Holy Templar Sanctum (Aincrad)

[Apollymi]

The princess part of Angelica was showing. She assumed that to mean the part of her raised as a princess in the hands off manner she was. She did accept that she had some random rather extreme differences in what she actively did and what she didn't do. But what she didn't account for, was the use of the term 'Princess Parts' being something Charles seemed to dislike. Actually, hearing it said the second time, she also didn't really like it. "Yeah, that's probably for the best, I didn't think about it initially... but it does sound weird," she mused. Seeming to agree with the idea that Charles would never say something like that again.

Moving on, Fierabras had a strong, almost visceral reaction to the mention the habits of Olivier. Angelica gave that a bit of thought and came to a single conclusion, "Uh, that sounds traumatic, apologies," she managed seeming to understand that some difficulties might have during such a discussion. Of course, Charles went on to fully explain that whatever was going on with Olivier was her personal business. And that they as a group had agreed to not delve too far into each others personal interests. "That seems a bit strange, but if it works... I understand. I'll avoid questioning too many things~" she concluded rather easily. Well, maybe directly, but there would be at least a few members of this group who could make the princess ask more than a few questions about their 'interests' not that it mattered in the long run. She'd only pry after making friends, she decided.

[Bloodedge]

"Yeah. Let's all just pretend that never came up," Charlemagne said in the end. The sooner everyone forgot about the whole 'princess parts' exchange, the better all of reality would be for it. For now, Charlemagne would slowly sip his tea while trying to wipe his own brain. That sort of nonsense had no place anywhere; he'd remove it from its point of inception before anything else.

In the meantime, Fierabras was all but chugging tea from his cup. Pollen was a surprisingly delicious addition, it seemed. Ah, but maybe his actions had to do with drowning any Olivier-related memories that had come up again? The world may never know. "That woman is trauma. It's all in the eyes and that terrifying smile," he mumbled. For a moment, one might surmise that the cup in his hand was shaking as it touched the table again. In that same time, one might see his throat move as if gulping, even though no tea remained in his mouth to swallow. Charlemagne, as one who'd seen these signs multiple times before, chimed in quickly. "Yeah, Liv's a freak. Of nature, I mean. Well... she's a freak in a lot of ways, I'm guessing, but that's not our business. Not unless you want it to be, at least. Anyway, chin up! There's no way she'll be in person-chair mode at the coronation, so let those weird memories slip right out of your head!" With that said, Charlemagne dusted off his own cup of tea and lowered it as well. With a quick slap of his own cheeks, he seemed mentally prepared to begin the coronation. "So, you guys ready? I'd rather get this over with before I change my mind... again."

[Apollymi]

Charles apparently wanted to forget about his strange choice in alliteration. And for her part in this conversation Angelica was willing to let it go, considering she wasn't sure why she thought it strange, but she was quite certain she wanted nothing to do with it long term. Ah, that was fine too wasn't it. Now, beyond this point she'd issued an apology to Fierabras for bringing up his trauma. According to him, Olivier was simply trauma incarnate both in her eyes and her smile. Perhaps, Angelica wasn't truly the type to fear another, or perhaps whatever the men found truly frightening about Olivier wasn't something she would really understand. "I hear what you're saying, but I am not sure the sense I got of her makes that assessment make sense," she concluded. Maybe it was just men who were traumatized...

Yes, that seemed about right considering Charles follow-up sentences. Olivier was a freak of nature, but split in such a way as to imply some sort of strange meaning, maybe not even one he intended to share initially. He even went on to try to encourage morale in Fierabras, claiming that the woman known as the Grand Inquisitor probably wouldn't be in person-chair mode for this particular moment. Somewhere out in the universe a flag was being raised, but that didn't matter right now... Instead Angelica simply smiled. "I'm sure eveyrthing will be alright. And no, we can't have you changing your mind again, again..." she mused seeming fine to head out. "I'm ready when you both are..." she stated easily capable of going along with the pair on the next floor.

