOOKS RULE

The tall, handsome Duke is famous for being brilliant, and completely socially indifferent. He took the top score on the test for Jiyel Delegates, but he seems entirely displeased about actually being at the Summit.

End Thoughts I liked the the cute moments with Lyon where he'll blush or be perplexed by MC. There's just too much intelligent talk in the beginning that is great for roleplay but real time makes my eye gloss over, especially for someone who english is their second language. (つω`｡) I just chose whatever sounded the most smartiest answer. It was a little disappointing how "extraverted" and witty your MC becomes around him, especially as Jiyel background you're usually pretty aloof and serious around other characters. His route wasn't really my cup of java. Personally I prefer in romance games routes where the other character takes more initiative, ya know?

Aaaand that's it for the characters. There's more in the story that are significant, like Avalie, who's also your friendly rival. In alpha there's at least two extra secret romance characters for the Matchmaker's apprentice (not seen in demo) and another butler (also not seen). Next I'll briefly touch upon the main game and mechanics.

The narrator takes us to the origins of the “Vail Isle” of hundred years ago and how Princess Katyia of Revaire inspired a tradition for seven young representatives of the seven kingdoms to come together for seven weeks for arranged marriage as a way of maintaining peace. Now time has dulled the memory of war and every nation is on edge again.

After arriving at the Isle as a representative, you meet your escort, Jasper, who encourages you to trust him about your past, strengths, and flaws. You make choices throughout your life that shape your character, relationships with factions, and background. There exists multiple guides for this section and is the most fun part of the game! Once you’re done you get to greet your three servants. You might notice that you’ll be balancing your choices for either relationship or stat boost, as the choice for how you greet can either give you etiquette or friendship points.

At the Welcome Feast, you befriend characters for dates, gift exchanges and to eventually find someone to marry (or not). Befriending people helps you overcome trials and gain insights which help you deal with certain situations (Avalie’s plot with Zarad date). The next day, you meet the Matchmaker who initially judges you harshly, leading to an embarrassing test failure regardless of your high stats. However, your servants encourage you that you do get a second chance to prove her wrong. This highlights the importance of focusing on improving your stats to avoid a bad ending (very possible in hard mode).

You spend your days choosing locations around the map, skills to train, and uncovering secrets while listening to nations argue. Background related scenes and conflicts add replayability. You’ll also be invited on dates but you will miss secrets if you choose to go to all of them. You can also plan a hosted event at this point but only certain characters will accept the invite, and for some you gain bonuses.

Finally, at the last day of the week is your chosen hosted event and the self introduction day, where you can choose what your ambitions are and if you want to lie about them to your audience (phew, so much to go through).

Final Thoughts There’s many things I skipped that you can find out for yourself! The writing is excellent, the art is gorgeous and unique- although I do have some criticism on some of the alpha version's CGs looking rushed like Gisette's and Lisle's. Now I have to discuss something not gameplay related but still important. As said before this game has had a lot of trouble being in development for several years, despite having the predicted release date of 2019, and that’s because of the scale of the game and the creator not having much experience with programming. There was also issues with putting up forums for the alpha backers to download the latest version, and now it seems there exist no forum at all. Thankfully the latest news from the dev would mean that they’re working on the endings, so the full release could be coming soon. I hope that the game does well enough for the creator to make more and possibly hire a coder because there needs to be more visual novels like this.

HUH, that was a handful to write aaall of that. Thank you for reading my review!! Peeeeeeeeeeeeew (･ω<)☆

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