[Bloodedge]

Indeed, it was primarily men who understood what a frightening individual Olivier could be. Only men were subjected to even the idea of glorious, maddening torment at the Grand Inquisitor's hands, whether in life or death. Some had dreams of being pinned beneath that woman, and a surprising few of those dreams were considered nightmares by those experiencing them. Who viewed them as what, though? Well... even dreamers couldn't know for certain until their nightmares, or their fantasies, became reality. As for Angelica's perception of Olivier... "Skill issue," was said by Charlemagne and Fierabras simultaneously.

Moving on from matters of Olivier, there was a coronation to attend. Angelica agreed to avoid another change of mind by Charlemagne, and Fierabras had only come to Floor 99 for one purpose anyway. The giant elf stood once the others were in agreement, leading the way without a word spoken. "That settles it. I guess I'm off to become emperor. If there's time afterwards, I'd like to put more into research," Charlemagne said while moving toward the teleport gate.

The coronation would be taking place not within the Ruby Palace, but in front of it. Once the group moved to Floor 100, the main event would be just ahead of them. The 12 Peers were to be organized in the general vicinity of a large Holy Grail, before which stood Father An himself. The surrounding area was littered by other members of the Holy Templar Order, as well as nobles and those of high standing among Aincrad residents. Among the 12 Peers, there was a notable scene of Astolfo slouching. The poor lad looked as if he barely had life left in his body, yet there was a smile plastered on his face as if he were a drunken child. What had become of him? Well, many present had no idea, but many of the Peers knew well what the sight meant.

[Apollymi]

Skill issue. Apparently, this was the thought that both Fierabras and Charles had about Angelica's current understanding of Olivier. They both seemed traumatized in different ways so she was willing to say something else. "I don't know what that means, it sounds like a man issue," she replied instead. Yes, that seemed more or less the truth. None of the other women she'd come across had a problem with Olivier nor her behavior, which meant the individuals and their rules about the dominating nature of that one, were related directly to their gendered view of things. Of course, Angleica was sure of this, but she'd been called pushy quite a bit and she was nowhere close to the kind of nature that Olivier displayed. Even so, she took no personal issue and saw her not as someone frightening given her disposition in the amount of time she'd spent with her. Instead it seemed more like the men around her were easy to bend instead. That was a man issue.

According to Charels, they were all but decided on their trip to the top floor. Of course, in making this decision, it seemed that Charles was prepared to become Emperor. Beyond that point, if there was time he wished to do a bit more research. "I agree to that, Jeanne's personal writings might shed a bit more light onto things from her perspective, and might clear up any residual questions," Angelica replied. Of course the pair of them hadn't done much reading or anything else truly, instead they'd been getting to know each other, in the biblical sense. Whatever the case, they headed off to floor 100. And soon after, they'd come to see a gathering of the Peers and a large group of other high ranking nobles and officials.

Angelica for her part in this was completely unbothered, and instead of looking to strangers found herself taking a peek at the Peers under the direct control of her betrothed. In doing so, her eyes came across the pink haired lad who seemed to be happy but quite out of it. And the silver haired lass with exceedingly pointy teeth who seemed to be smiling from beneath a large hood. In fact her shiny teeth were visible and to Angelica she seemed to be almost vibrating energy. "Ah, mana transfer..." she murmured understanding how someone like Astolfo was being kept in check. Someone else was also being kept in check in a very specific way. Unlike Charles initial thoughts the blue haired Olivier was indeed still in person chair mode. But who was it beneath her rear as they approached? Well, the second person most likely to cause problems this day, had been... subjugated and she seemed to be pretty relaxed regardless. Was she sitting in front of the 'Holy Father' using a man as a piece of furniture? Yes. Did that matter to why she was here? No. She sat with her legs crossed at the knee her left elbow resting atop her highest knee with her face resting in her palm. Besides the look of sheer boredom, she didn't seem to be bothered very much at all.

[Bloodedge]

Whatever Angelica thought of the situation, neither Charlemagne nor Fierabras could or would agree. What she called a 'man issue' was something twisted within Olivier ─ something with an effect on men, but stemming from the individual herself. Neither had anything more to say about that, though. There were things to do even beyond the coronation, so they had to get on with it already.

There was no shortage of odd sights when they reached Floor 100. Astolfo being drained into a submissive state was expected after Fierabras spoke of a taming, but then... there was possibly the most questionable lady of Aincrad herself, Olivier... actually sitting atop the most obstructive man of Aincrad, Roland. The man on his hands and knees was also sporting the templar uniform, albeit with a shirt that had been torn open. Closer inspection would reveal a few narrow gashes across his exposed chest. Whether the shirt situation was his own doing, or part of Olivier's reaction was a mystery to many, as either was likely. Whatever the case, he'd been gagged and beaten, and had the strangest, deepest blush spread across his face while he squirmed beneath Olivier. Why were things happening this way? It was no one's business.

Everyone's business, however, was the state of Father An. In his decrepit state, he'd been sitting on a throne brought out prior to anyone else's arrival. That thin, streaky hair fell over his face, which itself was half-covered by a partial mask of gold with no eye socket. At some point since the previous night, the Holy Father had lost his eye and more. The last two fingers of his left hand were missing as well, yet still, he held onto that golden staff. "Ah... there they are. The Holy Emperor, blessed by the light of Father God, will soon be born," he muttered breathily. "Children. Come. This will be a moment for both of you."

[Apollymi]

There were not any direct arguments presented against the point made by Angelica, but she as far from naïve enough to believe that the pair of individuals she was talking to had bent completely to her logic. In her own mind, people allowing themselves to be manipulated by others was their own fault. Any amount of charisma allowed to overtake one's mind is their own problem. And given the personality of Olivier, many could just avoid her and never have to deal with her at all. The fact that they still chose to do business and adventuring with her, meant that they fully accepted that her personality was as dominating as it showed itself to be. Thus how they felt about it, was completely their own problem and not hers.

Ah, but issues like this had no place in current conversation. No, current conversations both mental and otherwise were about the build of Charles's Peers and their very interesting habits. A man on his hands and knees with a blush on his face, gag in his mouth and torn clothes would have been cause for investigating. But who investigates the activities of the Grand Inquisitor? Well, given how Roland tended to have very outlandish reactions to things, it was probably for the best that he was distracted by his current predicament. "This is always such a eclectic group of people..." Angelica murmured. That wasn't a negative assessment at all, it was just really weird to see such shenanigans in the middle of various normal people.

Whatever the case they were called forward but it seemed like a single night hadn't done the 'Holy Father' any favors. Angelica's eyes widened as she took in the sight of her father again. But still her senses didn't say anything was truly amiss. He had missing fingers, a mask obviously hiding some kind of facial deformity and was barely able to get his sentences out. "How is he worse than he was yesterday?!" she whispered seemingly outraged. Still, she would make her way forward with Charles since apparently this had something to do with her. She turned her eyes to Charles and knew that they should take over this place if only so this man could get himself a life less harsh on his soul the next time he arrived.

[Bloodedge]

"You kinda get used to it. Almost..." Charlemagne said begrudgingly. If anything, he expected this to be the one time Olivier wasn't using a person as furniture. At least Renaud wasn't throwing that massive sword of his around. If nothing else, there were a few points toward the group for normalcy today. On the other hand, there remained the abnormal situation of Father An. How was he still deteriorating, and how was it at such a rapid pace? Approaching the man was almost like walking into the aftermath of a snuff film. Even with that being the case, Charlemagne took that first tentative step forward.

Angelica shared the to-be emperor's curiosity about her father. She spoke in a whisper, but Charlemagne was just close enough to hear it. "I don't know, but it's really concerning. I'd like to get this done quicker just to snag him a break," he said. With that, Charlemagne continued forward until he stood before Father An. There were things to say ─ things that all present needed to hear. "... Children of Aincrad. Today... is a most glorious day. By the grace of the Lord, before you stands... the Holy Emperor. He who has completed the Labyrinth with no aid. He who has... overcome many trials and tribulations... is suitable in the eyes of the Father. The Great One himself stands before you all today. See here... the last true Holy Grail."

As the Father spoke and Charlemagne approached, the Holy Grail levitated and radiated a brilliant, golden glow. It floated above Father An, inching closer to Charlemagne by the moment. For whatever reason, the young man had a sense of familiarity toward that golden goblet. "Charles the Great. In your service to the Lord, do you accept the mantle?" the old man asked. Charlemagne let out a heavy sigh, steeling himself to take on the position of a lifetime... which he never wanted. "... I accept," he said, somehow prompting the grail to glow brighter by doing so.

Still breathing in a very labored manner, Father An nodded weakly. At this point, his mouth couldn't even close. That one eye was trying its hardest to close against his will, though. Regardless... the exchange was not yet done. "Templars. Noble folk of Aincrad. Are there naysayers among you? Do any have a candidate to put forth, or shall the peace be kept?"

[Apollymi]

Charles thought that his band's oddities was something to almost get used to, Angelica could agree with that. It was good that these ceremonies didn't get too stuffy, and she hated the idea of them in general because of the unnecessary fanfare. Here and now, there was something more pressing than Angelica's distaste. Her outrage at her father's rapidly deteriorating state was being quietly discussed by the pair. Apparently, Charles thought to get through this ordeal just to snag the man a break and Angelica could only agree. "Yeah, he looks so tired, it's sad..." she stated softly.

After making their approach the speech began. Charles had indeed overcome a great many things, and he was the sole current person who'd completely the Labyrinth by himself. According to Father An he was suitable in the eyes of the 'Father' and as such he would be granted the title of Holy Emperor. As they stood there and Charles accepted this great title, Angelica heard the words spoken and took in the view of the crowds. Much to her own surprise a great number of the nobles seemed to be showing discontent. Though everyone in Charles group seemed to be happy for the lad in question.

When the time came to lodge complaints several nobles shared hushed whispers but eventually one would speak up. A particularly portly looking man with a large mustache would have words to share, as his equally unpleasant looking sons stood around him. Obviously, they didn't enjoy the idea of being passed over for ascension and at least a couple of them were exceedingly upset. "This boy is no great person. Even a heretic cleared the Labyrinth. For all we know he is one too... you can't claim he's exalted!" he made this claim making Angelica's eyebrows furrow immediately. "Yeah, my son is twice his size and much more suited to carrying on the title of Holy Emperor!" another said pointing out a large man in robes with dead eyes and a creepily thin mustache. Angelica looked over both of these people and scoffed. Neither of them were people she'd consider marrying. They were disgusting. And how dare they talk about Charles like this. Olivier looked over from her perch and took note of the naysayers, she was sure they were more guilty of crime than anyone else... they could easily disappear.

[Bloodedge]

Upon offering his acceptance of the new position, Charlemagne was subjected to the whispers of others standing against him. Naturally, he agreed with many things he heard. Others were certainly better-suited to the position of Holy Emperor. A small part of him hoped someone would speak up properly, and lo, someone did. Of course, Charlemagne didn't care much for being called a heretic ─ nor did he care for someone referring to Jeanne d'Arc as such. Apparently, Father An didn't like that talk either. "None of that! Would you question the word of God? His chosen... is no heretic. Look how the Grail responds. I will not abide slander," the elder declared.

One noble insisted that their own son was more suited to the position. That sort of thing could be discussed at the very least. Sadly, the discussion basically offered was from a very specific perspective. "... Hah. Size? If size is what makes an emperor... then put it to the test. If God sayeth so, the Grail should respond to one who defeats the Knight Commander. What say you?" An wondered. He knew the outcome of all this talk regardless. There were, however, reasons he required Charlemagne's full acceptance as Holy Emperor. A unanimous acceptance was the one true way, regardless of individual reason. It seemed the only proper outcry for a better candidate was currently one of those muscle-brained types. Alas, might did not make right in this case; it never had anything to do with strength alone. If it did, the Knight Commander, Renaud de Montauban, would have been a candidate from his very birth.